Robert Irwin and Witney Carson Shine in DWTS Semifinals with Near-Perfect Scores
November 19, 2025
Q&A confirms timing, number of couples, potential eliminations, songs, and early fan-favorite pairings for quick reference.
Whitney Leavitt’s journey is highlighted as transformative, with fans expecting continued involvement beyond the ballroom.
Context notes reference Bindi Irwin’s Mirrorball Trophy win in 2015 as a potential familial link to Robert Irwin’s chances.
Ballas notes gut instincts can matter, while Leavitt cherishes the friendships formed and memories made.
Dylan Efron receives encouragement from his brother Zac, who attended a taping for support.
Zac Efron’s attendance marks his first time in the audience this season, underscoring the family’s backing.
With no guest judge, the scoring relies entirely on the main panel, heightening emphasis on technique and musicality.
The episode concluded with one couple eliminated due to the lowest combined scores and viewer votes.
The final five will intensify preparations for the finale, pursuing bolder choreography and increased off-stage engagement.
The live show opened with a Prince tribute and includes backstage notes and Whitney Leavitt’s personal confession.
Voting details outline dwtsvote.abc.com and SMS options for U.S. residents, with results combining to determine eliminations.
Live ET/CT voting will occur during the broadcast, with online and SMS voting available for U.S. and Canadian viewers.
The finale format reportedly features three dances per finalist, with potential special appearances and elevated production.
Expected three-hour finale includes two dances per finalist and possibly a freestyle, with appearances from eliminated contestants.
The elimination occurred during the Prince-themed episode aired on November 18.
There is no guest judge this week; the article explains the scoring rationale and provides air times, with ABC and Disney+ carrying the broadcast and Hulu replay the next day.
The episode aired on Tuesday evening with live streaming options and promotional offers, including access via Fubo and DIRECTV.
Fan chatter hints that Robert may be favored, with speculation that the winner is saved for the final dance.
As the finale nears, anticipation and intensity are elevated among contestants.
Robert Irwin and Witney Carson lead the Prince Night performances with a near-perfect 59 out of 60 across two dances, while Alix Earle, Elaine Hendrix, Jordan Chiles, and Dylan Efron post strong scores in corresponding Prince-themed routines.
With one semifinal elimination, Season 34 is set to crown the Len Goodman Mirror Ball Trophy next week over three hours of dancing in the finale.
Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas perform a cha cha to 1999 and a Viennese waltz to Slow Love, amid social-media buzz surrounding the semifinals.
Broader context includes voting trends, audience engagement, and ongoing fan dynamics, with references to related behind-the-scenes stories.
Readers can view a full recap of the prior episode as semifinals and finale coverage continue.
Predictions and potential upsets loom as the finale approaches, with competitive momentum building.
Recap notes the Prince tribute theme, performance quality, judge commentary, and audience participation mechanics.
Post-episode interviews capture contestants’ emotions about scores and progress toward the finale.
Readers are invited to weigh in on social platforms about Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas’s elimination and who might win the Mirrorball Trophy.
Live East Coast voting and post-performance voting continue to determine eliminations ahead of the finale.
Fan engagement and voting remain crucial to securing a finale spot, alongside performance quality.
Live updates will continue to track the leaderboard as more routines are completed, with final advancement based on judges’ scores and viewer votes.
Q&A confirms broadcast options, voting mechanics, and the six participating couples.
The article provides a round-by-round breakdown of performances, judges’ comments, and the elimination sequence toward the finalists.
Whitney Leavitt expresses gratitude, noting the experience has meant the world and changed her life.
There is speculation about a Season 35 renewal due to Season 34’s ratings and buzz, though nothing is officially confirmed.
The season’s 20th anniversary episode included tributes and surprises, with notable moments like Andy Richter’s elimination in a related week.
Last week’s eliminations raised questions about semi-final status; ABC has not announced changes to semi-final rules.
Whitney Leavitt aims to elevate her public profile and seek opportunities in brand partnerships and dance-related ventures.
DWTS coverage is framed by a defense/tech outlet, while the show remains entertainment-focused.
Fans can stream the semifinals as the show honors Prince through its performances.
The finale will honor Len Goodman and crown the season’s winner.
Sources cited include E! Online, People Magazine, and ABC/Dancing with the Stars official information.
Following the elimination, online backlash questions the decision, with fans alleging favoritism and calling for a recount.
Guest appearances and Damian/round details noted, including Zac Efron’s presence.
Mark Ballas expresses that he had the best time and loves the show.
Past semi-finals typically do not eliminate couples, and six couples are expected to advance to the finale, though not officially confirmed.
Scores from the first round influence both judges’ tallies and public voting, shaping finale advancement as the semifinal progresses.
The finale is teased for next week, with Irwin/Carson and Chiles/partners among the top contenders heading into the final rounds.
A recap lists previous eliminations, highlighting the season’s stacked field.
Past guest judges were used in earlier seasons, but their appearances are not influencing scores this week.
Summary based on 39 sources
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Sources

USA TODAY • Nov 19, 2025
'Dancing with the Stars' makes surprising elimination before finals. Who made the cut?
Newsweek • Nov 18, 2025
Dancing with the Stars: Six Couples Take on Prince-Themed Semi-Finals—Live Updates
The Hollywood Reporter • Nov 19, 2025
‘Dancing With the Stars’ Honors Prince as a Top Scoring Couple Exits Ahead of Next Week’s Finale: See the Scores, Who Went Home