The latest season of Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) concluded on December 2, 2025, crowning a new champion after a spectacular and highly competitive run. However, the most talked-about moment wasn't the final win, but the shocking, high-scoring elimination that occurred just one week prior—a true upset that left fans outraged and social media buzzing about the fairness of the fan-vote system. The celebrity eliminated just before the finale was reality TV star and social media sensation Whitney Leavitt, alongside her professional partner, the legendary Mark Ballas.
The semi-finals of Season 34 proved to be one of the most brutal nights in the show's history, as a couple with near-perfect scores was sent home, missing out on a spot in the coveted finale. The elimination of Leavitt and Ballas on the November 25, 2025, episode highlighted the powerful, often unpredictable, combination of judges' scores and viewer votes, proving that popularity can sometimes trump technical skill on the dance floor.
Whitney Leavitt: Biography, Career, and DWTS Journey
Whitney Leavitt is the reality television personality and social media star who became the final celebrity eliminated before the Season 34 Grand Finale. Her time on Dancing with the Stars was a journey of significant improvement, culminating in one of the season's most controversial exits.
- Full Name: Whitney Leavitt (née Ellis)
- Date of Birth: May 12, 1993
- Age: 32 (as of 2025)
- Hometown: Happy Valley, Utah, United States
- Profession: Social Media Influencer (TikTok Star), Reality Television Personality, Dancer
- Known For: Her viral comedy, dance, and vlog videos on TikTok, and her role in the Hulu reality series Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.
- DWTS Partner: Mark Ballas
- Elimination: Semi-Finals (Week 10) of Season 34
Leavitt's partnership with two-time Mirrorball champion Mark Ballas was highly anticipated. Throughout the competition, she tackled challenging dances like the Cha-cha-cha, Viennese Waltz, and Paso Doble, consistently earning praise from judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli.
The Shocking Semi-Finals Elimination and Fan Outrage
The semi-finals night of DWTS Season 34, which aired just before the finale, was a double-dance week where every point counted. Leavitt and Ballas delivered two stunning performances that placed them near the top of the leaderboard, making their eventual elimination a genuine shock to the audience and the judges.
Near-Perfect Scores Didn't Save Her
For their semi-finals dances, Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas scored a combined total of 58 out of a possible 60 points.
- Dance 1 (Cha-cha-cha to "1999"): Scored a 29/30
- Dance 2 (Viennese Waltz): Scored a 29/30
Despite this near-perfect performance, the combined total of the judges' scores and the crucial viewer votes placed them in the bottom two alongside Olympian Jordan Chiles and pro Ezra Sosa. Ultimately, the judges' save was not enough to keep them, leading to their exit.
The elimination immediately sparked major outrage across social media platforms. Fans argued that a couple with such high scores should not have been eliminated, pointing to the show's structure that allows viewer popularity to outweigh technical merit. Many felt the result was an injustice to Leavitt's hard work and Ballas's choreography.
A Look at the DWTS Season 34 Finalists and Winner
Following Whitney Leavitt's exit, four couples advanced to the Grand Finale, which aired on December 2, 2025. The final episode was a spectacular showdown featuring incredible performances and emotional farewells.
The Season 34 Champion
The winners of Dancing with the Stars Season 34 were Robert Irwin and his professional partner, Witney Carson. The son of the late "Crocodile Hunter," Steve Irwin, Robert captivated audiences with his infectious enthusiasm, showmanship, and consistent improvement throughout the season.
Their victory was a testament to their strong partnership and the massive support they received from viewers. Irwin and Carson's journey from a wildlife conservationist to a Mirrorball champion is one of the show's most heartwarming success stories.
The Full Finalist Lineup
The three other couples who competed in the finale, alongside the eventual winners, were:
- Alix Earle & Val Chmerkovskiy: The popular podcast host and her pro partner were strong contenders, consistently delivering high-energy routines.
- Jordan Chiles & Ezra Sosa: The Olympic gymnast and her partner showcased incredible athleticism and technical precision, making it all the way to the final night.
- Dylan Efron & Daniella Karagach: The filmmaker and brother of Zac Efron, along with his pro partner, were fan favorites who made a huge impression with their dramatic and emotional dances.
DWTS Season 34 Elimination Tracker: The Full List of Exits
Season 34, which premiered on September 16, 2025, was filled with star-studded talent and unexpected departures. Here is the full list of celebrities and their professional partners who were eliminated throughout the competition, providing a complete picture of the season’s journey.
The season featured a diverse cast, including reality stars, athletes, and actors, all vying for the coveted Mirrorball trophy. The weekly eliminations were a mix of shocking upsets and expected departures, showcasing the unpredictable nature of the show's voting system.
- Week 1: No Elimination
- Week 2 (Double Elimination):
- Baron Davis & Britt Stewart
- Corey Feldman & Jenna Johnson
- Week 3: Phaedra Parks & Val Chmerkovskiy (Eliminated on Disney Night)
- Week 4: Dwight Howard & Koko Iwasaki
- Week 5: Scott Hoying & Rylee Arnold
- Week 6: Elaine Hendrix & Alan Bersten
- Week 7: Stephen Nedoroscik & Peta Murgatroyd
- Week 8: Jamie Lynn Spears & Sasha Farber
- Week 9 (Semi-Finals): Whitney Leavitt & Mark Ballas (The final elimination before the finale)
The elimination of Whitney Leavitt in the semi-finals remains the most controversial exit of the season, serving as a powerful reminder that on Dancing with the Stars, high scores are only half the battle—the viewers' vote holds the ultimate power.
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