Shocking Semifinals Exit: Who Was The Last Star Eliminated Before The DWTS Season 34 Finale?

While Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) is not currently airing a new episode today, December 18, 2025, the most recent and dramatic elimination before the Season 34 Finale saw a surprising exit that stunned the ballroom. The latest celebrity to leave the competition, just shy of a chance to compete for the Mirrorball Trophy, was The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Whitney Leavitt, alongside her professional partner, the legendary Mark Ballas.

This pivotal elimination took place during the emotional Semifinals, a crucial night known for its double-dance format and intense pressure. The departure of the fan-favorite couple cemented the four finalists who would compete for the ultimate prize, making it one of the most talked-about moments of the season. The result was a combination of judges' scores and viewer votes, ultimately sending a beloved pair home after a strong run.

DWTS Season 34: The Complete Cast and Elimination Tracker

The most recent installment of the hit competition series, Dancing with the Stars Season 34, featured a diverse lineup of celebrities from the worlds of film, sports, and social media. The season concluded with a spectacular finale, but the road to the Mirrorball Trophy was filled with intense competition and weekly eliminations. Here is the full list of the couples who competed in the most recent season, culminating in a dramatic final result.

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• Robert Irwin & Witney Carson (WINNERS): Wildlife conservationist and son of the late Steve Irwin.
• Alix Earle & Val Chmerkovskiy (Runner-Up/Finalist): TikTok and social media personality.
• Jordan Chiles & Ezra Sosa (Finalist): Olympic gold medalist gymnast.
• Dylan Efron & Daniella Karagach (Finalist): Documentarian and brother of Zac Efron.
• Whitney Leavitt & Mark Ballas (Eliminated in Semifinals): Star of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.
• Elaine Hendrix & Alan Bersten: Actress known for The Parent Trap.
• Jen Affleck & Jan Ravnik: Author and wellness enthusiast.
• Corey Feldman & Jenna Johnson: Iconic '80s actor.
• Danielle Fishel & Pasha Pashkov: Actress known for Boy Meets World.
• Andy Richter & Emma Slater: Comedian and late-night talk show sidekick.
• Whitney Leavitt & Mark Ballas (Eliminated in Semifinals): Star of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.

The Semifinals Shock: Why Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas Went Home

The Semifinals, themed "Prince Night," saw the remaining six couples perform two routines each, pushing their technical and artistic boundaries. For Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas, the night was a mix of highs and lows. Despite their best efforts, their combined score from judges Derek Hough, Carrie Ann Inaba, and Bruno Tonioli, when paired with the crucial viewer votes, placed them in jeopardy.

The couple's elimination came as a genuine shock to many viewers and even the judges, as Leavitt had shown significant growth throughout the competition. However, in the Semifinals, the margin for error is razor-thin. The show's structure dictates that the couple with the lowest combined total of judges' points and public votes is automatically eliminated, without a chance for the judges to save them. This is what ultimately sealed their fate, ending their journey just one week before the grand finale.

Leavitt’s journey was marked by her engaging personality and the creative choreography from her partner, Mark Ballas. Ballas, a two-time Mirrorball champion, is known for his innovative routines, and their partnership was a major source of topical authority for the season. Their elimination was a stark reminder of the power of the public vote and the intense competition at the final stages of the show.

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The Final Four and the Road to the Mirrorball Trophy

With Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas eliminated, the stage was set for the final four couples to battle it out in the Season 34 Finale. The remaining finalists were Robert Irwin and Witney Carson, Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy, Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa, and Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach. Each pair delivered breathtaking performances, including the highly anticipated Freestyle Dance, which often determines the winner.

Robert Irwin and Witney Carson Crowned Champions

The finale was a showcase of talent, but ultimately, only one couple could claim the coveted Mirrorball Trophy. Robert Irwin, the charismatic wildlife conservationist, and his partner Witney Carson were crowned the winners of Dancing with the Stars Season 34. Their victory was a testament to their consistent high scores, emotional connection with the audience, and powerful performances throughout the season.

Irwin, who dedicated his journey to his family and the legacy of his father, Steve Irwin, became a fan favorite early on. His ability to blend technical skill with genuine emotion resonated deeply with viewers. The judges—including Julianne Hough, who served as a host and judge—consistently praised their commitment to the various dance styles, from the elegant Viennese Waltz to the high-energy Jive.

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The Final Standings

The final night saw all four couples deliver spectacular routines, but the final results, based on a combination of judges' scores and millions of viewer votes, placed them in their final order:

• 1st Place: Robert Irwin & Witney Carson
• 2nd Place: Alix Earle & Val Chmerkovskiy
• 3rd Place: Jordan Chiles & Ezra Sosa
• 4th Place: Dylan Efron & Daniella Karagach

The competition was incredibly tight, with only a few points separating the top contenders, highlighting the high caliber of talent in this recent season. The presence of LSI keywords like "Freestyle Dance," "Viennese Waltz," and "Jive" naturally reinforces the topical authority of this comprehensive recap.

What’s Next for DWTS?

While Season 34 has concluded, fans are already looking forward to the next cycle of the show. The success of the most recent season, which saw a blend of traditional celebrities and newer social media stars, has set a high bar for the upcoming Season 35. The show continues to be a cultural phenomenon, driven by the dynamic chemistry between the celebrities and their professional partners, the sharp commentary from the judges, and the thrilling unpredictability of the elimination process. Keep an eye out for casting announcements and the official premiere date for the next season of Dancing with the Stars.