Key Takeaways:

• Weekly eliminations on Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) are determined by a mix of judges’ scores and audience votes, making each episode suspenseful and unpredictable.
• Season 33 (2024) featured dramatic exits, surprise saves, and a diverse cast, with Joey Graziadei & Jenna Johnson ultimately taking home the Mirrorball Trophy.
• Understanding who went home on Dancing with the Stars each week is essential for fans who want to follow the competition, discuss results, and predict future eliminations.

Introduction

Who went home on Dancing with the Stars? It’s the question that keeps millions of fans glued to their screens every week. Whether you’re a die-hard DWTS devotee or a casual viewer, tracking eliminations is part of the fun and drama that makes the show a cultural phenomenon. Each season, celebrities and their professional dance partners compete for the coveted Mirrorball Trophy, but only one pair can win—meaning someone must go home after every episode.

The elimination process is a blend of dazzling performances, judges’ critiques, and the all-important audience vote. This unique format ensures that every week is filled with suspense, heartbreak, and sometimes, shocking results. In this comprehensive recap, you’ll find everything you need to know about who went home on Dancing with the Stars—from the latest eliminations in Season 33 (2024) to memorable exits from recent seasons in both the US and Australia.

Whether you missed an episode, want to relive the drama, or are searching for insights into how eliminations work, this guide covers it all. Let’s dive into the world of sequins, samba, and surprise goodbyes!

Overview of Dancing with the Stars Format and Elimination Process

Dancing with the Stars is a dance competition that pairs celebrities with professional dancers. Each week, couples perform choreographed routines in styles ranging from the cha-cha to the Viennese waltz. After each performance, a panel of judges—currently including Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli—scores the routines based on technique, artistry, and entertainment value.

But judges’ scores are only half the story. The audience plays a crucial role by voting for their favorite couples, either online or via text. The combined total of judges’ scores and viewer votes determines which couple is at risk of elimination. Typically, the couple with the lowest combined total is sent home at the end of the night.

Over the years, DWTS has introduced twists to keep things fresh. These include double eliminations, instant dance challenges (where couples must learn a new routine on the spot), and judges’ saves, where the panel can rescue a couple from elimination. The hosts—currently Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough—guide viewers through the highs and lows, while the judges’ personalities and critiques add to the show’s unique flavor.

Eliminations are the heartbeat of the competition, building suspense and fueling debates among fans. Each exit not only narrows the field but also shapes the narrative of the season, highlighting underdog stories, comeback arcs, and unexpected heartbreaks.

Recap of Recent Season Eliminations: Season 33 (2024)

Season 33 of Dancing with the Stars delivered one of the most diverse and unpredictable competitions in the show’s history. Here’s a week-by-week breakdown of who went home on Dancing with the Stars in 2024, along with some of the season’s most memorable moments:

Week 1: Anna Delvey & Ezra Sosa

The season kicked off with a bang as Anna Delvey, the infamous socialite, became the first celebrity eliminated. Dancing with an ankle monitor, Anna and her partner Ezra Sosa struggled to impress the judges and failed to secure enough audience votes to stay in the competition.

Week 2: Tori Spelling & Pasha Pashkov

In a surprising turn, actress Tori Spelling and pro Pasha Pashkov were sent home in the second week. Despite a nostalgic performance, their scores and votes weren’t enough to keep them safe.

Weeks 3-7: Mid-Season Eliminations

• Eric Roberts & Britt Stewart: The veteran actor’s charm couldn’t compensate for technical missteps, leading to their exit.
• Reginald VelJohnson & Emma Slater: The beloved TV dad was a fan favorite, but a tough week of choreography led to elimination.
• Brooks Nader & Gleb Savchenko: The model’s journey ended after a challenging rumba.
• Phaedra Parks & Val Chmerkovskiy: The reality star’s energetic routines weren’t enough to survive a double elimination night.
• Jenn Tran & Sasha Farber: The Bachelor Nation alum was eliminated after a tense dance-off.
• Dwight Howard & Daniella Karagach: The NBA star’s height and athleticism made for memorable lifts, but he struggled with the Instant Dance Challenge in Week 8, leading to his elimination.

Week 8: Dwight Howard & Daniella Karagach

The Instant Dance Challenge required couples to learn a new routine with minimal preparation. Dwight and Daniella’s performance, though entertaining, fell short in the judges’ eyes, and they were sent home after a close vote.

Final Placements

• 5th Place: Danny Amendola & Witney Carson – The former NFL player impressed with his athleticism but was eliminated just before the semifinals.
• 4th Place: Stephen Nedoroscik & Rylee Arnold – The gymnast’s technical prowess carried him far, but not to the finale.
• 3rd Place: Chandler Kinney & Brandon Armstrong – The actress delivered consistently strong performances, earning a spot on the podium.
• 2nd Place: Ilona Maher & Alan Bersten – The rugby star’s powerful routines made her a fan favorite, but she finished as runner-up.
• Winners: Joey Graziadei & Jenna Johnson – The Bachelor star and his pro partner wowed judges and fans alike, taking home the Mirrorball Trophy.

