Introduction
The glitter, the sequins, the dazzling dance moves, and, of course, the nail-biting eliminations. Dancing with the Stars has captivated audiences for years, and at the heart of its appeal lies the suspense of who will be the next couple to leave the ballroom. This show, which pairs celebrities with seasoned professional dancers, is not just a dance competition; it’s a popularity contest, a test of endurance, and a platform for personal growth, all rolled into one dazzling package. Week after week, couples must impress both a panel of discerning judges and the at-home audience, knowing that one misstep or a lack of fan support can spell the end of their journey.
The eliminations on Dancing with the Stars are more than just a procedural element; they are the engine that drives the drama, fuels online debates, and keeps viewers glued to their screens. The emotional rollercoaster of watching celebrities pour their hearts and souls into learning complex routines, only to face the possibility of being sent home, creates a compelling narrative that resonates with viewers. This article aims to serve as a definitive guide to those unforgettable moments, providing a comprehensive record of who was voted off each season of Dancing with the Stars. From the early seasons with their simpler formats to the more recent, intricate competitions, we’ll explore the journeys of the couples who ultimately faced the music.
Understanding the Voting Process
At its core, Dancing with the Stars hinges on a delicate balance between expert judgment and popular opinion. Each week, the couples perform a choreographed routine, which is then evaluated by a panel of judges. These judges assign scores based on various factors, including technique, artistry, and overall performance quality. However, the judges’ scores are only half of the equation. The other crucial component is the at-home audience, who cast their votes for their favorite couples via phone, text, or online.
The combined scores from the judges and the audience votes determine which couple will be eliminated each week. While the exact weighting of these two factors has varied slightly over the years, it’s generally understood that both play a significant role in the final decision. A couple with high scores from the judges might still find themselves in jeopardy if they lack strong fan support, and conversely, a couple with lower scores could be saved by a dedicated fanbase.
The rules surrounding the voting process have seen subtle but significant changes throughout the show’s run. Early seasons featured a simpler voting system, while later seasons introduced elements like the “instant save,” which allowed judges to rescue one couple from elimination. These changes reflect the show’s ongoing effort to keep the competition fair and engaging for viewers.
Ultimately, the power of fan voting cannot be overstated. It’s a force that can lead to surprising and sometimes controversial eliminations, reminding us that Dancing with the Stars is as much a popularity contest as it is a dance competition. It’s what injects unpredictability into the show, and keeps the fans talking.
A Season-by-Season Account of Eliminations
Season One (Two Thousand Five)
The inaugural season of Dancing with the Stars saw Kelly Monaco and Alec Mazo take home the coveted mirrorball trophy. The first couple to be eliminated was Trista Sutter and Louis van Amstel.
Season Two (Two Thousand Six)
Drew Lachey and Cheryl Burke emerged as the champions this season. The first couple to depart the show was Tatum O’Neal and Nick Kosovich.
Season Three (Two Thousand Six)
This season saw the win of Emmitt Smith and Cheryl Burke. The first eliminated couple was Willa Ford and Maksim Chmerkovskiy.
Season Four (Two Thousand Seven)
Apolo Anton Ohno and Julianne Hough triumphed in this season. Billy Ray Cyrus and Karina Smirnoff were the first to be voted off.
Season Five (Two Thousand Seven)
This season belonged to Hélio Castroneves and Julianne Hough. Paulina Rubio and partner were the first to leave the dance floor.
Season Six (Two Thousand Eight)
Kristi Yamaguchi and Mark Ballas were the season’s champions. Penn Jillette and Chelsie Hightower were the first to be eliminated.
Season Seven (Two Thousand Eight)
Brooke Burke-Charvet and Derek Hough danced their way to victory. Toni Braxton and Alec Mazo were the first to leave.
Season Eight (Two Thousand Nine)
Shawn Johnson and Mark Ballas won the hearts of the audience. Denise Richards and Maksim Chmerkovskiy were the first to be eliminated.
Season Nine (Two Thousand Nine)
Donny Osmond and Kym Johnson claimed the mirrorball trophy. Macy Gray and Jonathan Roberts were the first to be eliminated.
Season Ten (Two Thousand Ten)
Nicole Scherzinger and Derek Hough danced their way to the top spot. Shannen Doherty and Mark Ballas were the first to be eliminated.
Season Eleven (Two Thousand Ten)
Jennifer Grey and Derek Hough were crowned the winners. David Hasselhoff and Kym Johnson were the first couple voted off.
Season Twelve (Two Thousand Eleven)
Chelsea Kane and Mark Ballas won the season. Mike Catherwood and Lacey Schwimmer were the first eliminated.
Season Thirteen (Two Thousand Eleven)
J.R. Martinez and Karina Smirnoff won the season. Nancy Grace and Tristan MacManus were the first to be eliminated.
Season Fourteen (Two Thousand Twelve)
Donald Driver and Peta Murgatroyd were the season’s champions. Martina Navratilova and Tony Dovolani were the first to be eliminated.
