You're sitting there, remote in hand, heart doing a little tango of its own because let's face it: the elimination reveal is basically the only reason we put up with the two-hour commercial marathons. But if you're looking for a fresh exit tonight, January 17, 2026, I've got a bit of a reality check for you.
The ballroom is actually dark right now.
Season 34 of Dancing with the Stars wrapped up its high-stakes drama back in late 2025. It feels like just yesterday we were watching the glitter settle, but the competition is officially over. If you're asking who gets eliminated on dancing with the stars tonight, the answer is nobody, because the Mirrorball has already found its permanent home on Robert Irwin's shelf.
What Happened During the Season 34 Finale?
It was a wild ride. Honestly, seeing a wildlife conservationist take the win wasn't on my bingo card at the start, but Robert Irwin and Witney Carson were undeniable. They didn't just win; they dominated.
The finale was a total nail-biter. Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy were right there, breathing down their necks in second place. You've probably seen the TikToks—Alix really did prove that "Get Ready With Me" energy translates surprisingly well to a Viennese Waltz.
📖 Related: Cast of Buddy 2024: What Most People Get Wrong
The Final Standings
- Winners: Robert Irwin & Witney Carson
- Second Place: Alix Earle & Val Chmerkovskiy
- Third Place: Jordan Chiles & Ezra Sosa
- Fourth Place: Dylan Efron & Daniella Karagach
- Fifth Place: Elaine Hendrix & Alan Bersten
Elaine Hendrix going out in fifth was a bit of a "parent trap" for fans who wanted her to go all the way, but the competition was just too stiff by the end.
The Most Shocking Eliminations That Still Have People Talking
If you're feeling nostalgic or just trying to catch up on the drama you missed, we have to talk about the eliminations that actually broke the internet this past season.
First off, Lauren Jauregui.
Her exit in Week 3 was... well, "pissed" was her own word for it. She danced to her own hit "Work From Home," which you’d think would be a slam dunk, but the judges weren't feeling the Cha-cha-cha vibes. She got an 18/30 and was sent packing in what most people consider the biggest robbery of the season.
Then there was the "Mormon Wives" saga.
Jen Affleck and Whitney Leavitt brought a massive built-in audience, but that only takes you so far when the scores don't match the hype. Jen left in Week 7 (Halloween Night), and Whitney made it all the way to the semi-finals before getting the boot. It’s kinda crazy how fast the momentum can shift once you hit those double-digit weeks.
👉 See also: Carrie Bradshaw apt NYC: Why Fans Still Flock to Perry Street
Why There’s No Show Tonight
So, why are you searching for who gets eliminated on dancing with the stars tonight if the season ended?
Usually, this happens because of the weird way TV schedules and streaming cycles work. Or, maybe you're seeing news about the 2026 DWTS Live Tour.
The tour is actually kicking off right about now.
If you’re in a city like Akron or Boston later this month, you’ll see Danielle Fishel co-hosting. She was a fan favorite who got eliminated in Week 8 (Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Night). Seeing her back on stage for the tour is basically the consolation prize we all needed after her Aerosmith contemporary dance didn't save her from the bottom two.
Looking Ahead to Season 35
Since there isn't an elimination tonight, we're all just playing the waiting game for the next official season. Usually, ABC doesn't get the ballroom ready again until the fall.
✨ Don't miss: Brother May I Have Some Oats Script: Why This Bizarre Pig Meme Refuses to Die
If you're itching for that "Who's going home?" adrenaline rush, you'll have to wait for the casting rumors to start flying this summer. Everyone is already speculating about which athletes or reality stars will try to fill Robert Irwin's shoes.
Key Takeaways for the Off-Season
- Keep an eye on the Tour: The DWTS Live Tour is the only place to see these pairs dance together right now.
- Follow the Pros: Witney Carson and Daniella Karagach are usually the first to drop hints about whether they're returning for the next round.
- Ignore the Re-run Confusion: Sometimes streaming platforms surface old "Live" episodes that can make it seem like a new season is airing.
Basically, the ballroom is empty, the sequins are in storage, and the judges are probably off on a much-needed vacation. We're in the quiet zone before the next storm of spray tans and perfect 10s begins.
For now, you can stop stressing about the votes. The Mirrorball is safe and sound.