Audiences were taken aback during Tuesday’s episode of “Dancing With the Stars” due to an unexpected turn of events when Lele Pons, despite ranking in the top three for the night, was eliminated from the competition.
The episode celebrated music video night, featuring the final eight contestants dancing to tracks that had memorable music videos from artists such as the Backstreet Boys, A-Ha, Gwen Stefani, Britney Spears, and NSYNC.
Lele Pons, known for her social media presence and acting, partnered with Brandon Armstrong for a salsa performance set to Shakira’s hit “Whenever, Wherever.” The duo scored a 33 from the panel, which included special guest judge Paula Abdul.
Following the tally of additional points from a group dance event, Pons found herself in third position among the eight dancers. Above her were Xochitl Gomez and Ariana Madix, who were tied for first place.
Remaining on the stage towards the end were three pairs, one of which was Pons and Armstrong, with Barry Williams and Charity Lawson also awaiting results.
Pons expressed her deep gratitude, complimenting Armstrong and expressing her fondness for everyone involved in the show.
She also took to social media to share that the experiences she gained from the show were invaluable and something she would hold dear for a lifetime.
Armstrong, equally surprised by the elimination, shared his disappointment, stating that Pons’s departure was premature. He praised her for her progress and dedication, emphasizing that despite her lack of dance experience, she had been exemplary.
The astonishment was not just confined to the studio; it rippled across social media platforms as well, where both fans and casual viewers concurred that Pons’s journey shouldn’t have ended on that night.
With Pons’s exit, seven contestants remain in the fray, including Gomez, Lawson, Madix, Williams, singer Jason Mraz, actress Alyson Hannigan, and social media personality Harry Jowsey. The upcoming episode will be a tribute to Whitney Houston, as the remaining dancers honor the legacy of the iconic singer.
