When Jordan Chiles, the 24‑year‑old Olympic gymnast from Oklahoma City, and her partner Ezra Sosa earned a flawless 32‑point routine on Tuesday night, viewers knew something big was about to happen.
The episode, aired live from Los Angeles, California, was the second installment of season 34 of ABC’s “One Hit Wonder NightLos Angeles.” Co‑hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough guided the audience through a night of 80s pop nostalgia, but the real drama unfolded when two couples were sent packing in a double elimination.
Episode Overview
Fourteen celebrity contestants paired with professional dancers performed to iconic one‑hit wonders like “Mambo No. 5,” “Lovefool,” and “Move Your Feet.” The judging panel—Carrie Ann Inaba, the late Len Goodman (honored in a tribute), Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli—scored each routine on a 30‑point scale, while America’s votes added a separate 20‑point component.
Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa’s ballroom‑sharp salsa earned the highest combined total of 32 points, edging out a strong tango by wildlife‑conservationist Robert Irwin and partner Witney Carson, who received the judges’ top mark of 22 out of 30.
Scoring Highlights
- Jordan Chiles / Ezra Sosa – 32 points (highest of the night)
- Robert Irwin / Witney Carson – 22 / 30 from the judges
- Alix Earle / Val Chmerkovskiy – 21 / 30 for a lively jive
- Lauren Jauregui / Brandon Armstrong – 21 / 30 for a foxtrot
Derek Hough called Chiles and Sosa “a powerhouse partnership,” noting her gymnastics precision translated beautifully to the dance floor.
Double Elimination Details
The bottom two couples—Corey Feldman, the 54‑year‑old actor, and his pro partner Jenna Johnson, plus former NBA star Baron Davis with veteran dancer Britt Stewart—were announced after the judges’ scores and the viewer vote tally were combined.
Both couples received 31 points across the week, placing them just behind Danielle Fishel / Pasha Pashkov, who sat ninth overall. The decision sparked a flurry of social‑media reaction, with fans debating whether Feldman’s vintage charisma or Davis’s athletic flair was a better fit for the show.
Reactions from Judges and Fans
“Corey gave us heart, but the numbers didn’t match,” Len Goodman (via a posthumous tribute video) remarked. Bruno Tonioli added, “Baron, you brought the court to the ballroom, but tonight the dance floor favored others.”
Fans took to Twitter and TikTok, with hashtags #FeldmanFarewell and #DavisDance trending. A poll conducted by The Palm Beach Post reported that 62 % of respondents felt the double elimination raised the stakes for the remaining couples.
Looking Ahead: TikTok Night and Season Outlook
Next week’s episode promises a “TikTok Night” featuring season 31 champion Charli D'Amelio. Her surprise appearance is expected to boost viewership and give contestants a chance to showcase viral‑ready choreography.
With the field now down to twelve, the competition intensifies. Analysts note that the remaining athletes—Jordan Chiles, Robert Irwin, Alix Earle, and Lauren Jauregui—bring a mix of technical skill, performance flair, and fan‑base clout that could shape the final showdown.
Background on Double Eliminations
Double eliminations aren’t new to DWTS. Season 31’s semifinals featured a similar cut, knocking out two pairs in week 9. That format was originally introduced in season 5 to keep the show’s pacing tight. Over the years, producers have used the mechanic sparingly, usually when they need to align the episode count with the live finale schedule.
Season 34, which premiered on September 17, 2025, has already broken a traditional pattern by eliminating twice in only its second week, hinting at a faster‑moving season.
Key Facts
- Air date: September 24, 2025, 8:00 PM EST
- Location: Los Angeles, California (live broadcast)
- Theme: One Hit Wonder Night
- Top score: 32 points (Jordan Chiles / Ezra Sosa)
- Couples eliminated: Corey Feldman / Jenna Johnson; Baron Davis / Britt Stewart
- Next episode theme: TikTok Night featuring Charli D'Amelio
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were Corey Feldman and Baron Davis eliminated together?
Both couples finished with identical combined scores—31 points each—placing them at the bottom of the leaderboard. After the audience vote was added, the margin favored the other contestants, triggering a double elimination as per the show’s rules for ties at the cutoff point.
How does the scoring system work on DWTS?
Judges award up to 30 points per routine, divided equally among technical execution, performance, and choreography. Viewers then cast votes via the official website or texting, which are converted into a 20‑point scale. The two scores are summed to create the final tally that determines safety or elimination.
What impact does a double elimination have on the competition?
A double elimination compresses the schedule, meaning fewer weeks to showcase choreography and fewer chances for contestants to recover from a low score. It raises the pressure on remaining dancers to consistently earn high marks and mobilize their fan bases early.
Who is expected to dominate the upcoming TikTok Night?
Analysts point to Jordan Chiles and Robert Irwin as early favorites. Chiles’ athletic precision and Irwin’s natural charisma align well with the fast‑paced, viral‑style choreography TikTok Night demands. Their strong scores so far suggest they can adapt quickly to trending dance moves.
Where can viewers watch the show after the live broadcast?
Episodes are streamed on Disney+ the same night and become available on Hulu the following day for on‑demand viewing. International audiences can also access the live feed through ABC’s official website, subject to regional restrictions.