He smiled through the pain, waved to the cheering audience, and walked off the stage. Moments later, he would reveal the truth: he had nearly died, and not one person had noticed.

On this week’s “Dancing with the Stars,“ 21-year-old wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin stunned both fans and fellow cast-mates — not just with his dance moves, but with a shocking confession no one saw coming.

Robert Irwin’s Rock and Roll Routine Took a Dangerous Turn Off-Camera

Irwin and his partner Witney Carson took the floor on Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Night with a dramatic Paso Doble to “Icky Thump” by The White Stripes. It was a bold, theatrical routine that left the judges roaring with praise. But it was what happened after the performance that had jaws dropping.

In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Irwin suddenly blurted, “I almost died tonight.” As the crowd and hosts leaned in, he elaborated, “I choked on a piece of confetti after the team dance.”

Irwin continued his detailed and deeply unsettling account. “Legit, I went over to Witney, and I think they cut away, and I inhaled a piece of confetti,” he said, explaining how the moment happened so quickly, cameras didn’t even catch it.

“I couldn’t breathe,” he added, turning to Carson while mimicking the gagging expressions he experienced. The interviewer responded with nervous relief, “Thank goodness, Robert Irwin is still here with us.”

Irwin’s reply was blunt, “I almost wasn’t.” Carson, clearly shocked, said that had she known he was in trouble, she would have protected him — no matter what.

‘To Lose You Would Be Beyond Tragic’: Fans React With Shock And Emotion

The revelation sent “Dancing with the Stars” fans into a frenzy of concern, disbelief, and affection. One person wrote, “Like an onion skin can suddenly cover the trachea and stop our breathing. It’s very dangerous if accidentally exhaled [sic].”

Another commented, “Oh Robert 😂❤️ how I love this man even his near death experiences are wholesome [sic].” A fan said, “I’m so glad he’s okay! They are both great!!”

One person added, “OMG. Thank goodness you are ok!!!!” Another echoed, “Thank God! And I hate confetti! What a mess to clean up and now dangerous. Can also slip on it [sic].”

Others expressed concern about the production aspect, with one noting, “The confetti is ridiculous and messy.” A more emotional reaction came from a commenter who divulged, “I don’t even want to think about that happening. To lose you would be beyond tragic. Your angel was watching over you.”

“Thank God he is okay,” another person expressed. Finally, one fan reflected on the downside of show business. “Risks of the fame and fortune trail.”

Paso Doble Earns Praise From The Judges

Before the confetti chaos, Irwin and Carson’s performance had already made waves for all the right reasons. As the third couple of the night, Irwin took the stage focused on improving his footwork and shaping his biggest challenge yet.

Derek Hough praised him as a matador who owned his arena, calling the number fantastic despite a small hiccup. Flavor Flav gushed, “I loved the performance. You guys are absolutely amazing,” and referred to Irwin as “the brand new Fred Astaire.”

Bruno Tonioli erupted with excitement, saying, “The thunder from the down under was unleashed!” and applauded Irwin’s classic and theatrical delivery. Carrie Ann Inaba noted a few wobbles but emphasized that Irwin had momentum and gave a strong performance overall.

Speaking with host Julianne Hough after the number, Irwin looked back on the journey, “That was so much fun!” he said, describing it as their hardest week of rehearsals yet.

Their hard work paid off with a score of 38 out of 40. Inaba and Hough awarded 9s, while Tonioli and Flavor Flav each gave a perfect 10.

Star-Studded Night Delivers High Drama And Higher Scores

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame-themed episode on November 4 brought intense performances from every couple, each bringing bold storytelling and dynamic energy.

Olympic gold medalist Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa wowed with a jazz routine to “River Deep — Mountain High” by Ike & Tina Turner. Their tight execution and charisma earned them 38 out of 40.

Social media star Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy brought power and flair to their paso doble set to Jon Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ On a Prayer,” earning 39 out of 40. Reality TV’s Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach danced a jive to Elton John’s “I’m Still Standing” and scored 36 out of 40.

Actress Elaine Hendrix partnered with Alan Bersten for a graceful Viennese waltz to “What the World Needs Now Is Love” by Dionne Warwick, scoring a strong 37 out of 40.

