When Whitney Leavitt heard the judges’ final score—58 out of 60—she thought she’d made it. The 28-year-old Utah influencer and Brigham Young University dance graduate had just delivered what judges called "literal perfection" in a Viennese waltz to Prince’s "Slow Love," followed by a flawless repeat of her "WOW" routine. Yet when the live vote tally flashed on screen, her name was called last. She didn’t advance. And neither did her partner, Mark Ballas, the three-time champion and dance dynasty heir. The elimination, which happened during the Dancing with the Stars season 34 semifinals on Tuesday, November 19, 2025, at the ABC Television Center in Los Angeles, sent shockwaves through fans and critics alike.
Perfect Scores, Broken System
Leavitt and Ballas didn’t just score high—they dominated. Their 58 out of 60 tied them for second place with Alix Earle, and only Robert Irwin, the Australian conservationist, edged them out with 59. Yet, despite outscoring three finalists—Dylan Efron (56), Elaine Hendrix, and Jordan Chiles—Leavitt was sent home. The math didn’t add up. And viewers noticed."I already feel like a winner," Leavitt told cohost Julianne Hough in her emotional exit interview. But fans didn’t buy it. On X (formerly Twitter), the hashtag #SaveWhitney trended for hours. "She’s the best dancer on the show BY A MILE," wrote @DanceFanatic45. "No freestyle? No chance? That’s not fair."
Here’s the twist: the show’s scoring system—50% judges, 50% public vote—isn’t broken. It’s working exactly as designed. But when a contestant earns near-perfect scores week after week, and still loses to someone with lower scores, viewers start asking: Who really decides who wins?
The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives Backlash
The controversy didn’t start on the dance floor. It started on Hulu.According to Sarah Marloff, TV critic and longtime DWTS watcher, Leavitt’s elimination was less about dancing and more about perception. "She admitted on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives season 3 that she only returned to filming because she heard it would give her a shot at DWTS," Marloff noted. "The rest of the cast saw her as opportunistic. And fans didn’t forget."
That admission—made in a candid, unfiltered moment during the reality show’s third season—became a narrative anchor. While Leavitt’s dancing was technically flawless, her reality TV persona painted her as someone who "used" the show as a stepping stone. In contrast, Dylan Efron, who scored 56 out of 60, had no dance background but commanded loyalty through charm, family name, and social media presence. "He’s the guy you’d want to grab a beer with," Marloff said. "Whitney? She’s the one you’d watch from across the room, impressed but wary."
That disconnect between skill and likability is as old as reality TV itself. But this time, it felt personal. Leavitt’s husband, Tanner Leavitt, a real estate agent from Provo, Utah, sat quietly in the audience, holding her hand. When she left the stage, he didn’t smile. He just nodded—like he already knew what was coming.
Who’s Left Standing—and Why?
The five finalists heading into the November 26 finale are a study in contrasts:- Robert Irwin—24, wildlife conservationist, emotional favorite, 59/60
- Dylan Efron—36, actor, brother of Zac, 56/60
- Alix Earle—24, social media star, 58/60
- Elaine Hendrix—54, actress from The Parent Trap, 55/60
- Jordan Chiles—23, Olympic gymnast, 57/60
Notice anything? Three of the five are reality TV or influencer figures. Two are celebrities with legacy names. Only Irwin and Chiles are known for their real-world achievements. And yet, Leavitt—the only one with a BFA in dance, trained since childhood, who danced with precision and heart—was the one cut.
What’s Next? Boycotts, Broadcasts, and Backlash
The fan response has been explosive. Thousands have pledged to boycott the finale. Some have vowed to stop watching ABC entirely. "If they can eliminate the best dancer for a reality TV moment," wrote @DWTSTruther, "then the whole thing is a scam."But here’s the reality: ABC doesn’t care about the boycotts. Ratings are still high. The show’s formula—mixing skill with drama, talent with controversy—has worked for 34 seasons. Leavitt’s elimination wasn’t a mistake. It was a calculated move. She was the perfect storm: brilliant dancer, polarizing persona, viral moment (that unedited "Oh, f*** yeah!" after her waltz, which had fellow contestants gasping in the skybox), and a built-in narrative arc.
She didn’t lose because she danced poorly. She lost because she didn’t fit the story the network wanted to tell.
Still, Leavitt isn’t bitter. "I feel like those dreams are within reach now," she said. And maybe that’s the real win. She proved she could dance with champions. She proved she could handle the spotlight. And she proved, even in defeat, that she’s more than a reality TV moment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Whitney Leavitt eliminated despite having the second-highest score?
DWTS uses a 50/50 split between judges’ scores and public votes. Leavitt’s 58/60 tied for second with Alix Earle, but her public vote share was lower than the five finalists who advanced. Critics suggest her controversial admission on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives—that she returned to the show solely to audition for DWTS—hurt her likability, which directly impacted fan votes.
Did Mark Ballas’s reputation help or hurt their chances?
Mark Ballas is one of DWTS’s most decorated pros, which usually gives couples a boost. But this season, his fame may have worked against them. Some viewers felt his choreography was too polished, even predictable, and that Leavitt’s performances lacked "authenticity" compared to less experienced dancers. The judges praised them, but fans didn’t feel emotionally connected.
How did Whitney Leavitt’s appearance on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives affect her DWTS journey?
Her return to the show was framed as opportunistic: she admitted on camera that she only resumed filming after learning DWTS auditions were tied to it. This clashed with the show’s ideal of "authentic passion," especially among fans who saw her as a reality TV strategist. Her alignment with the season’s villain, Demi, further alienated viewers who viewed her as a manipulator, not a dancer.
Who is likely to win the DWTS season 34 finale?
Robert Irwin leads in emotional appeal and has the highest judges’ score (59/60). But Dylan Efron’s fanbase is massive, and his likability factor is unmatched. Alix Earle has strong Gen Z support. If votes are driven by emotion, Irwin wins. If they’re driven by social media buzz, Efron or Earle take it. Leavitt’s elimination proves that in DWTS, heart often beats technique.
What impact will this elimination have on future DWTS seasons?
This may trigger a reckoning. Fans are already demanding transparency in voting. Some producers may adjust the weighting system or introduce a "technical merit" bonus to reward elite dancers. But ABC’s priority remains ratings—and drama. Expect more reality stars with polarizing backstories in future seasons, because controversy sells. Leavitt’s exit may be the last time a true dancer loses on pure votes.
Is Whitney Leavitt done with dancing?
Absolutely not. Leavitt, a BYU dance graduate, has already hinted at launching her own dance education platform. She’s also in talks with regional theaters about choreographing musicals. Her DWTS run didn’t end her career—it amplified it. She’s now a symbol of excellence overshadowed by narrative, and that’s a story she’s ready to tell.
