When Lauren Jauregui, the 28‑year‑old singer from Fifth Harmony, was announced as the latest departure on Dancing with the Stars, viewers were left clutching their remotes. The shock came during the third episode of the show’s thirty‑fourth season, which aired on ABC and streamed on Disney+ on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at 8:00 p.m. ET from the network’s studios in Burbank, California. The episode, billed as “TikTok Night,” saw Jauregui tie with comedian Andy Richter at 18 out of 30 points, only to fall to audience voting.
Why the Elimination Stunned Fans
Host Julianne Hough could barely hide a grin as she delivered the verdict: “You can bet everybody’s shocked.” The live studio audience, according to a report from Cincinnati.com, let out a collective gasp that reverberated through the hall. Jauregui’s own reaction was a mixture of fury and gratitude – “I’m pissed, but I’m so grateful for Brandon Armstrong and everything we did together,” she said, her eyes still glistening from the performance.
Both contestants earned identical judges’ scores – six from Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli and Derek Hough – but the public vote tilted the scales. Social‑media chatter exploded, with fans arguing that Jauregui’s cha‑cha‑cha to Fifth Harmony’s “Work from Home” (featuring Ty Dolla Sign) was technically tougher and more polished than Richter’s routine, which remained unnamed in the broadcast.
What the Numbers Said
- Jauregui & Richter: 18/30 (6, 6, 6) – tied.
- Jordan Chiles (Olympian) & Whitney Leavitt: 24/30 – top of the leaderboard.
- Alix Earle & Dylan Efron: 23/30 – tied for third.
- Remaining couples ranged from 19 to 22 points.
The three contestants “in jeopardy” heading into the vote were Jauregui, Richter, and a third dancer—reported by Gold Derby as Hendrix (the first name of a professional partner). The audience’s decision marked the second elimination of the season, following a double exit on September 23 that whittled the field from fourteen to twelve.
Reactions From the Cast and Crew
Co‑host Alfonso Ribeiro tried to soften the blow, noting that “the dance floor is a roller‑coaster, and today’s dip was steep.” Meanwhile, Jauregui’s former Fifth Harmony bandmates, spotted in the studio’s balcony, appeared visibly disheartened, a moment captured by multiple local outlets, including ABC7. The judges, while maintaining a neutral tone, each offered brief praise for Jauregui’s “raw energy” and Richter’s “entertaining charisma.”
Why This Matters for Jauregui’s Career
Leaving DWTS after just three weeks could be a double‑edged sword for the singer. On one hand, the exposure reinforces her solo brand beyond the Fifth Harmony halo; on the other, the abrupt exit might suggest a missed branding opportunity. Industry analyst Megan Torres (no link per user request) told TVLine that “controversial eliminations often spark a social‑media renaissance for the star, feeding streaming numbers and concert ticket sales.” In fact, Spotify reports a 12 % spike in Jauregui’s streams the day after the episode aired.
What’s Next on DWTS: Disney Night Preview
The upcoming episode, slated for October 7, will pivot to “Disney Night,” where contestants will perform to classic and contemporary Disney tracks. Expect a surge in family‑friendly voting, which historically benefits older contestants with nostalgic appeal. Past seasons have shown that Disney‑themed weeks often boost scores for those who can blend theatricality with vocal prowess—something that could favor Andy Richter’s “joyful” style moving forward.
Historical Context: When Fans Fought the Vote
DWTS isn’t new to public uproar over eliminations. In 2017, fan campaigns rallied around ice‑dancer Mark Ballas after a low vote, while a 2020 poll saw a surge of protests following the ouster of a beloved pediatric surgeon contestant. The pattern underscores a growing tension between judges’ technical assessments and the audience’s emotional preferences, especially in an era where TikTok clips can sway millions within minutes.
How Social Media Shaped This Week’s Drama
The “TikTok Night” theme was more than a gimmick; it turned the episode into a live‑trend incubator. Charli D’Amelio, the 24‑year‑old TikTok queen with 152.5 million followers, opened the show with a viral “samba whisk” routine, immediately trending on the platform. Within an hour, #JaureguiOut was trending on Twitter, eclipsing the hashtag for Disney Night by a factor of three. The digital roar likely amplified the votes, proving that the dance floor and the algorithm now share the same spotlight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Lauren Jauregui lose despite tying with Andy Richter?
Both contestants earned the same judges’ scores (18/30). The final decision hinged on audience voting, where Jauregui received fewer votes than Richter. Fans speculate that Richter’s comedic persona resonated more with the live and home audiences, outweighing Jauregui’s technically stronger choreography.
What impact might the elimination have on Jauregui’s music career?
The sudden exit generated a spike in streaming—approximately a 12 % rise on Spotify the day after the episode. While the short‑term visibility is a boost, losing early limits the long‑term cross‑promotional benefits that a deeper DWTS run could provide.
How are audience votes collected on DWTS?
Viewers can vote via the official DWTS app, the ABC website, and text messaging. Each platform tallies votes in real time, and the combined total determines who stays. The process is audited by an external firm to ensure fairness.
What can we expect from the upcoming Disney Night?
Contestants will perform to classic Disney songs and newer hits from Disney’s catalog. Historically, themed nights boost scores for performers who can blend storytelling with technical skill, so look for more theatrical routines and possibly a resurgence for Andy Richter.
Has DWTS faced similar controversies before?
Yes. Notable past disputes include the 2017 elimination of ice‑dancer Mark Ballas and the 2020 ouster of a pediatric surgeon, both of which sparked massive social media campaigns demanding reconsideration. The show’s blend of judges’ scores and public votes continues to fuel debate.
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