Quick Read
- Andy Richter and Emma Slater performed a foxtrot to Noah Kahan’s ‘Northern Attitude’ during DWTS’s TikTok night.
- Richter scored 18/30, tying for lowest, but was not eliminated; Lauren Jauregui was sent home, shocking fans.
- Richter’s wife, Jennifer Herrera Richter, is a respected talent agent and producer.
- The couple married in June 2023, with Conan O’Brien officiating.
- Jennifer and her daughter Cornelia have been a constant support for Richter throughout the competition.
Andy Richter’s Foxtrot Moves the Ballroom on TikTok Night
Tuesday night at the Fairfax District in Los Angeles saw a vibrant celebration of TikTok’s impact on pop culture as Dancing with the Stars devoted its third week to the platform’s viral trends and music. The ballroom buzzed with energy, anticipation, and a touch of nostalgia, as contestants danced to hits that have taken social media by storm. For comedian Andy Richter, this night became a defining moment in his DWTS journey.
The show kicked off with a lively number from Season 31 winner and TikTok icon Charli D’Amelio, joined by the DWTS troupe for a rendition of Charli XCX’s “Apple”—a song that made waves on TikTok last summer. Each couple followed, performing routines inspired by viral dances, and Richter’s turn was particularly poignant.
Partnered with professional dancer Emma Slater, Andy Richter stepped onto the floor to perform a foxtrot set to “Northern Attitude” by Noah Kahan and Hozier, a track that recently exploded on TikTok as part of the “Hozier’s yell” trend. Their dance was not just about technique; it was an exercise in vulnerability. The ballroom was visibly moved, with several audience members dabbing tears as Richter and Slater navigated the emotional nuances of the song. Slater herself expressed joy at partnering with Richter, underscoring the genuine connection they’ve developed.
Despite the touching performance, Richter and Slater received a score of 18 out of 30, tying with Lauren Jauregui and Brandon Armstrong for the night’s lowest scores. The judging panel, known for their tough critiques, seemed to weigh technical execution over the performance’s emotional resonance.
Shockwaves Over DWTS Elimination and Audience Reactions
As the night drew to a close, anticipation built for the elimination announcement. The bottom three couples—Andy Richter & Emma Slater, Lauren Jauregui & Brandon Armstrong, and Elaine Hendrix & Alan Bersten—stood under the spotlight. In a twist that sent shockwaves through the audience and social media, it was Jauregui and Armstrong who were sent home.
Jauregui, a former Fifth Harmony star, was widely seen as a frontrunner for the Mirrorball Trophy. Her departure prompted immediate and vocal backlash across platforms like X and TikTok. Fans vented their frustration, with some calling it the most unjust elimination in recent DWTS history. “Lauren Jauregui might have just cemented herself as the most robbed Dancing With The Stars contestant in history,” one fan posted. Others questioned the judges’ scoring, noting that Jauregui’s dance appeared technically stronger than Richter’s, yet both received the same marks.
The controversy didn’t stop there. Some viewers expressed confusion over Hilaria Baldwin and Gleb Savchenko’s continued advancement, pointing to perceived discrepancies in dance experience and scoring. The debate highlighted the subjective nature of DWTS judging, and the emotional investment fans feel in their favorites.
Behind the Scenes: Andy Richter’s Personal Journey and Support System
While the ballroom drama played out in public, Andy Richter’s personal life has been quietly transforming. Following his 2020 divorce from Sarah Thyre after 25 years of marriage, Richter found love again with Jennifer Herrera Richter. Their relationship began in early 2022, blossoming through shared experiences and mutual respect. By June 2023, they had married in an intimate ceremony at their West Hollywood home, with Conan O’Brien—Richter’s longtime friend and collaborator—officiating at the last minute.
Richter’s experience on DWTS has been shaped by the steadfast support of Jennifer, a successful talent agent and producer. As the founder of Las Bandas Be Brave, she has built a reputation in the entertainment industry for championing creative talent. Andy has spoken openly about his admiration for her independence and professionalism. In a conversation with Jesse Tyler Ferguson on the “Dinner’s on Me” podcast, he noted, “She has her own business, she has a career that she’s been involved in for years and years, does well at it, is well respected in her community.”
Jennifer is also a mother to a young daughter, Cornelia, and Richter has embraced his role as stepfather wholeheartedly. He shared that parenting was a part of their relationship from the very beginning, a testament to the couple’s open communication and shared values. Their story began on the dating app Hinge, marking Richter’s first real foray into online dating after a brief stint with Raya. The connection was immediate and genuine; Richter often recounts how spending time with Jennifer and Cornelia brought him unexpected happiness and a renewed sense of purpose.
Their engagement was announced in November 2022, with Richter sharing on Instagram, “Some non-election news: I got engaged! To a lady! Her name is Jennifer Herrera and she’s the best. We’ve been together since the beginning of the year, and we’re getting married next summer. HOORAY LOVE!”
Blending Public and Private Triumphs
Jennifer has been a visible source of encouragement during Richter’s DWTS journey, frequently seen cheering from the audience. Their partnership extends beyond personal affection, reflecting a blend of professional ambition and emotional support. Richter’s initial reluctance to dance—he joked on the Conan Needs a Friend podcast that he wanted “the shortest song possible” for their wedding dance—contrasts with his current willingness to step into the spotlight, even when nerves run high.
So far, Richter and Slater have earned a cumulative 25 points in the competition’s first two weeks, a respectable achievement for someone far outside his comfort zone. The ballroom’s reaction to their TikTok night foxtrot, although not enough to secure a top score, demonstrated the power of authenticity and connection over pure technical prowess.
As DWTS prepares for next week’s “Disney night,” Richter remains an emblem of resilience and growth—on stage and off. His journey encapsulates the unpredictable nature of reality competition, where public opinion, personal narrative, and technical skill intersect in surprising ways. The support of Jennifer Herrera Richter, both in the stands and at home, has added a layer of emotional depth to his televised adventure.
For now, Richter continues to navigate the bright lights and shifting tides of DWTS, buoyed by family, fans, and the enduring spirit of partnership. Whether he dances his way to the finals or simply wins the hearts of viewers, his experience stands as a reminder that transformation is often a duet, not a solo act.
In assessing Andy Richter’s DWTS journey, what stands out is not just his willingness to embrace vulnerability on national television, but the steady presence of Jennifer Herrera Richter in his life. Together, their story highlights how personal growth and professional risk-taking can coexist, each amplifying the other in unexpected ways.