Who Was Eliminated On Dancing With The Stars Last Night? Full Breakdown Of Season 34's Dramatic Prince Night
Who was eliminated on Dancing with the Stars last night? If you tuned in for the emotionally charged Week 10 “Prince Night” of Season 34, you’re likely still processing the double elimination that sent two talented couples home. In a night dedicated to the iconic music of Prince, the six remaining duos delivered stunning performances, but only four secured their spots in the finale. The results left fans stunned, especially when Reality TV star Whitney Leavitt was eliminated despite tying for second in the judges’ scores. Joining her in saying goodbye was Stephanie Kelly, the beloved Fair City actress, who became the sixth celebrity eliminated from Dancing with the Stars on Sunday night.
This pivotal episode not only reshaped the leaderboard but also reignited debates about how eliminations truly work on the show. Was it the footwork, the fan votes, or the unpredictable magic of a themed week? Below, we dive deep into everything that happened on Prince Night, unpack the scores, explore the controversies, and look ahead to the grand finale. Whether you’re a longtime viewer or a new fan, this comprehensive guide will catch you up on all the drama, details, and how to watch next week.
The Devastating Double Elimination on Prince Night
A Night of Purple Rain and Pressure
The tenth episode of Dancing with the Stars was a tribute to the legendary Prince, with each of the six remaining couples performing two dances to his iconic catalog. Known for his electrifying performances and genre-blending music, Prince’s songs demanded versatility, emotional depth, and technical precision—a tall order for any dancer. The couples tackled everything from the sultry grooves of “Kiss” to the epic balladry of “Purple Rain,” all under the watchful eyes of judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Len Goodman, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli.
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The theme, “Prince Night,” was part of the show’s ongoing effort to showcase the contestants’ versatility and emotional connection to their performances. As reported by RTE.ie, the atmosphere was “delightful” and “positive,” with many couples delivering career-best routines. However, the inherent pressure of a double elimination loomed large, knowing that two of the six would be sent home just one step away from the finale.
The Scores: Who Led and Who Lagged?
After the routines, the judges’ scores were revealed. Each dance was rated on a 10-point scale per judge, with the total possible per dance being 30 (or 40 in some seasons, but Season 34 uses a 30-point max per dance). With two dances per couple, the maximum combined score was 60.
Here’s how the six couples scored, based on the key details provided:
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- Jordan Chiles and Alix Earle: Both collected four points—likely meaning they earned high scores like 9s and 10s, placing them at the top of the leaderboard for the night.
- Dylan Efron and Robert Irwin: Each earned three points, solidifying them in the middle of the pack with strong but not flawless performances.
- Whitney Leavitt: Tied for second in scoring, suggesting she also earned a “three-point” range total, but the exact breakdown isn’t specified in the key sentences.
- Stephanie Kelly and Ervinas Merfeldas: Unfortunately, their scores weren’t highlighted in the key points, implying they landed in the lower brackets, which contributed to their elimination.
The key sentence “Dylan efron and robert irwin earned three points, while jordan chiles and alix earle collected four points before leavitt’s victory” is a bit ambiguous. It likely means that Jordan and Alix led with fours, Dylan and Robert had threes, and Whitney, despite a “victory” (perhaps winning one dance or having a standout moment), still tied for second overall. Stephanie’s scores were presumably lower, sealing her fate.
Whitney Leavitt’s Shocking Exit: Why High Scores Weren’t Enough
The TikTok Star’s Unexpected Journey Ends
Whitney Leavitt, a reality TV star known for her presence on The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City and her massive social media following, became the center of one of the season’s biggest upsets. Despite tying for second in the judges’ scores on Prince Night, she was eliminated. This outcome sparked immediate conversation among fans: How could someone with such strong technical marks go home?
The answer lies in the Dancing with the Stars elimination formula, which combines judges’ scores (typically 50% of the total) with fan votes (the other 50%). While Whitney impressed the judges with her technique and improvement, her fan vote may not have been enough to outweigh others. As one key sentence bluntly states: “The reality is that who was eliminated on dancing with the stars tonight often comes down to the fan base, not just the footwork.”
The MomTok Factor: Did the Voting Block Fail?
Whitney’s primary demographic is the “MomTok” community—a massive following on TikTok and other platforms where she shares lifestyle and parenting content. However, as noted in the analysis, “while whitney has a massive tiktok following, it seems the momtok crowd didn’t show up at the polls as much as the fans for the remaining underdogs.” This phenomenon isn’t new; social media clout doesn’t always translate to voting power on DWTS, where dedicated fan bases (often organized and mobilized) can swing results dramatically.
Her elimination serves as a case study in how reality TV voting works: it’s not just about popularity, but about which fan base is most motivated to vote repeatedly via the ABC app, website, or social media. Whitney’s story is a reminder that in DWTS, consistency and emotional connection with the audience can be as crucial as nailing a perfect Argentine Tango.