Whitney Leavitt, known for “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” and Mark Ballas gave a commanding paso doble to Ozzy Osbourne’s “No More Tears,” tying for the top score of 39 out of 40.

Comedian Andy Richter and Emma Slater offered a heartfelt contemporary dance to “God Only Knows” by The Beach Boys. Despite the emotion behind it, they earned the lowest score of the evening with 30 out of 40.

Danielle Fishel’s Emotional Exit

Danielle Fishel, of “Boy Meets World” fame, and her partner, Pasha Pashkov, performed a contemporary number to Aerosmith’s “Dream On.” The judges gave them 34 out of 40, but it wasn’t enough to keep them in the running.

They became the seventh couple eliminated from Season 34. “It’s meant everything. It has truly been life-changing and every single moment including this one has been joyous,” Fishel said. Pashkov responded warmly, “You are now my friend for life.”

Team Dances Bring Big Twists – And A Perfect Score

The night closed with a high-stakes team dance showdown. Before the group routines began, it was revealed that Leavitt and Ballas had earned immunity from elimination, thanks to their top scores over the course of the season.

Team Chicago — led by Fishel and joined by host Alfonso Ribeiro — included Leavitt and Ballas, Sosa and Chiles, and Efron and Karagach. Their polished and powerful routine to “25 or 6 to 4” by Chicago earned a perfect 40 out of 40.

Team Kool, led by Richter and Julianne Hough, featured Irwin and Carson, Earle and Chmerkovskiy, and Hendrix and Bersten. Their upbeat performance of “Celebration” by Kool & the Gang earned them 38 out of 40.

While the leaderboard tightens and the pressure mounts, Robert Irwin’s terrifying moment backstage lingers as a stark reminder: even in a room full of lights, music, and trained professionals, the unexpected can strike in an instant. Thanks to sheer instinct and a bit of luck, Irwin lived to dance another day.

Viewers were left stunned and seething after a jaw-dropping elimination rocked “Dancing With the Stars” on Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Night. Fans didn’t hold back, flooding social media with fury and disbelief over what many blasted as blatantly unfair judging.

In a twist no one saw coming, beloved “Boy Meets World” star Danielle Fishel and her professional partner Pasha Pashkov became the seventh couple eliminated from season 34 of “Dancing With the Stars” during the Nov. 4 episode.

Their emotional, contemporary routine set to Aerosmith’s “Dream On” scored a respectable 34 points from the judges, but it wasn’t enough. Viewer votes failed to pull them through, sending them packing in a shock elimination that sent ripples across the fandom.

The judges were split in their feedback on Fishel’s performance. “I felt the chills,” Carrie Ann Inaba told her, clearly moved.

But Derek Hough had a different take, calling it “a little disjointed,” though he quickly added that Fishel should be proud of what she delivered on stage.

The actress, who had been urged to tap into deeper emotion, admitted the style didn’t come naturally to her, but made it clear she poured everything she had into the dance.

After the gutting results were announced, Fishel reflected on her experience with heartfelt grace. “It’s meant everything,” she said. “It has truly been life-changing, and every single moment, including this one, has been joyous.”

Pashkov chimed in, sealing their bond with a warm message, “You are now my friend for life.”

But fans weren’t ready to say goodbye. Outrage ignited online within minutes, as loyal viewers vented their heartbreak and disbelief. “She was the reason I watched this season,” one devastated fan wrote.

Another echoed the frustration, sharing, “I will miss Danielle. This is so unfair.” The cries of injustice piled up fast, with one viewer asking, “In what world does Andy deserve to stay and she doesn’t?”

Another fumed, “This is an outrage!!!! She should still be here. We love her. I love Andy to death, but it should have been him.” One declared, “Winner in my heart,” while another lamented, “I just don’t understand. This show makes no sense this season.”

In a cruel twist of irony, earlier that same evening, Fishel had shone as the captain of Team Chicago during the group dance segment. Alongside partners Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas, Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa, and Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach, she delivered a powerhouse routine set to Chicago’s “25 or 6 to 4.”

Their effort paid off: they earned a perfect score of 40, and even welcomed cohost Alfonso Ribeiro into the routine. But despite that thrilling high, it wasn’t enough to shield her from elimination.

