Imagine the heartbreak of pouring your heart into two electrifying dances, only to be eliminated right before the grand finale— that's the jaw-dropping reality that hit one couple on Dancing with the Stars this week, reminding us all that in this competition, no one's spot is guaranteed!
SPOILER WARNING! If you're planning to catch up on Tuesday's episode of ABC's beloved hit Dancing with the Stars, stop reading now—this recap dives deep into the action, including the shocking exit that has everyone talking.
Welcome to the high-stakes semi-finals of Season 34, where the final six pairs of celebrities and pros paid homage to the legendary Prince, the King of Pop who revolutionized music with his unmatched creativity and flair. For Prince Night, the ballroom transformed into a purple wonderland, featuring no fewer than 12 tracks from his iconic catalog. Why so many? Because each duo tackled two routines: a fresh take on a dance style they'd already tried earlier in the season (think of it as a chance to redeem or refine past performances), plus a brand-new style that pushed their boundaries even further. It's a format that tests not just skill, but growth and adaptability—perfect for beginners to see how these stars evolve under pressure.
Let's break down how the night unfolded, starting with those repeat dances that had everyone reminiscing about earlier highs and lows.
REPEAT DANCES
First up, actress Elaine Hendrix paired with pro Alan Bersten. Elaine, known for her role in The Parent Trap, opened up about feeling overwhelmed with gratitude for reaching the semi-finals despite a season filled with challenges like injuries and tough critiques. Her goal? Snag that elusive perfect 10 for the first time. They chose a foxtrot—a smooth, elegant ballroom dance with flowing steps and a vintage charm—to Prince's 'I Wanna Be Your Lover.' The energy was infectious; Elaine literally leaped with joy at the end, nailing the routine's joyful vibe. Judge Derek Hough raved, 'That was beautiful, truly an incredible foxtrot,' capturing the elegance beginners might picture from classic Hollywood films. But the panel nudged her to inject more intensity next time. SCORE: 27/30
Next, social media sensation Alix Earle glided back into an Argentine tango—this sultry, dramatic Latin dance full of sharp lines and passionate holds—with Val Chmerkovskiy. Last week, she earned a flawless score, and she's stepping into big shoes after two anniversary specials featured perfect Argentine tangos too. Alix shared how Prince's unapologetic authenticity inspires her to embrace her true self on the floor. To 'Little Red Corvette,' she delivered with fire, earning Bruno Tonioli's nod as 'the most improved' dancer of the night. The judges adored the passion but pointed out spots for polish, like smoother transitions. It's a reminder that even influencers can transform into ballroom pros! SCORE: 28/30
And this is the part most people miss: how reality stars like Whitney Leavitt from The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives bring raw emotion to the mix. Teaming with Mark Ballas, Whitney revisited her cha cha—a fun, rhythmic Latin dance with lots of hip action and playful flair—to '1999.' Her previous cha cha on One-Hit Wonder Night was to Wild Cherry's 'Play That Funky Music,' and fresh off a perfect score last week, they aimed to sustain the momentum. The judges' reactions were split: Carrie Ann Inaba praised the technique focus, saying, 'Once again, a wonderful dance... it was still well-delivered.' But Derek fired back passionately, 'Carrie Ann, you are out of your mind! That was awesome!' This back-and-forth highlights the subjective magic of judging—could it spark debates on fairness? SCORE: 29/30
Reality TV personality Dylan Efron, brother of Zac, and Daniella Karagach brought intensity with a tango redo to 'I Would Die 4 U.' Derek called Dylan's prior Argentine tango his breakthrough, especially after winning the relay. The key focus? Tucking in that posture to avoid sloppy lines—a common tip for beginners tackling the tango's precise, dramatic steps. Carrie Ann spotted minor errors, and Derek stressed heel leads (starting steps from the heel for that grounded power), but Bruno summed it up: 'You're very, very much improved.' Dylan's growth story is inspiring for anyone starting from scratch. SCORE: 27/30
Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles, with Ezra Sosa, revisited the jive—a high-energy, rock 'n' roll style packed with kicks, flicks, and boundless bounce—to the Top 10 hit 'Raspberry Beret.' Still chasing her first individual perfect score, Jordan channeled her athletic precision into this second jive. She owned it, with Carrie Ann declaring it 'the best performance so far tonight.' Yet, a slight timing slip kept the tens at bay—those split-second syncs are what separate good from great in fast-paced dances like this. SCORE: 27/30
Wrapping the repeats, wildlife advocate Robert Irwin and Witney Carson, fresh from the season's very first perfect score (soon matched by three others), tackled a jive to 'Baby I'm a Star.' Witney's choreography spotlighted Robert's incredible progress, and it exploded with charisma. For the first time that evening, the judges were speechless before erupting: Bruno shouted 'Superstar jive!' and Carrie Ann added, 'That is how you tell everyone you want to be in the finale!' It's a feel-good moment that shows how far a newbie like Robert can go with dedication. SCORE: 30/30
Now, shifting gears to the NEW DANCES, where these pairs debuted styles that could seal their finale fates. But here's where it gets controversial: some say these fresh challenges expose weaknesses too harshly—do you agree?
Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten went bold with a paso doble—a fiery Spanish dance mimicking a bullfight, full of dramatic capes and stomps—to 'When Doves Cry.' Aiming for raw emotion, they ignited the floor. Carrie Ann leaped up, hugging Elaine and bowing in awe: 'That was amazing!!!' It was Elaine's breakthrough, proving perseverance pays off spectacularly. SCORE: 30/30 (Her first perfect score—talk about a full-circle moment!)
Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy explored vulnerability in a Viennese waltz—a swirling, romantic ballroom waltz with quicker spins and lifts than its slower cousin—to 'Purple Rain.' Alix reflected on how the show deepened her emotional awareness, embracing risks despite the pressure. The judges were convinced: Derek assured, 'I have no doubts that we are going to see you in those finals.' For beginners, it's a great example of how waltzes blend grace with heartfelt storytelling. SCORE: 30/30
Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach shook things up with a cha cha to 'Kiss,' targeting Dylan's hip isolation—a tricky Latin element where the hips lead while the upper body stays steady. Daniella hyped his champion potential, and wow, those hips didn't disappoint! Derek's jaw dropped: 'The details, man... It was so, so impressive! You should be so proud!' It's the kind of progress that makes you root for underdogs. SCORE: 28/30
Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas floated into a Viennese waltz to 'Slow Love,' a dance Whitney hoped would unlock her finale dreams. In her package, she teared up, sharing how dancing rediscovered her passions and sense of self. Carrie Ann deemed it her 'absolute favorite' of the season, and Bruno called it 'impeccable!' The elegance here is all about seamless rises and falls—ideal for visualizing the waltz's poetic flow. SCORE: 29/30
Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa dove into an Argentine tango to 'U Got the Look,' which Jordan labeled one of her toughest learns. Her gymnast habits of tight quads led to accidental kicks in practice, but she nailed the control on stage—no mishaps, just sharp lines and tension. Derek praised it as 'a top performance,' showcasing how athletes adapt athleticism to dance's intimacy. SCORE: 30/30
Finally, Robert Irwin and Witney Carson swirled through a Viennese waltz to 'WOW,' building on their earlier perfection. At 21, Robert admitted faking intense passion and chemistry felt 'weird' given their fun, sibling-like bond, but he dug deep. Bruno was hooked: 'That was so thrilling, I want to see the sequel. I didn’t want it to stop!' It's a testament to pushing personal comfort zones. SCORE: 29/30
With the dust settled, Robert and Witney topped the leaderboard on judges' scores, while Dylan and Daniella lingered at the bottom. But in a twist that stunned viewers—could the voting have swung differently with more fan input?—Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas were eliminated, cutting short what felt like an unstoppable journey.
This elimination has fans divided: Was it fair, or did the repeat dance critiques unfairly weigh in? What do you think—should viewer votes carry more power in the semi-finals? Drop your thoughts in the comments; I'd love to hear if you're Team Whitney or believe the right pair advanced. Tune in next week for the finals, where the remaining stars will battle for the mirrorball trophy!
