The lights dimmed on the ballroom floor, and another dream came to an end. As of the latest major elimination in the competition, which aired on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, the couple sent home from the *Dancing with the Stars* Season 34 Semifinals was beloved comedian and TV personality Andy Richter and his professional partner, Emma Slater. This exit, coming just one week shy of the grand finale, sent a shockwave through the fanbase and solidified the final four celebrity couples vying for the coveted Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy.
The Semifinals episode, a high-stakes "Prince Night," saw the remaining six couples perform two challenging dances, including a bonus round, to secure their spot. Despite delivering some of their best performances of the season, the combination of judges' scores and millions of viewer votes ultimately determined that Richter and Slater’s journey had reached its final step. The emotional farewell highlighted the intense competition and the surprising reality of the viewer vote in Season 34.
Andy Richter: A Biographical Snapshot
Andy Richter, the celebrity who was eliminated in the Semifinals, is one of the most recognizable faces in late-night television and comedy. His participation in *Dancing with the Stars* Season 34 introduced a new, vulnerable side to the star, known primarily for his quick wit and comedic timing.
- Full Name: Paul Andrew Richter
- Date of Birth: October 28, 1966
- Age (as of DWTS Season 34): 59
- Hometown: Grand Rapids, Michigan, U.S.
- Occupation: Actor, Comedian, Writer, Announcer
- Known For: Serving as Conan O'Brien's sidekick on all of his late-night shows, including *Late Night with Conan O'Brien*, *The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien*, and *Conan*.
- Other Notable Work: Roles in films such as *Elf*, *Madagascar* (voice of Mort), and *Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby*. He also starred in the sitcom *Andy Richter Controls the Universe*.
- DWTS Partner: Emma Slater, a fan-favorite professional dancer and choreographer.
The Semifinals Shockwave: Who Went Home Tonight?
The November 18, 2025 Semifinals episode was one of the most intense of Season 34, with six couples battling it out for only four spots in the finale. The pressure was immense, and the performances were themed around the legendary music of Prince, adding a layer of theatricality and complexity to the routines.
The Final Dance and Judge's Reaction
Andy Richter and Emma Slater performed a powerful Paso Doble, which was noted for its dramatic flair and commitment to the character, though it struggled with some technical aspects. They also participated in a Bonus Round, which involved a high-energy routine to earn extra points. Despite the effort, their combined judges' scores placed them near the bottom of the leaderboard.
The judges—Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough—praised Richter’s growth and his dedication to the competition, acknowledging his transformation from a comedic personality to a serious ballroom dancer. However, in a season packed with high-scoring athletes and social media stars, the technical demands of the Semifinals proved too steep to overcome the viewer votes. The elimination came down to the total combined score of judges' points, bonus points, and the millions of votes cast by viewers across the country.
The Bottom Two and The Final Decision
The tension peaked when the final results were announced. The bottom two couples, based on the combined total, were revealed to be Andy Richter and Emma Slater, alongside actress and social media personality Alix Earle and her partner Val Chmerkovskiy. This was a particularly shocking pairing, as Alix Earle had consistently been a strong contender with a massive fan following.
Ultimately, it was Andy Richter and Emma Slater who were sent home, concluding their emotional run on the show. Richter expressed gratitude for the experience and his partner's patience, while Slater tearfully praised his effort and courage. This elimination marked the final hurdle before the grand finale, setting the stage for a dramatic conclusion to Season 34.
The Road to the Finale: Who Remains in Season 34?
With Andy Richter and Emma Slater's departure, the field narrowed significantly, leaving four powerhouse couples to compete for the Mirrorball Trophy. The remaining contestants represented an incredibly diverse and talented group, making the finale one of the most unpredictable in recent memory.
The celebrity-pro pairings who successfully advanced from the Semifinals and earned their spot in the Season 34 Finale were:
- Robert Irwin and Witney Carson: The wildlife conservationist and son of the late Steve Irwin, who consistently topped the leaderboard with breathtaking, high-scoring routines.
- Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy: The popular social media influencer who survived the bottom two in a tight race, proving her massive fanbase was ready to rally behind her.
- Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa: The Olympic gymnast brought her athletic prowess and technical precision to the ballroom, becoming a dark horse contender.
- Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten: The veteran actress, known for her roles in films like *The Parent Trap*, showed incredible week-to-week improvement, earning her a well-deserved spot in the final.
The finale promised an epic showdown between these four couples, with each bringing a unique style and story to the final night of competition. The eventual winners, Robert Irwin and Witney Carson, clinched the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy, capping off a spectacular season of incredible performances and surprising eliminations.
Topical Authority Entities for DWTS Season 34
To fully understand the context of this elimination, it’s important to recognize the key figures and elements that defined *Dancing with the Stars* Season 34, which premiered on ABC and Disney+:
- Hosts: Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough.
- Judges: Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough.
- Mirrorball Trophy: The coveted prize named in honor of the late judge, Len Goodman.
- Professional Dancers: Emma Slater, Val Chmerkovskiy, Witney Carson, Ezra Sosa, Alan Bersten, Daniella Karagach, Mark Ballas, Jenna Johnson, Sasha Farber, and Brandon Armstrong.
- Eliminated Celebrities (Prior Weeks): Corey Feldman, Whitney Leavitt, Danielle Fishel, Dylan Efron, and others.
- Dance Styles Featured: Quickstep, Paso Doble, Contemporary, Jazz, Cha-Cha-Cha, Rumba, Viennese Waltz, and Freestyle.
- Key Themes: Prince Night (Semifinals), Rock Hall Night, 20th Birthday Party.
The elimination of Andy Richter and Emma Slater in the Semifinals will be remembered as one of the most surprising moments of Season 34. It highlighted the unpredictable nature of the show, where popularity and performance must align perfectly to secure a spot in the finale and a chance at the ultimate prize.
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