‘Dancing With the Stars’ Double Elimination Stuns Viewers as Fan Outrage Erupts Over Controversial Results
Season 34 of Dancing With the Stars is officially underway, and Week 2 delivered everything fans expect from the ballroom: dazzling routines, dramatic reveals, emotional farewells — and, in this case, a storm of controversy. Tuesday night’s “One Hit-Wonders Night” not only kicked off the elimination rounds but also shocked audiences with a double exit that left many viewers questioning the fairness of the competition.
Two couples were sent home — Corey Feldman with pro partner Jenna Johnson, and former NBA star Baron Davis with pro Britt Stewart. While eliminations are always bittersweet, this week’s results struck a nerve with fans after Hilaria Baldwin, who scored higher than both Feldman and Davis, managed to survive despite her placement in the bottom three. The decision ignited online debate, with some viewers openly declaring they would stop watching the show.
A Ballroom Bloodbath: First Cuts of the Season
The results were determined by a combination of judges’ scores from both Week 1 and Week 2 and audience votes across those nights. Judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli tallied up the totals before announcing the first cuts of the season.
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Corey Feldman & Jenna Johnson performed a Cha Cha to Sir Mix-A-Lot’s “Baby Got Back,” earning 15 out of 30 points. Despite Feldman’s enthusiasm, his performance was criticized for lack of rhythm and polish.
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Baron Davis & Britt Stewart attempted a Samba to Mark Morrison’s “Return of the Mack,” securing 18 out of 30 points. While the former athlete brought energy to the floor, the technical flaws were enough to land him in danger.
Both couples were swiftly eliminated, leaving Feldman and Davis to deliver emotional farewells to the judges, their partners, and the audience. Feldman admitted he felt most guilty for letting down Johnson, a fan-favorite pro who won last season. Davis, meanwhile, expressed gratitude to Stewart for reigniting his competitive spirit.
Hilaria Baldwin’s Tango Sparks Online Firestorm
The evening’s most controversial moment came when Hilaria Baldwin, partnered with Gleb Savchenko, advanced to the next round. Performing a Tango to Haddaway’s 1990s hit “What Is Love,” Baldwin earned 21 out of 30 points.
The routine showcased confident footwork and dramatic lines, and while the judges praised her improvement, fans were divided. Baldwin’s survival in the competition, despite falling into the bottom three alongside Feldman and Davis, sparked a flood of social media criticism.
One fan vented:
“Yea no, I’m done watching this season since she’s still on. Corey and Baron deserve to be there more than her. Tuesdays are now free for me.”
Another echoed:
“Baron deserved better. Send her home.”
Some critics went further, arguing Baldwin had an unfair advantage due to prior ballroom training.
“A real shame people voted for Hilaria Baldwin. She shouldn’t even be on the show. Baron should’ve been saved.”
Yet, Baldwin was not without defenders. Supporters praised her Tango, insisting she delivered one of the best dances of the night. One wrote:
“Best dance of the night! She deserved a higher score.”
Another added:
“I get that she struggles with popularity, but her dance was technically stronger than others. That’s what I voted on.”
The split reaction perfectly encapsulated the dual nature of DWTS: part dance competition, part popularity contest.
Highs and Lows: Standout Performances
While eliminations dominated headlines, the episode also delivered several standout performances that lifted the energy of the ballroom.
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Robert Irwin & Witney Carson dazzled with a high-energy Tango, earning 22 out of 30 points. Irwin, son of the late Steve Irwin, stunned the judges with his natural charisma and strong technique, prompting Derek Hough to declare it one of the best early-season routines in recent years.
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Jordan Chiles & Ezra Sosa lit up the floor with a Jive that showcased the Olympian’s athleticism.
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Jen Affleck & Jan Ravnik impressed with a polished Quickstep that won loud cheers from the crowd.
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Whitney Leavitt & Mark Ballas scored equally well with a fiery Cha Cha.
These four couples tied for the top of the leaderboard, proving that Season 34 is shaping up to be one of the most competitive installments in the show’s history.
On the other end, comedian Andy Richter & Emma Slater struggled with a Tango that only earned 16 out of 30, keeping them at risk heading into the next round.
Feldman Faces Harsh Criticism
Feldman’s elimination came after weeks of buzz — but not the flattering kind. During his first performance, he attempted a Tango to Billy Joel’s “It’s Still Rock & Roll to Me” that left audiences cringing. Despite Johnson’s sharp choreography and efforts to carry the routine, Feldman’s lack of timing and stiffness drew brutal online reviews.
Viewers didn’t hold back:
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“Painful to watch!” one critic posted.
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“He knew the steps but has no rhythm at all,” another wrote.
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“Next week he’s gone. He and Andy are the first to go.”
While Feldman’s passion was undeniable, the consensus was clear: in a season stacked with strong contenders, his dancing simply wasn’t enough.
Emotions Run High as Couples Say Goodbye
The night ended on a bittersweet note as the two eliminated contestants addressed the crowd. Feldman praised Johnson as “the queen of the ballroom” and expressed regret for not living up to her standard. Davis, meanwhile, admitted he had joined the show to push himself out of his comfort zone and to make Stewart proud.
Both exits drew applause from the live audience, but online, fans lamented that Davis, in particular, should have stayed longer.
Fan Reactions: Joy, Outrage, and Predictions
Social media exploded immediately after the episode, with hashtags like #JusticeForBaron and #DWTS34 trending across X (formerly Twitter).
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Supporters of Baldwin defended her dancing ability, arguing that results should be based on performance, not popularity.
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Detractors accused producers of favoritism and warned they would boycott the show.
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Many fans shifted their focus to Robert Irwin, declaring him the frontrunner for the Mirrorball Trophy.
One fan summed up the evening:
“Robert is the winner already. The rest are just competing for second place.”
What’s Next for Season 34
With the first eliminations out of the way, the competition is expected to intensify. As the remaining couples head into Week 3, the pressure to balance technical skill with fan appeal has never been higher.
Will Baldwin continue to defy the critics? Can Irwin maintain his momentum? And which celebrity will become the season’s surprise breakout?
One thing is certain: Dancing With the Stars has once again proven that beyond the sequins and spotlight, it’s the unexpected moments — shocking exits, emotional speeches, and divisive results — that keep audiences tuning in week after week.
Adrian Hawthorne is a celebrated author and dedicated archivist who finds inspiration in the hidden stories of the past. Educated at Oxford, he now works at the National Archives, where preserving history fuels his evocative writing. Balancing archival precision with creative storytelling, Adrian founded the Hawthorne Institute of Literary Arts to mentor emerging writers and honor the timeless art of narrative.