Meanwhile, Team Kool — made up of Andy Richter and Emma Slater, Robert Irwin and Witney Carson, Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy, and Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten — danced to “Celebration” by Kool & the Gang, earning a score of 38. Their group performance included co-host Julianne Hough.

In solo performances, Earle and Leavitt tied for the night’s top score with 39, while Leavitt and Ballas clinched immunity thanks to their cumulative season score. Chiles and Irwin followed closely with 38 points each, with Efron earning 36, Hendrix securing 37, and Richter sitting at the bottom with a mere 30.

The episode paid tribute to the upcoming 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction, with classic rock hits roaring through the ballroom. Guest judge and inductee Flavor Flav added some spice to the night’s judging panel.

As always, viewer votes were cast live, then merged with the judges’ scores to determine the final outcome — one that many viewers are calling deeply flawed.

Fishel’s controversial exit came hot on the heels of another fan-favorite elimination just one week earlier, when Halloween Night left fans reeling.

As we had previously reported, the Halloween episode of “Dancing with the Stars” brought more than just costumes and themed choreography as frustrated viewers watched one contestant receive mixed reviews from the judges and ultimately leave the show.

On Tuesday, October 28, 2025, the nine remaining couples returned for Week 7 of Season 34. Each routine embraced a Halloween flair, with a variety of styles including Tango, Paso Doble, Jazz, and Contemporary.

Contestant Jen Affleck and her partner, Jan Ravnik, performed a Contemporary routine to Taylor Swift’s “Look What You Made Me Do,” a song Affleck said resonated with her as a mother who loves Halloween with her kids.

Ravnik, who had previously toured with Swift, brought his expertise to the choreography, aiming to make a strong impact. The judges, however, offered a combination of praise and criticism.

Judge Carrie Ann Inaba called the opening with the troupe “off the charts” but noted issues with Affleck’s arm control that could “improve.” Judge Derek Hough acknowledged Ravnik’s strong first season, especially after a recent podcast criticized his presence on the show.

Amid pointed remarks from former “Dancing with the Stars” pros Maksim Chmerkovskiy and Peta Murgatroyd, Hough took a moment during the Halloween episode to offer his support. “Jan, first of all, I want to tell you, my man, that you are doing a fantastic first season,” he said.

He then advised Affleck to focus on her feet during kicks. Judge Cheryl Burke described it as Affleck’s strongest performance to date but pointed out a need to deepen her “connection” with her dance partner.

Judge Bruno Tonioli encouraged Affleck to lean further into the dark theme and “let the beast out” before adding that he wanted more continuity in her movement. Then, following the judges’ critiques, the night moved into its most suspenseful phase — the results.

Votes from the public were combined with the judges’ scores, and co-host Alfonso Ribeiro revealed that more than 55 million votes had been cast — setting yet another record for the season.

The results were then announced in no particular order, keeping both the audience and contestants on edge. The final three to be revealed were Affleck, as well as fellow contestants Whitney Leavitt and Elaine Hendrix.

When the outcome was announced, it was ultimately Affleck and Ravnik who were sent home despite getting a respectable 32 out of 40 score. Following the devastating news, Affleck said the experience “has meant everything” to her and shared that she took part in the competition for her children.

In the crowd, her husband, Zac Affleck, was seen crying as his wife’s journey came to an end. Fans, however, did not hold back their disagreement with the critiques.

One said, “they are so hard on her. this was a breakthrough night for her and all they do is critique her. criticism is good but she is clearly feeling defeated. i think they are comparing her to whitney and it’s making me lose my mind [sic].”

Another said, “Im sorry but I am GENUINELY not seeing what the judges are seeing??? They are so incredibly hard on her they almost brought her to tears. I thought this was amazing and her best dance. [sic]”

More comments followed with similar frustration. “Now I KNOW these judges have some weird bias against Jen. Only 8s when this was clearly her best dance?? I’m so [expletive] for you Jen,” one post read.

Some viewers focused on how Affleck appeared to react to the feedback. “Watching her lose her spark after the judges talk is so heartbreaking,” someone observed.

“right like WHAT THE HECK???? This dance was freaking epic and all they do is critique her so harshly. She’s on the same level dance wise as Danielle if not better, and definitely better than Andy. They have praised Danielle and Andy but literally never Jenn 🙄🙄 I’m so annoyed [sic],” another netizen responded.

