Season 34 of Dancing with the Stars has officially found its rhythm — and wow, does it have a pulse. With a cast stacked with influencers, athletes, actors, and icons from across pop culture, the ballroom has never felt more electric. This season isn’t just about choreography; it’s about stories, strategy, and the viral power of the fans at home.
Between TikTok Night, which turned the ballroom into a For You Page frenzy, and Disney Night, where childhood nostalgia and sparkling costumes stole the show, we’ve already seen breakout stars, a few stumbles, and some early shockers. Let’s break down everything that’s happened so far — and how each celebrity is carving their path in Season 34.
Meet the Season 34 Cast: A True Pop Culture Cocktail
Here’s the full celebrity lineup and their pro partners this season:
- Robert Irwin (wildlife conservationist & TV personality) with Witney Carson
- Alix Earle (social media influencer) with Val Chmerkovskiy
- Jen Affleck (The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives) with Jan Ravnik
- Whitney Leavitt (The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives) with Mark Ballas
- Hilaria Baldwin (author & influencer) with Gleb Savchenko
- Jordan Chiles (Olympic gymnast) with Ezra Sosa
- Baron Davis (former NBA All-Star) with Britt Stewart
- Dylan Efron (digital creator & adventurer) with Daniella Karagach
- Corey Feldman (actor/musician) with Jenna Johnson
- Danielle Fishel (Boy Meets World) with Pasha Pashkov
- Elaine Hendrix (The Parent Trap, actress) with Alan Bersten
- Scott Hoying (Pentatonix singer) with Rylee Arnold
- Lauren Jauregui (singer, formerly of Fifth Harmony) with Brandon Armstrong
- Andy Richter (comedian/actor) with Emma Slater
Hosts: Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough
Judges: Derek Hough, Carrie Ann Inaba, and Bruno Tonioli
This lineup alone guaranteed a season with range: TikTok clout, Olympic-level precision, nostalgic sitcom royalty, and certified icons. But it’s been the theme nights that truly defined the vibe of Season 34.
TikTok Night: When DWTS Went Viral
TikTok Night arrived early in the season — and it changed the ballroom’s energy completely. For one night, mirrorballs met memes as contestants swapped waltzes and foxtrots for viral sounds, remix beats, and dances designed to trend.
The Vibes
The ballroom looked nothing like its usual self. Giant LED hashtags scrolled across the stage. Bright neon graphics flickered like a TikTok feed. And for the first time, DWTS leaned into split-screen edits, jump cuts, and visual effects that made performances feel like scrolling through trending audios.
Couples were tasked with fusing their assigned dance styles with a trending TikTok song or moment — and that pressure to “go viral” showed.
- Alix Earle & Val: This was Alix’s night to shine. As one of the internet’s it-girls, she knows camera angles and energy better than most. Her performance felt sleek, confident, and built for the algorithm. Fans clipped it and reposted within minutes, giving her the kind of exposure few contestants can manufacture.
- Robert Irwin & Witney: Robert brought charm instead of flash. He leaned into his natural charisma and storytelling rather than trying to be hyper-trendy. It worked — audiences fell for his genuine energy, and he avoided the awkward “trying too hard” trap.
- Jordan Chiles & Ezra: Unsurprisingly, Jordan delivered. As an Olympic gymnast, she has natural precision and stage presence. Her number was one of the cleanest of the night and racked up love from both judges and fans.
- Scott Hoying & Rylee: Scott is no stranger to performing — and it showed. His routine had the polish of someone who’s lived on stage, earning strong social buzz.
- Baron Davis & Britt: Baron leaned into humor and personality, giving the night one of its more entertaining (if less technically perfect) performances.
- Lauren Jauregui & Brandon: With vocal performance experience, Lauren brought emotional presence. She wasn’t the flashiest of the night, but fans responded to her smooth confidence.
Others in the cast — like Jen Affleck, Whitney Leavitt, and Elaine Hendrix — had more mixed receptions, some praised for personality, others called out for looking “out of their comfort zone.” And Andy Richter’s TikTok Night may have been more endearing than technically strong, but that’s part of DWTS charm: personality matters.
The Impact
TikTok Night lit up the internet. Clips circulated live, fan accounts debated who really understood the assignment, and for the first time in a while, DWTS was trending among a younger audience.
The leaderboard shook up dramatically. Several early frontrunners were suddenly vulnerable, while fan favorites gained momentum thanks to viral support.
Disney Night: Where the Magic — and Pressure — Got Real
If TikTok Night was the chaotic party, Disney Night was the emotional gut punch. A DWTS classic, this theme always brings soaring scores, heartfelt performances, and… heartbreak.
The ballroom transformed into a fairytale wonderland. The set shimmered with castle projections, enchanted forests, and starry skies. Contestants dressed as Disney icons — mermaids, princes, princesses, pirates — and danced to songs that many grew up with. This is a night where story matters as much as footwork.
