Dancing With Stars Who Went Home Last Night: Whitney Leavitt Eliminated On Prince Night In Shocking Semifinal Cut
Wondering who was sent home on Dancing with the Stars last night? The stakes couldn’t have been higher during Week 10 of Season 34, themed the dazzling and emotionally charged “Prince Night.” In a tearful semifinal showdown, Whitney Leavitt, the reality star from Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, and her professional partner Mark Ballas were eliminated, narrowly missing a spot in the grand finale. This decision came despite a night filled with poignant tributes and powerful performances that left many viewers questioning if the emotional weight of the evening should have spared any couple. As the competition barrels toward its climax, the journey of who went home on ‘Dancing with the Stars’ last night underscores the brutal reality of the dance floor: even the most heartfelt routines can’t always outrun the combined scores of the judges and the votes of the public.
Season 34 of ABC’s Dancing with the Stars has been a rollercoaster of glitz, grit, and unexpected twists since its premiere. Kicking off in late September, the season assembled a vibrant cast of 14 celebrities—from Olympic athletes to sitcom stars and reality TV personalities—all vying for the Mirrorball Trophy. Each week, under the watchful eyes of judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough, couples performed intricate routines across a spectrum of dance styles. The blend of technical precision and emotional storytelling has defined this season, culminating in a semifinal week that paid homage to the legendary Prince. For fans asking, “Who finished at the top of the Dancing with the Stars leaderboard last night?” the answers were as diverse as the performances themselves, setting the stage for a finale where every point from Week 10 will carry significant weight.
Dancing with the Stars Season 34: From September Premiere to Semifinal Spotlight
Dancing with the Stars Season 34 premiered on September 23, 2024, on ABC, marking another chapter in the long-running reality competition’s history. Hosted by Alfonso Ribeiro and Tyra Banks, the season introduced a dynamic mix of celebrities eager to trade their comfort zones for the ballroom. The initial cast of 14 stars included:
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| Celebrity | Profession | Pro Partner | Elimination Week |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joey Graziadei | The Bachelorette Star | Jenna Johnson | Finalist |
| Ilona Maher | Olympic Rugby Player | Alan Bersten | Finalist |
| Dwight Howard | NBA Star | Daniella Karagach | Finalist |
| Whitney Leavitt | Reality TV Star (Secret Lives of Mormon Wives) | Mark Ballas | 10 |
| Eric Roberts | Actor | Britt Stewart | 9 |
| Tori Spelling | TV Personality | Pasha Pashkov | 8 |
| Reginald VelJohnson | Actor (Family Matters) | Emma Slater | 7 |
| Brooks & Danny Nunez | The Ultimatum Stars | Gleb Savchenko & Rylee Arnold | 6 (Double Elimination) |
| Jenn Tran | The Bachelorette Star | Sasha Farber | 5 |
| Chandler Kinney | Actress (Zombies) | Brandon Armstrong | 4 |
| Stephen Nedoroscik | Olympic Gymnast | Rylee Arnold | 3 |
| Phaedra Parks | Real Housewives Star | Val Chmerkovskiy | 2 |
| Mira Sorvino | Oscar-Winning Actress | Artem Chigvintsev | 1 |
This table provides a clear refresh on who was eliminated from the competition up to the semifinals. Each week, the combination of judges’ scores and audience votes determined which couple would be sent home, whittling down the field from 14 to the final four semifinalists by Week 10. The journey highlighted not only dance prowess but also the celebrities’ ability to connect with viewers on a personal level—a factor that often decided eliminations.
Prince Night: Performances, Scores, and the Leaderboard Shake-Up
Week 10’s “Prince Night” was a spectacle of purple glamour and musical homage. Couples tackled routines to the icon’s greatest hits, from “Kiss” to “Purple Rain,” blending technical dance with theatrical storytelling. The emotional content of the night was palpable, with several contestants sharing personal stories tied to Prince’s music, making the performances deeply moving.
The judges’ scores were critical, as all of the scores will carry over until next week for the finale. This rule amplifies the pressure in the semifinals; a strong score provides a crucial buffer heading into the final showdown. Here’s a snapshot of the Week 10 leaderboard:
- Ilona Maher & Alan Bersten – 39/40 (Perfect 10s from all judges for their contemporary routine to “Nothing Compares 2 U”)
- Joey Graziadei & Jenna Johnson – 38/40 (Foxtrot to “The Beautiful Ones”)
- Dwight Howard & Daniella Karagach – 36/40 (Jive to “Let’s Go Crazy”)
- Whitney Leavitt & Mark Ballas – 34/40 (Argentine Tango to “When Doves Cry”)
Ilona Maher, the Olympic rugby player, finished at the top of the Dancing with the Stars leaderboard last night, solidifying her status as a frontrunner. Her routine was praised for its emotional depth and technical execution, earning a standing ovation. Joey Graziadei, the fan favorite from The Bachelorette, also impressed, while Dwight Howard’s high-energy performance kept him in contention. Whitney Leavitt’s Argentine Tango, though passionate and well-received, scored slightly lower, placing her in the bottom alongside another couple—ultimately sealing her fate.
The Elimination: Whitney Leavitt’s Journey Ends
Despite the emotional content of the night, which had many expecting a no-elimination week as a tribute to Prince’s legacy, the judges’ scores and viewer votes combined to send Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas home. This outcome sparked debate among fans, as Whitney had shown remarkable growth since the season began. Her background as a reality star from Secret Lives of Mormon Wives brought a relatable, everywoman appeal to the ballroom. Over ten weeks, she tackled everything from the cha-cha to contemporary, often overcoming nerves to deliver heartfelt performances.
