‘Dancing With the Stars’ One-Hit Wonders Night: Scores, Eliminations and Highlights

Season 34 of Dancing With the Stars continued Tuesday with One-Hit Wonders Night, featuring standout routines, first eights of the season, and the first double elimination. The episode aired on September 23 on ABC and Disney+ with fresh energy as Carrie Ann Inaba returned to the judges’ table.

The competition saw celebrity-pro pairs perform to iconic one-hit songs like “Baby Got Back” and “It’s Raining Men.” For the first time this season, contestants were scored out of 30 points. The night was decisive, with leaderboard shifts and tense eliminations that set the tone for the rest of the season.

DWTS One-Hit Wonders Night Scores and Results

Tuesday’s episode marked a big step forward for Olympian Jordan Chiles and partner Ezra Sosa. Their jive to “Maniac” scored 22/30, earning their first eights. Carrie Ann Inaba praised Chiles, comparing her stage presence to Tina Turner. Jen Affleck and Jan Ravnik matched them with 22/30 after an energetic performance. Robert Irwin and Witney Carson also reached 22/30, keeping themselves near the top of the leaderboard.

Social media personality Alix Earle with Val Chmerkovskiy and actress Elaine Hendrix with Alan Bersten both earned 21/30. Former Fifth Harmony star Lauren Jauregui and Brandon Armstrong also scored 21/30. Actress Danielle Fishel and Pasha Pashkov impressed with 19/30, while comedian Andy Richter and Emma Slater managed 16/30. Actor Corey Feldman and Jenna Johnson landed at 15/30, leaving them vulnerable to elimination.

ABC previously confirmed that the season 34 premiere was the franchise’s strongest debut in five years, reflecting a wave of new online attention. Reuters and Associated Press noted the renewed popularity of the show, driven by younger viewers and social media trends.

Why One-Hit Wonders Night Matters

This episode was more than a themed showcase. It marked the first full scoring system of the season with all three judges on the panel. Carrie Ann Inaba’s return after illness restored the energy fans expect. The combined scores from the first two weeks determined which couples advanced and which left the competition.

For celebrities like Baron Davis and Dylan Efron, the night was a chance to prove staying power. The show’s producers leaned heavily into the nostalgia of the song choices, appealing to both older viewers and new fans streaming the series on Disney+ and Hulu. Analysts at BBC News highlighted how tapping into pop culture’s shared memory can help TV franchises maintain relevance.

Reactions and What Comes Next

Fans reacted strongly online, praising Jordan Chiles’ comeback and debating whether Corey Feldman should remain in the competition. Social media buzz around Alix Earle’s performance also dominated platforms like X and TikTok. For producers, these viral moments are key to sustaining DWTS’ new wave of popularity.

Going forward, the double eliminations will continue to raise the stakes. Contestants will need to balance entertainment with technical precision. The broader impact is clear: DWTS is once again a centerpiece of ABC’s primetime schedule, boosted by streaming availability and cross-platform promotion.

One-Hit Wonders Night confirmed DWTS remains both a nostalgic favorite and a viral hit. As eliminations continue, the season promises more surprises and high-scoring dances.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Who scored highest on One-Hit Wonders Night?

Jordan Chiles with Ezra Sosa, Jen Affleck with Jan Ravnik, and Robert Irwin with Witney Carson all scored 22/30.

Q2: What was the theme for week two of DWTS season 34?

The theme was One-Hit Wonders Night, featuring famous single-hit songs like “Baby Got Back.”

Q3: When did Carrie Ann Inaba return?

Inaba returned for week two after missing the premiere due to illness.

Q4: Why is One-Hit Wonders Night important for DWTS?

It marked the first 30-point scoring round and the season’s first eliminations, setting the tone for competition.

Q5: Where can fans watch DWTS season 34?

Episodes air Tuesdays on ABC and Disney+, with next-day streaming on Hulu.