The ballroom came alive once again on September 30, 2025, as Dancing with the Stars returned for its third week of the season. The theme this time was all about viral TikTok hits, and the episode delivered a perfect mix of fun, energy and nostalgia. The 13 remaining contestants danced their hearts out with their pro partners to some of the internet’s most loved tracks. From stunning performances to emotional moments and a shocking elimination, the night had everything fans could ask for.
The show opened with a bang as Charli D’Amelio, the Season 31 winner and one of TikTok’s biggest stars, took over the dance floor again. She performed an electrifying number to Charli XCX’s Apple, choreographed by Kelley Heyer. Later, she reunited with her former partner, Mark Ballas, to perform the famous Savage TikTok dance alongside the DWTS troupe, setting the tone for the rest of the night. Host Alfonso Ribeiro also shared that last week’s double elimination episode broke the show’s all-time voting record — proof that the series still has fans hooked even after nearly 20 years.
When it came to the competition, the leaderboard was tight. Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles and his partner Ezra Sosa earned 24 out of 30, tying with TikTok star Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas. Close behind were Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy, who scored 23, along with Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach. Robert Irwin with Witney Carson and Scott Hoying with Rylee Arnold also impressed, both earning 22. Meanwhile, Danielle Fishel with Pasha Pashkov and Elaine Hendrix with Alan Bersten scored 21, leaving room for improvement in the next round.
At the lower end of the scoreboard were Jen Affleck and Jan Ravnik, who earned 19. Andy Richter with Emma Slater and Lauren Jauregui with Brandon Armstrong both received 18, landing them at the bottom. Despite strong fan support, Lauren’s scores weren’t enough to keep her in the competition. She became the third contestant to be eliminated this season. Before leaving the stage, Lauren thanked her fans and the judges, saying she was grateful for the experience.
After three weeks, Dancing with the Stars continues to prove that it can stay fresh while honouring its ballroom roots. The addition of viral songs and digital-age stars has brought a new wave of energy and helped the show reach younger audiences. New episodes air live every Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET on ABC, and viewers can catch up the next day on Disney+ or Hulu.