Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas were shockingly eliminated during DWTS Season 34‘s Prince Night semi-finals on November 18, 2025. Despite scoring 58 out of 60 points, the top contenders didn’t make the cut. Their combined score tied for second place on the leaderboard. This unexpected elimination sent shockwaves through the ballroom and the fan community.
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🔥 Quick Facts:
- Whitney and Mark scored 58/60 but still got eliminated.
- Robert Irwin and Witney Carson topped the leaderboard with 59 points.
- Five couples advance to the November 25 finale on ABC.
- The voting combined judges’ scores and viewer votes.
- Zac Efron attended his first live taping to support brother Dylan.
What Happened on Prince Night Semi-Finals
Whitney and Mark delivered two stunning performances on November 18. Their first routine was a cha cha to “1999” that earned 29 out of 30 points. Their second performance was a Viennese waltz to “Slow Love” scoring another 29/30. Combined, they earned 58 total points.
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Yet despite the exceptional scores, they didn’t survive the semi-final elimination. Robert Irwin and Witney Carson led with 59 points, while Alix Earle also matched Whitney’s 58-point total. The judges included Derek Hough, Carrie Ann Inaba, and Bruno Tonioli.
“I already feel like a winner. It’s changed my life and I’ll forever be so grateful to have this experience,” Whitney said after learning the news.
The evening featured emotional moments throughout. Jordan Chiles scored her first-ever perfect score of 30/30 and cried during her interview. Alix Earle broke down in tears over the judges’ praise. The night honored the late Prince with all performances set to his iconic songs.
Why This Elimination Shocked Fans
Whitney and Mark had been considered a top contender all season. Many fans expected them to qualify for the finale easily. Throughout Season 34, they earned consistent high scores and delivered reliable, polished performances.
The combination of judges’ scores and viewer votes determined the elimination. Sometimes viewer votes differ from judges’ opinions. This semi-final round proved that even excellent scores don’t guarantee advancement. ABC’s voting system values both factors equally.
Social media erupted with reactions. Fans expressed their disbelief over Whitney’s elimination across multiple platforms. Many called it one of the season’s most shocking upsets. They questioned if viewer votes favored other contestants more strongly.
Semi-Final Scores and Results
The semi-finals featured six competing couples across two rounds of performances. Here’s the complete breakdown of all scores and placements:
| Couple | Round 1 | Round 2 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Robert Irwin & Witney Carson | 30/30 | 29/30 | 59/60 |
| Alix Earle & Val Chmerkovskiy | 28/30 | 30/30 | 58/60 |
| Whitney Leavitt & Mark Ballas | 29/30 | 29/30 | 58/60 (ELIMINATED) |
| Jordan Chiles & Ezra Sosa | 27/30 | 30/30 | 57/60 |
| Elaine Hendrix & Alan Bersten | 27/30 | 30/30 | 57/60 |
| Dylan Efron & Daniella Karagach | 27/30 | 28/30 | 55/60 |
The table above shows how Whitney landed in the elimination position. Her 58-point tie with Alix didn’t save her. The difference came down to viewer voting numbers combined with judges’ scores. Robert Irwin earned the highest score each night.
What To Watch For in the Grand Finale
- Five couples will compete on November 25 for the Mirrorball Trophy.
- Robert Irwin enters as the top contender with the highest semi-final score.
- The finale includes judges choice, instant dance, and freestyle rounds.
- Three-hour finale event will determine the Season 34 winner.
- Zac Efron’s support may energize Dylan during the final competition.
Only five couples remain in contention: Robert and Witney, Alix, Jordan Chiles, Elaine Hendrix, and Dylan Efron. The finale airs on ABC and will stream on Disney+. Each couple performs three new routines for judges and America.
The pressure intensifies with only four couples being eliminated to reach this point. Whitney’s departure leaves fans wondering how viewer votes will impact remaining eliminations. All five finalists have shown remarkable improvement throughout Season 34.
Can the Voting System Accurately Reflect Performance?
This elimination raises questions about balancing judges’ scores with viewer votes. Whitney and Mark earned 58 points—the third-highest score. Yet they went home because viewer voting favored other couples more.
Dancing with the Stars combines two scoring methods. Judges award points for technique and performance quality. Viewers determine which couples survive through phone and text voting. The system creates unpredictability and drama.
Some fans argue that judges’ scores should weigh heavier. Others appreciate that viewer votes reward personality and connection. Whitney’s elimination demonstrates this tension perfectly. She had the technical skill but lacked sufficient viewer support.
The November 25 finale will conclude this rollercoaster season. Viewers will decide if the voting system ultimately worked or if it robbed fans of deserving finalists. What’s your take on Whitney’s shocking exit?
Sources
- E! Online – DWTS Prince Night semi-final elimination coverage
- The Hollywood Reporter – Complete scores and finalist analysis
- TODAY.com – Full results breakdown and contestant reactions
Jessica Morrison is a seasoned entertainment writer with over a decade of experience covering television, film, and pop culture. After earning a degree in journalism from New York University, she worked as a freelance writer for various entertainment magazines before joining red94.net. Her expertise lies in analyzing television series, from groundbreaking dramas to light-hearted comedies, and she often provides in-depth reviews and industry insights. Outside of writing, Jessica is an avid film buff and enjoys discovering new indie movies at local festivals.