DWTS: Who Was Eliminated Tonight?

Nick Leason

-Nov 19, 2025

Stay up-to-date on the latest Dancing With The Stars eliminations. Find out which couples were sent home tonight, the highlights from their performances, and what led to their departure.

Key Takeaways

Each week, one or more couples are eliminated from Dancing With The Stars based on a combination of judges' scores and audience votes.
The elimination typically occurs at the end of the show after all couples have performed and judges' scores are tallied.
Viewer votes play a significant role in determining who stays and who goes, making each episode suspenseful.
Unexpected eliminations are common, as popular contestants can sometimes be at risk.
Eliminated contestants often reflect on their journey and express gratitude for the experience.
Season 32 promises to be full of surprises, so tune in to see who makes it to the next round!

Introduction

Dancing With The Stars (DWTS) is a popular reality dance competition where celebrities are paired with professional dancers to perform choreographed routines. Each week, the couples face the scrutiny of a panel of judges and the votes of the viewing audience. The couples with the lowest combined scores and votes face elimination, making each episode a nail-biting experience. The eliminations are a crucial part of the show, adding drama and suspense as contestants vie for the coveted Mirrorball Trophy. This article provides up-to-date information on who was eliminated tonight and explores the factors influencing these decisions.

What & Why DWTS Eliminations Matter

The Stakes of Elimination

The eliminations are the heart of the competition on Dancing With The Stars. Each week, couples perform a variety of dance styles, hoping to impress the judges and garner enough votes to stay in the competition. The stakes are high, as elimination means the end of the road for a celebrity's dancing journey. The pressure to perform well and connect with the audience can be immense. DWTS combines the celebrities’ performance quality with viewer engagement to determine who continues on in the competition. Celebrities who improve weekly are more likely to gather fans and advance.

Factors Influencing Elimination

Several factors contribute to a couple's risk of elimination:

Judges' Scores: The scores given by the judges are a critical component. Consistently low scores place a couple in jeopardy.
Viewer Votes: Audience votes are equally important. Even with high scores, a lack of viewer support can lead to elimination.
Dance Style Performance: Excelling in certain dance styles while struggling in others can affect a couple's overall standing.
Chemistry and Charisma: The connection between partners and their ability to engage the audience play a significant role.
Improvement Over Time: Showing growth and improvement throughout the competition is vital for survival.

The Impact of Elimination

The elimination process affects not only the contestants but also the dynamics of the show. Unexpected eliminations can shock viewers and alter the competitive landscape. They often lead to emotional farewells and reflections on the journey. Strategic voting by fans and the judges' critiques shape the overall narrative of the season. This can create surprising outcomes, adding an element of unpredictability that keeps viewers engaged.

How Eliminations Work on DWTS

The elimination process on Dancing With The Stars involves a combination of judges' scores and audience votes. Here’s a breakdown of how it works:

Weekly Performances: Each couple performs a choreographed dance routine in a specific style.
Judges' Scoring: A panel of judges evaluates the performances, assigning scores out of 30 (or 40, in later stages of the competition). For example, in season 32, judges scored contestants out of 40 points possible.
Live Voting Window: Viewers vote for their favorite couples via phone, online, or through the official DWTS app during a designated voting window.
Combined Scores: The judges' scores and viewer votes are combined to determine a couple's overall standing.
Elimination Announcement: The couples with the lowest combined scores and votes are announced as being in jeopardy.
Final Decision: In some seasons, the judges may have the opportunity to save one of the bottom couples. If they do not save a couple, the couple with the lowest combined score is eliminated.
Elimination Reveal: The eliminated couple is announced at the end of the show, marking their departure from the competition.

The combined influence of the judges and the audience means that a strong performance one week does not guarantee safety the next. This system ensures that both technical skill and popularity play crucial roles in deciding who advances.

Examples & Use Cases of Shocking Eliminations

Throughout the history of Dancing With The Stars, there have been several shocking eliminations that highlight the unpredictable nature of the show. These moments underscore the importance of both judges’ scores and audience votes.

Season 25: Debbie Gibson and Alan Bersten

Despite consistently good scores, Debbie Gibson and her partner Alan Bersten were eliminated early in the competition. This elimination surprised many viewers, as Gibson had shown considerable improvement and had a strong fan base. Their departure highlighted how audience votes can sometimes outweigh judges' scores.

