Corey Feldman, Baron Davis Bow Out as DWTS Holds First Double Elimination
Oct, 8 2025
When Corey Feldman, actor (54), and pro partner Jenna Johnson were announced as the first couple to leave Dancing with the Stars on , fans quickly realized they weren’t the only ones facing the dreaded Mirrorball Trophy exit.
Joining Feldman in the double‑coup was former NBA point guard Baron Davis (45), who danced with Britt Stewart. Their elimination was sealed by the combined points from Weeks 1 and 2, marking the season’s first double elimination and shrinking the lineup from fourteen to ten couples.
Week 2 Overview: One‑Hit Wonders Take Center Stage
The episode, broadcast live from Television City in Los Angeles, embraced a “one‑hit wonders” theme. Judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli each handed out a maximum of 30 points per performance, a system that has proven to be brutally unforgiving when scores cluster.
High‑scoring couples included wildlife‑conservationist Robert Irwin (24) with Witney Carson, who earned 22 points, and “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” star Whitney Leavitt, also at 22 with Mark Ballas. Those totals gave both pairs a two‑week aggregate of 37 out of 50 – the highest the night.
Score Breakdown: Who Stood Out?
- Val Chmerkovskiy (38) & TikTok influencer Alix Earle (24) performed a jive to Lou Bega’s “Mambo No. 5,” earning 21/30.
- Lauren Jauregui (28), former Fifth Harmony singer, teamed with Brandon Armstrong (32) for a forró set to The Cardigans’ “Lovefool,” also 21/30.Jordan Chiles (24), Olympic gymnast, and Ezra Sosa (34) matched the 22‑point mark.
- Jen Affleck (37), actress and Ben Affleck’s spouse, garnered 22/30 with partner Gleb Savchenko.
- Andy Richter (58), comedian, fell to the bottom with 16/30 alongside Rylee Arnold.
The middle of the pack – scores ranging from 18 to 22 – highlighted how tight the competition has become. Notably, both Feldman’s and Davis’s totals fell below the 30‑point threshold needed to stay safe.
Reactions From the Contestants
“Crikey, this whole thing is surreal,” Robert Irwin told ABC’s Courtney Tezeno during a backstage interview. “I never imagined I’d be twirling in a ballroom at 24.” He also chimed in about his niece Grace, praising her “style and dancing prowess.”
Baron Davis, ever the competitor, said in a brief post‑show interview, “I came here thinking I could bring some of that court swagger to the floor, but the judges see more than flash.” Feldman, meanwhile, posted a nostalgic selfie on Instagram, noting, “From *The Lost Boys* to ballroom shoes – what a ride.”
What the Double Elimination Means for the Contest
ABC spokesperson Lisa Gregorian, vice‑president of communications, explained, “The double‑elimination creates immediate stakes for the competition and ensures only the most dedicated celebrities continue in the race for the Mirrorball Trophy.” This heightened pressure is expected to drive more daring choreography in the weeks ahead.
With four contestants now out, the show’s voting dynamics shift. Viewers can still cast votes via the DWTS website, the official app, or SMS (U.S. carriers only). The voting window remains open throughout the live broadcast and closes five minutes after the final performance.
Looking Ahead: TikTok Night Returns
The third episode, slated for , will spotlight “TikTok Night.” Fans can expect a return appearance by Charli D’Amelio, whose 2023 stint earned a perfect score. The theme promises high‑energy numbers, viral choreography, and likely another round of surprises as the remaining ten couples vie for the trophy.
Industry analysts predict that the show’s integration of social‑media personalities will continue to boost streaming numbers on Hulu and Disney+. In fact, early metrics show a 12 % rise in live‑stream viewership compared to the premiere week.
Background: Season 34’s Evolution So Far
Since its launch in early September, Season 34 has leaned into cross‑generational casting – from teenage TikTok stars to seasoned actors and former athletes. This blend has generated a broad audience, with Nielsen reporting a 7 % increase in the 18‑34 demographic versus the previous season.
The show’s format remains unchanged: each week, couples perform a 90‑second routine judged on technique, performance, and “star quality.” Scores are tallied alongside audience votes to determine who stays. The introduction of a double‑elimination clause, however, is a first for the franchise and adds a tactical layer for contestants and their professional partners.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the double elimination affect voting strategies?
Because two couples leave after Week 2, fans often split their votes between the bottom‑ranked pair and a favorite they want to protect. The pressure to rally behind at‑risk dancers can boost overall vote totals, especially on social platforms.
Who were the highest‑scoring couples in Week 2?
Robert Irwin with Witney Carson and Whitney Leavitt with Mark Ballas each earned 22 out of 30 points, giving them the top two‑week aggregate of 37 points.
What can fans expect from TikTok Night?
The episode will feature viral dance trends, a performance by Charli D’Amelio, and likely a mix of high‑energy pop numbers designed to showcase the contestants’ adaptability to fast‑paced choreography.
Why were Corey Feldman and Baron Davis eliminated?
Both couples posted combined scores below the safety threshold – Feldman/Jenna Johnson at 33/50 and Davis/Stewart at 35/50 – making them the lowest‑ranked after the first two weeks.
How does this season’s viewership compare to last year?
Preliminary Nielsen data shows a 6 % rise in total viewers and a 12 % jump among the coveted 18‑34 age group, attributed to the blend of legacy celebrities and social‑media influencers.