The ballroom drama reached a fever pitch during the emotional Semifinals of Dancing with the Stars Season 34, which culminated in a truly shocking elimination that sent a fan-favorite couple home just shy of the finale. As of today, December 11, 2025, the final results of the season are in, but the last non-finale departure remains one of the most talked-about moments of the entire competition.
The couple who faced the music and were eliminated from the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy race were social media star Whitney Leavitt and her professional partner, Mark Ballas. Their departure was particularly stunning because they had consistently delivered high-scoring performances, making their exit a clear sign that viewer votes had overridden the judges’ strong praise.
Whitney Leavitt: A Reality Star's Journey in the Ballroom
Whitney Leavitt’s participation in Dancing with the Stars Season 34 brought a significant social media following to the competition. Known for her infectious personality and family-focused content, her biography is a perfect example of a modern media personality crossing into mainstream television.
- Full Name: Whitney Leavitt (née Ellis)
- Date of Birth: May 12, 1993
- Age (as of 2025): 32 years old
- Hometown: Utah, USA
- Spouse: Conner Leavitt
- Children: Two (a son and a daughter)
- Primary Career: Social Media Influencer (TikTok Star), Reality Television Personality, Dancer
- Notable TV Appearances: Hulu’s Secret Lives of Mormon Wives (where she gained significant initial fame) and Dancing with the Stars Season 34.
- DWTS Partner: Mark Ballas (a two-time champion, adding to the shock of the elimination).
Leavitt’s journey on the show was marked by vulnerability, especially when dedicating a contemporary dance to her husband, Conner Leavitt, which showcased a deep emotional connection to the music and choreography. Her partnership with Mark Ballas was a highlight for many viewers, as the veteran pro was praised for crafting routines that matched her unique energy and performance style.
The Semifinals Shocker: Scores vs. Votes
The Semifinals, themed "Prince Night," saw the remaining couples perform two routines each, pushing their physical and creative limits. This night is notoriously difficult, as the pressure to secure a spot in the coveted finale is immense. Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas were not only safe from the bottom of the scoreboard but were among the top-scoring couples, which is why their elimination sent a ripple of disbelief through the audience and online fan communities.
Performance Breakdown and Judges' Scores
The couple’s Semifinals performances were a testament to their growth throughout the season. They managed to secure one of the highest total scores of the night, proving their technical skill was on par with the finalists.
For their first dance, the couple performed a Paso Doble set to a classic Prince hit. The routine was powerful and dramatic, earning high praise from judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli. Their second performance, a high-energy Cha-Cha-Cha, further solidified their position as frontrunners.
Despite their strong showing, the combination of the judges' scores and the crucial viewer votes determined their fate. In a dramatic moment, host Alfonso Ribeiro announced that Whitney and Mark had received the lowest combined total, leading to their immediate elimination. This result highlighted the unpredictable nature of the competition, where fan support is ultimately the deciding factor.
Fan Outcry and Whitney's Emotional Reaction
The elimination of Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas immediately sparked intense fan reaction on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. Many viewers expressed outrage, calling the result "ridiculous" and a "travesty," arguing that the couple’s high scores should have guaranteed them a spot in the final four. This strong public sentiment is a common theme in DWTS history, where a talented couple is unexpectedly eliminated due to a split in the popular vote.
The Aftermath and Future Aspirations
Following the emotional night, Whitney Leavitt took to social media to share her feelings, tearfully expressing her gratitude for the experience and the opportunity to dance with a legend like Mark Ballas. She acknowledged the shock but remained positive, focusing on the friendships she made and the personal growth she achieved.
Mark Ballas, a beloved figure in the DWTS family, also praised his partner, emphasizing her dedication and natural talent. Their partnership, though cut short, is already being considered one of the most memorable of Season 34, showcasing a powerful synergy between the celebrity and the professional dancer.
The elimination paved the way for the remaining couples—including eventual winners Robert Irwin and Witney Carson, alongside finalists like Olympian Jordan Chiles and her pro Ezra Sosa—to compete for the coveted Mirrorball Trophy. However, for many fans, the Semifinals will be remembered as the night the competition lost one of its brightest and most surprising contenders in Whitney Leavitt.
Her time on the show has significantly boosted her profile beyond her reality TV and TikTok fame, opening doors for future opportunities in entertainment. Whether it's a return to the ballroom in a future season or a move to the stage, as she once expressed a desire to be on Broadway, Whitney Leavitt’s journey is far from over. Her resilience and positive attitude, even in the face of a shocking elimination, have cemented her status as a true star of Season 34.
The story of Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas serves as a powerful reminder that on Dancing with the Stars, talent alone is never enough; the combination of performance, personality, and public support is the true key to making it all the way to the grand finale.
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