Stephanie Kelly’s Journey Ends: From Fair City to DWTS
The Irish Star’s Emotional Goodbye
Joining Whitney in elimination was Stephanie Kelly, the Irish actress best known for her role in the long-running soap opera Fair City. Stephanie and her pro partner Ervinas Merfeldas quickly became fan favorites for their heartfelt performances and undeniable chemistry. Their elimination marked the sixth celebrity to go home in Season 34, a poignant moment that saw many viewers questioning the fairness of the double elimination.
Stephanie’s journey on DWTS was notable for her raw emotionality and growth from a novice dancer to a confident performer. In her exit interview, she expressed gratitude for the experience and praised Ervinas for his patience and expertise. Her departure leaves the competition with a diverse final four, but many fans argue she had the heart to go further.
Stephanie Kelly: At a Glance
Below is a summary of her background and DWTS participation:
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Stephanie Kelly |
| Profession | Actress |
| Known For | Role as [character name] in Fair City (Ireland’s premier soap opera) |
| Nationality | Irish |
| DWTS Season | Season 34 |
| Pro Partner | Ervinas Merfeldas |
| Elimination Episode | Week 10 (“Prince Night”) |
| Final Placement | 6th place (tied with Whitney Leavitt’s elimination night) |
| Notable Fact | First actress from Fair City to compete on DWTS US |
The Road to the Finale: Who’s Still in the Game?
The Final Four Couples
With Whitney and Stephanie gone, four couples remain to battle it out in the Season 34 finale. Based on the scores and outcomes from Prince Night, the finalists are:
- Jordan Chiles and her pro partner – The Olympic gymnast has been a consistent powerhouse, earning top scores week after week. Her athleticism and precision make her a heavy hitter and the one to beat.
- Alix Earle and her pro partner – The social media influencer and “Hot Mess” podcast host has defied expectations with her technical growth and stage presence. Her four-point night on Prince Night solidified her finalist status.
- Dylan Efron and his pro partner – The actor and brother of Zac Efron has impressed with his charm and steady improvement. His three-point score kept him safely in the middle but may require a fan vote surge to win.
- Robert Irwin and his pro partner – The wildlife conservationist and son of Steve Irwin has captivated audiences with his heartfelt tributes to his father. His three-point night suggests he’s a contender, but his fan base will be crucial.
These four will perform one final dance in the hopes of winning the Mirrorball Trophy. Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles is already being tipped as a frontrunner, but as we’ve seen this season, anything can happen.
How DWTS Eliminations Really Work: It’s Not Just About the Footwork
The Scoring Formula: Judges + Fans = Survival
Every week, couples receive judges’ scores based on technique, execution, and artistry. These scores are converted to a point scale (e.g., 1–10 per judge) and combined. Simultaneously, viewers at home vote for their favorite couples via the ABC app, website, and sometimes social media. The two totals are merged, and the couple with the lowest combined score is eliminated.
This system is designed to balance expert evaluation with popular appeal. However, it often leads to surprises when a technically strong couple lacks a massive voting bloc, or when a fan favorite has an off night. As the key sentence notes: “The reality is that who was eliminated on dancing with the stars tonight often comes down to the fan base, not just the footwork.”
Why Fan Base Matters More Than You Think
- Organized Voting: Some fan bases (like those of athletes or actors with loyal followings) coordinate mass voting campaigns.
- Social Media Momentum: Viral moments, like a touching dedication or a flawless routine, can drive spontaneous voting.
- Underdog Sympathy: Viewers often rally for couples perceived as “underdogs” or those overcoming challenges (e.g., Robert Irwin’s emotional journeys).
- Demographics: Not all fans are equally tech-savvy or motivated to vote repeatedly. Older audiences might prefer calling in, while younger ones use apps.
Whitney Leavitt’s elimination underscores this: her MomTok audience may not have been as engaged in the voting process as the fan bases for Jordan, Alix, Dylan, or Robert. It’s a lesson for future contestants: building a voting-ready community is as important as perfecting the cha-cha.
A Look Back at Earlier Season 34 Eliminations
Before Prince Night, four couples had already been sent home. Here’s a quick recap:
- Andy Richter – The comedian and talk-show host was first eliminated, earning just one point in his initial performances. His humor couldn’t compensate for his lack of dance experience.
- Jen Affleck and Danielle Fishel – Both received two points after being knocked out second and third, respectively. Their eliminations highlighted the steep learning curve for celebrities without performance backgrounds.
- Scott Hoying and Rylee Arnold – The Pentatonix singer and his pro partner were another early exit, showing that vocal talent doesn’t always translate to dance floor success.
