When Robert Irwin and Witney Carson took the floor on Dancing With the Stars Season 34 SemifinalsABC Tuesday night, they didn’t just dance—they stunned. Their freestyle routine to Prince’s "Let’s Go Crazy" earned the first perfect 30/30 of the night, a moment that sent the studio into a roar. But they weren’t alone. Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten matched that perfection moments later with a fiery paso doble to "When Doves Cry," leaving judge Carrie Ann Inaba leaping from her chair to hug her. "You left it all on the floor!" she screamed. The energy wasn’t just electric—it was historic. With over 2.3 million votes cast, ABC confirmed this was the most-voted episode in Dancing With the Stars Season 34 history.
Prince Night Delivered Fireworks—and a Few Flaws
The night opened with a high-octane group number to "Let’s Go Crazy," setting the tone for what would become a showcase of musical legacy and emotional grit. Each of the six remaining couples danced twice: one new style, one they’d already mastered. The twist? All songs came from Prince’s catalog—raw, funky, unpredictable. That’s not easy to choreograph, especially when you’re trying to balance technical precision with soul. Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach tackled the tango to "I Would Die 4 U," and while their passion was undeniable, the judges noted Efron’s posture issues. "Keep your butt in," Derek Hough joked, a line that quickly went viral. Still, they earned 28/30, bringing their total to 55/60. Meanwhile, Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy opened with a 28/30 foxtrot, showing polish but lacking the fire needed to climb higher. And Jordan Chiles, the Olympic gymnast, and Ezra Sosa delivered a 27/30 cha-cha that was technically solid but felt a bit restrained.The Perfect Scores and the One That Didn’t Make It
Then came the moment everyone was waiting for. Elaine Hendrix, a veteran actress known for her roles in romantic comedies, transformed into a dramatic, commanding force during her paso doble. Bruno Tonioli called it "a masterclass in tension and release." Derek Hough, usually reserved, stood up and clapped. "That is what we’re talking about," he said, almost to himself. The 30/30 wasn’t just a score—it was a redemption arc. Robert Irwin, the 22-year-old wildlife conservationist and son of the late Steve Irwin, surprised everyone with his fluidity and charisma. His freestyle blended ballroom with unexpected acrobatic lifts, all while staying true to Prince’s rhythm. "You made me believe you were born to dance," said Carrie Ann. It was the kind of performance that makes you forget you’re watching a reality show. But not everyone got to celebrate. Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas, who’d been consistent all season, earned 29/30 for their second dance—a jive to "Kiss"—for a total of 58/60. High? Yes. Enough? No. Despite their strong track record and a loyal fanbase, they received the fewest viewer votes combined with their judges’ score. The elimination came as a shock to many. "That left Chiles and Leavitt in the end, although not necessarily the bottom two," noted the NBC Right Now live blog. The math didn’t lie: Leavitt and Ballas were the only pair under 60 points.Who’s Left—and Why It Matters
Five couples remain. The finalists are:- Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten (60/60)
- Robert Irwin and Witney Carson (60/60)
- Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy (56/60)
- Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach (55/60)
- Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa (54/60)
What’s Next: The Finale on November 25
The Dancing With the Stars Season 34 FinaleABC airs Tuesday, November 25, at 8/7c. Each couple will perform two more dances: a revival of their favorite routine and a freestyle that could make or break their legacy. The final scores will be a 50/50 split between judges and America’s vote. There’s a real chance we’ll see the first tie in DWTS history. Hendrix and Irwin are both flawless, but they’re polar opposites: one a Hollywood veteran finding new life on the dance floor, the other a quiet conservationist who’s become the show’s most unexpected star. The audience knows it. That’s why votes poured in.Why This Season Feels Different
This season has been a rollercoaster. Last week’s shock elimination—Tayshia Adams—set the tone. But this week? It felt like a turning point. The performances weren’t just about technique; they were about storytelling. Prince’s music—bold, sensual, rebellious—demanded vulnerability. And these dancers gave it. Even Efron, who struggled with posture, danced like he was finally letting go. The producers knew what they were doing. "Prince Night" wasn’t just a theme—it was a test. And the couples who rose to it? They didn’t just dance. They transformed.Frequently Asked Questions
How did Robert Irwin earn a perfect score despite being a non-dancer?
Robert Irwin’s perfect 30/30 came from his emotional connection to the music and his physical expressiveness, not technical perfection. Judges praised his charisma, timing, and ability to channel Prince’s spirit. His background as a wildlife presenter gave him natural stage presence, which translated into compelling storytelling on the dance floor. His freestyle, choreographed by Witney Carson, blended ballroom with fluid, animalistic movements that resonated with viewers.
Why was Whitney Leavitt eliminated despite scoring 29/30?
Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas earned 29/30 for their second dance, totaling 58/60 for the night—high, but not enough. Viewer votes, which count for half the final score, were lower than the other top couples. Even though they had strong scores earlier in the season, fan engagement dropped this week. The combination of their lower vote count and the near-perfect scores from Hendrix and Irwin sealed their fate.
What made Elaine Hendrix’s paso doble so special?
Hendrix’s paso doble to "When Doves Cry" stood out because of her dramatic intensity and precision. She moved with the confidence of a seasoned performer, hitting every sharp turn and dramatic pause with emotional weight. Judge Carrie Ann Inaba called it "a true paso doble," meaning it met the style’s traditional demands of power and control. For a former sitcom actress, this was a career-defining moment—and it showed in the standing ovation.
Is this the most competitive DWTS season ever?
With five couples averaging over 54/60 and two achieving perfect scores, Season 34 is among the most evenly matched in recent memory. The last time two couples scored 60/60 in the semifinals was Season 29. But this year’s viewer engagement—over 2.3 million votes—is the highest since Season 26. The combination of high talent and record voting suggests this may be the most competitive finale yet.
Who is most likely to win the finale?
Elaine Hendrix and Robert Irwin are tied at the top, but their fan bases differ. Hendrix appeals to older viewers and classic TV fans, while Irwin draws younger, socially conscious audiences. With votes split 50/50, the winner will depend on who mobilizes their base better. If past seasons are any guide, the underdog often wins—so Irwin’s quiet charisma might edge out Hendrix’s star power.
How did Prince’s music influence the performances?
Prince’s catalog forced dancers to blend genres: funk, rock, soul, and pop. Unlike typical ballroom music, his tracks are unpredictable, with sudden tempo shifts and raw emotion. Couples had to improvise rhythmically, which exposed weaker dancers but elevated those who could feel the music. The result? More authentic, riskier performances than usual—exactly what the judges said they wanted to see.
