A Night of Highs and Lows
Last night on Dancing With the Stars, “One-Hit Wonders” night promised nostalgia and fun, but it delivered something much more intense: a leaderboard so tight it ended in a historic four-way tie for first place. Just as surprising was the couple who ultimately said their goodbyes, proving that on this show, frontrunner status can be fragile. If you missed the episode, here is a breakdown of all the key moments, scores, and what this elimination means for the competition.
The Leaderboard Logjam: Who Topped the Scores?
The theme of the night was “One-Hit Wonders,” and several couples delivered performances that judges Bruno Tonioli, Carrie Ann Inaba, and Derek Hough called unforgettable. The scoring was so consistently high that it resulted in a rare deadlock at the top.
The Four-Way Tie for First Place
Each of these couples earned an impressive 24 points, creating a thrilling sense of parity.
- Jason Mraz and Daniella Karagach: The singer continued his strong streak with a lively Quickstep that was praised for its precision and charm.
- Xochitl Gomez and Val Chmerkovskiy: The Marvel star’s joyful Jive was filled with energy, showcasing her rapid improvement and natural stage presence.
- Ariana Madix and Pasha Pashkov: The Vanderpump Rules star, channeling the week’s drama into her performance, delivered a powerful Tango that judges called “fiery” and “committed.”
- Lele Pons and Brandon Armstrong: The social media superstar’s vibrant Samba was a crowd-pleaser, celebrated for its rhythm and fun energy.
This tie sets up a fascinating dynamic for next week, as the competition now lacks a single, clear frontrunner.
The Surprising Elimination: A Shocking Goodbye
Despite the tight race at the top, the bottom of the leaderboard held the night’s biggest shock. After combining judges’ scores with viewer votes, two couples found themselves in jeopardy.
Who Went Home on Dancing With the Stars?
The night ended with Mira Sorvino and Gleb Savchenko being eliminated. The Oscar-winning actress had danced a graceful Foxtrot, but it landed near the bottom of the judges’ scoreboard with 18 points. The other couple in the bottom was Jamie Lynn Spears and Alan Bersten.
The elimination highlights a critical rule of Dancing With the Stars: the judges’ scores are only half the battle. Viewer votes are equally important. While Mira may have had a lower score, Jamie Lynn’s fanbase was strong enough to save her for another week. This system ensures the power truly remains with the audience watching at home.
What This Means for the Competition
The elimination of a respected actress like Mira Sorvino so early in Season 32 sends a clear message. No one is safe. It underscores that popularity and a compelling story can sometimes outweigh technical skill on any given night. For the remaining celebrities, the strategy must now shift from just earning high scores to also forging a strong, vote-worthy connection with the audience.
Dancing With the Stars FAQ
Your Questions Answered
Q1: How does the voting system work on Dancing With the Stars?
A: The outcome is determined by a 50/50 split. Judges’ scores account for 50% of a couple’s total, and viewer votes (cast live during the East Coast broadcast on ABC and Disney+) make up the other 50%.
Q2: Where can I watch new episodes of Dancing With the Stars?
A: New episodes air live on ABC and are available to stream simultaneously on Disney+. You can usually catch a rerun or on-demand version on Hulu the following day.
Q3: Who are the hosts and judges for Season 32?
A: The show is hosted by Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough. The judging panel consists of Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough.
Q4: Was there a perfect score last night?
A: Not yet. The highest score of the night was 24 out of 30. As the dancers improve and the routines become more complex, we can expect to see the first 10s—and potentially a perfect 30—in the coming weeks.
Conclusion: The Competition Is Truly On
“One-Hit Wonders” night lived up to its name by creating a memorable moment in Dancing With the Stars history. The four-way tie proves the talent pool is deep, and Mira Sorvino’s elimination is a stark reminder that every vote counts. The leaderboard is wide open, and the race for the Mirrorball Trophy is now more unpredictable than ever.
Who do you think has what it takes to go all the way? Be sure to tune in next Tuesday and make your voice heard by voting for your favorite couple.
Source for scores and elimination details: The Hollywood Reporter.
