Dancing With the Stars Season 34 is underway, and with each glittering performance comes the same reminder: the power to decide who stays and who goes lies as much with the audience as with the judges. Viewers at home determine the fate of the couples, and that makes voting one of the most important parts of the competition.
The new season premiered on September 16, 2025, and continues live every Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET/PT (7 p.m. CT/MT) on ABC with a simultaneous simulcast on Disney+. Episodes are also available on Hulu the following day, but it’s worth remembering: voting is tied to the live broadcast only.
Last Night’s Episode
On September 30, the ballroom lit up for TikTok Night. Couples danced to viral hits that have dominated social media, with the troupe opening to Charli XCX’s “Apple.” Former champion Charli D’Amelio joined the performance, adding extra star power to the theme.
Robert Irwin once again stole the spotlight with a routine that went viral across platforms, while actress Danielle Fishel drew attention after revealing a heavily bruised leg from rehearsals — though she still delivered a determined performance on the floor. Singer Lauren Jauregui danced the Cha Cha to Fifth Harmony’s “Work From Home,” with her bandmates cheering her on from the audience. Despite the nostalgic performance, Jauregui was eliminated at the end of the night, marking one of the first big shocks of the season.
How Voting Works
Judges Derek Hough, Carrie Ann Inaba, and Bruno Tonioli score each routine, but their numbers alone don’t decide the outcome. Audience votes are combined with judges’ points to determine which couples advance.
There are two ways to vote each week:
- Online: Go to dwtsvote.abc.com, sign in with an ABC account, and cast up to 10 votes per couple.
- SMS: Text the celebrity’s first name to 21523. Each text counts as one vote, up to 10 per couple per night. (SMS available only in the U.S. and its territories.)
Voting opens at the start of the broadcast and closes immediately after the final competitive routine. Votes made during replays, delayed streams, or after the episode ends do not count.
Who Can Vote
To be eligible, voters must be 18 or older. Online voting is open in the U.S. and Canada, while SMS voting is restricted to viewers in the U.S. and territories. International fans watching through Disney+ or Disney+ Hotstar can enjoy the live show, but unless they are physically located in eligible regions, they cannot cast votes.
Why Fan Votes Matter
Fan bases often decide close contests, keeping underdogs alive or sending favorites home early. Viral routines like Robert Irwin’s TikTok Night performance may create buzz online, but without steady audience support, even high scorers are at risk. Conversely, dedicated voting can help a couple weather a tough night and survive elimination.
With a cast that includes Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles, actress Danielle Fishel, wildlife advocate Robert Irwin, and comedian Andy Richter, Season 34 has no shortage of personalities drawing fan loyalty. The road to the finale, expected on November 25, will likely be shaped as much by text messages and clicks as by cha chas and tangos.
Tips for Fans
If you’re planning to vote, a few strategies help:
- Sign in to the ABC voting site before the broadcast begins.
- Use both online and SMS options to maximize your weekly impact.
- Don’t wait until the last minute — submit votes before the closing credits roll.
Dancing With the Stars continues next Tuesday with another themed episode. But no matter how dazzling the performances, the couples’ journeys depend on the fans who choose to cast their votes. If you want to see your favorites make it to the finale, the best advice is simple: tune in live and vote before the lights fade.
