The Shocking Truth: Who Was Eliminated In DWTS Last Night Despite A Near-Perfect Score?

The ballroom drama continues to deliver unexpected twists, and the most recent elimination from the *Dancing with the Stars* competition left both the audience and the judges stunned. As of December 10, 2025, the most talked-about and controversial exit from the recently concluded Season 34 was the semi-finals elimination of fan-favorite celebrity Whitney Leavitt and her professional partner, the legendary Mark Ballas. The couple, who consistently topped the leaderboard and had a near-perfect score on the night, were sent home, proving once again that the combination of judges' scores and viewer votes can lead to a truly shocking upset.

The elimination took place during the emotional and high-stakes "Prince Night" semi-finals, which aired on November 18. The duo's exit, which occurred one week before the grand finale, immediately sparked intense debate across social media platforms, with many fans questioning how a couple with such high technical ability and a score of 58 out of a possible 60 could fail to secure a spot in the final round. This recap dives deep into their performances, their scores, and the factors that led to one of the most surprising eliminations in *DWTS* history.

Whitney Leavitt's Biography and DWTS Journey Profile

Whitney Leavitt, the celebrity half of the eliminated couple, brought a unique and highly engaging public persona to the *Dancing with the Stars* ballroom. Her journey on the show was marked by significant improvement, emotional performances, and a strong connection with her partner, Mark Ballas.

• The One Where They Tanked Jokes 15 Shocking New Secrets From The Friends Tv Show Behind The Scenes G9zdh

• Full Name: Whitney Leavitt
• Date of Birth: Information not publicly detailed, but she is a prominent social media figure.
• Hometown/Residence: St. George, Utah (where her family tapes their reality show).
• Known For: Reality television star, YouTuber, and social media influencer.
• Reality TV Role: She is a main cast member on the popular Hulu reality series, *The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives* (2024–present), which follows her life as a mother and entrepreneur navigating her faith and career.
• Professional Partner: Mark Ballas, a two-time *DWTS* champion known for his innovative and challenging choreography.
• DWTS Season: Season 34.
• Elimination Date: November 18 (Semi-Finals, Prince Night).
• Husband: Conner Leavitt, who is often featured in her social media content and on her reality show.
• Key DWTS Achievement: Consistently high scores, including a near-perfect 58/60 in her final week, and being a major contender for the Mirrorball trophy.

Leavitt leveraged her large online following, often referred to as "MomTok," to garner support, but even her dedicated fanbase was not enough to overcome the final hurdle of the semi-finals.

Prince Night Performances: Scores and Judges' Critiques

The semi-finals, themed "Prince Night," required the remaining couples to perform two separate routines inspired by the music of the late, legendary musician Prince. Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas were tasked with delivering performances in two contrasting styles: a high-energy Latin dance and an elegant ballroom routine.

The Near-Perfect Viennese Waltz

The couple's first dance was a stunning Viennese Waltz set to Prince's iconic ballad, "Slow Love." The routine showcased Leavitt's grace and technical precision, a testament to Mark Ballas's intricate choreography. The judges, including Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli, were effusive in their praise, noting the emotional depth and seamless execution. The performance was nearly flawless, earning the couple a spectacular score of 29 out of 30.

• The Facts Of Life Cast Where Are Eastlands Girls Now 2024 Updates 2tx8p

The High-Energy Cha-Cha

For their second routine, Leavitt and Ballas performed a dynamic Cha-Cha to Prince's energetic hit, "1999." This dance required a completely different energy, focusing on sharp movements, hip action, and a vibrant stage presence. While the judges acknowledged the difficulty of the choreography and Leavitt's impressive delivery, there were minor critiques regarding a slight loss of synchronization or footwork. Despite this, the performance was still lauded as one of the best Latin dances of the season. Their Cha-Cha also contributed to their overall high standing on the leaderboard.

Total Semi-Finals Score: 58/60

Their final combined score of 58 points placed them squarely in the top tier of the leaderboard for the night, making their subsequent elimination all the more shocking. They were the third-highest-scoring couple, a fact that underscored the unpredictable nature of the viewer vote.

• The Enduring Legacy Of Haylor 5 Shocking Facts About Harry Styles And Taylor Swifts Relationship 10 Years Later Sf662

The Shocking Elimination: Why Did They Go Home?

The elimination process on *Dancing with the Stars* is a blend of the judges' scores and the public's votes. The couple with the lowest combined total of these two factors is sent home. On Prince Night, the bottom two couples were announced before the final elimination was made. While the specific details of the vote count are never fully disclosed, the outcome highlighted a critical aspect of the competition: being a top dancer is not always enough.

The Power of the Fan Vote

Despite their phenomenal scores, Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas ultimately received the lowest combination of judges' scores and viewer votes. This outcome suggests that a rival couple, likely with a lower score but a more massive or more dedicated voting base, managed to surpass them. The fan vote is a crucial and often unpredictable element, capable of saving couples from the bottom of the leaderboard and, conversely, sending home top contenders.

A Tough Field of Competition

The Season 34 semi-finals featured an exceptionally strong group of remaining contestants. The other celebrity dancers who advanced to the grand finale were: Robert Irwin (who went on to win the Mirrorball trophy), Alix Earle (the season's runner-up), Jordan Chiles, and Dylan Efron. The competition was fierce, and even a small dip in the public vote can be fatal at this stage of the competition. For many viewers, the elimination of Leavitt and Ballas was the most controversial decision of the entire season.

The Legacy of Whitney and Mark: A Fan-Favorite Partnership

The partnership between Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas was one of the most memorable of Season 34. Ballas, a beloved veteran pro, returned to the show to guide Leavitt, and their chemistry was undeniable. They consistently pushed the boundaries of choreography, tackling a diverse range of dance styles including the Quickstep, the Jive, the Paso Doble, and the Contemporary, in addition to their final Cha-Cha and Viennese Waltz. Their routines were frequently lauded by the judging panel, which also included the esteemed Len Goodman in spirit, for their technical merit and storytelling.

Leavitt's emotional reaction to the elimination, coupled with her partner Mark Ballas's supportive comments, resonated deeply with viewers. Post-show interviews revealed that the couple was disappointed but proud of their journey, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of live television competition. Leavitt even had a chance to perform her intended finale dance later, a gesture of respect for her commitment to the craft.

The DWTS Season 34 Finalists

Following the shocking elimination, the remaining couples moved on to the Grand Finale, which was hosted by Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough. The final four couples who competed for the coveted Mirrorball trophy were:

• Robert Irwin and Witney Carson (Winners)
• Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy (Runner-Up)
• Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa
• Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach

Ultimately, the conservationist Robert Irwin and his partner Witney Carson were crowned the champions of Season 34. However, the semi-finals elimination of Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas remains a central talking point, a reminder that the competition is a delicate balance of talent, popularity, and timing. For fans who followed their journey, their exit was the true finale shocker.