Dancing With The Stars 34 Recap: 2025 Prince Night Semi-Final Week 10 Live Blog
Hi Everyone :)
Welcome to week ten of season thirty-four of Dancing with the Stars. We have arrived at the semi-finals. Tonight, we celebrate one of the most iconic artists in history- Prince. Each remaining couple will perform twice and they will do so to a song from Prince’s eclectic catalogue. It is the most important night of the season, as we find out who will dance in the finale next week and compete for the Len Goodman mirrorball trophy.
The six remaining pairs will dance to a new unlearned style in addition to a redemption dance. They are tasked to pick a routine that needed to be improved upon and show how far they have come this season. No one wants to be eliminated just a week shy of the finale and so everyone is hoping to bring the very best to the ballroom.
Last week, we celebrated the programs 20th anniversary. At the top of the leaderboard once the relay dance scores were added in was Whitney Leavitt and Mark, Robert Irwin and Witney, and Dylan Efron and Daniella. Andy Richter and Emma were of course at the bottom. This time however, the hammer finally fell on the comedian. With the weakest dancer gone, tonight’s semi-final should end up being very competitive.
It was a joy to have Tom Bergeron back last week. And the program did a nice job of commemorating twenty years. I do wish more previous pros and contestants were invited back. It would have been awesome if ABC gave the show a separate birthday episode where former couples returned to dance iconic routines. The ratings this season would have merited that and I think viewers would’ve appreciated it. With all that said, let’s get this exciting night started!
Your votes will be combined with the judges scores to determine which couple will be eliminated. Remember, VOTING begins at the top of the show and concludes after the final dance of the evening.
We open with a very cool Prince inspired routine to “Let’s Go Crazy.” Everyone is dressed in the nines to styles that would make the legendary star very proud! That number was choreographed by Luam Keflezgy. What a fun way to open the show and integrate all the pros and the celebrities.
Before the competition starts, we get a little video package about Prince and his impact on the world of music and entertainment. Man, he was iconic.
Elaine Hendrix & Alan – Foxtrot
A very strong way to open the show. Elaine’s power has improved so much from the beginning of the season. She is able to do those twirls without being off balance. A very strong core and considering her past injuries, very impressive. This was a really fun foxtrot in both content and performance. It was just what it had to be- nothing over the top but memorable and playful.
Carrie Ann welcomes Elaine to the semi-finals. She calls her sophisticated and strong. But she wants to see her push just a little more. She doesn’t want it to look so easy. HUH? Now it is bad if a dance looks easy meaning the contestant is nailing it? Okay. Derek labels it beautiful. He does agree with Carrie Ann that he wants to see a little more fight. Bruno enjoyed the flirt of the dance but does agree with his co-judges.
Carrie Ann- 9, Derek- 9, Bruno- 9 = 27/30
VOTE for Elaine & Alan at dwtsvote.abc.com and/or via texting ELAINE to 21523. Note- only US residents can vote using text method.
Alix Earle & Val – Argentine Tango
I do believe Argentine tango is my favorite dance. I just love the footwork and how the dancers are almost intertwined with one another. This was another good routine from Alix but I did want to see a little more passion. This type of dance specifically screams passion and it was just lacking a bit. Perhaps it was the song that didn’t allow for such fierceness but it a level below the Argentine tango’s we have seen earlier this season. Alix is still a phenomenal dancer.
Derek says he didn’t like it- he loved it. He feels Alix has the potential to go all the way. Bruno compliments the shapes and the lines. He says some moves could have been sharper and he saw it in Alix’s face. Carrie Ann feels Alix has grown the most but saw her shoulders come up and didn’t feel she was so in control of the dance.
Carrie Ann- 9, Derek- 10, Bruno- 9 = 28/30
VOTE for Alix & Val at dwtsvote.abc.com and/or via texting ALIX to 21523. Note- only US residents can vote using text method.
Whitney Leavitt & Mark – Cha-Cha-Cha
Now that was most definitely a party. What a fun cha-cha-cha. Brilliant choreography by Mark. It was a perfect blend of traditional and Prince inspired moves scattered throughout. Whitney looked like she was having a ball and the dance looked like two professionals just going out there and living it. The strongest dance of the night so far and one of Whitney’s best overall this season.
Bruno appreciated the content and how it was executed. Carrie Ann calls it a wonderful dance but she could see Whitney focusing on the technique. She agrees though that it was well delivered. Derek says Carrie Ann is out of her mind. He feels it got better as it went along and was awesome.
Carrie Ann- 9, Derek- 10, Bruno- 10 = 29/30
VOTE for Whitney & Mark at dwtsvote.abc.com and/or via texting WHITNEY to 21523. Note- only US residents can vote using text method.
