When Whitney Levit and Mark Ballas heard their names called for elimination on November 18, 2025, the studio fell silent — even though they’d just danced their hearts out to Prince. It wasn’t the score that did them in. It was the math. The numbers didn’t lie, and the audience didn’t vote them through. Their journey on Dancing with the Stars Season 34 ended in Los Angeles, at the ABC Studios lot, just one step shy of the finale. The twist? They’d earned strong marks from the judges. But in this competition, emotion doesn’t win — votes do.
Prince Night and the Perfect Storm
The semi-final episode, themed around the late musical icon Prince, opened with a synchronized group number to "Let’s Go Crazy" — a dazzling, high-energy start that set the tone. Six couples took the floor, each performing two routines. Robert Irwin, the Australian conservationist and wildlife advocate, and his partner Whitney Carson stole the night with a 59 out of 60, the highest score of the evening. Their quickstep to "Kiss" was crisp, sensual, and technically flawless — the kind of performance that makes judges lean forward and forget to take notes.Meanwhile, Whitney Levit and Mark Ballas danced a passionate cha-cha to "Cream" and a lyrical contemporary to "Adore." Their chemistry was undeniable. Fans online called it their "best performance yet." The judges, though restrained in their praise, didn’t offer any outright criticism. One judge reportedly whispered, "That’s the kind of dance you don’t forget." But when the scores came in, it wasn’t enough.
Mark Ballas’s Final Bow
For Mark Ballas, this was his 11th season on Dancing with the Stars. He won season 6 with Natalie Coughlin. He reached finals in seasons 8, 16, and 20. He’s danced with Olympians, Broadway stars, and reality TV icons. He’s the kind of pro who makes routines look easy. But this season? He was up against a tidal wave of fan votes.He’d been eliminated in the semi-finals last year, too — on November 20, 2024, during season 33. Back then, he danced with a TikTok star who had 30 million followers. This year? Levit had a loyal but smaller fanbase. And in a competition where votes swing wildly based on social media buzz, that’s the difference between a finale and a farewell.
"It’s not about the dance," Ballas told the camera after the elimination, his voice steady but eyes glistening. "It’s about who shows up when it matters most. And tonight, they didn’t." He didn’t blame the audience. He didn’t complain about the scoring. He just thanked Levit — and the fans who stuck with them.
The Final Five
The five couples still standing are: Robert Irwin and Whitney Carson, Alex and Val, Dylan and Daniela, Jordan and Ezra, and Elaine and Allan. All are strong. All are unpredictable.Irwin and Carson are the favorites, no question. But remember: last season’s winner, Sofia Carson, wasn’t the top scorer in the semi-finals either. She won because people loved her journey. The same could happen again.
What’s at Stake
The grand finale on November 25, 2025, will feature three rounds: a redemption dance, a fusion routine, and the freestyle. Viewers vote live — and every vote counts. No one knows how the social media surge will shake out. One viral clip, one heartfelt interview, one late-night tweet — it could all tip the scale.The Mirrorball Trophy isn’t just about talent. It’s about story. And while Whitney Levit’s story may have ended early, her journey left a mark. She wasn’t the most famous contestant. She wasn’t the most polished. But she showed up. Every week. And that’s more than some with bigger followings ever did.
The Bigger Picture
This season’s elimination pattern reflects a troubling trend: celebrity fame no longer guarantees survival. In season 34, the top scorers aren’t necessarily the most popular. The most popular aren’t always the best dancers. It’s a new reality for Dancing with the Stars. The show is evolving — and the professionals like Ballas are adapting, even when it hurts.ABC Entertainment hasn’t released official ratings yet, but industry insiders suggest viewership held steady — around 5.2 million live viewers. That’s down slightly from last season, but the digital engagement? Up 40%. TikTok clips of Levit and Ballas’s cha-cha have over 12 million views. Fans are still watching. They just didn’t vote.
And that’s the real heartbreak.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were Whitney Levit and Mark Ballas eliminated despite strong scores?
While they received high marks from the judges, DWTS winners are determined by a combination of judge scores and viewer votes. Levit and Ballas’s fanbase, though loyal, was smaller than other finalists’. In a tight semi-final round where votes are split across five couples, even a slight edge in social media engagement can decide elimination — and that’s what ultimately cost them.
Who is Mark Ballas and why is his elimination significant?
Mark Ballas is a 11-time DWTS professional dancer, former champion (Season 6), and finalist in four other seasons. His elimination marks the second straight year he didn’t reach the finale — a rare streak in his career. Known for his technical precision and emotional choreography, his exit signals a shift in how the show rewards popularity over longevity.
What’s the scoring system on DWTS Season 34?
Each judge awards up to 10 points per dance, for a maximum of 30 per routine. With two dances per night, the highest possible score is 60 — which Robert Irwin and Whitney Carson achieved. The 59/60 score confirms the standard 10-point scale is being used, despite some confusion in early reports. Scores are combined with viewer votes to determine safety or elimination.
When is the DWTS Season 34 finale, and how is the winner chosen?
The grand finale airs on November 25, 2025. The winner is determined by combining judge scores from the final three dances — redemption, fusion, and freestyle — with live viewer votes. The couple with the highest total wins the Mirrorball Trophy. Historically, the frontrunner isn’t always the winner — emotional connection often sways votes in the final hours.
Why is there confusion over the spelling of Whitney’s last name?
The contestant’s name appears as both "Levit" and "Leavitt" across fan videos and social media. ABC has not officially confirmed the correct spelling. This inconsistency is common in unverified fan content, but official DWTS materials list her as "Whitney Levit." The error likely stems from a misheard name during the broadcast or a transcription mistake in early uploads.
Who is Robert Irwin, and why is he the favorite?
Robert Irwin is the 25-year-old son of the late Steve Irwin, the "Crocodile Hunter." As a conservationist and TV personality, he’s brought emotional depth to the competition. His connection to wildlife, combined with his graceful dancing and public advocacy, has resonated with viewers. He’s the only finalist with a built-in global fanbase — and his 59/60 score proves he’s technically elite, too.
