When Hilaria Thomas Baldwin, a 40‑year‑old wellness influencer and co‑founder of New York’s Birch yoga studio, was announced out of Dancing with the Stars during the live broadcast on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, the reaction was immediate and fierce.
The elimination took place during the fourth week, dubbed Disney+ NightLos Angeles, California, where contestants performed Disney‑themed numbers at the studio in Los Angeles. Baldwin, paired with Ukrainian‑born professional dancer Gleb Savchenko, danced to "I Wanna Be Like You" from *The Jungle Book* and "Bop to the Top" from *High School Musical* before the judges revealed the scores.
Context: How Baldwin Got Here
Since her debut in Week 1, Baldwin’s journey has been a roller‑coaster of low scores—19/30 for a Cha‑Cha to “Part of Your World” and 22/30 for a Foxtrot to “A Whole New World”—and a surprise surge in Week 3 when her Star Wars‑themed routine earned what USA TODAY described as "stellar reviews." The buzz around her marriage to actor Alec Baldwin added a celebrity‑glamour layer, but fans insisted she was here for the dancing, not the name.
According to a Cincinnati Enquirer report on October 8, the voting system—half judge scores, half audience votes—still left Baldwin vulnerable. Over 47,000 TikTok comments under #DWTS2025 between October 1‑7 highlighted a growing frustration with her placement despite the occasional high‑scoring night.
Week 4 Details: Scores, Judges, and the Shock Elimination
The judging panel that night featured longtime favorite Carrie Ann Inaba, former champion Derek Hough, veteran choreographer Bruno Tonioli, and surprise guest Todrick Hall. Inaba praised a competing couple with a 25/30 score, calling their performance "incredible," while Baldwin and Savchenko landed a 21/30, placing them near the bottom.
Social‑media analyst Alix Earle (TikTok: 8.4 million followers) noted, "The judges loved the energy but the audience vote just wasn't there for Hilaria this week." Meanwhile, fans like Instagram user Betsy Van Stelle ([@betsyvstel]) slammed the decision, writing, "It's clear the show isn't really about dancing. Hilaria was easily the best dancer on the show." The backlash was quantified: 12,843 Instagram posts used #ByeHilaria within two hours of the broadcast ending at 10:00 PM ET.
Reactions from the Cast and Production
Host Tyra Banks announced the upcoming "Motown Night" for October 14, confirming a double‑elimination rule to keep the competition fierce. Executive producer Andrew Llinares had earlier told Entertainment Weekly that season 34 would "prioritize authentic dance progression over celebrity status," a claim now challenged by a TMZ poll where 68 % of fans disagreed.
Even with the drama, some contestants expressed empathy. Jordin Sparks, who reportedly scored a perfect 30/30 that night, said, "Every dancer puts their heart out there. Hilaria gave us a great show, and it’s tough to see anyone go home." Wayne Brady echoed the sentiment, noting the competitive pressure of the double‑elimination format.
Why This Matters: The Influence of Wellness Influencers on Reality TV
Baldwin is only the third wellness‑focused personality to be eliminated from Dancing with the Stars, following Jillian Michaels (Season 17, 2013) and Simone De La Rue (Season 20, 2015). Their presence signals a shift: reality competition shows now court audiences that value health, mindfulness, and lifestyle branding as much as pure talent.
Industry watchers argue that Baldwin’s exit could reshape casting strategies. "Networks are testing the waters with influencers to broaden demographic reach," said media analyst Priya Patel. "If audience reception stays negative, we might see a retreat back to traditional celebrities." The data supports the claim: a Nielsen snapshot from the night showed a 5 % dip in the 18‑34 demo compared to the previous week, the first decline this season.
What’s Next for Baldwin and the Show
As of October 8, Alec Baldwin has not commented publicly, though insiders say he’s supportive and focusing on his upcoming film project. Hilaria herself posted a brief Instagram story saying, "Thank you for the love. I’ll keep dancing in my own way," hinting at possible future collaborations with her yoga brand.
For the remaining contestants, the stakes are higher than ever. With the upcoming Motown theme, judges promised a "musical showdown" and the possibility of another surprise elimination. Fans are already buzzing, counting down the days to see if the double‑elimination twist will reshuffle the leaderboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Hilaria Baldwin's elimination affect the show's viewership?
Initial ratings show a 5 % dip in the key 18‑34 demographic after her exit, suggesting that fans of wellness influencers tuned out. However, the upcoming Motown episode is projected to recover some viewers, especially as the double‑elimination format promises more drama.
What were the judges' main criticisms of Baldwin's Week 4 performance?
Carrie Ann Inaba praised the duo's enthusiasm but noted a lack of technical precision, while Derek Hough pointed out timing issues on the lift. Bruno Tonioli felt the choreography didn’t fully capture the Disney spirit, and guest judge Todrick Hall mentioned the performance felt "safe" rather than daring.
Will the show continue to cast wellness influencers?
Industry analysts suggest the casting directors will reassess after this season. While influencers bring social‑media buzz, the mixed audience reaction may prompt a balance between traditional celebrities and niche personalities.
When is the next episode and what is the theme?
The next episode, "Motown Night," airs on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at 8:00 PM ET on ABC. It will feature Motown classics and a double‑elimination round, raising the stakes for the remaining ten couples.
What has Alec Baldwin said about his wife's elimination?
As of October 8, Alec Baldwin has not issued a public statement. Sources close to the family say he is focusing on his upcoming film commitments and supports his wife's future endeavors.
