‘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

'Single's Inferno' turns up the heat in Season 5, introducing 'Eden' 2 alum Jo I-Geon as the show's first-ever catfish contestant.
36 minutes ago
The final audition of the night takes an unexpected turn, leaving the 'American Idol' judges shaken and the room completely still.
2 hours ago
'American Idol' contestant Bryant Thomas impressed judges with his performance of Phil Collins' 'Against All Odds'
7 hours ago
An unexpected on-air slip by the 'Celebrity Jeopardy!' winner at the 'Tournament of Champions' quickly went viral
8 hours ago
'American Idol' Season 24 opened with an onscreen message that read, "Season 24 of American Idol: Dedicated to Robin Kaye. We'll save you a seat"
10 hours ago
A single mom's second shot at the 'Idol' auditions turned into an unforgettable moment that left Luke Bryan in tears
11 hours ago
A familiar anthem, returning legends, and a major twist tease that ‘Survivor’ Season 50 is planning to hit harder than ever before.
1 day ago
‘Single’s Inferno’ fans can now live the island dating fantasy as a real-life Solo Island event launches in South Korea.
3 days ago
'Single Inferno' Season 5 star Mina Sue Choi faces severe online backlash after her strategy on the show, with some fans defending her.
4 days ago
What initially began with an otherwise well-meaning alliance between the Faithfuls soon descended into chaos and mutual mudslinging
4 days ago