Season 28: Heather Morris and Maksim Chmerkovskiy

Heather Morris, a former Glee star with a dance background, was partnered with Maksim Chmerkovskiy. Despite their exceptional performances and high scores, they were eliminated mid-season. Many fans were shocked, as Morris was considered a frontrunner. This elimination underscored the impact of viewer votes, even for contestants with technical expertise.

Season 30: Melora Hardin and Artem Chigvintsev

Melora Hardin and Artem Chigvintsev consistently earned high scores and praise from the judges. However, they were eliminated just before the semifinals, shocking both viewers and the judges. This underscored how crucial it is for contestants to connect with the audience and garner enough votes to stay in the competition. — What Is Snap? A Complete Guide

Season 31: Sam Champion and Cheryl Burke

In a more recent example, Sam Champion and Cheryl Burke were eliminated early in Season 31, despite Champion's popularity as a weather anchor. Their elimination highlighted that viewer connection is as crucial as performance quality, and even well-known personalities need to resonate with the audience to secure votes.

These examples demonstrate that eliminations on Dancing With The Stars can be influenced by various factors, making each season unpredictable and exciting. Fans often discuss these moments, debating the fairness and impact of the elimination process. — Ponce, Puerto Rico Weather: Your Complete Forecast

Best Practices & Common Mistakes in DWTS

To navigate the Dancing With The Stars competition effectively, contestants must adhere to best practices and avoid common mistakes. Success on the show requires a blend of performance quality, audience engagement, and strategic execution.

Best Practices

Consistent Improvement: Showing week-to-week growth is crucial. Judges and viewers appreciate seeing progress, even if the initial performances are not perfect.
Engage with the Audience: Connect with viewers through social media, interviews, and heartfelt performances. Building a personal connection can translate to crucial votes.
Embrace Feedback: Take the judges' critiques to heart and implement their suggestions. Demonstrating a willingness to learn and adapt impresses both the judges and the audience.
Choose Appropriate Dance Styles: Select dance styles that highlight strengths while minimizing weaknesses. Strategic dance selection can maximize scores and viewer appeal.
Maintain Chemistry with Partner: A strong partnership and visible chemistry enhance performances. The connection between partners should resonate with viewers.

Common Mistakes

Ignoring Judges' Feedback: Dismissing critiques can lead to stagnation and lower scores. Judges' insights are valuable for improvement.
Failing to Connect with the Audience: Neglecting viewer engagement can result in insufficient votes, even with high scores. Personal stories and heartfelt performances resonate with fans.
Inconsistent Performances: A lack of consistency can erode confidence and support. Strive for steady improvement and reliability.
Underestimating the Competition: Complacency can be detrimental. Each week presents new challenges and requires focused effort.
Overlooking Technical Details: Poor technique can detract from a performance, even with enthusiasm. Focus on precision and polish.

By following best practices and avoiding common mistakes, contestants can enhance their chances of success on Dancing With The Stars. The show rewards those who combine talent, hard work, and audience engagement.

FAQs About DWTS Eliminations

How are contestants eliminated on Dancing With The Stars?

Contestants are eliminated based on a combination of judges' scores and viewer votes. The couples with the lowest combined scores and votes are at risk of elimination.
How much do judges' scores matter?

Judges' scores are a significant factor, often accounting for 50% of the decision. Consistently low scores make it difficult for a couple to stay in the competition.
How important are viewer votes?

Viewer votes are equally critical, making up the other 50%. Even with high judges' scores, a lack of viewer support can lead to elimination.
Can judges save a couple from elimination?

In some seasons, judges have the power to save a couple from elimination. However, this is not always the case, and the rules can change from season to season.
What happens after a couple is eliminated?

After elimination, couples typically reflect on their journey and express gratitude for the experience. They may also participate in farewell interviews and appearances. — UK Synagogue Stabbing: What You Need To Know
Are there any surprising eliminations in DWTS history?

Yes, there have been numerous surprising eliminations, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the show. Factors such as viewer votes and the ability to connect with the audience play a crucial role.

Conclusion with CTA

The eliminations on Dancing With The Stars are a pivotal part of the competition, adding drama and suspense as contestants vie for the Mirrorball Trophy. Keep tuning in each week to see who will shine on the dance floor and who will be saying goodbye. Be sure to cast your votes for your favorite couples to help them stay in the competition! Stay updated with the latest results and highlights to never miss a beat.

Last updated: October 26, 2023, 14:30 UTC