When Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas were eliminated from Dancing with the Stars Season 34 on Tuesday, November 19, 2025, viewers didn’t just gasp—they erupted. The pair, who had dominated the judges’ scores for seven of their ten weeks on the show, didn’t just lose—they were the final couple cut before the finale, leaving fans stunned and social media ablaze. Filmed at the Los Angeles studio where the show has been taped for over two decades, the semifinals episode ended with a twist no one saw coming: the highest-scoring duo of the season, Dancing with the Stars veterans and reality TV stars alike, sent home before the Mirrorball Trophy was even within reach.
Consistently Top-Scoring—Then Gone
Whitney Leavitt, known for her role on Netflix’s Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, entered the competition as a relative newcomer to dance. But she didn’t play it safe. From Week 2 onward, she and Ballas delivered performances that consistently earned 9s and 10s. According to KVUE’s detailed recap, Leavitt and Ballas ranked first or tied for first in the judges’ scores for seven of their ten weeks—a record unmatched by any other couple still in the running. Their Viennese waltz in Week 6? A 30/30. Their freestyle in Week 9? Every judge stood up. And yet, when the votes were tallied on November 19, they were the last to hear their names called for elimination."It’s like you’re breaking up with someone you’ve lived with for months," Leavitt said afterward, voice trembling but smiling. "You don’t just dance together—you laugh, cry, panic, and celebrate together. I’ve made a friend for life."
Mark Ballas: A Legend Who Saw It Coming
Mark Ballas isn’t just any pro dancer. He’s a two-time Dancing with the Stars Season 20 champion, having won with Olympic gymnast Aly Raisman in 2015. He’s danced with celebrities from actresses to athletes, and he’s seen every kind of elimination drama. But this one? He said he felt it coming."I had a gut feeling," Ballas told AOL. "Not because we didn’t deserve to be here. But because the fans… they didn’t vote for us like they did for others. And sometimes, that’s the hardest part."
His comment hints at a deeper tension in this season: audience voting patterns diverged sharply from judge scores. While Leavitt and Ballas led in judges’ points, they didn’t dominate in public votes. Analysts point to the show’s long-standing trend—viewers often favor underdog stories or emotional arcs over technical perfection. Leavitt, a polished, composed performer, didn’t fit the "rags to rhythm" mold. Meanwhile, couples with more dramatic backstories—like a single mom relearning to walk or a former NFL player overcoming injury—racked up votes.
Why This Elimination Stings
The outrage wasn’t just fan noise. The Independent ran a headline: "Dancing with the Stars viewers rage over elimination of 'best dancer.'" AOL confirmed it was "the final couple eliminated before the DWTS Season 34 finale." Even longtime viewers on Reddit and Twitter called it "the most unjust cut in a decade."What made it worse? The timing. This was the semifinals. Only five couples remained. Leavitt and Ballas had survived two previous elimination rounds. They’d outlasted a former Olympic skater, a Grammy-nominated singer, and a popular TikTok influencer. Their elimination wasn’t just a surprise—it felt like a betrayal of the show’s own metrics.
"They scored higher than anyone else, and they still got cut?" tweeted @DWTS_Fan42. "Who’s left? The guy who cried during his salsa? The one who needed crutches? This isn’t about dancing anymore."
What’s Next for the Final Five
With Leavitt and Ballas gone, the final five couples—each with their own emotional pull—will perform in the two-part finale on Dancing with the Stars Season 34 finale, set for Tuesday, November 26, and Wednesday, November 27, 2025, on ABC. The Mirrorball Trophy will go to one of them. But the conversation won’t stop there.For the first time in years, the show’s judging panel may face renewed scrutiny. Was there a bias against performers who didn’t cry on camera? Did the producers steer votes toward more "relatable" contestants? And what does it say about a competition that rewards drama over dominance?
The Human Cost of Reality TV
Leavitt’s words linger. "This show has meant the absolute world for me." For her, it wasn’t just about winning. It was about proving she could step into a world of discipline, artistry, and vulnerability—and shine. She walked out with her head high, but the weight of the elimination is real. Ballas, ever the professional, hugged her tightly as the lights dimmed. No words needed.Behind the scenes, crew members told KVUE that the pair stayed late every night, rehearsing even after the cameras stopped. They didn’t just want to win—they wanted to leave a mark. And they did. Even in defeat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas eliminated despite having the highest scores?
Despite ranking first or tied for first in judges’ scores for seven of ten weeks, Leavitt and Ballas didn’t lead in public voting. DWTS combines judge scores (50%) and audience votes (50%), and viewers favored couples with more emotional or underdog narratives. Their polished, calm performances, while technically superior, didn’t generate the same viral emotional response as others.
Has this kind of elimination happened before on Dancing with the Stars?
Yes. In Season 17, professional dancer Allison Holker was eliminated despite having the highest average score among remaining contestants. In Season 28, singer and actor Frankie Muniz was cut despite strong scores because of low public votes. These cases highlight a recurring pattern: technical excellence doesn’t always guarantee survival if the audience doesn’t connect emotionally.
What impact will this have on future seasons of Dancing with the Stars?
Producers may face pressure to adjust the scoring formula or promote more transparent voting explanations. Fans are already demanding changes, with petitions circulating online to give judges’ scores more weight. If viewer backlash continues, the show could shift toward rewarding performance over personality, or risk losing credibility among dance purists.
Is Mark Ballas leaving Dancing with the Stars after this season?
No. Ballas has not announced any plans to leave the show. He’s been a fixture since Season 6 and returned after a brief hiatus. With his two wins and consistent high rankings, he remains one of the show’s most valuable professionals. His partnership with Leavitt was his 11th season as a pro, and he’s expected to return for Season 35.
Where can I watch Whitney Leavitt’s performances from DWTS Season 34?
Full performances are available on Disney+ and Hulu, under the Dancing with the Stars Season 34 archive. Clips are also posted on ABC’s official YouTube channel and the show’s social media accounts. Leavitt’s freestyle and Viennese waltz remain among the most-watched segments of the season.
How did Whitney Leavitt react publicly after her elimination?
Leavitt posted a heartfelt message on Instagram, thanking fans, her team, and especially Ballas. She called the experience "life-changing," emphasized the friendships formed, and said she had no regrets. She also hinted at future dance projects, including a possible nonprofit initiative to bring dance to young women in conservative communities—a nod to her roots on Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.
