A double elimination rocks ‘One-Hit Wonders Night’

The Dancing With the Stars Season 34 premiere was kind to the celebrity contestants, sparing them all from elimination, but Week 2 was when the competition got real. The judges’ scores and viewer votes from the first two weeks of competition were combined to determine which two couples got the boot. So what happened on “One-Hit Wonders Night,” which featured music by Lou Bega, The Cardigans, Toni Basil, and more?

Coming into this week’s live show with an advantage were wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin and The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Whitney Leavitt. Both stars scored 15 out of 20 from judges Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli (the third judge, Carrie Ann Inaba, was absent due to illness), placing them at the top of the leaderboard. Irwin, whose sister Bindi Irwin was the Mirror Ball champion for Season 21, danced a jive so good that Hough called it “the best first dance I’ve ever seen on this show.” For Leavitt, her high score was a bit of an accident. Hough and Tonioli both raised their seven paddles for her, but Tonioli actually keyed in an eight, which is the official score producers go by.

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Meanwhile, comedian Andy Richter and ’80s icon Corey Feldman had some catching up to do. The oldest celebs in the competition at ages 58 and 54, respectively, Richter and Feldman both scored nine out of 20 from Hough and Tonioli, leaving them at the bottom of the leaderboard. That put them at serious risk of elimination, but we’ve seen in the past that the fans of low-scoring celebs are often galvanized to vote to keep their favorites in the competition, leading to unexpected results. Read on for our Dancing With the Stars “One-Hit Wonders Night” recap.

Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy, Dancing With the StarsDisney/Andrew Eccles

Alix Earle and pro Val Chmerkovskiy

Performance: She danced a tropical jive to “Mambo No. 5” by Lou Bega backed by glittering palm trees.
Carrie Ann’s comments: “That was incredible … You blew me a way. There’s a freshness to you. You can tell it’s all new, but that’s what makes it fun.”
Derek’s comments: “That was a difficult routine, but you did a fantastic job … It got a little wild in some areas.” She has “so much potential” in a “powerhouse partnership.”
Bruno’s comments: “Breakthrough.”
Scores: Carrie Ann (7), Derek (7), Bruno (7) = 21 out of 30

Danielle Fishel and Pasha Pashkov, Dancing With the StarsDisney/Andrew Eccles

Danielle Fishel and pro Pasha Pashkov

Performance: Despite a hamstring injury and some leg bruising following a deep tissue massage, Fishel rocked a cha cha to “Rhythm of the Night” by Corona.
Carrie Ann’s comments: “There’s a sophistication in the way you move,” and she told a story with her movements, but “were you breathing in the first half?”
Derek’s comments: “Good.”
Bruno’s comments: “It was sensual, and you had just the right amount of spice. There’s still a couple of issues you have to watch,” including the same shoulder problem as last week.
Scores: Carrie Ann (7), Derek (6), Bruno (6) = 19 out of 30

Andy Richter and Emma Slater, Dancing With the StarsDisney/Andrew Eccles

Andy Richter and pro Emma Slater

Performance: Richter’s heart opened up on the dance floor during his tango to “It’s Raining Men” by The Weather Girls.
Carrie Ann’s comments: “Improved.”
Derek’s comments: “You truly capture the essence of why this show was created … You could move more, the frame was down a little bit.”
Bruno’s comments: “The way you tangoed was a bit frightening, but very entertaining.”
Scores: Carrie Ann (6), Derek (5), Bruno (5) = 16 out of 30

dancing with the stars lauren jauregui brandon armstrong

Lauren Jauregui and Brandon Armstrong, Dancing With the StarsDisney/Andrew Eccles

Lauren Jauregui and pro Brandon Armstrong

Performance: After her fiery week one tango, she showed a softer side of herself with her foxtrot to “Lovefool” by The Cardigans.
Carrie Ann’s comments: “There’s something very mesmerizing about you when you dance. You draw people in.” It was also “smooth” and “light” and had all the elements of foxtrot.
Derek’s comments: “Effortless, soft, and beautiful. You finished your lines.” He called her an “amazing dancer.”
Bruno’s comments: “Classic.”
Scores: Carrie Ann (7), Derek (7), Bruno (7) = 21 out of 30

dancing with the stars jordan chiles ezra sosa

Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa, Dancing With the StarsDisney/Andrew Eccles

Jordan Chiles and pro Ezra Sosa

Performance: The Olympian hoped to improve on her first week scores with a jive to “Maniac” by Michael Sembello that better matched her personality.
Carrie Ann’s comments: “Yes, yes, yes! You remind me of one of my favorite performers of all time, Tina Turner.”
Derek’s comments: “Content.”
Bruno’s comments: “Going for gold tonight. Your focus, your determination, you really listened to what we said.” It was “clean, clear, sharp,” and it showed her “personality.”
Scores: Carrie Ann (8), Derek (7), Bruno (7) = 22 out of 30

Corey Feldman and Jenna Johnson, Dancing With the StarsDisney/Andrew Eccles

Corey Feldman and pro Jenna Johnson

Performance: The actor and musician followed disappointing week one scores with a cha cha to “Baby Got Back” by Sir Mix-A-Lot that showed off his showmanship.
Carrie Ann’s comments: “Committed.”
Derek’s comments: “It’s not about what we say, it’s about being memorable, and that was memorable.” But there were “timing issues” and “technique” problems.
Bruno’s comments: “Technically unique and unforgettable,” but it was “bizarre.” Though he loved the “Billy Idol attitude.”
Scores: Carrie Ann (5), Derek (5), Bruno (5) = 15 out of 30

