Dancing With the Stars Honors Prince As Top-Scoring Couple Exits Before The Season 34 Finale

Dancing With the Stars Honors Prince As Top-Scoring Couple Exits Before The Season 34 Finale

Season 34 of Dancing With the Stars is down to the wire, and Tuesday’s semi-finals delivered emotional performances, high scores, and a stunning exit.

The episode paid tribute to Prince, with all contestants performing two competitive routines set to the late music icon’s songs.

Despite strong results throughout the season, Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas were eliminated during Prince Night, shocking fans and fellow competitors as five couples now move forward to the November 25 finale, where the next Mirrorball champion will be crowned.

Semi-Finals Format And Remaining Contestants

Each couple performed one ballroom style they’d already learned this season and a second routine in a brand-new dance style. Entering the episode, the remaining competitors included:

  • Alix Earle
  • Jordan Chiles
  • Dylan Efron
  • Elaine Hendrix
  • Robert Irwin
  • Whitney Leavitt

Whitney ultimately became the contestant departing the show, leaving five duos to compete next week.

Finale Will Feature Three Competition Rounds

The Season 34 finale, airing November 25, will require couples to perform in three challenges:

  1. Judges’ Choice
  2. Instant Dance
  3. Freestyle Routine

This week’s scores determined who earned a spot on the final stage, narrowing the race to the top five couples.

Big Night For Robert Irwin And Witney Carson

The semi-finals also included a notable moment in the audience, as Zac Efron attended the taping for the first time to support his brother, Dylan.

Robert Irwin and Witney Carson quickly became the duo to beat, earning the first perfect 30/30 of the night and finishing the episode with a combined 59 points, the highest total of the week.

Second Round Delivers Multiple Perfect Scores

Round two saw three couples achieve flawless scores, including Alix Earle, Jordan Chiles, and Elaine Hendrix. For Hendrix and Chiles, it marked their first perfect results of the season.

Despite strong performances, Whitney and Mark finished with 58 points, tying with Alix and Val but ultimately being eliminated due to combined scoring and audience voting.

Reactions From The Ballroom

Athlete Jordan Chiles told The Hollywood Reporter she felt deeply honored by her first perfect score, calling it a meaningful milestone beyond even her competitive athletic achievements.

Meanwhile, Elaine Hendrix admitted she was stunned to hear she’d secured a spot in the finale, sharing that the journey has been more difficult—and more rewarding—than she ever expected.

Pro dancer Val Chmerkovskiy praised Alix Earle, saying that performing with a partner who exceeded expectations kept every episode from feeling predictable.

Week 10 Scores – Prince Night

Round 1

  • Elaine Hendrix & Alan Bersten: 27/30
  • Alix Earle & Val Chmerkovskiy: 28/30
  • Whitney Leavitt & Mark Ballas: 29/30
  • Dylan Efron & Daniella Karagach: 27/30
  • Jordan Chiles & Ezra Sosa: 27/30
  • Robert Irwin & Witney Carson: 30/30

Round 2

  • Elaine Hendrix & Alan Bersten: 30/30
  • Alix Earle & Val Chmerkovskiy: 30/30
  • Dylan Efron & Daniella Karagach: 28/30
  • Whitney Leavitt & Mark Ballas: 29/30
  • Jordan Chiles & Ezra Sosa: 30/30
  • Robert Irwin & Witney Carson: 29/30

Final Leaderboard

  1. Robert Irwin & Witney Carson – 59
  2. Alix Earle & Val Chmerkovskiy – 58
  3. Whitney Leavitt & Mark Ballas – 58 (Eliminated)
  4. Jordan Chiles & Ezra Sosa – 57
  5. Elaine Hendrix & Alan Bersten – 57
  6. Dylan Efron & Daniella Karagach – 55

Dancing With the Stars airs Tuesdays on ABC and Disney+, with episodes available on Hulu the following day.


Prince Night delivered memorable performances, emotional reactions, and a surprise departure as Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas exited just one week before the Season 34 finale.

With strong scores and high-pressure challenges ahead, the remaining five couples are poised for a dramatic showdown as they vie for the coveted Mirrorball Trophy on November 25.

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