The Shocking Exit: Why Andy Richter Was Voted Off Dancing With The Stars In Week 9

The most recent major elimination to shake the ballroom comes from the tail end of the competitive Season 34, where comedian and actor Andy Richter, alongside his pro partner Emma Slater, saw their journey come to a shocking end during Week 9's 20th Birthday Party Night. As of today, December 18, 2025, fans are still reeling from the unexpected departure of one of the season's most beloved and entertaining contestants, proving that a strong personality and fan base aren't always enough to secure a spot in the finale.

The elimination of the popular duo, which occurred after they landed in the bottom two, highlighted the brutal reality of the competition: even a "most satisfying" personal journey can be cut short by the unforgiving combination of judges' scores and viewer votes. Richter's emotional plea and his candid post-show confessions have since dominated headlines, making this one of the most talked-about exits of the season.

Andy Richter: Biography and DWTS Profile

Paul Andrew Richter, universally known as Andy Richter, is an American actor, comedian, writer, and talk show announcer. His decades-long career has made him a household name, though his time on Dancing with the Stars revealed a new, vulnerable side to the beloved star.

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• Full Name: Paul Andrew Richter
• Born: October 28, 1966 (Age 58 as of the season's airing)
• Hometown: Grand Rapids, Michigan, U.S.
• Best Known For: Longtime sidekick and announcer for Conan O'Brien on Late Night with Conan O'Brien, The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien, and Conan.
• Notable Roles: Starred in the sitcom Andy Richter Controls the Universe and appeared in films like Elf and Madagascar.
• DWTS Professional Partner: Emma Slater
• Elimination Week: Week 9 (20th Birthday Party Night) of Season 34

Richter entered the competition with a self-proclaimed lack of dance experience but a wealth of comedic timing and stage presence. His partnership with the celebrated pro dancer Emma Slater quickly became a fan favorite, known for its lighthearted humor and surprising emotional depth.

The Dramatic Details of the Week 9 Elimination

The elimination of Andy Richter and Emma Slater during the 20th Birthday Party Night was a genuine shock to both the audience and the judges. The couple found themselves in the bottom two after their performances, a precarious position that ultimately sealed their fate.

The Performance That Led to the Bottom Two

For Week 9, the couple performed a Quickstep to "Puttin' On The Ritz" by Robbie Williams. While the routine was praised for its entertainment value and Richter's commitment to character, the technical scores from the judges were not enough to lift them safely out of the danger zone.

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• Dance Style: Quickstep
• Song: "Puttin' On The Ritz" by Robbie Williams
• Judges' Score: 29 out of 40

Despite the respectable score, it was one of the lowest of the night. When the judges' scores were combined with the millions of viewer votes, Richter and Slater landed in the bottom two alongside another couple, leading to the final decision. The judges, including Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli, were visibly conflicted, but the combined total ultimately sent the comedian home.

The Viral Kiss and Emotional Aftermath

Richter’s departure was not without its memorable, and even controversial, moments. His time on the show was characterized by his candidness and humor, which continued right up until his final moments on the ballroom floor.

The Pre-Planned Viral Kiss

One of the most talked-about moments of the season occurred during the elimination announcement: Andy Richter shared a viral, on-air kiss with fellow pro dancer Alan Bersten. Richter later confirmed that the kiss was a pre-planned joke between the two, intended to lighten the mood of the intense elimination process. The moment delighted fans and showcased Richter's quick wit one last time before his exit.

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Confessions of a DWTS Contestant

Following his elimination, Andy Richter made several emotional confessions about his experience. He spoke openly about going through "DWTS withdrawal," admitting that for the first time in over nine weeks, he wasn't in rehearsals for his next routine. He also detailed the immense physical and mental toll the competition took on his body, describing the intense regimen as "borderline abuse I was doing to myself." However, he quickly balanced this by calling the experience his "most satisfying" professional endeavor, noting that it transformed his mental and physical approach to exercise.

His emotional honesty resonated deeply with viewers, who celebrated his nine-week journey. Richter even called on his fans to help him make a lasting positive impact through a charitable initiative following his departure, turning his elimination into a moment for good.

The Remaining Competition and Mirrorball Trophy Race

With Andy Richter and Emma Slater out of the running, the competition narrowed significantly, leaving a fierce battle for the coveted Mirrorball Trophy. The remaining couples had to intensify their training and fan engagement to secure their spot in the finale. The elimination of a popular figure like Richter served as a stark reminder to the remaining contestants—and their fans—that votes matter now more than ever.

The couples who continued their journey into the final weeks included strong contenders like Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten, who consistently achieved high scores, and other fan favorites who managed to secure enough viewer support to stay in the game. The pressure to deliver perfect routines and maintain a strong connection with the audience became the central theme for the final stretch of the season. The elimination of a star like Richter, who had a huge following from his work with Conan O'Brien, proves that the DWTS ballroom is a level playing field where no celebrity status can guarantee a win.