In a heart-pounding shock that leaves fans breathless, the latest episode of Dancing with the Stars proves that absolutely no one is untouchable—even as the remaining stars gear up for the thrilling finals! But here's where it gets controversial: Could this elimination shake the very foundation of how we view talent and judging on the show? Let's dive into the details of this unforgettable Week 10, where drama and dance collided in honor of the legendary Prince.
SPOILER ALERT! Be warned—this recap spills the beans on Tuesday night's ABC episode of Dancing with the Stars, including the gut-wrenching elimination that nobody saw coming.
We're deep into Season 34's semi-finals on Dancing with the Stars, and the six surviving couples are paying homage to the 'High Priest of Pop' himself, Prince. To capture his electrifying spirit, each pair must perform not one, but two dances this week, drawing from at least 12 of his iconic tracks. One dance is a 'repeat'—a chance to revisit and refine a style they've tackled before—while the other introduces a brand-new challenge. It's a high-stakes test of versatility and endurance, pushing these celebrities to their limits as they aim for that coveted spot in the finals. And this is the part most people miss: For beginners tuning in, understanding these dance styles can make the magic even clearer—think of the foxtrot as a smooth, elegant glide like a romantic waltz, or the Argentine tango as a passionate, fiery embrace full of dramatic flair.
Here's the breakdown of how the repeat dances unfolded, with scores and judge feedback that had us all on the edge of our seats.
REPEAT DANCES
First up, actress Elaine Hendrix partnered with Alan Bersten. The Parent Trap star is over the moon to have reached the semis, despite a rocky season filled with hurdles. Her big goal? Finally snagging that elusive 10-point perfect score. They kick off with a foxtrot set to 'I Wanna Be Your Lover,' and Hendrix leaps with pure joy after delivering a flawless routine. Judge Derek Hough praises it as 'truly an incredible foxtrot,' but notes they crave more intensity in her upcoming moves. SCORE: 27 out of 30
Next, social media sensation Alix Earle teams up with Val Chmerkovskiy for a rerun of her Argentine tango, now to 'Little Red Corvette.' Building on her flawless outing last week and two perfect scores from the anniversary episode, the pressure is immense. Earle admires Prince's unapologetic authenticity and aims to embody that energy. Bruno Tonioli hails her as the most improved, yet the panel spots areas for fine-tuning. SCORE: 28 out of 30
Whitney Leavitt from The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, dancing with Mark Ballas, revives her cha cha to '1999.' This follows her earlier cha cha success during One-Hit Wonder Night to 'Play That Funky Music' by Wild Cherry, and they've been riding a wave of perfect scores. Opinions from the judges split dramatically: Carrie Ann Inaba appreciates the strong technique amid some focus moments, while Derek Hough passionately disagrees, calling it 'awesome!' And this is the part most people miss—judges' clashing views can spark heated debates, making you wonder: Should personal taste influence scores? SCORE: 29 out of 30
Reality TV personality Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach tackle a tango repeat to 'I Would Die 4 U.' Efron is surging after his breakthrough Argentine tango and relay win last week, determined to maintain his progress. Karagach urges him to fix a common critique: keeping that 'booty tucked in'—in other words, maintaining better posture in Latin dances. Judges Inaba and Hough point out minor errors, but Tonioli celebrates his strides. SCORE: 27 out of 30
Olympic gold medalist Jordan Chiles, with Ezra Sosa, performs a jive encore to Prince's hit 'Raspberry Beret.' Still chasing her first perfect individual score, Chiles pours every ounce of Olympic energy into this second jive. It's a winner, with Inaba declaring it her best yet, though timing slip-ups hold back that 10. For those new to the show, the jive is all about bouncy, upbeat kicks and flicks—think energetic party moves! SCORE: 27 out of 30
Wildlife advocate Robert Irwin and Witney Carson dazzle with a jive to 'Baby I'm a Star.' Following their record-breaking perfect score last week (the season's first, soon matched by others), they're showcasing Irwin's growth through intricate choreography. The judges are blown away: Tonioli shouts 'Superstar jive!' and Inaba predicts finale vibes. SCORE: 30 out of 30
NEW DANCES
Shifting gears, the night accelerates with fresh styles that could clinch finals berths.
Actress Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten wrap up her semifinals run with a paso doble to 'When Doves Cry,' aiming for raw emotion and power. Success! Inaba jumps to her feet, embracing Hendrix and declaring it 'amazing!!!' It's her maiden perfect score—and a fitting farewell. SCORE: 30 out of 30 (her first ever!)
Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy explore vulnerability in a Viennese waltz to 'Purple Rain.' Earle has grown emotionally through the competition and channels that into the routine, unafraid of risks despite the stakes. Derek assures her she's finals-bound. SCORE: 30 out of 30
Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach face a cha cha to 'Kiss' as their final hurdle. Efron's transformation shines, with Karagach boosting his confidence—especially those tricky hip movements in Latin styles. Derek's jaw drops at the execution, praising the finesse. SCORE: 28 out of 30
Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas glide into a Viennese waltz to 'Slow Love,' hoping it secures their finale ticket. Leavitt opens up about how the show has reignited her passions, making this dance deeply personal. Inaba deems it her season favorite, and Tonioli calls it 'impeccable!' SCORE: 29 out of 30
Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa conquer an Argentine tango to 'U Got the Look,' a tough one for the gymnast due to her muscular habits— like accidentally kicking her partner! She conquers it flawlessly, earning Derek's 'top performance' accolade. SCORE: 30 out of 30
Robert Irwin and Witney Carson perform a Viennese waltz to 'WOW,' building on their earlier perfection. The 21-year-old grapples with infusing passion into his goofy, friendly dynamic with Carson. He nails the intensity, leaving Tonioli craving more! SCORE: 29 out of 30
As the dust settles, judges' scores crown Irwin and Carson atop the leaderboard, while Efron and Karagach lag behind. But here's where it gets controversial: In a stunning upset, Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas are sent packing—despite solid scores and emotional performances. Was this a fair shake, or does it hint at hidden biases in the scoring? Some fans might argue the show sometimes prioritizes flashy routines over heartfelt ones, sparking debates about whether raw talent or showmanship wins the day.
Tune in next week for the electrifying finals. What do you think—did Whitney deserve a better fate, or was this elimination a wake-up call for the competition? Do the judges' contrasting opinions make the scoring system flawed? Share your hot takes in the comments below; we'd love to hear your side!
