‘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
UPDATED NOV 19, 2025
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

Season 38 of the reality show concluded with Jasmair 'Jas' Bains and Jagateshwar 'Jag' Bains winning the competition
1 day ago
A surprise setback has stalled Netflix's 'Star Search' debut, and the timing has everyone guessing what's coming next
1 day ago
'Survivor' Season 49 honored late Sean Foley, who served as supervising editor for eight seasons, in its latest episode
1 day ago
Season 14 of the singing competition is returning with Robin Thicke, Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg, Ken Jeong, and Rita Ora on the panel
1 day ago
'RuPaul's Drag Race' Season 18 will once again feature fourteen drag queens competing for the top spot and a cash prize of $200,000
2 days ago
For the first time, ‘The Masked Singer’ is kicking off Season 14 by revealing a contestant days before the premiere — right on social media
2 days ago
'The Voice' coaches Niall Horan and Snoop Dogg had to make some tough decisions in the second Playoffs night
3 days ago
Even as the competition heats up, 'The Voice' is keeping things short tonight, making room for next week’s massive two-night finale event.
3 days ago
Bravo teased an "unforgettable summer for both the returning favorites and the six new housemates
4 days ago
When asked in a confessional about a former wife possibly returning, Robyn was left completely speechless
4 days ago