By: Jewel Dickerman
It was a night painted in purple and glitter as Dancing with the Stars transformed into a dazzling tribute to Prince for its semi-final episode this week. The six remaining couples faced the pressure of performing two dances each — one brand-new style and one redemption routine — as they vied for a spot in next week’s finale.
The ballroom pulsed with excitement as each pair took the floor, channeling the spirit of Prince through every twirl, lift, and turn. From fiery jives to elegant waltzes, the competition was tight — and the results left fans stunned.
Robert Irwin and Witney Carson were the undeniable stars of the night. Their upbeat jive to “Baby I’m a Star” was filled with high kicks and charisma, earning a perfect 30 out of 30 from the judges. They followed it with a dramatic Viennese waltz to “WOW,” blending strength and grace in equal measure for a near-perfect 29. With a combined 59 out of 60, the duo topped the leaderboard and cemented their status as the ones to beat heading into the finale.
Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy continued their impressive run, opening with a sharp Argentine tango to “Little Red Corvette” that showed off Alix’s growing precision. But it was their second dance — a dreamy Viennese waltz to “Purple Rain” — that stopped the show. The performance brought both audience members and judges to tears, earning them a perfect 30 and a total of 58 for the night.
Tying that score were Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas, whose upbeat cha-cha to “1999” and romantic waltz to “Slow Love” drew rave reviews. Their chemistry lit up the floor, and their consistency made them look like clear finalists — until the elimination twist. Despite a 58-point total, Whitney and Mark were sent home, a shocking exit that left the crowd gasping.
Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten delivered one of the most theatrical performances of the evening. Their foxtrot to “I Wanna Be Your Lover” was charming and smooth, but it was their fiery paso doble to “When Doves Cry” that stole attention. The routine’s intensity earned them a perfect 30, bringing their total to 57.
Gymnast Jordan Chiles and partner Ezra Sosa matched that 57 with an energetic jive to “Raspberry Beret” followed by a striking Argentine tango to “U Got the Look.” The judges praised Jordan’s athletic control and her ability to balance power with artistry — a combination that could take her far in the finale.
Rounding out the leaderboard were Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach, who earned 55 points. Their tango to “I Would Die 4 U” was strong, but their cha-cha to “Kiss” brought the fun. While slightly behind in scores, the pair’s fanbase could keep them alive in the final week.
When the music faded and the purple lights dimmed, the competition had delivered one of the most memorable nights of the season. The tribute to Prince infused every performance with passion and flair, reminding viewers why Dancing with the Stars remains one of television’s most beloved spectacles.
Next week’s finale will see Robert and Witney leading the pack, but as this week’s surprise elimination proved, nothing is guaranteed under the glittering glow of the Mirrorball Trophy.
