When Alfonso Ribeiro, host of Dancing with the Stars announced the results of Week 2, the studio fell silent — a double elimination had just upended the season’s early rhythm.
The episode, billed as “One‑Hit Wonders Night,” aired on Monday, September 23, 2025, on ABC and streamed on Disney+. Co‑hosted by Julianne Hough, the night featured the usual trio of judges — Bruno Tonioli, Carrie Ann Inaba and Derek Hough — who scored each couple while viewer votes sealed the fate of two contestants.
All dances were set to tracks that defined a single moment in pop history, from C+C Music Factory’s ‘Gonna Make You Sweat’ to Modjo’s ‘Lady (Hear Me Tonight)’. The stakes felt higher after the premiere’s non‑elimination format, and producers amplified the drama by swapping out the usual single eviction for a double drop.
How “One‑Hit Wonders Night” Fits Into DWTS’s Theme Playbook
Since its debut, Dancing with the Stars has built each season around weekly themes that give the ballroom a pop‑culture spin. Past favorites include “Movie Night,” “Broadway Legends,” and “Retro Disco.” This year’s focus on one‑hit wonders taps into the nostalgia market, catering to viewers who love a good earworm and want to see it transformed into a Latin routine, a tango, or a high‑energy jive.
Production designer Emma Slater — who also choreographed the opening number — explained to PrimeTimer that the goal was “to let the choreography echo the punchy, unforgettable vibe of those songs while still challenging the pros to think outside the ballroom box.”
Week 2 Performances: Scores, Surprises, and Stumbles
Jordan Chiles, the 24‑year‑old Olympic gymnast, partnered with Ezra Sosa. They tackled a fierce tango to Doechii’s “Anxiety,” earning perfect 8s across the board for a total of 24 points. “Those footwork combos were insane,” Derek praised, his eyes lighting up.
Meanwhile, social‑media star Alix Earle teamed up with pro partner Val Chmerkovskiy. Their jive to Lou Bega’s “Mambo No. 5” garnered a steady 21 points — a solid showing but not enough to climb the leaderboard.
In a surprising twist, former Fifth Harmony vocalist Lauren Jauregui and partner Brandon delivered a polished cha‑cha‑cha to “Work from Home,” yet received a uniform 6 from each judge, totaling 18 points. That was the lowest score of the night, sealing their fate.
Other couples that stayed afloat included Dylan Efron with Daniella (foxtrot to Justin Bieber’s “Yukon,” 23 points) and Whitney Leavitt with Mark Ballas (samba to Mystikal’s “Shake Ya Ass,” a flawless 24). Their combined two‑week scores positioned them as early frontrunners.
The Double Elimination: Who Went Home and Why
Viewer voting paired with the judges’ numbers created a composite ranking. The bottom two couples — Lauren Jauregui & Brandon, and Danielle Fishel with partner Pasha Pashkov — were announced together, a first for this season.
Danielle, best known as Topanga from “Boy Matches World,” performed a cha‑cha‑cha to Corona’s “Rhythm of the Night.” While a handful of outlets reported a foxtrot to Sabrina Carpenter’s “Manchild,” the official recap confirmed the cha‑cha‑cha version, earning her a modest 19 points.
“It’s tough to see anyone leave, but the dance floor is a meritocracy,” Derek reflected after the results. “Everyone gave it their all, and the audience’s voice matters just as much as the judges’ scores.”
Judges’ Reactions and Fan Pulse
Bruno Tonioli, ever the theatrical commentator, labeled the double exit “a dramatic curveball that will keep the competition razor‑sharp.” Carrie Ann Inaba added, “The energy this week was electric; the songs may have been one‑hits, but the performances felt larger‑than‑life.”
Social media lit up with mixed feelings. Fans of Lauren expressed disappointment, citing her vocal background as a fresh angle for ballroom. Others cheered Danielle’s exit, calling it “a necessary shake‑up to make space for the true dance powerhouses.”
Meanwhile, the studio audience buzzed during Jordan and Ezra’s tango, chanting “Encore!” after the judges’ perfect scores — a clear sign the pair could be a dark horse heading toward the finale.
What This Means for the Rest of Season 34
The double elimination compresses the competition timeline, meaning each subsequent week carries amplified pressure. Couples now have fewer chances to recover from a low‑score night, and voting trends will play a bigger role than ever.
Week 3 is set to be “Broadway Classics,” a theme traditionally favoring technically strong dancers who can convey narrative. Experts predict that the current leaders — Jordan Chiles/Ezra Sosa and Whitney Leavitt/Mark Ballas — will rely on storytelling as much as footwork to stay ahead.
Long‑term, the season’s finale on November 25, 2025, will award the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy. The trophy gained extra sentiment this year, honoring the late judge who passed away in 2023.
Looking Ahead: Upcoming Themes and Potential Show‑Stoppers
- Week 3 – Broadway Classics: Expect big musical numbers, likely boosting contestants with strong theatricality.
- Week 4 – “Wicked Night” (as teased in Parade): This is where judges hinted at a “first perfect 10” — a milestone for any contestant.
- Week 5 – “Hollywood Action” – a high‑energy, stunt‑filled set that could test the physical limits of athletes like Jordan.
In short, the double elimination has turned Week 2 into a pivotal moment, reshaping the leaderboard and setting the stage for an intense second half of the season.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the double elimination affect the contestants?
With two couples leaving at once, the remaining dancers have less room for error. A single low‑score night now carries double the risk, forcing contestants to up their game both technically and in audience engagement.
Why did producers choose a double elimination for Week 2?
Producers wanted to inject early drama and keep the competition fast‑paced. After a non‑elimination premiere, the double cut balances the schedule, ensuring the season finishes on time while maintaining viewer interest.
How are viewer votes combined with judges’ scores?
Each judge awards a numeric score (0‑10) which is summed for a total. Viewer votes are then normalized to a comparable scale and added to that total. The combined figure determines the weekly ranking.
What’s the next theme after One‑Hit Wonders?
Week 3 will be “Broadway Classics,” giving couples the chance to interpret iconic musical numbers and showcase storytelling prowess on the dance floor.
Who are the early front‑runners to watch?
Jordan Chiles with Ezra Sosa and Whitney Leavitt with Mark Ballas have posted the highest combined scores so far. Their versatility and strong fan bases make them likely to stay in contention through the finale.