Season 34 of Dancing With the Stars moved one step closer to its grand conclusion after a dramatic and emotionally charged Prince Night semi-final. What was expected to be a night of celebration quickly turned into a whirlwind of surprises, flawless routines, and one unexpected exit that left viewers and contestants stunned.

The semi-final episode paid tribute to the late music legend Prince, with every couple performing two routines—one in a ballroom style they had learned earlier in the season, and another in a style they had never attempted before. Each dance was set to one of Prince’s iconic hits, filling the ballroom with purple light, nostalgia, and fierce competition.

But amid the glitter and high-scoring performances, the night delivered its biggest shock: Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas, despite being one of the season’s strongest pairs, were eliminated.

A Night of High Stakes and Higher Scores

Heading into the semi-finals, only six duos remained in the battle for the coveted mirrorball trophy:

• Alix Earle & Val Chmerkovskiy

• Jordan Chiles & Ezra Sosa

• Dylan Efron & Daniella Karagach

  
  
  

• Elaine Hendrix & Alan Bersten

• Robert Irwin & Witney Carson

• Whitney Leavitt & Mark Ballas

Robert Irwin and Witney Carson lit up the dance floor early, delivering the only perfect score in the first round. Their 30/30 Viennese Waltz set the tone for the evening. But it wasn’t long before other contestants delivered their own standout moments. Jordan Chiles achieved her first-ever perfect score, earning emotional praise from the judges. Elaine Hendrix, who spoke openly about embracing vulnerability on the dance floor, also captured her first flawless score of the season.

Alix Earle, often labeled the season’s surprise powerhouse, delivered a deeply emotional Viennese Waltz to “Purple Rain,” leaving the judges visibly moved.

By the end of Round 2, three couples—Alix & Val, Jordan & Ezra, and Elaine & Alan—secured perfect scores, tightening the race for the finale.

The Elimination No One Saw Coming

Despite scoring an impressive 58/60, Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas found themselves at the bottom once viewer votes were combined with judges’ ratings. Their departure was especially emotional, as Whitney broke down reflecting on how the show had “changed her life” and helped her reconnect with her authentic self. Mark Ballas, her partner, praised her bravery and growth, calling the experience a “friendship for life.”

The elimination was all the more shocking because the duo had consistently ranked among the season’s top performers. Even the judges appeared taken aback, making the exit one of the most unexpected moments of the season.

The Road to the Finale

With Whitney and Mark’s departure, the finale lineup is now set. The remaining five pairs—Robert & Witney, Alix & Val, Jordan & Ezra, Elaine & Alan, and Dylan & Daniella—will face off on Nov. 25 in a three-hour finale. Each couple will perform three rounds:

• Judges’ Choice

• Instant Dance

• Freestyle

If Prince Night is any indication, the finale will be a fierce and unpredictable showdown.

FAQ

1. Who was eliminated during the DWTS Season 34 semi-finals?
Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas were eliminated after viewer votes and judges’ scores were combined.

2. What theme was used for the semi-final episode?
The episode celebrated Prince Night, with every dance performed to a Prince song.

3. Who earned perfect scores during the semi-finals?
Alix Earle, Jordan Chiles, Elaine Hendrix, and Robert Irwin all received perfect 30/30 scores during the night.

4. When is the Season 34 finale?
The finale airs on Nov. 25, lasting three hours.

5. How does voting work on DWTS?
Live voting is open during the East Coast broadcast and closes shortly after the final performance.