Her elimination can be attributed to a few factors:
- Inconsistent Scores: While Whitney had moments of brilliance (like a Week 7 contemporary that earned 9s), her technical execution sometimes lagged behind more polished dancers.
- Vote Competition: In a season with strong athletic contenders like Ilona Maher and Dwight Howard, and a massive fan base like Joey Graziadei’s, Whitney’s reality TV following wasn’t enough to overcome the score deficit.
- The Semifinal Pressure: Week 10’s scores are pivotal. With all points carrying to the finale, the judges may have been stricter, and viewers rallied behind couples they perceived as more likely to win.
Whitney and Mark’s farewell was emotional, with Mark praising her courage and Whitney expressing gratitude for the experience. Their exit means the finale will feature Ilona Maher, Joey Graziadei, and Dwight Howard battling for the Mirrorball Trophy.
Whitney Leavitt: Bio and DWTS Impact
Whitney Leavitt entered Dancing with the Stars as a relative unknown outside of reality TV circles, but her charm and authenticity quickly won over audiences. Here’s a deeper look at the contestant who became a fan favorite:
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Whitney Leavitt |
| Age | 32 (as of 2024) |
| Hometown | Utah, USA |
| Occupation | Reality TV Personality, Social Media Influencer |
| Known For | Cast member on Hulu’s Secret Lives of Mormon Wives |
| Pro Partner | Mark Ballas |
| DWTS Season | 34 |
| Elimination Week | 10 (Semifinals) |
| Marital Status | Married to Spencer Leavitt |
| Children | Two daughters |
| Social Media Reach | Over 500k Instagram followers (pre-DWTS) |
Whitney’s journey on DWTS was about more than dance; it was about representation. As a Mormon wife and mother from a conservative community, she brought visibility to a lifestyle often misunderstood by mainstream audiences. Her performances frequently incorporated elements of her personal story, resonating with viewers who saw their own struggles and triumphs reflected in her routines. Partnered with the experienced Mark Ballas, a two-time Mirrorball winner, Whitney improved week over week, but the semifinal proved a step too far. Her elimination highlights the show’s enduring tension between narrative appeal and technical merit—a debate that surfaces every season.
The Finale Lineup: Who Made the Cut?
With Whitney’s elimination, the Season 34 finale is set to feature three couples:
- Ilona Maher & Alan Bersten – The athletic powerhouse with consistently high scores and a massive fan base from the Olympics.
- Joey Graziadei & Jenna Johnson – The charismatic fan favorite whose chemistry and improvement have made him a consistent threat.
- Dwight Howard & Daniella Karagach – The NBA star who has defied expectations with his dedication and showmanship.
These semifinalists advanced to the finale after surviving Week 10’s pressure-cooker environment. Their remaining scores from Prince Night will be added to their finale performances, meaning the leaderboard from last night provides a critical advantage. For fans wondering who went home on ‘Dancing with the Stars’ last night, the answer is clear: Whitney Leavitt’s run ended, but the competition is now tighter than ever.
Decoding the DWTS Scoring System: How Points Carry Over
A key element often confusing viewers is how scores carry over until next week. In Season 34, the semifinal scores are cumulative with the finale performances. Here’s how it works:
- Judges’ Scores: Each judge awards 1–10 points per dance, for a possible 30–40 points per week (depending on number of judges). These scores are added to the finale judges’ scores.
- Viewer Votes: Public voting (via ABC app, website, etc.) determines the other half of the total. Votes are converted into points, with the highest-voted couple earning the maximum available points.
- Combined Total: The couple with the highest combined points (judges + votes) wins the Mirrorball Trophy.
This system means a strong semifinal score like Ilona’s 39 gives her a buffer, but a surge in viewer votes for Joey or Dwight could still close the gap. It also incentivizes semifinalists to leave everything on the floor in Week 10, knowing those points are gold for the finale.
Where to Find the Latest DWTS News and Celebrity Updates
For fans craving more Dancing with the Stars coverage and entertainment news, several authoritative sources provide exclusive stories, interviews, and pictures:
- Entertainment Tonight (ET): The go-to for celebrity news with unprecedented access to Hollywood’s biggest stars, including DWTS contestant interviews and behind-the-scenes footage.
- US Weekly: Offers the latest celebrity news and entertainment news with a focus on reality TV stars like Whitney Leavitt, often featuring personal insights and photo galleries.
- Bleacher Report: While sports-focused, it’s excellent for keeping up with the latest storylines, expert analysis, highlights, and scores—useful for DWTS’s competitive angles.
- Newsday.com: A leading news source for Long Island & NYC, often covering DWTS viewership trends and local contestant connections.
- Miami.com: Provides tourism news but also covers entertainment events, relevant if DWTS holds a special in Miami.
These outlets ensure fans never miss an update, from who was eliminated on ‘Dancing with the Stars’ to finale predictions and post-show careers.
Conclusion: The Road to the Mirrorball Trophy
The question “Dancing with stars who went home last night?” has been answered with the elimination of Whitney Leavitt, a contestant who embodied the show’s spirit of courage and transformation. Her journey from reality TV newcomer to semifinalist reminded us why Dancing with the Stars captivates millions: it’s not just about perfect steps, but about heart, growth, and connection. As Season 34 hurtles toward its finale, the remaining couples—Ilona Maher, Joey Graziadei, and Dwight Howard—will build on their semifinal scores, knowing every point from Prince Night could be the difference between triumph and heartbreak.
For those who followed who was eliminated on ‘Dancing with the Stars’ each week, the semifinals reinforced a timeless truth: in ballroom and in life, the dance goes on. Whether you’re a longtime viewer or new to the franchise, the finale promises to be a spectacular culmination of talent, emotion, and pure entertainment. Stay tuned, keep voting, and witness history as a new Mirrorball champion is crowned.
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