Dancing with the Stars season 35's latest episode, aka "Yacht Rock Night," ended with what can only be called an upset exit.
After the remaining 13 couples took to the ballroom following TV chef Giada De Laurentiis' exit the week prior, the night ended with the elimination of Hanson member Taylor Hanson and his professional partner Britt Stewart.
© Getty ImagesTaylor, 43, and Britt, 37, performed to The Doobie Brothers' "What a Fool Believes," a song that is particularly meaningful for Taylor, given Hanson covered the song in 2024 at the inaugural Grammy Hall of Fame Gala.
After their Foxtrot, the pair earned praise from the judges for his constant improvement, with Carrie Ann Inaba calling the performance "lyrical and poetic," and Derek Hough citing it as his "best" of the season, although they also critiqued him on his frame and core work.
© Getty ImagesThe couple were given three sixes, receiving a total of 18 points, putting them in a tie with Ciara Miller and Jackson Olson, and above Tyler Cameron (with a 17) and Guillermo Rodrgiguez (with a 15).
However, as each couple was called safe, the remaining three were revealed to be Guillermo with Witney Carson, Jackson with Emma Slater, and Taylor and Britt, with the latter sent home through a combination of judges' scores and audience votes.
When the results were announced, the audience loudly gasped, with Britt mouthing: "Oh my god! I'm so sorry," to her partner. The visibly surprised pair held back the tears as they pulled each other into an embrace.
© Getty ImagesTaylor said at the end: "This has been everything, this has been incredible. She's shown me things I didn't think was possible and I'm so grateful for this time." Britt added: "I am so grateful that I now have you in my life. Thank you so much for everything, you are amazing."
Fans on social media quickly called them "robbed," with one commenting on Instagram: "Taylor and Britt absolutely did not deserve to go home. I enjoyed watching them way more than Tyler or Guillermo. Next week better be good."
Another added: "Britt and Taylor got robbed! I won't be watching this unfair show again!" A third wrote: "Convinced the elimination was rigged tn cause there is no way," and one further commented: "So so wrong for @taylorhanson and @brittbenae to go home this soon! My mind is just boggled and in shock!!"
© Getty ImagesMany also specifically shared their support for Britt, hoping for a stronger trajectory for her this season after her last few runs ended prematurely as well. Fans at the start dubbed Taylor the "perfect" partner for Britt to help her make it to the finale.
Since joining the show as the first Black female pro in its history back in season 29, Britt has been eliminated before the competition's halfway point five out of seven times, ending in 15th place with Martin Kove, 13th place with Taylor and Baron Davis, 11th place with Adrian Peterson, and 10th place with Eric Roberts.
© Getty ImagesHer most fruitful partnerships came in season 29, when she and figure skater Johnny Weir made it to the semi-finals before going out in 6th place, and then in season 31, making it to the semi-finals once again and ending in 5th place with actor (and future husband) Daniel Durant.
