The ballroom was electric on Tuesday night, September 30, 2025, as the third week of Dancing with the Stars Season 34 (aka DWTS) delivered perhaps its most surprising elimination yet. Among the bottom three couples announced was singer Lauren Jauregui and her pro partner Brandon Armstrong, who had just performed a “Cha Cha” to Fifth Harmony’s “Work From Home” during the show’s TikTok-themed night.
When co‑host Julianne Hough asked Lauren how she felt about the elimination, she looked the hosts in the eye and responded with a single clarion word: “Pissed.” The word hung in the air, prompting audible gasps from the live audience and a soft laugh from her dance partner.
How It Went Down: The Elimination Breakdown
Earlier in the show, the judges awarded Lauren and Brandon a score of 18/30 for their Cha Cha, putting them in peril.
The bottom three couples that night were:
- Lauren Jauregui & Brandon Armstrong
- Elaine Hendrix & Alan Bersten
- Andy Richter & Emma Slater
Ultimately, Jauregui and Armstrong were eliminated, despite spirited performances from all contestants.
This exit came on the heels of DWTS’s first two eliminations of the season—Baron Davis and Corey Feldman—which many saw as expected moves. But the departure of Jauregui so early into the competition has proven to be the most talked‑about moment of the season.
Lauren’s Reaction: Frustrated, Grateful, and Unfiltered
In the emotional aftermath, Lauren hopped onto Instagram Stories to address fans, tearfully acknowledging her feelings and thanking supporters. “You already know your girl is a Cancer so I’ve been crying non‑stop,” she wrote. “But I just wanted to say thank you to everybody who voted and for all the beautiful messages that I’m seeing online. I love you guys.” She added, “I wish I could tell you to vote but I can’t anymore. … We had something beautiful planned next week so I’m really bummed that we can’t show you guys that. Alas it is what it is and I’m so grateful for the experience.”
In a later interview, Lauren doubled down on her blunt stage response: “I mean, they asked me how I was feeling in the moment, and that’s how I was feeling in the moment.” She admitted she was emotional because she felt she had so much more to offer: “I feel like I had a lot left to give the show … We were going to keep progressing. It’s sad not to be able to do that.” And to her partner, she expressed: “I’m so grateful to have had you as a partner.”
Her honesty and raw emotion struck a chord with fans and fellow professionals alike. The abrupt exit drew comparisons to former DWTS contestant Anna Delvey, who had once replied “Nothing” when asked what she took away from her elimination.
Fan and Cast Reactions: Outrage, Support, and Backlash
Viewers at home were quick to voice their fury. One social media fan wrote, “WE WANT BRANDON AND LAUREN BACK ‼️” while another said, “Ain’t no way they are going home WHAAAAAAAAT.” Even pros weighed in: Emma Slater commented, “I just can’t believe you guys went. I did not see that coming. Loved you both so much … I think you shone 💛.” Pasha Pashkov shared heart emojis and cryptic symbols, and Ezra Sosa posted “JUSTICE FOR LAUREN AND BRANDON.”
Meanwhile, Brylee Armstrong—Brandon’s wife—jumped into the conversation via TikTok, saying, “Get unready with me while we debrief Brandon and Lauren’s elimination tonight on DWTS … So that sucked.” She reassured fans that the pro’s career wasn’t in jeopardy, explaining that Brandon “basically is like a troupe member, so he’ll still be in the background of other people’s dances … He’s still on the payroll.” She added that she was “most disappointed” for Lauren, viewing the show as a personal opportunity beyond her Fifth Harmony identity.
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The Stakes: DWTS Season 34 Context & What Comes Next
Season 34 of Dancing with the Stars premiered on September 16, 2025, airing simultaneously on ABC and Disney+. The season is scheduled to run through November 25, 2025. The judging panel remains Derek Hough, Carrie Ann Inaba, and Bruno Tonioli, with Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough hosting.
That said, Season 34 is also marking its 20th anniversary and is the third iteration to broadcast live on both ABC and Disney+.
The DWTS field this year is rich with personalities. Remaining competitors include Robert Irwin, Alix Earle, Elaine Hendrix, Danielle Fishel, Jordan Chiles, and Andy Richter, among others. Notably, in the aftermath of Jauregui’s elimination, Robert Irwin and Witney Carson have been spotlighted as early frontrunners. The next episode, “Disney Night,” is set to air on October 7 at 8 p.m. ET.
The competition will now curve tighter without one of its most buzzed-about contestants—and the ripple effects of her exit are likely to influence voting, storyline, and audience engagement in the weeks ahead.
Where Lauren Jauregui’s Exit Leaves DWTS
Lauren’s elimination underscores the unpredictability inherent in a live-vote reality competition. She officially became the third contestant sent home in Week 3 of DWTS, and her departure is already being called one of the most controversial exits the show has seen this season.
Her one-word reaction, “Pissed,” will go down in DWTS history alongside other iconic exit moments. As the audience continues to debate the fairness of the elimination and rally behind her, all eyes will now shift to how the remaining contestants step up when the lights and cameras return.
Stay tuned for full recaps and analysis of DWTS as we follow this season’s eliminations, performances, and surprises.
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