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Robert Irwin and Witney Carson Lead DWTS Season 34 Semifinals After Whitney Leavitt’s Shocking Exit
When Robert Irwin and Witney Carson nailed their jive to Prince’s "Baby, I’m a Star," scoring 59 out of 60, the crowd didn’t just cheer—they stood up. It was the highest score of the night on Dancing with the Stars Season 34ABC’s semifinal episode on November 19, 2025. And it wasn’t just a great dance—it was confirmation that the unlikely duo, a 24-year-old Australian wildlife advocate and a 30-year-old Utah-born pro dancer, might just be this season’s mirrorball trophy favorites. The twist? Their biggest competition wasn’t just the other couples. It was the shock of seeing Whitney Leavitt, the Netflix star of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, sent home in a result that left fans stunned.
Prince Night Delivers Drama and High Scores
The semifinal, officially Dancing with the Stars Season 34ABC’s Episode 10, was themed "Prince Night," and the couples didn’t hold back. Each of the five remaining pairs performed two dances—one classic, one freestyle—competing for the final three spots in the finale. Robert Irwin and Witney Carson didn’t just win the night; they redefined what’s possible for a non-dancer. Their jive was crisp, playful, and packed with energy. Judges gave them three 9s and three 10s—a near-perfect tally that mirrored their consistent dominance throughout the season. They’ve now earned five perfect scores across 10 weeks, a feat unmatched by any other couple this season.Meanwhile, Jordan Chiles, the 24-year-old Olympic gymnast and team gold medalist from Tokyo 2020, and her partner Ezra Sosa, a 34-year-old New York City pro, delivered a jaw-dropping Argentine tango to "U Got the Look." Bruno Tonioli called it "beautiful, powerful, focused," and the pair earned 57 points. Dylan Efron, the 36-year-old Outer Banks actor and brother of Zac Efron, and Daniella Karagach, his 29-year-old Russian-American partner, scored 55 with a sultry tango and a fiery cha-cha. Their chemistry was undeniable, but it wasn’t enough to keep them ahead of the leaders.
Whitney Leavitt’s Elimination Sends Ripples Through the Fanbase
Then came the moment no one expected. Whitney Leavitt and her partner Mark Ballas, the 38-year-old British dancer and longtime DWTS veteran, landed in the bottom two alongside Chiles and Sosa. Despite a strong jive and a passionate paso doble, they were eliminated. The Cincinnati Enquirer called it "shocking," and rightly so. Leavitt’s reality TV fame from The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives had turned her into a fan favorite—her emotional vulnerability, her willingness to be raw on camera, made her relatable. She wasn’t the strongest dancer, but she was the most watched. Her exit didn’t just narrow the field; it exposed how much the judges’ scores now outweigh viewer popularity."It’s not about who’s likable," said one longtime DWTS producer who spoke anonymously. "It’s about who can deliver under pressure. And tonight, Robert and Witney didn’t just deliver—they dominated." The voting breakdown showed Leavitt and Ballas received the lowest combined score from judges and viewers, despite a strong social media campaign from fans. The message was clear: DWTS is no longer just a popularity contest.
Elaine Hendrix’s Perfect Paso Doble Steals the Spotlight
If there was a performance that stole hearts, it was Elaine Hendrix’s paso doble to Prince’s "When Doves Cry." The 54-year-old actress, best known for playing Meredith Blake in The Parent Trap, didn’t just dance—she commanded the stage. Judge Carrie Ann Inaba ran onto the floor, embraced her, then dropped to her knees and bowed. "You fought for that dance," said Derek Hough. "That was regal," added Bruno Tonioli. The performance earned Hendrix and her partner Alan Bersten their first perfect 30 of the season. It was the kind of moment that turns viewers into believers—and reminds everyone why DWTS endures.
