The departure of Jenna Dewan and partner Val Chmerkovskiy on the November 10 episode sent ripples through the Dancing With the Stars ballroom. After earning 28 points for their jazz routine to Janet Jackson’s “All For You” and picking up an extra two points in the dance-off, the pair were nonetheless sent home, leaving the competition wide open.
Impact of the surprise elimination
Veteran champion Mark Ballas reflected on the unpredictability of the show, noting, “There isn’t any predicting what will happen.” He recalled his own experience from Season 5, when a perfect 30-point paso doble was followed two weeks later by an unexpected vote-off. “This has been kind of the vibe since the show’s inception,” he added, underscoring how high scores do not guarantee safety.
Maura Higgins, who has battled injuries throughout the season, described the altered atmosphere in the rehearsal studio. “We all hang out in the rehearsal rooms together… Everyone’s chatting. Yeah, it’s hard,” she said, adding that the studio feels noticeably quieter after each elimination. She also praised the support she’s received, stating, “The show, as well as Mark, have been amazing looking after me.”
Reactions from the remaining couples
Olympian Amber Glenn and partner Pasha Pashkov expressed surprise at the quarterfinal outcome, especially since they matched Dewan’s 28-point score and earned the same two bonus points for winning their dance-off. “Of course, we were surprised,” Pashkov admitted, while Glenn highlighted the new uncertainty: “At this point, it’s not fully in our hands, which is hard, especially for athletes. We’re used to seeing our score as our result.”
Pashkov also mentioned his recent inclusion on People’s Sexiest Man Alive list, noting the unexpected nature of that honor and expressing gratitude toward the online community that supported his nomination.
Semifinal lineup and upcoming routines
Six couples remain to contend for the coveted Mirrorball trophy next week. Their scheduled dances are as follows:
- Connor Wood & Rylee Arnold: jive to Elvis Presley’s “Blue Suede Shoes” and quickstep to Fall Out Boy’s “Dance Dance.”
- Amber Glenn & Pasha Pashkov: salsa set to Celia Cruz’s “Bemba Colorá” and Viennese waltz to Ariana Grande’s “Dangerous Woman.”
- Tatyana Ali & Jan Ravnik: cha-cha to Pete Rodríguez’s “I Like It Like That” and waltz to Journey’s “Open Arms.”
- Harry Shum Jr. & Jenna Johnson: paso doble to Rihanna’s “We Found Love” (feat. Calvin Harris) and quickstep to Mark Ronson’s “Valerie” (ft. Amy Winehouse).
- Ezra Frech & Daniella Karagach: jive to Kenny Loggins’ “Footloose” and quickstep to 3 Doors Down’s “Kryptonite.”
- Maura Higgins & Mark Ballas: samba to Luciano Perrone’s “Samba Vocalizado” and Viennese waltz to Hozier’s “Shrike.”
Stakes for the Mirrorball trophy
Three of the professional partners—Jenna Johnson, Daniella Karagach, and Mark Ballas—have already lifted the Len Goodman Mirrorball trophy in previous seasons. The other three pros—Pashkov, Rylee Arnold, and Jan Ravnik—are still chasing their first win. Connor Wood articulated his motivation, saying, “It’d mean the world. That’s what I’m doing this for. There’s no one else I’m dancing for except Rylee in that final. She deserves the Mirrorball.”
The semifinals promise heightened intensity, with insiders predicting “the strongest, riskiest, and wildest performances next week.” With the trophy now truly anyone’s to claim, every couple is expected to push the envelope.
Looking ahead: schedule and finale
After the upcoming semifinal showdown, the competition will culminate on Tuesday, November 24, when the final two couples vie for the Mirrorball trophy. The season continues to air on ABC at 8 p.m. ET, with each episode available the following day on Disney+ and Hulu. Viewers can cast votes via text or online at, influencing which of the remaining six will advance to the finale.
