Viewers were left in disbelief and frustration after a series of unexpected eliminations rocked Dancing With the Stars during the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame-themed night, which aired on Tuesday, November 4, 2025.

The episode not only highlighted incredible performances set to iconic rock hits but also sparked widespread outrage on social media as fans vented over what many considered unfair judging and puzzling results.

Beloved actress Danielle Fishel, best known for her role on Boy Meets World, and her professional partner, Pasha Pashkov, were the seventh couple eliminated from season 34 during the live episode.

Their contemporary routine, set to Aerosmith’s “Dream On,” was emotionally charged and visually striking, earning a solid 34 points from the judges.

While many believed the score reflected Fishel’s talent and dedication, the combination of judges’ points and viewer votes wasn’t enough to keep her in the competition.

Judges’ reactions to Fishel’s performance were mixed. Carrie Ann Inaba, clearly moved, said, “I felt the chills,” praising the emotion she brought to the stage.

Derek Hough, while acknowledging her effort, described the performance as “a little disjointed,” adding that Fishel should nonetheless be proud of what she delivered.

The actress herself admitted that the contemporary style did not come naturally to her, but she had given her all. “It’s meant everything,” Fishel reflected after learning the results.

“It has truly been life-changing, and every single moment, including this one, has been joyous.” Pashkov reinforced their bond by saying, “You are now my friend for life,” underscoring the respect and camaraderie developed through the competition.

Despite the elimination, Fishel’s contributions earlier in the night were undeniable.

She led Team Chicago as the captain for the group dance, performing alongside Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas, Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa, and Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach, delivering a high-energy routine to Chicago’s “25 or 6 to 4.”

That performance earned the team a perfect score of 40, and even co-host Alfonso Ribeiro joined in the routine, amplifying its spectacle.

Still, the high marks from the group segment weren’t enough to offset the outcome for Fishel’s individual standing, leaving fans in shock.

Fan Reactions and Online Outrage

Social media erupted almost immediately after Fishel’s elimination. Fans expressed heartbreak, disbelief, and frustration at what they perceived as a deeply flawed judging system.

Comments poured in across platforms:

• “She was the reason I watched this season,” one fan lamented.

• “I will miss Danielle. This is so unfair.”

• “In what world does Andy deserve to stay and she doesn’t?” questioned another.

• “Winner in my heart,” wrote one viewer, while another added, “I just don’t understand. This show makes no sense this season.”

The intensity of the reactions illustrated just how much Danielle Fishel had resonated with audiences.

For many fans, her elimination symbolized a disconnect between judges’ scoring and public sentiment, igniting debates about fairness and transparency in the show’s voting process.

Jen Affleck’s Earlier Elimination Adds to Viewer Frustration

Fishel’s elimination followed another controversial exit just a week prior, when the Halloween-themed episode left fans equally stunned. On Tuesday, October 28, 2025, the remaining nine couples showcased Halloween-inspired choreography, including Tango, Paso Doble, Jazz, and Contemporary routines.

Contestant Jen Affleck, a new mother with limited dance experience, performed a Contemporary routine with her partner, Jan Ravnik, to Taylor Swift’s “Look What You Made Me Do.”

Affleck had chosen the song due to its personal resonance, as a mother who enjoys Halloween traditions with her children.

Ravnik, a touring dancer familiar with Swift’s music, choreographed a performance meant to impress both judges and audience alike.

Judges’ feedback was a mixture of praise and constructive criticism. Carrie Ann Inaba described the opening of Affleck’s group segment as “off the charts” while noting that arm control could improve.

Derek Hough acknowledged Ravnik’s strong debut season, especially in light of past criticism. Cheryl Burke highlighted Affleck’s strongest performance yet but encouraged her to deepen her emotional connection with her partner.

Bruno Tonioli urged Affleck to lean further into the darker theme and to improve continuity in her movements.

Despite these critiques, viewers quickly voiced outrage at what they perceived as overly harsh scoring.

Fans pointed out the discrepancy between Affleck’s and other contestants’ evaluations, noting that she consistently received lower marks despite noticeable improvement.

Online posts highlighted the emotional toll on Affleck, especially as a first-time mother balancing new responsibilities with the rigors of professional dance training.

Ultimately, public votes were combined with judges’ scores, with co-host Alfonso Ribeiro announcing that over 55 million votes had been cast for the season, breaking another engagement record.

However, the results saw Affleck and Ravnik eliminated despite receiving a commendable score of 32 out of 40. Fans immediately criticized the decision, emphasizing the disparity in treatment compared with other contestants.

Comments included:

• “This was her best dance yet, severely underscored.”

• “The judges are so incredibly hard on her; it almost brought her to tears.”

• “Watching her lose her spark after the judges’ critiques is heartbreaking.”

• “A brand-new mom giving it her all and getting destroyed with critiques is unacceptable.”

Support for Ravnik was also evident, with fans praising his guidance and dedication.

Many emphasized that both he and Affleck had demonstrated consistent improvement and commitment, making their exit even more upsetting for viewers.

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Night and Its Challenges

The theme of the episode — the upcoming 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction — added extra excitement and pressure.

Contestants performed to classic rock hits, infusing the ballroom with energy and nostalgia. Guest judge and inductee Flavor Flav joined the panel, bringing a fresh perspective and dynamic personality to the judging process.

While the evening celebrated musical legends, the eliminations reminded audiences of the harsh realities of competitive dance television.

Viewer votes, combined with judges’ subjective scoring, created a tension-filled environment where fan favorites were sometimes unexpectedly sent home.

The outcome sparked discussions across fan communities about transparency, fairness, and the emotional impact of the show on both contestants and viewers alike.

Conclusion: Mixed Emotions and Continuing Fandom

Although Danielle Fishel and Jen Affleck’s journeys on Dancing With the Stars ended sooner than many hoped, both left lasting impressions on the audience.

Fishel’s emotional performances, leadership during group dances, and heartfelt reflections after elimination underscored her dedication.

Affleck’s resilience as a new mother learning to dance under intense scrutiny highlighted the challenges contestants face.

Fans may be frustrated, but both performers garnered admiration for their talent, perseverance, and authenticity.

Social media continues to buzz with debates, support, and anticipation for the rest of the season, proving that even controversial eliminations can strengthen the passion and engagement of a dedicated fan base.

As the competition progresses, audiences will undoubtedly watch closely, hoping their favorite stars continue to shine on the dance floor.