Whitney Leavitt’s Shocking DWTS Exit Before the Finale: Full Prince Night Recap & Results
Season 34 of Dancing with the Stars is days away from crowning a new Mirrorball champion, but the journey to the finale took an emotional and unexpected turn when Whitney Leavitt and partner Mark Ballas were eliminated in the semifinal episode. Despite delivering two of their strongest performances of the season and tying for the second-highest score of the night, the pair still fell short due to live voting results — a twist that left viewers and even fellow contestants stunned.
Prince Night, one of the most anticipated themed episodes of the season, featured two dances from each couple: a ballroom style they had previously performed and a new dance style they had yet to tackle. Every performance was set to one of the late music icon Prince’s legendary hits, setting the tone for one of the most electrifying episodes of the year.
As the semifinal round concluded, only five couples remained in the running for the Mirrorball Trophy: Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy, Robert Irwin and Witney Carson, Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa, Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach, and Elaine Hendrix with Alan Bersten. But it was Whitney Leavitt’s exit — especially after earning a combined 58 points — that became the night’s most talked-about moment.
Below is a complete breakdown of everything that happened on Prince Night, why Whitney and Mark’s elimination shocked the ballroom, and what viewers can expect heading into the November 25 finale.
Prince Night Opens With High Scores and High Emotions
Prince Night began with the season’s six remaining couples taking on two fully scored routines. This format required stamina, creativity, and adaptability, pushing the dancers to their limits at one of the most crucial stages of the competition.
Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas were among the favorites heading into the semis. The social media star has shown growth week after week, while Mark — a longtime fan-favorite professional — helped elevate her performances with polished choreography and emotional storytelling.
Their first dance, a Cha Cha set to Prince’s “1999,” combined sharp movements with flawless musicality. Judges Derek Hough, Bruno Tonioli, and Carrie Ann Inaba praised the couple for their clean lines, improved technique, and undeniable stage presence. The pair earned a strong 29/30 for their first score.
Their second dance of the night, a Viennese Waltz to “Slow Love,” showcased a completely different side of Whitney. The performance was fluid, romantic, and emotionally grounded — one of her most graceful routines to date. The judges again rewarded the couple with 29/30, giving them a combined total of 58, tying them for the second-highest score of the evening.
Yet despite their flawless night, the final decision would depend not only on judges’ scores but on live voting — and this season’s largest voting turnout in DWTS history changed everything.
A Night of Firsts: Perfect Scores, Emotional Moments & Celebrity Cameos
The semifinals weren’t short on memorable standout moments. Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles received her first perfect score of the season, bursting into tears as she embraced her partner Ezra Sosa. Alix Earle, another social media personality, also earned a perfect score and broke down emotionally while receiving rare praise from the judges.
Dylan Efron received high marks as well — and the crowd erupted when his brother, actor Zac Efron, attended his first live taping to show support. The audience’s reaction to Zac’s appearance added excitement and a sense of family celebration to the night.
Robert Irwin and Witney Carson remained the top-scoring couple once again. Already considered a favorite to win, Robert’s continued consistency earned him two more near-perfect scores, solidifying his position as the frontrunner heading into the finale.
Elaine Hendrix, known for her role in The Parent Trap, also delivered her strongest dances yet. Her excitement and disbelief after being declared safe made her one of the most heartwarming stories of the night.
But even with all this energy and excitement, nothing prepared the ballroom for the night’s final reveal.
Whitney Leavitt & Mark Ballas Eliminated — Despite High Scores
After all performances were complete, Alfonso Ribeiro announced that the show had received the highest number of votes in its history. One by one, the safe couples were called forward:
- Elaine & Alan – SAFE
- Alix & Val – SAFE
- Robert & Witney – SAFE
- Dylan & Daniella – SAFE
This left Whitney Leavitt with Mark Ballas, and Jordan Chiles with Ezra Sosa standing under the spotlight.
When Whitney and Mark were announced as the eliminated couple, gasps filled the ballroom.
Even Whitney herself seemed shocked — but she handled the moment with humility, gratitude, and grace.
“I already feel like a winner,” Whitney said. “This show has meant the absolute world to me. It’s changed my life. I’ll forever be grateful for this experience.”
Mark added that he had the “best time” and shared his love for the show and for his partner.
Their exit quickly became one of the biggest trending topics of the night, with fans arguing on social media that Whitney and Mark deserved a spot in the finale.
Final Scores From Prince Night
Round 1 Scores
- Robert & Witney — 30/30
- Whitney & Mark — 29/30
- Alix & Val — 28/30
- Elaine & Alan — 27/30
- Jordan & Ezra — 27/30
- Dylan & Daniella — 27/30
Round 2 Scores
- Elaine & Alan — 30/30
- Alix & Val — 30/30
- Jordan & Ezra — 30/30
- Robert & Witney — 29/30
- Whitney & Mark — 29/30
- Dylan & Daniella — 28/30
Final Combined Leaderboard
- Robert & Witney — 59
- Alix & Val — 58
- Whitney & Mark — 58 (Eliminated)
- Jordan & Ezra — 57
- Elaine & Alan — 57
- Dylan & Daniella — 55
Whitney and Mark were tied for second place — making their elimination even more surprising.
Who Is in the DWTS Finale?
Five couples now advance to the Season 34 finale airing November 25:
- Robert Irwin & Witney Carson
- Alix Earle & Val Chmerkovskiy
- Jordan Chiles & Ezra Sosa
- Elaine Hendrix & Alan Bersten
- Dylan Efron & Daniella Karagach
The finale will feature:
Judges’ Choice Round
Instant Dance Round
Freestyle Round
This year, the battle for the Mirrorball is tighter than ever — with three perfect-score contenders and two major fan-favorites all competing for the title.
What Whitney Leavitt’s Exit Means for DWTS
Whitney’s journey has been one of the most compelling arcs of the season. She transformed from an inexperienced ballroom dancer into a polished competitor capable of delivering emotionally rich and technically strong routines.
Her elimination highlights:
- The unpredictability of live voting
- The power of fan bases in competition shows
- The importance of momentum during semifinals
Fans continue to express frustration on social media, arguing that Whitney deserved a place in the finale. But for Whitney, her time on DWTS appears to have been deeply meaningful — a personal and professional milestone she says changed her life.
Final Thoughts
Prince Night delivered some of the most memorable performances of DWTS Season 34 — but it also delivered the most shocking elimination of the season. Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas may not have earned a spot in the finale, but they leave the competition as one of the season’s most beloved couples, earning respect from both judges and viewers.
With only five couples left, the Mirrorball Trophy is truly up for grabs — and the finale promises to be an unforgettable showdown.