‘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

Outlandish plotlines in ‘Million Dollar Nannies’ are making viewers question its authenticity.
1 day ago
From designer uniforms to color-coded nails, the Guiribiteys became breakout stars of 'Million Dollar Nannies' thanks to their lavish childcare demands
1 day ago
KC and Aniya begin questioning their relationship after shocking revelations on ‘Love Island’ USA.
1 day ago
Hulu and Freeform's newest reality television series follows child care professionals vying for top jobs from wealthy clients.
2 days ago
Episode 2 featured Nicola Wills from The Wills Family meeting with a potential nanny and shared the particulars of the requirements for the nanny.
2 days ago
Alan Cumming revealed the title of the upcoming season of ‘The Traitors’ in his latest mysterious announcement
2 days ago
Kyle Cooke has been a part of 'Summer House' since the reality series premiered in 2017
2 days ago
After America voted for its favorite couple, the host announced one more twist that sent two islanders home
2 days ago
After his elimination from the villa, Sean reflected on his unseen conversations with a female islander
3 days ago
Among the singles participating in the upcoming ‘MAFS’ Season, fans will witness the star from ‘The Circle’, ‘Perfect Match’, and ‘Battle Camp’.
3 days ago