Man, the ballroom was a literal sea of purple. Honestly, going into the semi finals dancing with the stars for Season 34, everyone thought they had the script figured out. We had a clear top tier, a few lovable underdogs, and a feeling that the finale was already set in stone.
But then Prince Night happened.
It wasn’t just the music. It was the stakes. For the first time in the show's history, the producers announced they received the most votes ever recorded in a single night. When Alfonso Ribeiro drops a stat like that, you know someone's about to get their heart broken. By the time the credits rolled on November 18, 2025, a frontrunner was gone, and the leaderboard was a total mess.
The Shocking Exit of Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas
If you were scrolling through social media during the live broadcast, the collective "Wait, what?" was deafening. Whitney Leavitt, the standout from The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, didn't just dance well—she dominated the technical side of the competition for weeks. Just seven days prior, she and Mark Ballas had pulled a perfect 40.
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They were consistent. They were sharp. And then, they were out.
It’s one of those reality TV moments that reminds you the judges' scores are only half the battle. Despite a spicy Cha Cha to "1999" and a two-dance total of 58, the audience vote simply wasn't there to bridge the gap. Mark Ballas looked genuinely stunned. Whitney, ever the professional, said the show "changed her life," but you could see the disappointment. It felt like a glitch in the Matrix because, on paper, she was a lock for the Mirrorball.
Leaderboard Breakdown: Who Actually Crushed It?
The night was split into two rounds. The first was a "new style" for the couples, and the second was a "repeat style" meant to show growth.
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Robert Irwin and Witney Carson continued their tear through the competition. Robert is basically a human golden retriever—he has this infectious energy that makes you forget he’s a wildlife conservationist and not a trained pro. He nabbed a 29/30 for his Viennese Waltz. Carrie Ann Inaba actually told him she felt like a proud mom. It was a bit much, but hey, that's the show.
The Scores at a Glance
- Robert Irwin & Witney Carson: 59 (Total)
- Alix Earle & Val Chmerkovskiy: 58 (Total)
- Jordan Chiles & Ezra Sosa: 57 (Total)
- Elaine Hendrix & Alan Bersten: 57 (Total)
- Dylan Efron & Daniella Karagach: 55 (Total)
Jordan Chiles finally got her flowers. After being a bit "inconsistent" (the judges' favorite word for her), she landed her first perfect score of 30 for an Argentine Tango to "U Got the Look." Watching an Olympic gymnast channel that kind of smoldering intensity is wild. She wasn't just doing flips; she was leading Ezra Sosa.
Why Dylan Efron is the Season's Biggest Wildcard
Let’s talk about Dylan Efron. He survived the semi finals dancing with the stars by the skin of his teeth. He actually finished at the bottom of the leaderboard with a 55. His Tango to "I Would Die 4 U" didn't quite land with Derek Hough, who critiqued his frame.
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But here’s the thing: Dylan has the "Zac Efron factor." Having his brother in the audience for the first time definitely didn't hurt the fan vote. Daniella Karagach is also a master at choreographing for men who have zero dance background. She leans into his athleticism and "leading man" energy. While the judges weren't obsessed with his technique, the fans clearly were. He’s the classic "most improved" narrative that the DWTS audience eats up every single year.
The Prince Night "Purple Rain" Magic
The theme nights can sometimes feel cheesy, but Prince Night actually pushed the production value. Alix Earle’s Argentine Tango to "Little Red Corvette" was a highlight. She’s been the "most improved" person on the floor, and Val Chmerkovskiy clearly knows how to highlight her lines.
Derek Hough did that thing where he pretends he hates a dance just to say "I loved it!" It’s a tired bit, but Alix took it in stride. She’s got a massive TikTok following, but she’s actually putting in the work. You can tell she’s terrified of being seen as "just an influencer," and that fear is driving some incredible performances.
Key Takeaways from the Semi Finals
- Technical skill doesn't guarantee safety. Whitney Leavitt had the scores but lacked the massive fan base needed to overcome a stacked semi-final.
- Narrative is king. Robert Irwin’s "legacy" storyline and Dylan Efron’s "transformation" are carrying them further than pure footwork would.
- The finale is a toss-up. With only four points separating the top and bottom of the remaining five, the freestyle round is going to determine everything.
If you're looking to see how this all shakes out, the next step is to watch the three-hour season finale. Pay close attention to the Freestyle round, as that’s where the "no rules" policy usually allows the gymnasts like Jordan Chiles to truly separate themselves from the pack. Also, keep an eye on the "Judges' Choice" routines, which often force the stars to revisit their weakest styles from earlier in the season.
Check your local listings for the finale air time, usually 8/7c on ABC and Disney+.