Someone else added, “The judges never build her up like they do EVERYONE ELSE. It’s so sad and she was clearly defeated 🙁 they did great [sic].”

Support for Ravnik also came through, with one person writing, “First off, props to Derek giving Jan that compliment!!! Second of all, that was her best dance yet, severely underscored [sic]!!!!”

One longtime viewer voiced, “As a loooong time fan of this show (like 16 years of regular watching) I am incredibly disappointed in all of the judges on @dancingwiththestars @dwtstourofficial. The way you have treated @jenniferlaffleck and Jan is not ok.”

“A brand new mom with no dance experience and a brand new pro giving it their ALL every week, fighting flus and postpartum and soooo many other things, and getting absolutely destroyed with critiques was heartbreaking to watch [sic],” they added.

“Meanwhile you just can’t get enough of Mark and Witless (who has an actual degree in dance AND gets to dance with a seasoned pro AND has literally zero barriers) and they haven’t grown or shown anything new or different at all,” the post continued.

“The disparity between how you treat the two of them is so incredibly disappointing. I watch this show every season to watch people with no dance experience show their journey and progression. You robbed Jen and the fans of that AND kicked her down. 😢 She deserves an apology,” they concluded.

Despite the backlash over the judges’ critiques, Affleck remained reflective and grateful. She described her time on “Dancing with the Stars” as a dream come true, even if the timing wasn’t ideal, having just welcomed a baby.

Ravnik echoed her sentiments, saying he couldn’t have asked for a better performance. After watching the routine back, even he was puzzled by the score they received. “She did so good. She did it justice,” he said. “I’m so proud, so proud.”

While their journey on “Dancing with the Stars” came to an end sooner than many had hoped, Affleck and Ravnik left the competition having won over a passionate fan base.

Not only do online viewers believe that the duo who were eliminated did not deserve to go, but they have also expressed who they think should have been sent home instead.

It was the kind of night no one saw coming — and fans are absolutely livid. In what spectators are viewing as a stunning injustice, “Dancing with the Stars” (“DWTS”) bid farewell to a beloved pair this week, and fans are not just sad — they’re fuming.

Contestant Scott Hoying and his professional dance partner Rylee Arnold bid adieu to the competition and spoke about their time on the show after Wicked Night, which saw two couples walk away with the season’s first perfect 10s.

‘We’re Best Friends’: Emotional Goodbyes After the Curtain Falls

Despite the sting of their departure, both Hoying and Arnold remained in high spirits as they reflected on their time together. Speaking with Entertainment Tonight, the Pentatonix singer described the experience as “the coolest” of his life, sharing how the six weeks of rehearsals had not only pushed him physically but also forged a lasting friendship with his partner.

“We’re best friends,” Hoying said, adding that while the thought of not returning to rehearsal the next day left him feeling emotional, he was trying to focus on the positives.

With humor and heart, he joked about his “dislocated” rib and how his scoliosis had been put through the wringer, but emphasized how much he had grown during the process.

Arnold, visibly moved, echoed the sentiment, saying she felt an immediate comfort with Hoying from the moment they met. “I’m just so proud of him […] I felt so much gratitude because it’s just been a really, really good season,” she shared.

Their heartfelt farewell concluded on a light note when Hoying, at the interviewer’s playful request, belted out a riff, earning cheers from those around him — a fitting final act for a performer who had clearly left his mark.

The Spellbinding Performance That Ended in a Surprising Elimination

Their final dance was nothing short of cinematic. Set against a dreamlike backdrop and dramatic blue lighting, Hoying and Arnold began their contemporary routine standing apart on the stage, bathed in quiet anticipation.

As the first notes of “The Wizard and I” filled the ballroom, Arnold’s fluid arm work gave way to Hoying’s slow approach, his hands moving with intent as he closed the distance between them.

The choreography unfolded like a story — filled with sweeping turns, graceful lifts, and an evident emotional tether between the two dancers. As the music swelled, so did the momentum of their movements, culminating in a finale showered with confetti and applause.

While it marked the end of their journey, the performance served as a testament to how much Hoying had grown throughout the competition — both technically and artistically.