Dylan Efron & Daniella – Tango
A strong tango overall. Compliments again go out to Daniella who is really this show’s brightest star in terms of choreography. She just hits it out of the park each time by making her partner look sensational. I appreciate Dylan’s work ethic here in keeping the frame right and keeping his booty tucked. And like the Argentine tango these two did previously, the whole dance was quite sexy.
OH. Mr. Zac Efron in the audience. Carrie Ann calls it impressive but notes a mess up in the footwork and wants him to feel the music more. Derek was pleased by the strong frame. He wanted more heel leads though. Bruno notes it was clean and sharp. He disagrees with Carrie Ann as he feels Dylan did feel it.
Carrie Ann- 9, Derek- 9, Bruno- 9 = 27/30
VOTE for Dylan & Daniella at dwtsvote.abc.com and/or via texting DYLAN to 21523. Note- only US residents can vote using text method.
The troupe welcome us back from commercial before the next dance.
Jordan Chiles & Ezra – Jive
You never have to worry about Jordan losing steam in any dance. She has energy for days. I enjoyed the kicks and flicks but did notice some tiny mishaps. It was jarring to see because Jordan doesn’t usually have mistakes. A couple of times in that routine though, it was evident that a little hiccup happened. It didn’t ruin the overall dance though as it was fun, fast, and lively. It just wasn’t at the top level I expect Jordan to be at in these semi-finals.
Derek felt the jive was fresh and fantastic. He wanted to see a little more attack and bite. Bruno calls it high energy and fun. But he saw that she lost a little bit of timing. Carrie Ann feels it was the best performance tonight but she did see the mess up.
Carrie Ann- 9, Derek- Bruno- 9 = 27/30
VOTE for Jordan & Ezra at dwtsvote.abc.com and/or via texting JORDAN to 21523. Note- only US residents can vote using text method.
Robert Irwin & Witney – Jive
What I mentioned regarding Danielle also goes for Witney. Just amazing choreography that does wonders for her partner. What lively kicks and flicks we had here. So much intense power and precision. That’s the way a jive is supposed to look. It is supposed to seem fun while still looking fierce. Loved the added in touches that show off Robert’s personality. Great routine.
Bruno calls it a superstar jive fitting of Prince. He gives kudos to the choreography. Carrie Ann says the dance tells everyone Robert deserves to be in the finale. Derek notes Robert dances with his full body and feels the dance had it all. He says it was incredible.
Carrie Ann- 10, Derek- 10, Bruno- 10 = 30/30
VOTE for Robert & Witney at dwtsvote.abc.com and/or via texting ROBERT to 21523. Note- only US residents can vote using text method.
Elaine Hendrix & Alan – Paso Doble
Elaine’s face throughout that had me laughing. It was as though someone painted an expression of aggression on her face. So cute. And the dance was indeed aggressive. I enjoyed all the classic paso steps and thought Elaine was hitting it all pretty damn hard. It wasn’t the most memorable paso we have seen this season but it was more than enough to show Elaine has come very far and has made her mark on the competition.
Carrie Ann gets up from her seat to go hug Elaine and lose her mind. She calls it amazing and goes down to the floor. What is happening? LOL. Derek calls it a beautiful paso and he saw the fight. He says it was powerful and so good. Bruno loved that it was an authentic and paso and a majestic performance.
Carrie Ann- 10, Derek- 10, Bruno- 10 = 30/30
VOTE for Elaine & Alan at dwtsvote.abc.com and/or via texting ELAINE to 21523. Note- only US residents can vote using text method.
Alix Earle & Val – Viennese Waltz
You better bring it when the song is Purple Rain! Val needs a haircut. I’m sorry but he does. Anyways, to the dance. A really strong Viennese waltz with a lot of turns that could have easily thrown Alix off. But she kept balanced and powered through all of them. Val was definitely going for an epic dance thanks to the song and I do feel like it rose to that level, especially the middle to the end. Alix, this season, has shown herself to be a dynamite dancer that absolutely deserves a place in the finale.
Derek says dance transforms and he has no doubt Alix will be in the finals. Bruno calls it a perfect combination of motion and emotion. Carrie Ann calls this season the most challenging and competitive and feels a performance like this will go down in history.
Carrie Ann- 10, Derek- 10, Bruno- 10 = 30/30
VOTE for Alix & Val at dwtsvote.abc.com and/or via texting ALIX to 21523. Note- only US residents can vote using text method.
Dylan Efron & Daniella – Cha-Cha-Cha
HA! I love it. Dylan finally came alive in a Latin dance and brought out that performance quality. Those hips were great. That solo section was so fun. It was an energetic and lively performance that showcased just how far Dylan has really come. The judges can rave about Alix’s improvement and I do agree but it would be a shame to not mention just how much Dylan has grown from week one. I don’t know if he is making the finale or getting eliminated tonight but that was a stellar job.
Bruno calls Dylan a sexy beast. He saw the differences and gives kudos to Daniella. Carrie Ann liked the attack but she feels his arms got a little small at times. The audience boos but Carrie Ann wants to give him something to work on should he stay. Derek thought the details were good and he was impressed. He tells Dylan to be proud.
