Season 34 of Dancing with the Stars delivered some of its most unexpected twists, from the audience-shaking Week 3 elimination of fan-favorite Fifth Harmony singer Lauren Jauregui, who was left “pissed” by the cut, to an unprecedented Week 5 “Dedication Night” where no couple faced elimination, leaving fans on the edge of their seats.
Dancing with the Stars, a show celebrated for its dazzling performances and nail-biting eliminations, proved once again in Season 34 that anything can happen. The season brought a mix of elation and heartbreak, notably highlighted by two contrasting weeks that left both the audience and contestants reeling: a shocking early exit and an emotional reprieve.
Week 3: The Unforeseen Exit of Lauren Jauregui
The third episode of Season 34, themed “TikTok Night,” promised vibrant performances set to popular social media tunes. Twelve couples showcased their skills, but the night culminated in an elimination that sent ripples of shock through the studio audience and viewers at home. The celebrity sent packing was none other than Lauren Jauregui, a prominent member of the girl group Fifth Harmony, partnered with pro Brandon Armstrong.
Host Julianne Hough herself acknowledged the palpable surprise, noting, “You can hear by the audience that everybody is shocked.” When asked how she felt, Jauregui’s candid one-word response—”pissed”—perfectly encapsulated the collective disbelief. Her fellow Fifth Harmony members, present in the audience, were visibly disappointed by the outcome. Jauregui, despite her frustration, expressed profound gratitude to Brandon Armstrong for their time together.
A Dive into Jauregui’s TikTok Night Performance
For “TikTok Night,” Lauren Jauregui and Brandon Armstrong performed a cha-cha to Fifth Harmony’s own hit, “Work from Home” featuring Ty Dolla $ign. This performance saw Jauregui briefly join her former bandmates Normani, Ally Brooke, and Dinah Jane at a table, a moment that resonated with fans.
The judges, however, had constructive feedback. Carrie Ann Inaba appreciated Jauregui’s movement but urged for more “pop” and “dynamics.” Derek Hough echoed this, suggesting she add more “fire” to her Latin dances, while Bruno Tonioli advised her to “hit and show the beat through your body like you would with your voice.”
Their score for the night was 18 out of 30 points, placing them at the bottom of the leaderboard, tied with comedian Andy Richter and his partner Emma Slater. This low ranking was particularly surprising for Jauregui, who had consistently ranked near the top in the initial weeks of the competition. Their elimination highlighted the powerful influence of audience votes, which can sometimes override judge scores, as Andy Richter, despite his consistently lower scores, was saved by the public.
Week 5: Dedication Night Delivers an Emotional Twist
Just two weeks after Jauregui’s shocking exit, Season 34 presented another significant twist during Week 5, known as “Dedication Night.” This emotionally charged episode featured the 10 remaining celebrities dancing to songs that paid tribute to influential people in their lives. The deeply personal and moving performances created an atmosphere unlike any other week, prompting an unprecedented decision from the production.
In a rare move, no couple was eliminated on “Dedication Night.” The emotional weight of the performances led to a reprieve for all contestants, with all scores carrying over to the following week. This decision underscored the unique connection formed between the dancers, their partners, and the stories they shared with the audience, as reported by Parade.
Dedication Night Leaderboard and Performances
Week 5 saw some impressive scores, with new contenders rising to the top. Dylan Efron and pro Daniella Karagach claimed the top spot with 36 out of 40 points for a contemporary dance dedicated to his younger sister. Judges lauded his performance, with Carrie Ann Inaba calling it “brilliant.”
Following closely with 35 points were Robert Irwin and Witney Carson, whose emotional contemporary dance dedicated to his mother Terri brought tears to the judges’ eyes. Bruno Tonioli praised it as “a true expression of everlasting love.” Also scoring 35 points were Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy for their contemporary dedicated to Alix’s sister Izabel, which Bruno noted was technically difficult yet performed naturally.
At the other end of the spectrum, Andy Richter and Emma Slater once again found themselves at the bottom, receiving 24 points for their salsa. Despite some acknowledged improvement, judges like Carrie Ann Inaba noted issues with his “musicality,” consistently awarding him sixes. The unpredictable nature of the show, which frequently features themed nights such as “TikTok Night” and other special events, keeps viewers engaged, as confirmed by Parade.
The Road Ahead: Remaining Contestants of Season 34
With the competition intensifying, the remaining couples continued their quest for the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy. The Week 5 non-elimination meant all ten couples advanced, setting the stage for even more dramatic weeks to come. The couples still in the running included:
- Jen Affleck and Jan Ravnik
- Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa
- Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy
- Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach
- Danielle Fishel and Pasha Pashkov
- Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten
- Scott Hoying and Rylee Arnold
- Robert Irwin and Witney Carson
- Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas
- Andy Richter and Emma Slater
The journey on Dancing with the Stars Season 34 has been a rollercoaster of emotions, highlighting the delicate balance between technical skill, performance charisma, and the ever-crucial audience vote. From shocking goodbyes to unexpected saves, the season continued to be a compelling watch for fans eager to see who would ultimately claim the coveted trophy.
