DWTS Fans Outraged After Shocking Elimination on Wicked Night: ‘The Favoritism Is Unreal!’

“Dancing with the Stars” fans were left stunned after a fan-favorite couple was eliminated during the show’s Wicked Night episode. The unexpected exit has sparked backlash online, with many viewers accusing the judges of favoritism and unfair scoring.

The elimination came halfway through Season 34 as the ABC ballroom competition paid tribute to the hit musical and upcoming movie “Wicked: For Good.” Despite performing an emotional routine, one beloved duo didn’t survive the night, igniting heated reactions across social media.

Scott Hoying and Rylee Arnold Eliminated During Wicked Night

Hosts Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro revealed at the end of Tuesday’s live show that singer Scott Hoying and professional dancer Rylee Arnold were the latest pair to be sent home. Their exit came as a surprise to many, especially after earning strong feedback from the judging panel for their performance of “The Wizard and I.”

The pair’s routine was celebrated for its elegance and chemistry, yet their combined votes and scores from the previous Dedication Night weren’t enough to keep them in the competition. The shock intensified as fans noticed that Andy Richter and his partner Emma Slater, who had been near the bottom of the leaderboard for weeks, were spared from elimination.

Online, fans quickly voiced frustration. “How in the world did Whitney get 3 10’s?” one viewer wrote on X, while another added, “These judges are crazy. Scott and Rylee deserved to stay — this is favoritism at its worst.”

Scott Hoying and Rylee Arnold

Judges Under Fire Over ‘Unfair’ 10s and Favoritism Allegations

The controversy grew after judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and guest judge Jon M. Chu awarded three perfect 10s — the first of the season — to influencer Whitney Leavitt and her pro partner Mark Ballas. Derek Hough was the only panelist to give them a 9. While the performance was praised, many viewers felt the scores were inflated compared to others that night, including Robert Irwin and Witney Carson’s well-received routine.

Social media erupted with criticism, with one viewer posting, “The favoritism is the worst it’s ever been. The credibility of the judging is seriously compromised.” Another wrote, “I’m sorry, but Robert’s dance was miles better than Whitney’s. What are these judges watching?”

Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa, who performed last, received identical scores to close out the show — another result that left fans scratching their heads. Some questioned whether producers were influencing outcomes behind the scenes to favor certain storylines or contestants.

Tension Reported Behind the Scenes at DWTS

Adding fuel to the fire, reports surfaced that some professional dancers have grown increasingly frustrated with producers. According to an exclusive report from The U.S. Sun, multiple pros have allegedly threatened to quit after feeling “disrespected” and sidelined by production decisions.

Sources claim that veteran dancers feel overshadowed by younger talent, with rumors suggesting that producers are strategically pairing certain celebrities to boost ratings rather than maintain fairness. The insider added that ABC is even exploring bringing back former pro Kym Johnson-Herjavec full-time after her positive reception as a guest judge earlier this season.

As the competition heads into its final stretch, fans and insiders alike are calling for more transparency and consistency in judging. With emotions running high, “Dancing with the Stars” faces growing pressure to restore viewer trust and keep the spotlight on the dancing — not the drama.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Who was eliminated from DWTS on Wicked Night?

Scott Hoying and Rylee Arnold were eliminated during Wicked Night, shocking fans and prompting debate about the judges’ decisions.

Q2: Why are fans accusing DWTS judges of favoritism?

Viewers claim that certain contestants received undeserved high scores while stronger performances were overlooked, suggesting bias from the judges.

Q3: Which couple received the first 10s of the DWTS season?

Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas earned the first perfect 10s of the season for their Wicked Night performance, sparking controversy among fans.

Q4: Are DWTS professionals unhappy with producers?

Reports indicate that some pro dancers feel disrespected and may leave due to alleged “strategic partner preferences” from production.

Q5: Will former pro Kym Johnson return to DWTS?

Insiders say producers are in talks to bring back Kym Johnson-Herjavec permanently after her well-received guest appearance this season.