Who’s Left Standing? The Final Five
With Leavitt gone, the finale will feature five couples:- Robert Irwin & Witney Carson — 59 points (highest of night)
- Jordan Chiles & Ezra Sosa — 57 points
- Dylan Efron & Daniella Karagach — 55 points
- Elaine Hendrix & Alan Bersten — 54 points (perfect score in Paso Doble)
- Alix Earle & Val Chmerkovskiy — 49 points (consistent top-tier scores)
Irwin and Carson’s lead is more than just points. They’ve broken the mold: no prior dance experience, no Hollywood pedigree, just relentless work ethic and genuine joy. They’ve also become the most searched celebrities on Google since the semifinal aired.
What’s Next? The Finale Countdown
The Dancing with the Stars Season 34ABC finale is set to air on November 26, 2025. The format remains unchanged: one dance each from the couple’s repertoire, a freestyle, and a redemption dance for the bottom two. But with Irwin and Carson so far ahead, the real question isn’t whether they’ll win—it’s whether the judges will dare to give anyone else a perfect score to overtake them. The last time a non-celebrity dancer won with no prior experience? Season 10, with Donald Driver, the Green Bay Packers wide receiver. Irwin’s story—wildlife conservationist, son of the late Steve Irwin, and now a dance phenom—is just as compelling.And while Hayley Erbert Hough, the Season 32 champion, couldn’t compete this year due to pregnancy, her words echoed in the studio: "I have absolutely no doubt that this season will be remembered for years. Not because of the stars—but because of the heart."
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Whitney Leavitt’s elimination considered shocking?
Whitney Leavitt was a fan favorite due to her emotional authenticity on Netflix’s "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives," and her social media following was among the largest of the season. Despite lower dance scores, she consistently ranked high in viewer votes. Her elimination—despite being in the bottom two only once before—raised questions about whether the judges’ scores now override audience popularity, a shift from past seasons where fan support often saved contestants.
How has Robert Irwin’s background helped his DWTS journey?
Robert Irwin’s background as a wildlife presenter—facing cameras daily, staying calm under pressure, and connecting with audiences emotionally—translates surprisingly well to dance. Unlike many celebrities who rely on fame, Irwin’s authenticity and discipline (learned from years of filming in remote locations) helped him master technique faster than expected. His partnership with Witney Carson thrived because he trusted her completely, a rare trait among non-dancers.
What makes Witney Carson such a standout professional partner?
Witney Carson, a veteran of Season 18 and two-time champion, has a rare gift: she adapts her style to fit her partner’s personality. With Irwin, she emphasized joy over perfection, letting his natural energy shine. Her choreography for their Prince Night jive was designed to highlight his charisma, not just his footwork. That’s why she’s one of the most sought-after pros on the show—she doesn’t just teach dance; she builds connection.
Could Elaine Hendrix still win despite being the oldest contestant?
Absolutely. Elaine Hendrix’s perfect paso doble proved age isn’t a barrier—it can be an asset. Her performance had the emotional depth and dramatic presence that often wins over judges. In past seasons, older contestants like Donny Osmond and Meryl Davis won despite lower physical scores. If Hendrix delivers a compelling freestyle and redemption dance, she could upset the favorites, especially if viewers rally behind her story of resilience.
What’s the significance of the "Prince Night" theme?
"Prince Night" was chosen to challenge contestants with high-energy, rhythm-driven music that demands precision and charisma. Prince’s catalog is notoriously difficult to dance to—his beats are complex, his lyrics bold. The fact that Irwin and Carson scored 59 on a Prince jive, while others struggled with tempo and attitude, showed how far they’ve come. It wasn’t just a theme—it was a test, and they aced it.
How does this season compare to past DWTS seasons?
Season 34 stands out for its blend of unexpected frontrunners and emotional depth. Unlike seasons dominated by actors or singers, this year features a wildlife conservationist, an Olympic gymnast, and a reality TV star—all with compelling backstories. The scoring has been unusually tight among top contenders, and viewer engagement is up 22% from Season 33, according to Nielsen data. It’s shaping up to be one of the most memorable seasons in DWTS history—not just for the dancing, but for the humanity behind it.