A Shocking Elimination That Might Have Been Predicted
Fans of Dancing With the Stars were stunned when Scott Hoying, the lead singer of Pentatonix, and his professional dance partner Rylee Arnold were eliminated during the show’s “Wicked Night” episode on October 21, 2025. But as shocking as the moment seemed, one dedicated viewer claims the elimination may have been predicted weeks earlier.
After the episode aired, a viral TikTok video surfaced showing a Google search result revealing that Pentatonix’s Christmas in the City Tour was set to kick off on November 8 — just over two weeks after the elimination. The timing led fans to believe that Scott’s schedule made it impossible to continue competing, making his departure from the competition “inevitable.”
The post quickly gained traction online. The fan captioned the clip: “Me knowing Scott was going home… Pentatonix’s tour starts in two weeks.”
Scott Hoying’s Busy Life Outside the Ballroom
Even before his elimination, Scott Hoying’s calendar was filling up. Aside from preparing for Pentatonix’s holiday tour, the 34-year-old singer recently shared some life-changing news on the show’s October 14 episode: he and his husband, Mark Manio Hoying, are expecting their first child through a surrogate.
In an emotional video package aired before his performance, Mark announced, “Our surrogate is pregnant!” Scott, overwhelmed with joy, called the moment “crazy to say out loud” and expressed deep gratitude for starting a family with his husband.
“I’m so excited to start a family with him,” Scott said. “I just feel like we’re really, really lucky.”
While fans were disappointed to see Scott leave the competition, many expressed understanding, pointing out that juggling a nationwide tour and parenthood preparations would have made it nearly impossible to stay on the show.
Inside Dancing With the Stars: How Much Do Celebrities Really Make?
Beyond Scott’s exit, Dancing With the Stars has long intrigued fans for another reason — its celebrity pay structure. According to multiple industry reports, contestants earn $125,000 for participating in the rehearsal period and the first two weeks of competition. After that, their pay increases incrementally each week they remain on the show.
At its peak, some celebrities have reportedly earned up to $295,000 per season. However, others, such as American Idol alum Bobby Bones, have stated their earnings were even higher. Bones revealed on a 2025 podcast episode of Trading Secrets that he made around $400,000 when he won Season 27 with pro Sharna Burgess.
“That show pays OK,” Bones said. “It ends up being about $50,000 an episode if you last long enough.”
What About the Pros?
While professional dancers are essential to the show’s success, their paychecks vary based on experience and longevity. DWTS pros typically earn a guaranteed salary for the first few weeks, even if eliminated early. Dancer Jenna Johnson explained that the contracts differ but usually ensure steady pay through a minimum number of episodes.
However, the pros don’t earn a massive prize for winning the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy — only a small bonus for making it to the finale.
“You’re getting paid for the whole season if you make it to the end,” Jenna said. “You get a bonus, but there’s no million-dollar prize. You just get a cute trophy together.”
For troupe members — the dancers who perform in group numbers but aren’t paired with celebrities — salaries are significantly lower. Dancer Lindsay Arnold revealed that her pay was “cut more than in half” when she moved from pro status to troupe member.
How the Celebrity-Pro Pairings Are Decided
Ever wondered how stars are matched with their pro partners? Surprisingly, even the dancers have no control over who they’re paired with.
“You get no say. They just tell you, ‘Here’s your partner — make it work,’” Lindsay Arnold said earlier this year.
Pro Jenna Johnson added that pairings are often kept secret until the live reveal, ensuring genuine reactions for the cameras.
According to former showrunner Rob Wade, casting decisions depend heavily on “height, build, personality, and compatibility.” Producers avoid pairing individuals who might clash, as the partnership’s chemistry is key to both performance and audience appeal.
Behind the Glitter: Long Rehearsal Days and Costume Magic
Life on Dancing With the Stars is as demanding as it is glamorous. Dancers rehearse four hours a day, six days a week, with sessions scheduled in morning, afternoon, or evening blocks.
Rylee Arnold shared that beyond choreography, pros meet with producers, costume designers, and creative teams to perfect each performance.
“Literally my whole life is devoted to it,” Rylee said. “But it’s my passion, and it makes me so happy.”
Costume creation is also a race against the clock. According to the show’s design team, they have just five days to craft every costume — often less than half a day per outfit — including fittings, rhinestones, and last-minute adjustments before Tuesday’s live show.
“We try to keep everyone in something new and exciting each week,” said lead designer Daniela Gschwendtner. “Nothing is reused for competition unless there’s a specific reason.”
The Verdict on “Wicked Night”
Scott Hoying’s elimination may have caught fans off guard, but the clues were there all along. Between a packed Pentatonix tour schedule and exciting family news, his priorities clearly lay beyond the ballroom.
Even so, his journey on Dancing With the Stars showcased his charisma, talent, and dedication — leaving fans hopeful that he’ll return for future special performances or guest appearances.
As for the show itself, the mix of celebrity stories, behind-the-scenes hustle, and fan theories ensures that DWTS remains one of television’s most captivating reality competitions.
Dancing With the Stars airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.
