Some Dancing With the Stars fans are still reeling from the early eliminations of ‘90210’ star Tori Spelling and Anna Delvey, the infamous “fake German heiress.” But what made this episode stand out even more was the historic number of viewer votes it garnered.
The September 24 episode, which featured the shocking double elimination of Delvey and Spelling, received more than 14 million fan votes. This set a new record for a single episode in the show’s history, according to ABC. This unprecedented engagement from viewers demonstrated that the show, now in its 33rd season, continues to captivate audiences.
The ongoing season of “Dancing With the Stars” is experiencing a surge in popularity. According to an ABC press release, the September 17 season premiere was watched by nearly 5 million viewers. It topped TV in total viewership and adults aged 18-49. This marks a 4% increase over the previous season’s premiere in September of last year, which had 4.78 million viewers.
Historic Fan Votes: Breaking 18 Years of Secrecy
Since Dancing With the Stars launched in 2005, ABC has kept the number of viewer votes a closely guarded secret. Until now. This season, perhaps inspired by the growing interest, the network decided to share this data for the first time. It offered fans a glimpse into the enthusiasm surrounding their favorite dancing duos.
It’s no surprise that viewership has been strong this year. The participation of two well-loved Olympic athletes has clearly helped. The addition of a controversial figure like Anna Delvey also drew a lot of attention. Delvey, whose story was chronicled in Netflix’s “Inventing Anna,” was a unique addition to the cast and sparked mixed reactions from viewers.
The September 24 episode inspired an incredible outpouring of support. With 14 million fan votes, this episode outdid even some of the most popular seasons. To put it in perspective, this number surpasses votes received during Season 12 in 2011, when NFL star Hines Ward and Kym Johnson danced to victory with over 22 million viewers. Though viewership has shifted, the voting numbers prove that Dancing With the Stars still has a dedicated fanbase.
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Behind the Votes: How Fans Make Their Voices Heard
Fans can vote for their favorite dancers via text or through the official website, dwtsvote.abc.com. The number of votes for the September 24 episode reveals just how engaged the audience is this season. Whether it’s excitement over seeing Olympians or curiosity about Delvey’s journey, the mix of well-known and controversial contestants has kept viewers invested.
Despite the massive fan turnout, the double elimination left many baffled. Tori Spelling was seen as an early favorite, and many fans expected her to make a deeper run in the competition. Her chemistry with her dance partner, along with her fanbase from 90210, seemed like a recipe for success. Anna Delvey, on the other hand, was one of the most talked-about participants. Her early elimination came as a shock to those who expected her dramatic flair to keep her on the show longer.
Anna Delvey Elimination Episode
Anna Delvey, the so-called “fake heiress,” brought a level of intrigue that was hard to ignore. Known for her deception that stunned New York’s elite, Delvey’s addition to the show was a bold move by ABC. It seemed to pay off in terms of viewer engagement. Many tuned in just to see how Delvey would fare in the ballroom, and her presence drew both critics and supporters.
While some were critical of her participation due to her legal issues, others found her fascinating. Her elimination sparked debates online, with some fans feeling she should have stayed longer. It’s clear that her involvement played a role in the spike in viewer voting, proving that controversy often equates to higher engagement.
A Season of Surprises: What’s Next?
As “Dancing With the Stars” continues its 33rd season, the excitement shows no signs of slowing down. The variety of celebrities—from Olympic athletes to reality TV stars to even a convicted felon—has kept viewers on their toes. This unpredictability is what makes the show so enduring and engaging.
The September 17 season premiere was already a success, drawing nearly 5 million viewers. But the September 24 episode proved that viewer engagement was just getting started. With 14 million fan votes, this season is setting records. It will be interesting to see if the show can maintain or surpass this level of enthusiasm as it moves forward.
The fact that ABC is sharing viewer vote totals shows the power of the audience in shaping the show’s outcome. For years, fans speculated about how much of a difference their votes made. Now, with 14 million votes for a single episode, it’s clear just how crucial fan participation is to the series.
This kind of transparency could reignite viewer interest and make the voting process feel more impactful. By letting fans see the numbers, ABC acknowledges the role they play in determining who stays and who leaves.
As the season progresses, it’s likely the voting numbers will continue to be a focal point. With so much at stake and such a diverse group of contestants, fans are more motivated than ever to support their favorites.
Dancing With the Stars has always been a mix of glamour, drama, and audience participation. But this season has elevated those elements to new heights. The early eliminations of Tori Spelling and Anna Delvey were surprising, but the record-breaking 14 million fan votes proved that the audience is more engaged than ever.
With new voting transparency, fans now better understand their role in shaping the competition—and that might be the secret to keeping the ballroom buzzing for years to come.
