Lauren Jauregui, a former member of Fifth Harmony, has recently made headlines as she competes on season 34 of Dancing with the Stars. Paired with professional dancer Brandon Armstrong, Jauregui showcased her dance skills with a performance to Ariana Grande’s “Yes, And?” during the premiere episode on Tuesday, Sept. 16. Speaking exclusively to PEOPLE at CBS Studios in Los Angeles, Jauregui shared some insightful advice she received from her Fifth Harmony bandmate Normani ahead of her Dancing with the Stars debut.
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Expressing her excitement about the competition, Jauregui revealed her pre-performance nerves and shared her ritual of praying to calm herself down. Despite the butterflies, she managed to deliver a commendable performance, earning a score of 13 out of 20 points for their routine. Brandon Armstrong, her dance partner, praised Jauregui’s natural talent, emphasising that her background in performing arts has been a significant advantage in the competition. The duo’s hard work and dedication to rehearsals paid off, as evident in their confident and polished performance.
Having watched her bandmates, Normani and Ally Brooke, take on the Dancing with the Stars stage in previous seasons, Jauregui felt blessed to receive their support and encouragement. She mentioned that both Normani and Ally were thrilled for her new venture and shared valuable insights to help her navigate the intense competition. Normani’s advice to Jauregui was to cherish every moment, stay grounded, and enjoy the experience to the fullest, as time flies by quickly in such a fast-paced environment.
Reflecting on her Cuban heritage, Jauregui expressed particular excitement about exploring the salsa dance style on the show. Growing up dancing informally with her family at gatherings, she now looks forward to mastering the technical aspects of salsa and showcasing her cultural roots through dance. Jauregui’s enthusiasm for this new challenge and her determination to make her ancestors proud illustrate her deep connection to her heritage and how it influences her artistic pursuits.
As Jauregui continues her journey on Dancing with the Stars, her fans eagerly anticipate witnessing her growth and versatility on the dance floor. With a supportive partner like Brandon Armstrong by her side and valuable advice from her bandmates, Jauregui is well-equipped to face the challenges ahead and showcase her undeniable talent to a broader audience. Stay tuned for more updates on Lauren Jauregui’s exciting Dancing with the Stars journey and her inspiring dedication to perfecting her craft on the dance floor.