Season Fifteen (Two Thousand Twelve)
Melissa Rycroft and Tony Dovolani took home the trophy. Pamela Anderson and Tristan McManus were the first to be eliminated.
Season Sixteen (Two Thousand Thirteen)
Kellie Pickler and Derek Hough were the winners of the season. D.L. Hughley and Cheryl Burke were the first to be eliminated.
Season Seventeen (Two Thousand Thirteen)
Amber Riley and Derek Hough were the champions this season. Bill Nye and Tyne Stecklein were the first to be eliminated.
Season Eighteen (Two Thousand Fourteen)
Meryl Davis and Maksim Chmerkovskiy were the victors. Billy Dee Williams and Emma Slater were the first to be eliminated.
Season Nineteen (Two Thousand Fourteen)
Alfonso Ribeiro and Witney Carson were crowned the winners. Betsey Johnson and Tony Dovolani were the first to be eliminated.
Season Twenty (Two Thousand Fifteen)
Rumer Willis and Valentin Chmerkovskiy claimed victory. Redfoo and Emma Slater were the first to be eliminated.
Season Twenty-One (Two Thousand Fifteen)
Bindi Irwin and Derek Hough danced their way to victory. Gary Busey and Anna Trebunskaya were the first to be eliminated.
Season Twenty-Two (Two Thousand Sixteen)
Nyle DiMarco and Peta Murgatroyd were the winners of the season. Geraldo Rivera and Edyta Sliwinska were the first eliminated.
Season Twenty-Three (Two Thousand Sixteen)
Laurie Hernandez and Valentin Chmerkovskiy were the victors. Amber Rose and Maksim Chmerkovskiy were the first eliminated.
Season Twenty-Four (Two Thousand Seventeen)
Rashad Jennings and Emma Slater were the champions of the season. Chris Kattan and Witney Carson were the first to be eliminated.
Season Twenty-Five (Two Thousand Seventeen)
Jordan Fisher and Lindsay Arnold took home the trophy. Barbara Corcoran and Keo Motsepe were the first to be eliminated.
Season Twenty-Six (Two Thousand Eighteen)
Adam Rippon and Jenna Johnson were crowned the winners. Jamie Anderson and Artem Chigvintsev were the first eliminated.
Season Twenty-Seven (Two Thousand Eighteen)
Bobby Bones and Sharna Burgess won the hearts of the audience and the championship. Nikki Glaser and Gleb Savchenko were the first eliminated.
Season Twenty-Eight (Two Thousand Nineteen)
Hannah Brown and Alan Bersten were declared the winners. Ray Lewis and Cheryl Burke were the first to be eliminated.
Season Twenty-Nine (Two Thousand Twenty)
Kaitlyn Bristowe and Artem Chigvintsev were crowned the winners. Charles Oakley and Emma Slater were the first eliminated.
Season Thirty (Two Thousand Twenty-One)
Iman Shumpert and Daniella Karagach were crowned the winners. Martin Kove and Britt Stewart were the first eliminated.
Season Thirty-One (Two Thousand Twenty-Two)
Charli D’Amelio and Mark Ballas were crowned the winners. Teresa Giudice and Pasha Pashkov were the first to be eliminated.
Season Thirty-Two (Two Thousand Twenty-Three)
Xochitl Gomez and Val Chmerkovskiy were crowned the winners. Matt Walsh and Koko Iwasaki were the first to be eliminated.
The Most Unforgettable Departures
Over the years, some eliminations have sparked widespread shock and debate. Sometimes a celebrity has high scores, or has a compelling backstory, or simply has strong fan support.
For example, the elimination of Heather Morris, a professional dancer herself, from Season Twenty-Four was met with outrage by viewers who felt her prior dance experience put her at an unfair advantage. This created a complex dynamic where skills may not have equaled audience appeal.
The Ripple Effect of Saying Goodbye
The impact of being voted off Dancing with the Stars extends far beyond just the competition itself. For the celebrities, it can be an emotional experience, a mix of disappointment, relief, and gratitude. Some have spoken about the challenges of learning complex routines under immense pressure, while others have cherished the opportunity to grow and connect with audiences in new ways.
Eliminations also reshape the show’s narrative. As couples leave, the remaining contestants become more prominent, and new rivalries and alliances emerge. The focus shifts, and the competitive landscape is constantly evolving, keeping viewers engaged and invested.
The fans of Dancing with the Stars also react to the eliminations in their own ways. They may take to social media to express their disappointment, defend their favorite couples, and debate the fairness of the voting process. Fan engagement is a huge part of the show’s success, and the eliminations are a key element in keeping the audiences invested.
In Conclusion
The eliminations are the beating heart of Dancing with the Stars, driving the narrative, fueling fan engagement, and creating those unforgettable moments that keep viewers coming back for more. From the glittery costumes to the dazzling dance moves, the show is a spectacle of entertainment.
Now, we want to hear from you! Which eliminations shocked you the most? Who do you think was unfairly voted off? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and stay tuned for updates as new seasons unfold and new stars take to the dance floor.
