Viewers were stunned after a shocking elimination on Tuesday’s Dancing With the Stars, when a top-three performer from the evening — Lele Pons — was voted off the show.
It was music video night on the show, with the remaining eight dancers performing to songs that were accompanied by iconic music videos during their time, with artists like the Backstreet Boys, A-Ha, Gwen Stefani, Britney Spears and NSYNC.
Here’s a look at how the evening shook out.
Lele’s performance
Pons, a social media star and actress, danced a salsa routine with her partner Brandon Armstrong to the Shakira song “Whenever, Wherever” and received a score of 33 from the judges, including guest judge Paula Abdul.
After bonus scores from a group dance competition were added later in the show, Pons was sitting in third place out of the eight remaining contestants, with actress Xochitl Gomez and reality star Ariana Madix tied above her at the top.
Lele’s exit
The last three couples remaining on the stage included Pons along with actor Barry Williams and reality star Charity Lawson
“I am so, so grateful for everything. You’re the best,” Pons said, gesturing toward her partner Armstrong. “Everybody here’s the best, I love them.”
She reiterated those sentiments on social media and added that these are memories that she will “cherish forever.”
SO GRATEFUL FOR THIS EXPERIENCE 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼 Unforgettable memores that will cherish forever❤️ #DWTS
— Lele Pons (@lelepons) November 8, 2023
And speaking of her partner, Armstrong seemed as shocked as everyone else in the room after their names were called.
“That one burns. I definitely don’t think Lele should have gone home tonight, I think Lele was getting better. No dance experience coming in, she’s the best partner she could have been,” he said. “At the end of the day it’s a show, we’re happy to be here and we made a lot of great moments together, and she’s the best.”
Lele’s support
The subdued and shocked reaction in the room carried over to viewers reacting on social media, with Lele’s fans and non-fans alike in agreement that this shouldn’t have been her night.
The amount of people rioting for @lelepons goes to show you how rigged this show has become.. like even the judges were like wtf is this? #DWTS
— 🖤 (@dmgxx02) November 8, 2023
@lelepons when I tell you my jaw dropped when hearing your name tonight, I’m sorry love. You’re amazing 😭😭🩷🩷
— nessauko (@nessaauko) November 8, 2023
Whatttt! Justice for @lelepons and Brandon! They did not deserve to go home 😤
There is noooo wayyyy #DWTS— Darieliz Solis (@darielizithzmar) November 8, 2023
Life without Lele
Seven dancers remain, including Gomez, Lawson, Madix, Williams, singer Jason Mraz, actress Alyson Hannigan and social media star Harry Jowsey. Next week’s theme will be Whitney Houston night, honoring the late singer.
For more on other performances from this week’s show, click here.
Dancing With the Stars airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. on ABC and Disney+ and streams the following day on Hulu.
