Imagine logging onto TikTok only to find your favorite celebrities shimmying through viral challenges—except this time, it’s under the bright lights of the ballroom, with judges’ scores on the line and a potential elimination hanging in the balance. That’s exactly what went down on Dancing with the Stars Season 34’s explosive Week 3: TikTok Night, where Hollywood heavy-hitters, Olympic stars, and social media sensations turned the dance floor into a trending hotspot. From heart-pounding tangos to sassy sambas, the episode delivered non-stop drama, laughs, and those “wait, did that just happen?” moments that have fans scrolling for replays. But with viewer votes still tallying as of this morning, one burning question remains: Who will be the next celebrity sent packing in this cutthroat competition?
Airdate September 30 on ABC and Disney+, the episode didn’t just celebrate the app’s addictive energy—it amplified it. Special guest and Season 31 champ Charli D’Amelio made a triumphant return, kicking off the show with an electrifying opening number to Charli XCX’s “Apple,” complete with viral choreography by TikTok sensation Kelley Heyer. D’Amelio didn’t stop there; she joined the troupe for a fierce routine to Megan Thee Stallion’s “Savage” (choreographed by Jenna Johnson and Britt Stewart) and even reunited with her former partner, Mark Ballas, for a nostalgic duet to Sam Gellaitry’s “Assumptions.” If that wasn’t enough to send viewership soaring, the cast recreated fan-favorite TikTok trends in a hilarious montage that had hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough cracking up onstage. TikTok Night wasn’t just a theme—it was a full-on cultural takeover, blending pop culture with pro-level footwork.
Standout Performances That Had Us Hitting Replay
The 12 remaining couples (down from 14 after last week’s double whammy of Corey Feldman and Baron Davis) brought their A-game, channeling trending sounds and dances into fresh routines. Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles and pro Ezra Sosa stole the spotlight with a razor-sharp tango to Doechii’s “Anxiety,” earning a flawless 24/30—the highest score of the season so far. Judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli raved about Chiles’ emotional vulnerability, as she opened up about her real-life battles with anxiety post-Paris Olympics. “You turned pain into power,” Derek gushed, giving her an 8 across the board.
Not far behind was Boy Meets World alum Danielle Fishel and Pasha Pashkov, who powered through a hamstring injury (yep, she ignored doctor’s orders to rest) for a smooth foxtrot to Sabrina Carpenter’s “Manchild.” Their chemistry and storytelling snagged a solid 21/30, proving Fishel’s got more grit than a ’90s sitcom plot twist. Meanwhile, Fifth Harmony’s Lauren Jauregui and Brandon Armstrong brought the nostalgia with a cha-cha to her old band’s “Work from Home,” ending with a surprise cameo from her former bandmates—cue the screams! They clocked in at 18/30, but the crowd energy was off the charts.
Other highlights? The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Jen Affleck and Jan Ravnik leaned into her viral mom-life persona with a cha-cha to Carl Carlton’s “She’s a Bad Mama Jama,” complete with a fake pregnancy belly prop and Love Island USA quips—19/30, and pure entertainment gold. Robert Irwin (yes, that Irwin family wildlife wizard) and Witney Carson heated things up with a salsa to Tommy Richman’s “Million Dollar Baby,” while Pentatonix’s Scott Hoying and Rylee Arnold delivered jazzy flair to Jennie’s “Like Jennie.” TikTok queen Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy zipped through a quickstep to M’s “Pop Muzik,” capturing that bouncy, algorithm-approved vibe.
For a full breakdown of the dances and scores (where reported—some are still trickling in post-show), check out our handy recap table below:
| Celebrity | Pro Partner | Dance Style | Song | Score (Carrie Ann / Derek / Bruno) | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jordan Chiles | Ezra Sosa | Tango | “Anxiety” by Doechii | 8 / 8 / 8 | 24/30 |
| Danielle Fishel | Pasha Pashkov | Foxtrot | “Manchild” by Sabrina Carpenter | 7 / 7 / 7 | 21/30 |
| Dylan Efron | Daniella Karagach | Foxtrot | “Yukon” by Justin Bieber | 7 / 8 / 8 | 23/30 |
| Jen Affleck | Jan Ravnik | Cha-cha-cha | “She’s a Bad Mama Jama” by Carl Carlton | 7 / 6 / 6 | 19/30 |
| Lauren Jauregui | Brandon Armstrong | Cha-cha-cha | “Work from Home” by Fifth Harmony | 6 / 6 / 6 | 18/30 |
| Whitney Leavitt | Mark Ballas | Samba | “Shake Ya Ass (Radio Edit)” by Mystikal | TBD | TBD |
| Hilaria Baldwin | Gleb Savchenko | Samba | “Shake It to the Max (Fly) [Remix]” | TBD | TBD |
| Elaine Hendrix | Alan Bersten | Tango | “Gnarly” by Katseye | TBD | TBD |
| Robert Irwin | Witney Carson | Salsa | “Million Dollar Baby” by Tommy Richman | TBD | TBD |
| Scott Hoying | Rylee Arnold | Jazz | “Like Jennie” by Jennie | TBD | TBD |
| Alix Earle | Val Chmerkovskiy | Quickstep | “Pop Muzik” by M | TBD | TBD |
| Andy Richter | Emma Slater | Foxtrot | “Northern Attitude” by Noah Kahan & Hozier | TBD | TBD |
Behind-the-Scenes Buzz and Elimination Drama
Off the floor, the tea is spilling hotter than a dance-off. Sources whisper of “secret jealousy” among the pros, with some allegedly venting about partners they “pretend to like” on camera. Comedian Andy Richter’s been lightening the mood with his hysterical rehearsal reels on Instagram, but fans fear his self-deprecating charm might not save him from the bottom three—early predictions peg him and Emma Slater as vulnerable after lower scores in prior weeks. On a sweeter note, former champ Joey Graziadei (Season 32 winner) popped up as a guest host, sharing how his own hidden injuries changed his view of the grind.
As votes from last night’s live show roll in, all eyes are on the leaderboard. Will Chiles’ momentum carry her to the finale on November 25? Or could an underdog like Irwin (whose Aussie charm is winning hearts) pull off an upset? One thing’s for sure: With upcoming themes like Disney Night (October 7) and Wicked Week in mid-October, Season 34 is just getting started.
What did you think of TikTok Night? Drop your hot takes in the comments—who’s your pick to win the Mirrorball Trophy? For more Dancing with the Stars Season 34 updates, elimination spoilers, and all the celebrity drama from Hollywood to the red carpet, stay locked on CELEB NEWS TODAY, your go-to USA source for star-studded scoops. Follow us on social for real-time recaps!
