DWTS’ Just Eliminated the Couple — Sparking Major Fan Discussion

As the glitter settled and the votes were counted, one of the season's standout pairs was eliminated, sparking a wave of both celebration and disappointment from viewers.

Tuesday night's high-energy performances on "Dancing with the Stars" kicked off its special 20th birthday party celebration, setting the stage as judges' scores and audience votes determined who would remain in the running for the mirrorball trophy.

A fan comment dated November 12, 2025 | Source: Instagram/dancingwiththestars

In the first round of the competition, the remaining seven couples each showcased a new style to a song inspired by an iconic freestyle performance from past seasons.

It was soon revealed that one of the fan-favorites would be sent home, ending their journey in a poignant moment that left many hearts heavy. Julianne Hough captured the mood, highlighting the contestant's warmth and charm as qualities that endeared him to viewers far beyond the dance floor.

Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough at the Deadline x "Dancing with the Stars" 20th Anniversary Portrait Studio at CBS Television City in Los Angeles, California on November 11, 2025. | Source: Getty Images

Andy Richter and his professional partner, Emma Slater, were the duo leaving the competition. "It changed my life. I'm a different person because of this show and this woman [his pro partner Emma Slater] right here. None of this would have happened without her," Andy shared with emotion.

Andy Richter and Emma Slater in their performance outfit, as seen from a post dated November 12, 2025. | Source: Instagram/dancingwiththestars

On Instagram, the official "Dancing with the Stars" account shared photos from the duo's final performance, highlighting their vibrant Quickstep and lively energy with the caption:

"Andy and Emma brought the ritz and glitz to the dance floor with their snazzy Quickstep 🎩🤩 #DWTS #DWTS20."

The comment section quickly lit up with emotional reactions. Some fans praised the couple's graceful exit, while others mourned what they saw as the premature departure of a true highlight of the season. "Best dance yet! Let's let him leave on a good note!" one fan commented. Another bluntly declared, "Finally, the right couple was eliminated."

But many others disagreed, lamenting the loss of one of the season's most heartfelt and entertaining contestants. "andy [sic] is exactly what the show is about, sad to see him leave, but happy he ended on his best dance💗," a supporter wrote."I think this is a great dance for him to end on a high note with 🥰 let's please all agree on farewell," another fan added.

Andy Richter and Emma Slater on the dance floor, as seen from a video post dated November 12, 2025. | Source: YouTube/ DancingWithTheStars

One viewer gushed, "I love watching this man give it his all every week and stepping onto the floor with confidence. He has improved so much since week 1! The musicality, the content of the choreography… @theemmaslater you're incredible!!!!!"

Others, however, questioned the judges' consistently positive reactions toward Andy. "Why does he get praises every single week and is never critiqued? I don't get it," a puzzled netizen asked. And one particularly emotional farewell read, "Forever my champion! I miss you already Andy😭You are truly a gem! Thank you for all the joy and love ❤️."

Andy Richter and Emma Slater, as seen from a video post dated November 12, 2025. | Source: YouTube/ DancingWithTheStars

Before their elimination, Andy and Emma delivered a dazzling Quickstep routine inspired by Jordan Fisher's unforgettable performance from season 25. Although initially hesitant about the fast-paced choreography, Andy eventually came to embrace the rhythm and spirit of the dance.

The duo took to the floor with classic flair, performing to "Puttin' on the Ritz" by Robbie Williams. The routine exuded vintage elegance and old-Hollywood charm, captivating the ballroom.

Andy Richter and Emma Slater exude Old-Hollywood glamor, as seen from a video post dated November 12, 2025. | Source: YouTube/ DancingWithTheStars

The judges noted Andy's visible improvement and growing confidence. While the dance didn't earn a perfect score, their effort was rewarded with a respectable 29 out of 40. After the performance, Andy reflected with visible joy — the Quickstep had pushed him, but it also reminded him why he loved being part of the show.

Andy Richter and Emma Slater perform on the dance floor, as seen from a video post dated November 12, 2025. | Source: YouTube/ DancingWithTheStars

While Andy and Emma's journey came to an end, the remaining couples raised the stakes with show-stopping performances that left the judges and audience captivated.

Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas, enjoying immunity this week, delivered a striking Argentine Tango set to "Cell Block Tango" from "Chicago The Musical." Drawing inspiration from Gabby Windey's season 31 performance, their routine impressed the judges with its precision and intensity.

Judge Bruno Tonioli called Whitney a "ruthless killer," praising her commanding stage presence and artistry, and the performance earned a perfect 40/40 — the fourth of the season.

Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas. | Source: Getty Images

Robert Irwin, dancing with Witney Carson, captivated viewers with a heartfelt Foxtrot to "Footprints in the Sand" by Leona Lewis, the same song his sister Bindi had performed during her winning season. With his family in the audience, Robert delivered a flawless routine that earned the first perfect score of the season.

Robert Irwin and Witney Carson. | Source: Getty Images

Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach delivered a captivating Argentine Tango to "Ain’t No Sunshine" by Bill Withers. Drawing inspiration from Milo Manheim's season 27 routine, their fluid lifts and flawless execution earned them a perfect score of 40.

Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach. | Source: Getty Images

Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy followed with a Foxtrot to "Singin' in the Rain" by Matthew Morrison, echoing Nev Schulman's season 29 performance. Val encouraged Alix to surrender to the dance fully — and she did, earning the third perfect score of the season.

Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy. | Source: Getty Images

Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa brought high-energy flair to the dance floor with a lively Cha-Cha set to "Get Up" by Ciara featuring Chamillionaire. Inspired by Wayne Brady's Season 31 performance, their dynamic routine earned a score of 37 out of 40.

Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa. | Source: Getty Images

Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten paid tribute to Mario Lopez with their Salsa routine, racking up a score of 36. With Andy and Emma's emotional farewell, the stakes became tangible. One of the season's most cherished couples has departed, leaving the remaining contestants to face mounting pressure as they push toward the finale.

Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten. | Source: Getty Images

If Tuesday's routines were any indication, the contestants gave everything on the dance floor, every spin, lift, and shimmer, pushing them closer to the finale.