‘Wrong Couple Went Home!’: Fans Are Outraged by Scott Hoying and Rylee Arnold’s Elimination

After the episode aired, social media erupted with backlash over the surprising elimination. Fans of the show didn’t hold back, flooding timelines with frustration and disbelief over what many described as an unfair result. One viewer bluntly stated, “Wrong couple went home!” echoing a sentiment that was shared repeatedly across platforms.

Others pointed out the contestant whom they feel should have taken Hoying’s place instead. “Should have been Andy,” declared a spectator, while someone else expressed disbelief, “I can’t believe he was voted off before Andy. His dancing was way better.”

In a more pointed critique, one person exclaimed, “Should have been Andy! He can’t dance!!” and another confidently predicted, “Next week Andy will be the next one to go.”

The discontent didn’t stop there. Some people questioned the legitimacy of the voting process, with one remarking, “Be so fr who is voting for Andy [sic],” while another speculated, “Andy richter [sic] has some connections.”

‘Horrible, Inconsistent Judging’: Viewers Slam Scoring After Emotional Episode

But Andy wasn’t the only one catching heat — the judges came under fire too. “Wrong scoring. They should have gotten a higher score from the judges,” one viewer insisted. Another echoed this frustration, writing, “The scoring was inconsistent with some dances. Just stunned.”

A more overarching critique came from someone who said, “Tonight was a beautiful theme, beautiful dances but [sic] horrible, inconsistent judging and the wrong elimination.” Elsewhere, a netizen added, “A shame at how inconsistent the scoring was tonight!”

The Performance Viewers Feel Pale in Comparison to Scott Hoying’s Contemporary Piece

Much of the frustration online stemmed from a direct comparison between Hoying’s contemporary grace and the theatricality of Andy Richter and Emma Slater’s jazz performance. The pair took the stage with a burst of Broadway-inspired energy, stepping through an illuminated doorway as the opening bars of “One Short Day” echoed through the ballroom.

With wide-eyed expressions and playful chemistry, Richter and Slater launched into their routine, twirling with exaggerated flair before running down a staircase to take the center of the stage.

Their choreography leaned heavily into the musical’s whimsical charm, with the two swaying their arms from side to side and darting playfully across the floor. At one point, Richter dipped Slater into a modest lean, then steadied her as she executed a lifted leg spin.

The performance continued with upbeat footwork, hand-in-hand skipping, and synchronized movement alongside a lively ensemble of background dancers. Their number concluded with a final dip as confetti showered down on the stage — a theatrical ending that mirrored the tone of the entire piece.

While the elimination left many fans disappointed, the evening wasn’t without celebration. Amid the heartbreak and heated reactions, Wicked Night also delivered a standout high point — as two couples achieved a milestone that had yet to be reached this season.

Week six of season 34 of “DWTS,” which aired on Tuesday, October 21, was one to remember. Two couples managed to earn the season’s first perfect 10s, but not everyone in the audience was pleased, as many viewers voiced their disappointment about the direction the competition is taking.

Glinda Takes Center Stage as Whitney Leavitt Dazzles the Judges

During “DWTS” Wicked Night, ten couples performed Argentine Tango, Contemporary, Foxtrot, Jazz, Rumba, and Quickstep routines to songs from the “Wicked” movie soundtrack.

Whitney Leavitt and professional dancer Mark Ballas took on a Quickstep to “Popular,” with Leavitt channeling Glinda’s bubbly personality.

After their lively performance, judge Derek Hough appeared impressed, getting out of his seat and calling the routine advanced and full of energy. He added, “I feel like we are discovering a star before our eyes.”

Jon Chu praised it as a flawless mix of technical skill and entertainment, saying it captured the spirit of the night. “I was floating on air in a bubble,” he noted. Meanwhile, Bruno Tonioli described the dance as a playful explosion of Glinda’s charm.

Carrie Ann Inaba chimed in, saying it was delightfully chaotic and showed Leavitt’s growth throughout the competition. Leavitt and Ballas ultimately received the first 10s of the season. However, as much as the judges had plenty of positive things to say, the audience didn’t share the same enthusiasm.

Viewer Backlash Erupts

One viewer couldn’t hold back their frustration, declaring, “Favoritism needs to end before this show losses [sic] the majority of its fanbase xoxo.” Another spectator was completely overwhelmed, writing, “I CANNOT WITH THIS ANYMORE. THE FAVORITISM IS BEYOND.”

