Week 7 of Dancing with the Stars Season 34 delivered a Halloween-themed spectacle on October 29, 2025, but the night ended with a jaw-dropping elimination that stunned fans and contestants alike. Despite strong scores and crowd-pleasing routines, one of the top-performing couples was unexpectedly sent home. The elimination followed a week of intense speculation, with several mid-tier celebrities at risk, including Jen Affleck, Danielle Fishel, Andy Richter, and Elaine Hendrix.
The results combined judges’ scores and America’s votes, revealing the unpredictable nature of the competition.
Dancing with the Stars Halloween Night 2025, held on October 29, featured nine remaining couples performing spooky-themed routines on the ABC ballroom stage in Los Angeles. The elimination was based on a combination of judges’ scores and viewer votes, resulting in the surprise exit of a high-scoring couple. The outcome sparked fan outrage, with many calling the result “rigged” and questioning the voting system.
Scores, Standouts, and Elimination Risk
- Jen Affleck: Slipped to the bottom of the leaderboard; chemistry concerns with partner Jan Ravnik
- Danielle Fishel: Improved scores but vulnerable due to limited fan base
- Andy Richter: Consistently low scores but strong viewer support
- Elaine Hendrix: Solid scores but previously in bottom three; fan base not vocal
Despite predictions pointing to Jen or Andy, the actual elimination shocked viewers by removing a couple that had scored in the top half of the leaderboard.
Quotes and Reactions
Carrie Ann Inaba commented:
“It’s always heartbreaking when a couple that’s improving gets sent home. That’s the nature of the show.”
Fans on social media posted:
“Elaine Hendrix deserved to stay. This is outrageous.” “DWTS voting system needs a serious overhaul. Talent should matter more than popularity.”
Rankings and Fan Sentiment
The Halloween Night elimination reshuffles the competition landscape. With only eight couples remaining, the margin for error is shrinking. Fan engagement remains high, but the disconnect between scores and results has reignited debates about the fairness of the voting system. Contestants now face mounting pressure to deliver standout performances and mobilize their fan bases.
The shock exit may also influence judges to weigh scores more heavily in future rounds.
What’s Next: Week 8 and Championship Outlook
- Next Theme: “Icons Night” — tributes to music legends
- Remaining Contestants: Eight couples
- Fan Strategy: Increased voting campaigns expected
- Judges’ Focus: Technique, storytelling, and crowd impact
Week 8 will be critical for mid-tier performers looking to avoid another surprise elimination.
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