The recent elimination of fan-favorite duo Rylee Arnold and Scott Hoying from Dancing With the Stars Season 34 left many with heavy hearts, but their reflections reveal a bond forged in the ballroom that transcends the competition, marking the beginning of a cherished, lifelong friendship.
The ballroom of Dancing With the Stars often witnesses emotional goodbyes, but few resonate as profoundly as the departure of professional dancer Rylee Arnold and Pentatonix singer Scott Hoying. Following their elimination during the highly anticipated ‘Wicked’-themed episode on October 21, the duo shared heartfelt messages, not of defeat, but of profound gratitude and the unexpected treasure of a new, enduring friendship.
On October 22, Rylee Arnold, 20, took to TikTok to express her initial feelings, stating, “This morning I have a heavy heart for sure. I’m sad that my journey with Scott this season is over cause it was such an amazing season.” This sentiment quickly evolved into a powerful declaration of appreciation for her partner, Scott Hoying, 34, highlighting his dedication and the personal growth they both experienced.
The ‘Wicked’ Performance and Unexpected Exit
The elimination occurred after Arnold and Hoying‘s contemporary dance performance to “The Wizard and I” during the ‘Wicked’ night, which featured guest judge and director Jon M. Chu. The pair earned 7s from the regular judges, totaling 28 out of a possible 40 points, placing them among the lower scores of the evening. Despite the surprising exit, the focus quickly shifted from the scores to the undeniable chemistry and bond shared between the dance partners.
A Friendship Forged in the Ballroom
In the days following their elimination, Rylee Arnold shared extensive reflections on her journey with Scott Hoying across multiple platforms. Her Instagram message on October 22 was particularly heartfelt, detailing the profound impact Hoying had on her during the intense competition.
Arnold lauded Hoying‘s character, describing him as “one of the most kind and genuine people I know.” She emphasized his remarkable dedication: “He would finish our four-hour rehearsals and he would go home and he would practice for hours, he would get the steps down by the next day.” This unwavering work ethic deeply impressed Arnold, who felt immense pride in his weekly improvements, as she shared in a post on Instagram.
Hoying reciprocated the sentiments, calling Arnold his “favorite person ever” in their post-elimination interview with co-host Alfonso Ribeiro. The experience, he stated, was “everything” to him, a journey of significant learning and joy.
Their bond extended beyond mere partnership; it blossomed into a deep friendship. Arnold’s posts underscored this, saying, “Gaining a new best friend in this process was just the best part of it all!” She also praised his creativity, talent, patience, laughter, and kindness, acknowledging how these qualities supported her throughout the rigorous season.
Scott Hoying’s Silver Lining: The Pentatonix Tour and New Beginnings
While the elimination was undoubtedly a moment of sadness, Scott Hoying found a significant silver lining. The rigorous schedule of Dancing With the Stars was set to conflict with his commitments to Pentatonix, particularly their upcoming “Christmas in the City” tour. As Hoying revealed in an interview with Extra, he had been “stressing about and losing sleep over” trying to balance both.
The tour is scheduled to commence on November 8 in West Valley City, Utah, continuing through December 22 in the U.S., before resuming with international dates in April. The elimination, though bittersweet, now allows Hoying to “dive into that” without the added pressure of the competition, ensuring he can give his full focus to Pentatonix and their devoted fans.
Beyond his professional commitments, Hoying also shared deeply personal news during his DWTS journey. On Dedication Night, he revealed that he and his husband, Mark, are expecting their first baby via surrogate. This announcement, made exclusively to Us Weekly, highlighted the profound personal milestones occurring alongside his dance journey, making this season exceptionally memorable for him.
Rylee Arnold’s Continued Presence on DWTS
Despite her elimination from the competition, Rylee Arnold assured fans that her presence on Dancing With the Stars would continue. She confirmed that viewers would still “see me every week on the show” dancing in the opening numbers. This opportunity, she stated, makes her “so grateful” and “glad that I can keep dancing” for the remainder of the season, ensuring her talent remains a part of the show’s vibrant fabric.
The story of Rylee Arnold and Scott Hoying on Dancing With the Stars Season 34 is more than just a tale of elimination; it’s a testament to the power of shared experiences, hard work, and the unexpected friendships that can blossom under the most intense spotlights. Their bond, celebrated by fans as “Team Ryott,” serves as a heartwarming reminder that sometimes, the greatest prize is not a trophy, but a connection that lasts a lifetime.