Some tried to appreciate the performance but still felt conflicted, saying, “Excellent dance, but it felt wrong to be the first 10s of the season.”

An observer noted, “I still think Alix’s maleficent routine deserved the first 10! Not this.” On the other hand, one fan left no room for doubt, simply stating, “DESERVED EVERY SINGLE 10.”

Jordan Chiles Moves the Judges with Breathtaking Rumba

Jordan Chiles and professional dancer Ezra Sosa closed out the Wicked Night with a graceful Rumba to “For Good,” performed against a backdrop of poppies. The routine captivated the judges, with Tonioli describing it as breathtaking and worthy of Cynthia Erivo’s admiration.

Inaba admitted she didn’t want the evening to end, calling it her favorite night of the season and praising the dance as pure perfection. Hough found the performance visually stunning, adding, “When we say be more grounded, that’s what we’re talking about. Now I want to see the emotions more.”

Meanwhile, Chu said he recognized the same determination in Chiles that he saw when she competed at the Olympics in Paris. “You want to win this thing, I can tell,” he added. The performance earned Chiles her first 10s of the season.

Since there was no elimination the previous week, viewer votes from both Dedication Night and Wicked Night were combined with the judges’ scores to decide who would leave the competition.

Danielle Fishel and Pasha Pashkov, Chiles and Sosa, Leavitt and Ballas, Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy, Robert Irwin and Witney Carson, Jen Affleck and Jan Ravnik, and Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten were declared safe.

Leaderboard Drama: Whitney Leavitt and Jordan Chiles Neck and Neck

The couples on “DWTS” were also ranked based on their overall scores for Wicked Night and their combined totals. Leavitt and Ballas topped the leaderboard for Wicked Night with 39 out of 40, earning a combined score of 72 out of 80.

Chiles and Sosa matched their score with 39 out of 40, bringing their total to 71 out of 80. Irwin and Carson followed closely behind with 36 out of 40 and a combined score of 71 out of 80.

Hendrix and Bersten also earned 36 out of 40, ending with 66 out of 80 overall, while Fishel and Pashkov received the same score for the night and a combined total of 65 out of 80. Earle and Chmerkovskiy scored 35 out of 40, with a combined 70 out of 80.

Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach received 32 out of 40, with a total of 68 out of 80, while Affleck and Ravnik earned the same 32 out of 40, finishing with 61 out of 80 overall.

Hoying and Arnold followed with 28 out of 40, giving them 58 out of 80 combined, and Richter and Slater closed out the rankings with 27 out of 40 and a total of 51 out of 80.

With emotions high and opinions flying, one thing is clear: Wicked Night left a mark on the ballroom and viewers alike. From soaring scores and skyrocketing tempers to the unexpected goodbye of a beloved contestant, “DWTS” Season 34 is proving to be its most unpredictable yet.

The 21-year-old turned up the heat during week three of “Dancing With the Stars,” leaving both the audience and fans online buzzing.

Robert Irwin set the ballroom ablaze with partner Witney Carson during “TikTok Night” on Tuesday, September 30, on “Dancing With the Stars” (DTWS). Midway through their smoldering salsa sequence, he ripped off his shirt in a bold move that electrified the crowd and sparked online praise.

The beloved wildlife warrior-turned-heartthrob is the first celebrity or pro this season to go completely shirtless — and he did it with swagger and aura.

Shirtless Shock Sends Ballroom into Chaos

Their performance kicked off innocently enough, with Carson perched confidently on Irwin’s shoulders. But within seconds, the pair launched into a high-octane salsa that took a turn for the steamy when Irwin boldly tore off his shirt and threw in a slick, crowd-igniting body roll.

Cheers erupted, the ballroom shook, and Irwin cemented his place as the night’s most unforgettable act. He and Carson kept the energy high as they moved seamlessly through the rest of the performance.

Despite their sizzling chemistry and seamless transitions, Irwin and Carson landed a score of 22 out of 30 for their salsa to “Million Dollar Baby” by Tommy Richman. That placed them in a three-way tie for third with Scott Hoying and Rylee Arnold, as well as Hilaria Baldwin and Gleb Savchenko.

