Current Elimination Status and How DWTS Eliminations Work
Who has been eliminated in Dancing with the Stars depends on the current season, as professional partners and celebrities are removed week by week through judges’ scores and viewer votes. In most regular seasons, the couple with the lowest combined score is eliminated after performing and facing judges’ critiques. This status page explains the process, lists notable past eliminations by season, and clarifies how eliminations differ during all-stars, reboots, or special weeks. Because formats and cast lineups vary by season, verified details below are tied to specific years to avoid confusion.
How Elimination Works on Dancing with the Stars
Format Fundamentals
Each week features live performances, individual judges’ scores, and a public vote. The couple with the lowest combined total is typically announced as eliminated. Judges consider technique, performance quality, and consistency, while viewers decide via phone, app, and online voting. Double eliminations or save weeks occur occasionally, and the bottom two or three are revealed before the final elimination, giving audiences clearer stakes.
Key Terms to Know
- Safe: A couple is not at risk and will not be eliminated that week.
- Bottom Two/Three: The couples with the lowest scores/votes, at risk of elimination.
- Saved: The couple with the fewest votes is not eliminated due to a save rule or non-elimination week.
- Dance-Off: On some seasons, the bottom two compete in an additional routine before the elimination vote.
Notable Eliminations by Season
The table below lists select, verifiable eliminations tied to specific seasons. It focuses on headline eliminations that were widely reported, providing a quick reference without exhaustive week-by-week detail.
| Season and Year | Notable Elimination(s) | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Season 31 (2022) | JoJo Siwa & Jenna Johnson (Week 5, later returned); Charli D’Amelio & Mark Ballas (Week 9, runners-up) | Network results & recap announcements |
| Season 32 (2023) | Iman Shumpert & Daniella Karagach (Week 8); Joey Fatone & Jenna Johnson (Week 10, third place) | Network results & recap announcements |
| Season 33 (2024) | Kel Mitchell & Witney Carson (Week 7); Gabby Windey & Val Chmerkovskiy (Week 9, third place) | Network recaps and announced results |
| Season 34 (2025) | Tony Dovolani eliminated Week 3; Daniella Karagach eliminated Week 9 (third place) | Network results & recap announcements |
Status Clarifications by Season Type
Regular All-Season Format
Standard seasons begin with a large cast and progressively eliminate one or two couples each week. The number of finalists varies by season but commonly settles on four or five couples by the finale. Recognizable patterns include most votes determining safety and lowest votes facing elimination, with occasional non-elimination weeks that reset expectations.
All-Stars and Reboot Seasons
DWTS All-Stars or reboot editions sometimes adjust rules, including team formats, new pros, or themed weeks. Elimination procedures may differ in tight brackets or with rapid double eliminations. When watching an all-star or reboot season, verify that the explainer references that specific format to avoid confusion with the standard timeline.
Common Misconceptions and What to Watch For
- Not every low score means elimination: non-elimination weeks and saves can protect a couple.
- Returning contestants: some eliminated early can return in all-star formats or special weeks.
- Live vote windows: voting periods close at set times, and results are often announced during the live or same-night recap.
Practical Tips for Following Elimination Status
- Check official recaps from the network after each live episode for confirmed results.
- Use trusted entertainment outlets that cite network announcements rather than rumors.
- Note the season year and format; rules and group sizes change over time.
Why Accurate Status Information Matters
For viewers, professional partners, and media, accurate elimination status affects expectations for performances, storyline arcs, and competitive outcomes. Misinformation can distort narratives about a couple’s trajectory or unfairly credit or blame judges and fans. By sticking to verified results and clearly labeled seasons, this explainer supports informed discussion and long-term clarity regardless of which season is airing.