Fans of Dancing With the Stars were shocked this week as Whitney Leavitt narrowly missed out on a spot in the Season 34 finale. After a vibrant Prince-themed semifinal, the influencer and The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star was sent home alongside her partner, Mark Ballas — despite consistently strong scores throughout the season.
Prince Night Performances
Leavitt took on two very different routines during the purple-themed tribute show.
She brought high energy to the ballroom with a playful cha cha set to Prince’s “1999.”
Later, she switched gears with a dreamy and elegant Viennese waltz to “Slow Love.”
Both dances earned praise, but the votes weren’t enough to carry her into the finals.
Leavitt’s Reaction
Whitney Leavitt admitted she never expected to make it as far as she did. Ballas called their run “fun, memorable, and full of great moments,” adding that while it’s tough to fall just short of the finale, they’re walking away with a new friendship.
Leavitt joked that Ballas is “not getting rid of her,” emphasizing the bond they built throughout the season.
Who’s Still in the Running?
With Leavitt gone, these five couples will compete for the mirrorball trophy next week:
Robert Irwin & Witney Carson
Jordan Chiles & Ezra Sosa
Alix Earle & Val Chmerkovskiy
Elaine Hendrix & Alan Bersten
Dylan Efron & Daniella Karagach
It’s a tight race, and each of the remaining celebrities has shown growth throughout the competition.
DWTS and Reality Stars: A Visibility Boost
For reality TV personalities like Whitney Leavitt, DWTS often works as a spotlight amplifier. The show can transform digital influencers into mainstream names, open up new career opportunities, and widen their fan bases. Even without a finale spot, Leavitt leaves the season more recognized — and with a major platform boost.
What About Tremane Wood?
In unrelated headlines, former clemency recipient Tremane Wood was hospitalized due to complications from long-term health issues shortly after his release. Reports indicate his condition was linked to medical problems that had gone untreated during his incarceration.