Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas dominated the leaderboard on Tuesday, Nov. 5. The pair earned a combined score of 79/80 at DWTS Season 34. Their performance made history as Team Chicago earned the first perfect 40/40 team score.
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🔥 Quick Facts:
- Whitney Leavitt reclaimed the #1 spot with 39 and 40 points
- Jordan Chiles placed second with a 78/80 combined score
- Team Chicago earned the historic first 40/40 team dance score
- Immunity advantage awarded to Whitney and Mark for elimination protection
- Theme: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Night with guest judge Flavor Flav
What Happened on Week 8
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Night delivered major drama and spectacular performances. Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas took the top spot decisively. They scored 39 points in their first dance, then earned a perfect 40 in their second routine.
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Team performances proved crucial this week. Team Chicago, led by Danielle Fishel and Pasha Pashkov, made history. They became the first team ever to score a perfect 40/40 combined. Flavor Flav, serving as guest judge, handed out 10s strategically. He later revealed he’d accidentally given Alix Earle a 9 instead of intended 10, which would have given her a perfect score.
“Team Chicago earned immunity and won’t be eliminated for having the highest scores of the season.”
Why This Matters for DWTS
This week marked a turning point in Season 34. Whitney Leavitt proved herself among elite performers. She bounced back to claim the top spot after close competition earlier in the season. Her consistency matters as we approach the semifinals.
The perfect team score represents a rare achievement. Perfect team scores don’t happen often on Dancing with the Stars. This milestone shows how talent can shine brightest under pressure. Flavor Flav’s guest judging brought unpredictability and high energy. Viewers debated his scoring choices on social media all night.
Immunity holds major strategic value now. Whitney and Mark can focus purely on performance next week. They won’t face elimination pressure. This advantage could prove decisive in upcoming rounds.
Leaderboard Rankings and Scores
The Week 8 standings reflected elite-level performances across the board.
| Rank | Couple | Combined Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Whitney Leavitt & Mark Ballas | 79/80 |
| 2nd | Jordan Chiles & Ezra Sosa | 78/80 |
| 3rd | Alix Earle & Sasha Farber | 77/80 |
| 4th | Dylan Efron & Partner | 70s Range |
The gap between top performers narrowed significantly this week. Just 2 points separated first and second place. This closeness suggests the competition heats up as we approach finals.
What to Watch for Going Forward
- Whitney’s momentum: Can she maintain top placement through semifinals and finals?
- Team competition dynamics: How will team scores continue shaping individual rankings?
- Immunity advantage: Will it translate into better performances without elimination pressure?
- Judge panel consistency: Will guest judges continue affecting final scores and controversy?
- Remaining performances: Which themes will showcase Whitney and Mark best?
Who Risks Elimination Next Week?
While Whitney and Mark earned safety, other couples faced the cold reality. The judges and voting public decided who goes home. Consistency matters more than single stellar performances. Teams that struggled this week could face pressure votes from fans.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Night showcased versatility across genres. Some couples thrived with rock music. Others struggled with the unfamiliar style. Next week brings fresh choreography and new opportunities. DWTS fans will vote based on who rebounds from disappointment and who maintains their edge.
Watch the official Rock Hall Paso Doble performance here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjjN0K6tWGQ
See Whitney’s Wicked Night performance here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hX_i_5g-gIk
Sources
- TODAY Show – DWTS Week 8 Episode Recap
- CBS 19 News – Dancing with the Stars Leaderboard Results
- Deadline – Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Night Coverage
Daniel Harris is a specialist journalist focused on the crossroads of breaking news, extraordinary history, and enduring legends. With a background in historical research and storytelling, he blends timely reporting with timeless narratives, making complex events and ancient myths resonate with today’s readers. Daniel’s work often uncovers surprising links between present-day headlines and legendary tales, offering unique perspectives that captivate diverse audiences. Beyond reporting, he is passionate about preserving oral traditions and exploring how extraordinary stories continue to shape culture and identity.