Carrie Ann- 9, Derek- 9, Bruno- 10 = 28/30
VOTE for Dylan & Daniella at dwtsvote.abc.com and/or via texting DYLAN to 21523. Note- only US residents can vote using text method.
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Whitney Leavitt & Mark – Viennese Waltz
How very pretty. Whitney and Mark look lovely in that shade of blue. Just a gorgeous stroll around the ballroom with rise and fall and exquisite arm placement. Whitney is another one, like Alix, who really has been strong since the very beginning but she has improved on things like performance quality. And Mark has definitely given her ample opportunities this season to show off with his choreography.
Carrie Ann says that performance was her absolute favorite from Whitney. She has to mark down for a hop or two. LOL. Derek looks irritated with Carrie Ann. Derek feels Whitney expressing her dreams is courageous. Bruno says the quality of movement in that dance is rare and labels it impeccable.
Carrie Ann- 9, Derek- 10, Bruno- 10 = 29/30
VOTE for Whitney & Mark at dwtsvote.abc.com and/or via texting WHITNEY to 21523. Note- only US residents can vote using text method.
Jordan Chiles & Ezra – Argentine Tango
Wow. Jordan’s feet were going in more directions than we have directions. And with what speed. Love seeing that! I don’t know what that final little trick/lift was but who cares? I can bypass that due to the sheer excellence of everything else. And I saw more performance quality out of Jordan here than I did in her first dance tonight and she is costumed beautifully for an Argentine Tango.
Derek knows how important it is for an athlete to be tops and he feels that was a top performance. Bruno feels she was leading Ezra and he calls it fabulous. Carrie Ann says Jordan is in a class of her own and doesn’t compromise what she wants to be when dancing. It was the bomb, Carrie Ann declares.
Carrie Ann- 10, Derek- 10, Bruno- 10 = 30/30
VOTE for Jordan & Ezra at dwtsvote.abc.com and/or via texting JORDAN to 21523. Note- only US residents can vote using text method.
Robert Irwin & Witney – Viennese Waltz
I appreciate seeing a different type of Viennese waltz. That wasn’t the elegant and sophisticated kind. It was the very fitting Prince inspired version. Almost like a rock concert but still with poetic beauty if you will. I feel pretty darn confident that Robert is either winning the show or coming in second but I am leaning toward winning. He just has that IT factor and Witney has done an outstanding job with him.
Bruno says it was so thrilling and wants to see the sequel. Carrie Ann says he always delivers fun performance but tonight, he drew her in and she feels like her mom being proud. She gives him a hug. Derek proceeds to hug his co-judges. LOL. He tells Robert it was a ferocious dance but does mention something with his frame. He tells him though that he will see him in the finale.
Carrie Ann- 10, Derek- 9, Bruno- 10 = 29/30
VOTE for Robert & Witney at dwtsvote.abc.com and/or via texting ROBERT to 21523. Note- only US residents can vote using text method.
Judges Scores For Week 10 (Out Of 60)
Robert & Witney – 59
Alix & Val – 58
Whitney & Mark – 58
Elaine & Alan – 57
Jordan & Ezra – 57
Dylan & Daniella – 55
ELIMINATION TIME!
Whew. What a night huh? Great music thanks to Prince and great dancing thanks to our semi-finalists. I think they should all be so very proud of the work they have done all season and this evening. It was a very competitive competition and it all comes down to how the audience feels now. The scores are quite close as you can see above so this really is going to depend on what the viewing audience opted to vote for. Here we go…
THE MOST VOTES IN THE HISTORY OF THE SHOW! AGAIN.
The couples who are safe– Elaine & Alan, Alix & Val, Robert & Witney, Dylan & Daniella, and Jordan & Ezra.
Tonight’s eliminated couple is Whitney & Mark.
Whitney says she is already feels like a winner and the show has meant the world to her. She is all thanks and Mark says he has had the best time. He thanks everyone who has made the show possible.
Wow. Well, as I said- it does come down to who the audience wants to see continue on. I didn’t know Whitney before this show and I do not watch her Mormon reality program. So because of that, I can’t speak on anything in regards to how she is perceived outside of this show. But perhaps the other dancers this season were more well known with bigger fanbases coming in. Or maybe folks just preferred those dancers. Whatever the reason and it is probably a combo of many things, Whitney should be very proud of her time on the show. She was a stellar dancer and gave great performances even going back to the beginnings of the season. It sucks to just miss out on the finale but that’s how the dancing shoes drop sometimes.
With that being said, next week….
3 rounds of competition including the freestyle.
5 finalists duking it out.
And 3 hours of season finale dancing excitement.
It’s going to be a great show to cap off what has been a really strong season and I do hope you guys will join me for that. Thanks for watching tonight and have a safe and happy week! :)