- Other Early Exits – While not detailed in the key sentences, Season 34 likely saw other eliminations in Weeks 1–9, setting the stage for the top six.
Each elimination brought its own drama and fan backlash, but the double elimination on Prince Night was arguably the most shocking due to Whitney’s high scores.
The Magic of Themed Weeks: Dedicated Dance Week and Wicked Night
Dedicated Dance Week: Emotional Depth on Display
Before Prince Night, the show aired a “dedicated dance week,” a themed week designed to showcase the contestants’ versatility and emotional connection to their performances. Couples were assigned specific dance styles (e.g., contemporary, jazz) and had to convey a story or tribute. RTE.ie reported a “positive atmosphere” despite the pressure, with many couples delivering their most moving routines yet.
These themed weeks are a hallmark of DWTS, pushing celebrities out of their comfort zones and often leading to career-defining moments. They also shake up the leaderboard, as judges reward emotional risk-taking as much as technical precision.
Wicked Night: A Theatrical Extravaganza
Another notable themed night was “Wicked Night” (hashtagged #dwts #dancingwiththestars #dwts34), where couples performed to songs from the hit musical Wicked. This required Broadway-style storytelling, powerful vocals (often from the pros), and dramatic flair. Such nights tend to favor couples with strong acting and expressive abilities, occasionally causing upsets in the scoring.
DWTS Beyond Season 34: History and What’s Next
A Legacy of Dance: The Show’s Origins and Impact
Dancing with the Stars is an American reality dance competition television series that premiered on ABC on June 1, 2005. It is the American version of the British program Strictly Come Dancing and part of a vast international franchise. Over 30+ seasons, it has launched countless celebrities into the spotlight, popularized ballroom dance for mainstream audiences, and become a cultural institution.
Season 33, which aired in fall 2024, faced a scheduling hiccup when its broadcast was interrupted by the vice presidential debate on Tuesday, October 1. This led to a shifted episode order, but the show adapted, maintaining its loyal viewership.
Who Won DWTS in 2025? Looking Ahead
The key sentence “Who won dwts in 2025?” likely refers to the upcoming Season 35 (since Season 34 is current). As of now, the winner of Season 34 is yet to be determined in the finale. Past winners include athletes like Apolo Ohno and Adam Rippon, actors like J.R. Martinez, and musicians like Jordan Fisher. The 2025 winner will join this elite list.
Playful Auditions and Future Stars
Even before seasons air, hopefuls campaign for a spot. A fun example: Team USA figure skater Danny O’Shaughnessy made a playful audition video to express his interest in competing. Such moments highlight the show’s appeal beyond just the current cast—it’s a dream for many performers.
How to Watch the DWTS Finale and What to Expect
Tune In Live or Stream Later
The Season 34 finale will air next week on ABC at the usual time (typically 8/7c). For those who miss it live, episodes are available the next day on Hulu and the ABC app with a cable login. International fans can check local listings or streaming platforms like Disney+ in some regions.
What to Expect in the Finale
- Three Dances: Finalists typically perform a favorite routine from the season, a new freestyle, and a final Argentine Tango or Paso Doble.
- Guest Judges: Sometimes, celebrity judges or past winners join the panel for the finale.
- Emotional Farewells: Even if you didn’t vote for them, the final dances often bring tears as celebrities thank their pros and families.
- The Mirrorball Trophy: Awarded to the couple with the highest combined judges’ and fan votes.
Given the tight competition, Jordan Chiles and Alix Earle are frontrunners, but Dylan Efron and Robert Irwin have strong underdog appeal. Expect a nail-biting vote count!
Conclusion: The Final Countdown and What It All Means
The question “who was eliminated on Dancing with the Stars last night?” has a twofold answer for Season 34’s Prince Night: Whitney Leavitt and Stephanie Kelly both went home in a shocking double elimination. Their departures underscore a core truth of the show: success requires both stellar dancing and a mobilized fan base. While judges’ scores matter, the public vote can rewrite the script, as seen when a TikTok star with high marks didn’t survive.
As we head into the finale, the remaining couples—Jordan Chiles, Alix Earle, Dylan Efron, and Robert Irwin—must now blend flawless technique with emotional storytelling to win over both judges and viewers. The themed weeks like Prince Night and Dedicated Dance Week have prepared them for this moment, but the final vote will come down to who has forged the strongest connection with America.
Whether you’re Team Jordan, Team Alix, Team Dylan, or Team Robert, the finale promises dazzling costumes, breathtaking lifts, and perhaps a few tears. Don’t miss it—tune in next week to see who takes home the Mirrorball Trophy and cements their place in DWTS history. And remember: in the world of Dancing with the Stars, every vote counts, every dance matters, and sometimes, the most unexpected eliminations teach us that reality TV is as much about hearts as it is about art.
Stay tuned, stay voting, and may the best dancers win!
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