‘DWTS’ fans fume after ‘the best dancer’ gets eliminated in ‘terrible’ semifinals twist: ‘So rigged...’

Two strong dances scored 29s each, but a fan-favorite pair still lost the semifinals vote after an emotional Prince night
A screenshot Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough from 'DWTS' Season 34 episode (Cover Image Source: YouTube| @dancingwiththestars)
A screenshot Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough from 'DWTS' Season 34 episode (Cover Image Source: YouTube| @dancingwiththestars)

With the Prince-themed episode, the milestone journey of 'Dancing With the Stars' Season 34 just concluded its semifinals. With the stellar performance from the six remaining contestants, the competition is peaking through the roof. However, keeping with the tradition of the dance competition, one beloved celebrity had to bid farewell to the show after coming so close to the finale week, and honestly, we were not expecting it

Mark Ballas and Whitney Leavitt in a still from 'DWTS' (Cover Image Source: Instagram | @dancingwiththestars)
A photo of Mark Ballas and Whitney Leavitt performing on the 'DWTS' stage (Image Source: Instagram | @dancingwiththestars)

Despite their strong performances, Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas were eliminated from 'Dancing With the Stars.' In the stunning episode, Leavitt returned to the cha-cha, dancing to '1999,' after previously performing the style on One-Hit Wonder Night. Coming off a perfect score last week, the duo hoped to continue their momentum, but the judges were split as Carrie Ann Inaba noted she saw Leavitt concentrating on technique, while Derek Hough fired back, saying, "Carrie Ann, you are out of your mind! That was awesome!" They ultimately earned 29 out of 30, as per Deadline.

For their second dance of the night, Leavitt and Ballas performed a Viennese waltz to 'Slow Love,' hoping it would secure their spot in the finale. In her intro package, Leavitt became emotional, sharing how the competition has helped her reconnect with herself and reignite her passions. The routine impressed the judges, as Inaba called it her "absolute favorite" performance from Leavitt this season, and Bruno Tonioli praised it as "impeccable." They scored 29 out of 30.

Despite earning the third-highest score of the night with 58 points, Leavitt and Ballas were voted off, as per E! News. Looking back on their journey, Leavitt said, "I already feel like a winner. This show has meant the absolute world for me. It's changed my life and I'll forever be so grateful to have this experience." Ballas echoed her sentiment, adding, "I had the best time. I love this show."

Fans were also in disbelief, with many flocking to Instagram to share their opinions, with one commenting, "Terrible ending tonight and you all know it." A fan shared, "I'll never forgive y'all for that elimination," while another added, "The best dancer being voted off is…something." Meanwhile, a fan shared, "Orchestrated elimination. Being given the Walz no epic songs and Carrie’s harsh comments and evaluation of Whitney tonight. First dance “ Perfect dance” - 9. Why? You were concentrating. Watch the dance back. She was perfect plus performing it like a beast. Not sure where you were looking, Carrie Ann. I’m literally blown away with tonight." One fan added, "So rigged!"

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

The winner of ‘DWTS: The Next Pro’ will also be chosen as one of the ‘pro dancers’ on the upcoming ‘DWTS’ Season 35.
3 hours ago
While discussing post-filming updates, Harry recalled one of the female contestants messaging him to edit her out of the show.
5 hours ago
Harry Jowsey will return to the screen with the rest of the cast for the much-awaited reunion on August 26
6 hours ago
There’s more to ‘Let’s Marry Harry’ since Harry chose Amber as his bride; it was the beginning of their journey together.
7 hours ago
After an intense challenge, viewers witnessed yet another elimination from Team Blue
10 hours ago
Harry ultimately chose Amber in the finale, and the two tied the knot, but the real question is: are they still together?
23 hours ago
During the Judges’ Callback round, Darrell performed an unexpected magic trick that left everyone speechless.
1 day ago
‘Love Island’ USA Season 8 islanders attended the recently filmed reunion, which will air on August 31.
1 day ago
Daniel Alvarez was one of Howie Mandel’s picks and performed for him in a comedy club during the Judges Callback round
1 day ago
Reflecting on the elimination challenge against Deb, the former participant reflected on the final edit that featured her on the show.
1 day ago