The Elimination That Had Everyone Talking
Rock and Roll Night on Dancing With the Stars brought high energy, incredible performances, and one heartbreaking goodbye. The episode celebrated the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with some of the most iconic songs in music history. But as always, someone had to leave the competition. Here’s everything you need to know about who went home and how it all went down.
Who Got Eliminated From Dancing With the Stars?
Danielle Fishel and her partner, Pasha Pashkov, were eliminated during Rock and Roll Night. The actress, best known for playing Topanga on “Boy Meets World,” had been competing for eight weeks before her journey ended. They performed a contemporary routine to Aerosmith’s “Dream On” and scored 34 out of 40 from the judges. While their performance was solid, the combination of judges’ scores and viewer votes wasn’t enough to keep them safe. Dancing With the Stars uses a dual elimination system where both technical scores and audience support matter equally.
Danielle’s Gracious Exit
Danielle handled her elimination with incredible positivity. She described her time on the show as “truly life-changing” and emphasized that she enjoyed every single week of the competition. Making it to week eight against such talented competitors was something she felt proud of. Her attitude was refreshingly upbeat – she called every moment “joyous,” including the elimination itself. That kind of grace under pressure is what makes the show special.
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What Made Rock and Roll Night Stand Out
This wasn’t just another themed episode on Dancing With the Stars. The show paid tribute to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, with all eight remaining couples performing to legendary rock anthems. Dance styles ranged from fiery Paso Doble to smooth Viennese Waltzes, with Contemporary, Jive, and Jazz routines mixed in.
Flavor Flav Joins the Judges’ Panel
The night got an extra boost of energy from guest judge Flavor Flav. The Public Enemy rapper and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee (2013) brought his personality to the panel. He joined regular judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli for the evening. His presence added a fresh perspective and kept things entertaining.
Team Dances Returned
Group performances made a comeback this week, which fans were excited about. The cast split into two teams, each performing alongside one of the show’s co-hosts – Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro. These team dances added extra points to the competition and gave everyone a chance to show their group chemistry.
The Night’s Top Scores
Several couples delivered standout performances that impressed the judges. Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas earned 39 out of 40, putting them at the top of the leaderboard. Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy matched that score with their own 39 out of 40. Whitney earned immunity for the night because she had the highest cumulative score across the entire season, guaranteeing her safety. Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach scored a strong 36 out of 40, while Andy Richter and Emma Slater received 30 out of 40. The performances were consistently impressive, making the elimination even tougher.
A Fun Dodgers Celebration
The show added a timely sports tribute that Los Angeles fans loved. The dancing troupe honored the LA Dodgers’ World Series championship with a performance to “I Love L.A.” by Randy Newman. They wore Dodger blue and incorporated baseball bats into the choreography. This song is a Dodger Stadium tradition that plays after every home victory, making it the perfect choice.
Understanding the Elimination Process
You might wonder how Danielle and Pasha ended up going home despite scoring 34 points. The Dancing With the Stars elimination system combines two factors: judges’ scores and viewer votes. Even strong technical performances can’t guarantee safety without audience support. Danielle and Pasha didn’t have the lowest score of the night, but when viewer votes were factored in, they landed at the bottom. This is why fan voting is crucial – even talented dancers can be eliminated if viewers don’t cast their votes.
Recent Competition Updates
The eliminations have been coming fast as the season progresses. The week before Rock and Roll Night, Jen Affleck and Jan Ravnik were sent home during Halloween Night. With only seven couples remaining, the competition is getting increasingly intense. Every performance matters more, and every elimination becomes harder to watch.
What’s Next for Dancing With the Stars
Something major is coming up that fans won’t want to miss. Next week, Dancing With the Stars celebrates its 20th anniversary with an all-star spectacular. This milestone deserves a big celebration, and the show is planning something memorable. Only three episodes are remaining, including the three-hour finale scheduled for November 25. The remaining couples will need to bring their absolute best as they compete for the Mirrorball Trophy.
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The Remaining Competitors
Seven couples are still in the running for this season’s championship. Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas are coming off their immunity win with strong momentum. Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy have been consistent high scorers. Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa continue to impress week after week. Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach are proving to be serious contenders. Andy Richter and Emma Slater bring humor and heart to every performance. Robert Irwin and Witney Carson have developed great chemistry on the dance floor. Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten round out the remaining couples. Any of them could potentially win, depending on how the next few weeks unfold.
Why This Episode Mattered
Rock and Roll Night showcased everything that makes Dancing With the Stars such a popular show. The combination of legendary music, skilled choreography, and emotional performances created memorable television. Flavor Flav’s guest appearance brought fresh energy to the judging panel. The return of team dances gave fans something they’d been asking for. Even the Dodgers tribute showed how the show stays connected to current events and celebrates beyond just dance. While eliminations are always bittersweet, they’re part of what makes the competition meaningful.
Wrapping Up
Dancing With the Stars delivered another exciting episode with Rock and Roll Night. Danielle Fishel and Pasha Pashkov’s elimination was unexpected but handled with class and gratitude. As the season heads toward its 20th anniversary celebration, the stakes are higher than ever. The remaining seven couples will battle it out in the coming weeks for the ultimate prize. If you have a favorite couple, now’s the time to make sure you’re voting every week. Your support could be the difference between elimination and victory on Dancing With the Stars. Who do you think has what it takes to win the Mirrorball Trophy this season?