dancing with the stars jen affleck jan ravnik

Jen Affleck and Jan Ravnik, Dancing With the StarsDisney/Andrew Eccles

Jen Affleck and pro Jan Ravnik

Performance: The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star wanted to represent resilient moms with her quickstep to “Take On Me” by a-ha.
Carrie Ann’s comments: “You’re very good,” but Jan need to watch out for lifts in ballroom routines.
Derek’s comments: Derek appreciated that she “maintained body contact,” but her left shoulder was a little off.
Bruno’s comments: “Twinkle toes!”
Scores: Carrie Ann (8), Derek (7), Bruno (7) = 22 out of 30

dancing with the stars robert irwin witney carson

Robert Irwin and Witney Carson, Dancing With the StarsDisney/Andrew Eccles

Robert Irwin and pro Witney Carson

Performance: “Time to rise to the challenge,” said Irwin about stepping out of his comfort zone by delivering a tango to “Move Your Feet” by Junior Senior.
Carrie Ann’s comments: “This level of competition is insane. Your charisma is off the charts.” But “you might not be hitting every movement perfectly,” but he sold it.
Derek’s comments: “Crikey!”
Bruno’s comments: “Powerful, clean, clear,” with great “staccato,” but he didn’t like the dance breakdown in the middle. “You don’t need gimmicks.”
Scores: Carrie Ann (8), Derek (7), Bruno (7) = 22 out of 30

Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten, Dancing With the StarsDisney/Andrew Eccles

Elaine Hendrix and pro Alan Bersten

Performance: The actress has been a cheerleader and played cheerleaders, so she got a chance to portray one on the dance floor during her jive to “Hey Mickey” by Toni Basil.
Carrie Ann’s comments: “Wow!”
Derek’s comments: “I am so impressed with your dance.” She’s an “amazing performer.” It was a “difficult routine,” but she needs to “watch the hands and arms” during her turns.
Bruno’s comments: “You know how to sell it! You had the audience in your hands.” And she has the “versatility” to “play any role.” However, she needs to “tighten up” her core.
Scores: Carrie Ann (7), Derek (7), Bruno (7) = 21 out of 30

Baron Davis and Britt Stewart, Dancing With the StarsDisney/Andrew Eccles

Baron Davis and pro Britt Stewart

Performance: Accompanied by a giant mirror ball jukebox, the NBA star samba to “Return of the Mack” by Mark Morrison.
Carrie Ann’s comments: “That was tough. You made a mistake, and it took you out a little bit.” The better part was “smooth” upfront, but then he made mistakes and lost time.
Derek’s comments: “Full of content,” he also noticed the mistakes, but “you covered it very well.”
Bruno’s comments: “Smooth.”
Scores: Carrie Ann (6), Derek (6), Bruno (6) = 18 out of 30

dancing with the stars whitney leavitt mark ballas

Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas, Dancing With the StarsDisney/Andrew Eccles

Whitney Leavitt and pro Mark Ballas

Performance: The Mormon Wives star is “coming for that top spot for real” with her cha cha to “Play That Funky Music” by Wild Cherry after her accidental eight from Bruno Tonioli last week.
Carrie Ann’s comments: “You’re like an engine,” but there was “a bit of a mishap” during the routine.
Derek’s comments: [Clap]
Bruno’s comments: “You’re definitely not a one hit wonder,” it was a “killer cha cha,” and so fast it was “nuclear powered.”
Scores: Carrie Ann (7), Derek (7), Bruno (8) = 22 out of 30

dancing with the stars hilaria baldwin and gleb savchenko

Hilaria Baldwin and Gleb Savchenko, Dancing With the StarsDisney/Andrew Eccles

Hilaria Baldwin and pro Gleb Savchenko

Performance: Under a mirror ball heart hanging from the ceiling, the wellness influencer performed a tango to “What Is Love” by Haddaway.
Carrie Ann’s comments: “Lift!”
Derek’s comments: “That was amazing, that was incredible. The frame was beautiful,” with “gorgeous arms.”
Bruno’s comments: “Wonderful blend of power and elegance,” and she had great “musical phrasing.”
Scores: Carrie Ann (7), Derek (7), Bruno (7) = 21 out of 30

Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach, Dancing With the StarsDisney/Andrew Eccles

Dylan Efron and pro Daniella Karagach

Performance: Like Baron Davis, the media personality tackled one of the hardest dances on the show, a samba, to “Macarena (Bayside Boys Remix)” by Los del Río.
Carrie Ann’s comments: “You’re a little bit of a beginner, but those hips are expert level.” She sees that he’s “learning the technique.”
Derek’s comments: “Very, very impressive,” but “lost a little bit of steam in the promenade runs,” but he wants to see more “power and strength” in his dancing.”
Bruno’s comments: “Snake-hip wonder!”
Scores: Carrie Ann (7), Derek (6), Bruno (7) = 20 out of 30

dancing with the stars scott hoying rylee arnold

Scott Hoying and Rylee Arnold, Dancing With the StarsDisney/Andrew Eccles

Scott Hoying and pro Rylee Arnold

Performance: cha cha to “Blue (Da Ba Dee)” by Eiffel 65.
Carrie Ann’s comments: “I would like to see you take up more space.”
Derek’s comments: “Blue.”
Bruno’s comments: “Better, well done,” his timing was “better,” he should “keep going this way.”
Scores: Carrie Ann (6), Derek (6), Bruno (6) = 18 out of 30

Judges’ Combined Leaderboard

1. Robert Irwin — 37
1. Whitney Leavitt — 37
3. Hilaria Baldwin — 35
4. Jen Affleck — 34
4. Alix Earle — 34
4. Lauren Jauregui — 34
7. Elaine Hendrix — 33
8. Jordan Chiles — 32
9. Danielle Fishel — 31
10. Dylan Efron — 30
11. Baron Davis — 28
11. Scott Hoying — 28
13. Andy Richter — 25
14. Corey Feldman — 24