Highlights & Heart
- Jordan Chiles & Ezra delivered one of the standout routines of the night, pairing her athletic strength with surprising emotional depth. Her Disney performance earned her top-tier praise from the judges.
- Alix Earle & Val embraced the glamour and leaned into character. Alix surprised many by softening her edges for a more classic Disney moment, proving she’s more than just a TikTok queen.
- Robert Irwin & Witney melted hearts. His natural earnestness, paired with a tender story arc, hit the sweet spot Disney Night is known for. Viewers flooded social media with love for his performance.
- Scott Hoying & Rylee impressed with vocal-theater-level presence and polish. This was one of the cleanest, most cinematic numbers of the night.
- Lauren Jauregui & Brandon brought an unexpected intensity to her dance. It wasn’t the highest-scoring routine of the night, but it stood out for its sincerity.
The rest of the cast brought their own twists: Elaine Hendrix gave elegant villain energy, Baron Davis brought personality to a comedic number, and Danielle Fishel leaned into nostalgia (and won a few hearts doing it). Jen Affleck and Whitney Leavitt showed improvement over their earlier weeks, while Andy Richter’s sweet and slightly goofy routine felt like something straight out of a Pixar blooper reel.
But Disney Night wasn’t without heartbreak: Hilaria Baldwin & Gleb Savchenko were eliminated after a performance that actually received positive judge feedback. It was a reminder that no one is truly safe, and fan votes remain a powerful wildcard.
The Power of Theme Nights
Season 34’s back-to-back themed episodes did more than give us great TV — they defined the shape of the competition.
- TikTok Night spotlighted who could adapt to modern pop culture and connect with a digital-first audience. Contestants with built-in fanbases thrived.
- Disney Night showcased who could tell a story, bring emotion, and elevate technique. Contestants with performance or acting backgrounds shone.
- Together, they split the cast into narrative lanes — viral favorites, emotional anchors, and technical standouts.
This duality is what makes this season so much fun. DWTS isn’t just rewarding the “best dancer.” It’s rewarding the contestants who can move people — on the floor and online.
Where Each Contestant Stands Midseason
Here’s the vibe check as we head deeper into Season 34:
- Robert Irwin — The heart of the season. Authentic, charming, and surprisingly graceful. A fan favorite and potential finalist.
- Alix Earle — Viral energy with growing technical polish. If she keeps improving, she’s top 4 material.
- Jordan Chiles — Technically outstanding, emotionally growing. She’s a clear frontrunner.
- Scott Hoying — The performer. Every routine feels like a mini-show. If voting holds, he’s going far
- Elaine Hendrix — Consistent and theatrical. A dark horse.
- Dylan Efron, Jen Affleck, Whitney Leavitt, Danielle Fishel — These contestants have had solid moments but need breakout performances soon to stay in the mix.
- Andy Richter — A lovable underdog. Less technical, but a fan favorite for humor and heart.
And of course, Hilaria Baldwin’s early exit showed that even strong performers aren’t guaranteed longevity if the votes don’t fall their way.
Why Season 34 Hits Different
DWTS has had many iconic seasons, but Season 34 has a special kind of momentum. Here’s why:
- The Cast Is Culturally Diverse: From Alix Earle’s Gen Z social clout to Robert Irwin’s wholesome appeal and Scott Hoying’s performance pedigree, this lineup brings multiple fanbases under one roof.
- TikTok Integration Actually Worked: For once, a theme night designed for young audiences didn’t feel forced. It felt alive — and it made the show trend in real time.
- Disney Night Still Has Its Magic: Even after 30+ seasons, Disney Night remains a crown jewel. The storytelling, emotion, and spectacle keep it a fan favorite.
- The Competition Is Unpredictable: No clear winner has emerged yet. The top half of the leaderboard could shift any week, depending on votes, themes, and momentum.
What’s Next
As the season heads into its second half, the ballroom is primed for even more drama. Expect:
- Theme nights that push contestants out of their comfort zones even more.
- At least one shocking elimination.
- A showdown between technical stars (Jordan, Scott), viral magnets (Alix), and fan-favorite underdogs (Robert).
- Emotional arcs that keep viewers invested week after week.
If TikTok Night was the spark and Disney Night was the heart, what comes next might just be the fire that defines the season. Catch new episodes of DWTS every Tuesday on ABC and stream the next day on Hulu.
Final Thoughts
Season 34 of Dancing with the Stars is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. It’s modern, nostalgic, and surprisingly emotional. The cast is dynamic, the themes have real cultural pull, and the competition is wide open.
Whether you’re rooting for Alix’s influencer era, Robert’s wholesome charm, Jordan’s precision, or Scott’s showmanship, one thing’s for sure: this season is proof that the mirrorball still matters.
