Hilaria Baldwin made a dramatic return to the Dancing With The Stars stage during Tuesday's season 34 finale, just weeks after her controversial elimination from the competition.
Surprise Comeback Performance
The 41-year-old television personality, who recently revealed she's attending therapy sessions with husband Alec Baldwin, reunited with her former professional dance partner Gleb Savchenko for a special group performance. Hilaria had been voted off the ABC competition during Disney Night in week four, marking an early exit from the popular series.
For her comeback appearance, Baldwin chose to wear the same sparkling pink dress with fluffy feather details that she had worn during her initial time on the show. She joined fellow eliminated contestants Jen Affleck, Scott Hoying and Lauren Jauregui in a choreographed routine set to Lady Gaga's hit song Applause.
Social Media Frenzy Over Final Pose
The group performance concluded with a memorable final pose that quickly set social media platforms alight with reactions. Hilaria crouched towards the ground while placing her left hand on Jen's waist, flashing a broad smile as the judges and live audience cheered.
Viewers immediately took to X (formerly Twitter) to share their thoughts on the unusual pose. One user wrote: 'I need to see the memes of Hilaria already right now #dwts', while another commented: 'Hilaria looking like the demon in the corner of my room at night.'
The pose generated such attention that some fans even apologised for previous criticism. One viewer posted: 'hilaria baldwin i'm sorry i was mean about you on #dwts. i still think professional ballroom experience should have disqualified you but i'm sorry i was mean.'
Bullying Allegations and Aftermath
Baldwin's return comes after she made serious allegations about her experience on the show. During an Instagram Live session following her elimination, the mother-of-seven claimed she had been 'bullied off the show'.
On World Mental Health Day, she addressed what she called 'the elephant in the room', stating: 'There was some bullying going on aimed at me over the past few weeks.' She emphasised her commitment to speaking up against wrongdoing, despite the personal toll.
During an appearance on the Too Much podcast earlier this month, Baldwin elaborated on her claims, explaining that coordinated voting campaigns had suppressed her fan votes. She described discovering the extent of the campaign on TikTok, admitting: 'It hurts your feelings.'
Despite the controversy, Baldwin maintained positive feelings about her DWTS experience, stating: 'I'm only a better, happier person because I did the show.' She also revealed that some fans had since apologised for participating in the alleged bullying campaign against her.
Following her elimination in October, Baldwin had shared her emotional response on social media, posting: 'Spent the day mommying and processing with my children. To my family, friends, Gleb, DWTS, all of you who have encouraged me…I'm forever grateful.'
