DWTS Semi-Finals SHOCKER: Whitney Leavitt Eliminated Despite Near-Perfect Score—The Vote Upset That Stunned the Ballroom
DWTS Semi-Finals SHOCKER: Whitney Leavitt Eliminated Despite Near-Perfect Score—The Vote Upset That Stunned the Ballroom
The ballroom of Dancing with the Stars is no stranger to drama, but the Season 34 semifinals delivered one of the most unpredictable and controversial eliminations in recent memory. In a stunning turn of events on “Prince Night,” fan-favorite celebrity and high-scoring contender, Whitney Leavitt, and her professional partner, three-time champion Mark Ballas, were shockingly sent home, just one week shy of the highly anticipated finale.
Their departure immediately sparked a furious online debate, highlighting the perennial tension between the judges’ technical scores and the power of the audience vote. Leavitt and Ballas posted an impressive combined score of 58 out of 60 for their two routines—a score that, in almost any other season, would have guaranteed their safety. The outcome proves a brutal truth about the competition: talent alone cannot guarantee the coveted Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy.
The Near-Perfect Night That Wasn’t Enough
Prince Night demanded perfection, and the six remaining couples delivered. Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas, known for their powerful stage presence, took on two challenging routines. Their first was a spunky Cha-Cha to “1999,” which immediately divided the judging panel and foreshadowed the dramatic conclusion.
Judge Bruno Tonioli was effusive in his praise, calling their performance flawless and praising the “execution, the precision, the placement, the level of difficulty—incredible.” However, Carrie Ann Inaba expressed a rare critique, suggesting that while the dance was “wonderful,” she could see Leavitt “focusing on the technique,” which hindered the performance element she usually brings.
This led to a spirited defense from Derek Hough, who jokingly admonished Inaba, exclaiming, “Carrie Ann, you are out of your mind!” and declaring the Cha-Cha “literal perfection.” Despite the minor disagreement, the couple earned a phenomenal 29/30. They followed this with their second routine, another technical masterclass that also scored 29/30, bringing their cumulative score to 58/60—one of the highest scores of the night.
The Unseen Factor: Audience Votes and Reality TV Baggage
For an elimination to occur with such a high score is an anomaly, a sign that the audience vote did not align with the judges’ technical assessment. The articles and fan commentary point to a significant, underlying factor: the controversy surrounding Whitney Leavitt’s reality television background and previous dance experience.
Leavitt, a star of the viral reality show The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, has struggled with some sections of the DWTS viewing public who viewed her as the ‘villain’ of her own show. Even her intention for joining DWTS became a talking point; she admitted that she only returned to film a subsequent season of her reality show for the opportunity to audition for the dance competition, demonstrating a clear desire to break out of the ‘MomTok’ bubble.
Perhaps more impactful was the persistent debate over her ‘ring ringer’ status. While all stars enter the show with some background, viewers have often been critical of contestants with extensive prior training. Despite her and Mark Ballas’s consistently high placements on the leaderboard—she was widely considered the season’s strongest technical dancer—this vocal minority of voters may have chosen to support other couples they perceived as having a greater ‘transformation’ or ‘journey.’
This stunning elimination serves as a powerful reminder that Dancing with the Stars is as much a popularity contest as it is a dance competition. The combined total of judges’ scores and viewer votes ultimately determines the safe couples, and on Prince Night, the viewer sentiment proved decisive in sending a technically superior couple home.
Witney Carson Advances: The Other Whitney in the Final Five
While one Whitney faced the elimination music, the other Witney—veteran professional Witney Carson—secured her spot in the grand finale. Witney Carson and her partner, wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin, continued their incredible journey by also delivering a near-perfect night.
Irwin and Carson wowed the judges with their performances, earning a phenomenal score of 59 out of 60, placing them at the very top of the leaderboard alongside fellow finalists Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy. Their routines, which included a dynamic Jive to “Baby I’m a Star” that earned a perfect 30/30, demonstrated their strong partnership and Robert’s remarkable growth.
Carson teased that their highly anticipated finale freestyle will be a summation of their season, showcasing the “awesome dynamic” they’ve developed. Their success stands in stark contrast to the Leavitt/Ballas upset, underscoring the fact that Irwin’s widely beloved personality and compelling narrative resonated deeply with the audience, carrying them through to the final round. Their presence in the final five, which also includes Alix Earle, Elaine Hendrix, Jordan Chiles, and Dylan Efron, sets the stage for one of the most unpredictable Mirrorball showdowns in years.
The Takeaway: What the Upset Means for the Finale
The elimination of Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas has dramatically reshaped the dynamics of the Season 34 finale. It sends a clear message to the remaining four couples and their fan bases: no one is safe. Viewers who may have been complacent about voting for their favorite pairs after seeing them rack up high scores will now be galvanized by the urgency of the vote.
The upset also amplifies the focus on the remaining favorites, including Witney Carson and Robert Irwin. Their consistent performance and clear fan support make them formidable contenders. However, the unexpected twist means that the battle between popular vote and technical skill will be fiercer than ever when the Mirrorball trophy is finally hoisted. Leavitt and Ballas may not have made the finale, but their controversial exit will be the talking point that fuels the final week of competition, reminding everyone that in the world of DWTS, the audience truly holds the power.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who was eliminated in the DWTS Season 34 Semifinals?
Whitney Leavitt and her professional partner Mark Ballas were the couple eliminated in the Season 34 semifinals on Prince Night. Their exit was a major shock as they had one of the highest total scores of the night, 58/60. The elimination was decided by the combination of judges’ scores and viewer votes.
Why was Whitney Leavitt eliminated despite having a high score?
Leavitt’s elimination highlights the power of the audience vote. Despite her near-perfect scores from the judges, viewer votes did not secure her safety. Commentary suggests this was likely due to mixed viewer sentiment about her prior dance experience and her controversial persona from her reality show, The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, which seemed to result in a lower-than-expected tally of audience votes.
Which Whitney is still in the competition and heading to the finale?
Professional dancer Witney Carson is still in the competition and has advanced to the finale with her celebrity partner, Robert Irwin. The pair scored a phenomenal 59/60 in the semifinals and are considered one of the frontrunners for the Mirrorball Trophy.
Who are the finalists for Dancing with the Stars Season 34?
The five couples who have advanced to the Dancing with the Stars Season 34 finale are: Robert Irwin and Witney Carson, Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy, Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten, Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa, and Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach.
When is the DWTS Season 34 Finale?
The Dancing with the Stars Season 34 finale is scheduled to air on Monday, November 25, 2025. The five remaining couples will compete by performing a Redemption Dance, an Instant Dance, and an ambitious Freestyle routine.
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