The Dancing with the Stars ballroom was electric on Tuesday night for a semifinals episode packed with drama, celebrity appearances, and a truly shocking elimination that left viewers reeling.
Family Support and a Shocking Exit
In a heartwarming moment, High School Musical star Zac Efron, 38, was spotted in the audience for the first time this season, beaming with pride as he watched his younger brother, Dylan Efron, 33, battle for a place in next week's grand finale. The episode, which celebrated the music of the late icon Prince, saw the remaining couples perform two routines each to his timeless classics.
Despite the family support, Dylan and his professional partner Daniella Karagach found themselves at the bottom of the judges' scoreboard with a combined total of 55 points for their Tango to 'I Would Die 4 U' and Cha Cha to 'Kiss'. However, in a testament to his popularity, fan votes propelled him into the finale despite having the lowest overall score.
The night's biggest shock came with the elimination of Whitney Leavitt, 32, star of 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives'. This was a devastating blow as she had earned nearly perfect scores, receiving 58 out of 60 for her two dances—a vibrant Cha Cha to '1999' and a romantic Viennese Waltz.
Prince Night Performances and Judging Panel Reactions
Week 10 was a dedicated tribute to Prince, with the ballroom alive to the sound of 'Purple Rain', 'Kiss', and other 1980s anthems. The couples each performed one dance in a new style and another in a repeat style to showcase their progress.
Dylan Efron's journey was a focal point. Before his second dance, he confessed to partner Daniella that in week one he felt 'like an imposter at a talent show and I had no talent.' His Cha Cha to 'Kiss', which ended with him kissing the camera, earned a 29 from the judges. Bruno Tonioli praised his 'intensity' and 'finish', while Derek Hough was impressed with his technical skill, noting, 'Your feet were turned out — nobody does that!'
Meanwhile, social media sensation Alix Earle, 24, delivered a show-stopping Argentine Tango to 'Little Red Corvette' and a perfect-scoring Viennese Waltz to 'Purple Rain', moving the judges to tears. Bruno declared her 'the most improved' contestant.
Robert Irwin, 21, son of the late Steve Irwin, also dazzled, earning a perfect score for his energetic Jive to 'Baby I’m a Star'. He spoke of creating his own legacy after his sister Bindi's previous success on the show.
The Final Five and Looking Ahead
Following Leavitt's emotional departure, where she stated, 'I already feel like a winner,' five couples now remain. Dylan Efron, Jordan Chiles, Robert Irwin, Alix Earle, and Elaine Hendrix will all compete in the Season 34 finale for the coveted Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy.
The grand finale is scheduled for Tuesday, November 25. It will be a special three-hour broadcast, airing on ABC and streaming live on Disney+.