Fun Facts from Season 33

• Anna Delvey competed with an ankle monitor, a first for the show.
• Ilona Maher became the first rugby player to reach the finals.
• The season featured a mix of athletes, actors, and reality stars, keeping the competition unpredictable.

Notable Eliminations from Other Recent Seasons (Australia and US)

While the US version of DWTS garners the most attention, international editions like Dancing with the Stars Australia also deliver memorable eliminations.

Dancing with the Stars Australia 2025

• Episode 1: Susie O’Neill, Olympic swimmer, was the first to leave, surprising many fans.
• Episode 4: Karina Carvalho, journalist, was eliminated after a challenging tango.
• Episode 5: Rebecca Gibney, actress, exited following a dramatic dance-off.

These eliminations often spark debate among viewers, especially when fan favorites leave earlier than expected.

Memorable US Eliminations from Past Seasons

• Season 30: Melora Hardin & Artem Chigvintsev and Suni Lee & Sasha Farber were both eliminated in the semifinals, shocking fans who expected them to reach the finale.
• Season 31: The double elimination twist sent home two couples in one night, intensifying the competition.
• Season 32: Emotional exits, such as that of a beloved TV host, left fans in tears.

Eliminations can be controversial, especially when audience votes outweigh judges’ scores, leading to the departure of technically superior dancers. These moments fuel social media discussions and keep the show’s fan base engaged and passionate.

Factors Influencing Who Goes Home on Dancing with the Stars

Eliminations on DWTS are never random. Several key factors determine who went home on Dancing with the Stars each week:

Judges’ Scores vs. Audience Votes

• Judges’ Scores: Technical skill, creativity, and performance quality are rewarded by the judges. High scores can keep a couple safe, but they’re not a guarantee.
• Audience Votes: A strong fan base can save a couple with lower scores. Social media presence and likability play a huge role.

Performance Quality and Personality

• Dance Ability: Consistent improvement and standout routines help couples avoid elimination.
• Personality: Charisma, humor, and relatability can win over viewers, sometimes outweighing technical flaws.

Special Challenges and Themed Nights

• Instant Dances: Require adaptability and quick learning, often leading to surprise eliminations.
• Themed Nights: Disney Night, Halloween, and other themes can shake up the leaderboard.

Fan Engagement and Voting Strategy

• Social Media Campaigns: Contestants who actively engage fans often receive more votes.
• Voting Blocks: Dedicated fan groups can organize to keep their favorites in the competition.

Recent Examples

• Dwight Howard’s elimination in Week 8 was influenced by a tough Instant Dance Challenge and a split in audience support.
• Anna Delvey’s early exit was due to low scores and limited fan engagement, despite her notoriety.

How Fans Can Stay Updated on Who Went Home on Dancing with the Stars

Staying in the loop is easy with the right resources:

Official Sources

• ABC Website & Disney+: The official DWTS page and streaming service provide real-time updates, episode recaps, and elimination results.
• DWTS Social Media: Follow @DancingABC on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook for live updates and behind-the-scenes content.

Entertainment News and Blogs

• Entertainment Weekly, Cosmopolitan, Parade: These outlets offer detailed elimination recaps and analysis after each episode.
• Dedicated DWTS Blogs: Fan-run sites and forums provide predictions, spoilers, and discussion threads.

Fan Engagement

• Voting: Fans can vote online or via text during live shows to support their favorite couples.
• Social Media: Use hashtags like #DWTS and #WhoWentHomeDWTS to join the conversation and share opinions.

Community Forums

• Reddit: Subreddits like r/dancingwiththestars are active with elimination discussions and predictions.
• Facebook Groups: Join DWTS fan groups for real-time reactions and debates.

Why Eliminations Matter: The Drama and Excitement of DWTS

Eliminations are the heartbeat of Dancing with the Stars. Each week, the tension builds as couples await their fate, knowing that one misstep or a dip in votes could send them home. This suspense is what keeps viewers coming back, episode after episode.

The Role of Eliminations in Storytelling

• Contestant Growth: Watching celebrities improve and overcome challenges makes their journeys compelling.
• Emotional Investment: Fans become attached to their favorites, making eliminations bittersweet.
• Dynamic Shifts: Each exit changes the competition’s landscape, opening doors for underdogs and intensifying rivalries.

Building Momentum to the Finale

As the season progresses, eliminations narrow the field, raising the stakes for remaining couples. The drama peaks in the semifinals and finale, where every vote and every judge’s comment can make the difference between victory and heartbreak.

Conclusion

Knowing who went home on Dancing with the Stars is more than just trivia—it’s a way for fans to stay connected to the show’s evolving storylines, celebrate their favorites, and debate the fairness of each elimination. Season 33 brought unforgettable moments, from Anna Delvey’s headline-making debut to Joey Graziadei’s triumphant win, proving that anything can happen on the DWTS dance floor.

Eliminations are shaped by a blend of dance skill, personality, fan support, and a little bit of luck. Whether you’re rooting for an underdog or a frontrunner, each week’s results add to the excitement and unpredictability that make DWTS a beloved TV tradition.

Stay tuned for the next season, keep voting for your favorites, and join the conversation online. Who will go home next? Only time—and the dance floor—will tell.