Dancing with the Stars is a popular American dance competition where celebrities are paired with professional dancers to perform various dance styles each week. Contestants are scored by a panel of judges and voted on by viewers, with one couple eliminated weekly. The ultimate goal is to win the coveted Mirrorball Trophy.
Fans cast their votes during the live simulcast, which were combined with judges’ scores to determine which couples would advance to the season finale. Despite delivering show-stopping performances, Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas were eliminated, shocking viewers. The duo had earned the third-highest score of the night with 58 points, performing a cha-cha to “1999” and a Viennese waltz to “Slow Love.”
Whitney Leavitt
Whitney Leavitt, 32, is a mother of three and the “breakout star” of Hulu’s The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, recently wrapping Season 2, which garnered 5 million views in its first five days. She commands a social media following of over 3.1 million across TikTok and Instagram. Leavitt has been featured by Vulture, Jimmy Kimmel Live, People, Glamour, and more, establishing her as a rising star in reality TV and digital media.
Mark Ballas
Mark Alexander Ballas Jr. (born May 24, 1986) is an American dancer, choreographer, singer-songwriter, musician, and actor. Since 2007, he has been a professional dancer on Dancing with the Stars, winning the series three times and earning a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Choreography in 2011. Born in Houston, Texas, Ballas is the son of dancers Corky Ballas and Shirley Ballas, the current head judge on the UK’s Strictly Come Dancing. He also released his first solo album, HurtLoveBox, in March 2011.”I already feel like a winner,” Whitney said. “This show has meant the absolute world for me. It’s changed my life and I’ll forever be so grateful to have this experience.”Mark added, “I had the best time. I love this show.”
The night was filled with emotion across the ballroom. Alix Earle broke down in tears after receiving praise, while Jordan Chiles celebrated her first perfect score of 30, telling co-host Julianne Hough, “That little girl in me should be very, very proud.” Dylan Efron also received support from his brother, Zac Efron, who attended the taping to cheer on The Traitors star.
With Whitney and Mark’s elimination, five stars remain in the running for the Mirrorball Trophy. Alix Earle, Jordan Chiles, Dylan Efron, Robert Irwin, and Elaine Hendrix will battle for the Season 34 crown when the finale airs on November 25.