Fans Cry Foul over ‘Rigged’ Scores

While the judges’ scores were solid, many viewers felt Robert Irwin deserved even more — and they didn’t hold back when sharing their reactions.

One fan summed up the moment perfectly, writing, “This dance wasn’t for the judges, this dance was for us.” The energy was so high that another admitted, “Pretty sure people 20 miles away heard me screaming when he took his shirt off.”

Someone else didn’t hold back their praise, “I thought this was the best Dance of the night 🤷‍♀️🔥.” Another fan called it as they saw it, “Best dance by far. Judging is obviously rigged.” One person echoed the sentiment, “He was ROBBED. His scores deserved to be higher!”

Meanwhile, a stunned viewer shared, “Jaw was on the floor👀.” Others took aim at the scoring as well, with one writing, “I disagree with the judges, THAT WAS SPECTACULAR 🤩.” And finally, someone summed up the whole experience with, “Still recovering from this.”

‘TikTok Night’ Delivers Big Scores

The “TikTok Night” was packed with memorable performances and a wide range of scores. At the top of the scoreboard, Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa dazzled with their routine, earning 24 out of 30, a score they shared with Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas.

Just behind them, Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach impressed the judges with a 23, matched by Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy. The three-way tie of a 22 score then followed.

Danielle Fishel and Pasha Pashkov, as well as Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten, held steady with 21 apiece.

Jen Affleck and Jan Ravnik trailed slightly at 19, while both Andy Richter and Emma Slater, and Lauren Jauregui with Brandon Armstrong, finished with 18 points.

A Shocking Elimination

Jauregui and Armstrong had the lowest combined total of judges’ scores and viewers’ votes. They were ultimately sent home, leaving the audience audibly shocked by the results.

The crowd made their disappointment clear, booing loudly when Jauregui’s name was called for elimination. Her exit came as a surprise to many, given that she had shown strong form in earlier weeks.

During the first two rounds, she consistently impressed and had managed to climb to sixth place on the leaderboard by the close of “One-Hit Wonders Night.”

When asked by co-host Julianne Hough how she was feeling, Jauregui smiled and replied, “Pissed.” She quickly shifted to gratitude, praising Brandon and saying she was “grateful” to have him as her partner.

Irwin Leaves Judges and the Internet Stunned with Electric First Dance

As we previously reported, Irwin made a striking entrance into “DWTS” this season, turning heads from the very first episode. When season 34 premiered on September 17, the TV personality brought undeniable star power, commanding the stage and quickly becoming the standout of the night.

The nature-loving star joined forces with professional dancer Carson to deliver a jaw-dropping jive to Steppenwolf’s iconic anthem, “Born to be Wild.” Initially, Irwin set the scene amid a safari-theme setting, perched atop a Land Rover parked in the midst of tall grass.

After setting his sights on Carson with a pair of binoculars, the charismatic TV personality pounced off the hood of the vehicle and ran to his partner.

Together, the pair twirled, kicked, flipped, and dipped their way through a performance that had every eye glued to the floor. Dressed in striking, matching ensembles, Irwin and Carson delivered with such energy and precision that the ballroom exploded with cheers.

Judge Derek Hough, who won the coveted mirrorball trophy with Irwin’s sister in Season 21, couldn’t contain his awe. He showered Irwin with praise, even jokingly asking if the 21-year-old had been secretly training all these years.

“That was one of the best first dances I’ve ever seen on this show,” declared Hough, and online, fans wholeheartedly agreed.

“Robert was hands down the best performance of the night #DWTS #robertirwin #minneapolisbct,” stated a fan, while another added, “I feel bad for every other contestant ngl Robert’s gonna take the mirror ball no question 👏🏼.” “So good! He’s dancing like a pro,” asserted a fellow admirer. The praise continued with a supporter gushing, “my [sic] winner.”

Yet another admirer echoed the sentiments, “Robert had the best dance of the night omg!! Whitney’s [sic] choreo was perfect!!! #DWTS.” “That really was the best ‘DWTS’ premiere in a long time. My money is on Robert & Whitney [sic] 🪩 #DWTS,” marveled a fellow fan.

One viewer even highlighted the fact that Irwin performed so well despite the fact that he has no prior dancing experience.