The “Dancing With the Stars” ballroom geared up to “Go Crazy” as the Semi-Finals arrived. Week 10 celebrated Prince, honoring the late icon behind classics such as “Purple Rain” and “Kiss.” Six couples remained in the competition: Jordan Chiles, Robert Irwin, Whitney Leavitt, Alix Earle, Elaine Hendrix, and Dylan Efron. Each hoped to secure a place in the finale.
The night opened with a cast performance to “Let’s Go Crazy.” Every couple then performed two routines. One was a style they had not danced this season, and the other was a repeat to show their growth.
Irwin and Witney Carson tackled a jive to “Baby I’m a Star” and a Viennese waltz to “WOW.” Ahead of the live show, Irwin shared his excitement. “Semi-finals… here we come. See you tonight on @dancingwiththestars,” he wrote on Instagram. “We are so grateful to be here ❤️.”
Judges Praise Robert’s High-Energy Jive: “Superstar Jive!”
Irwin earned the first perfect score of the season last week and won the relay dance. “I have one word for that: ‘Crikey!’” he said as he rehearsed his jive with Carson. He added that he related to Prince’s energy but felt the weight of the night. “The pressure is on. We are just going again and again and again. Our only option is perfection.”
He opened the performance by standing on the judges’ table and leaping into the air. He ended with a complete backflip, bringing the ballroom to its feet after a high-intensity routine.
“For Prince, only a superstar Jive would do — you did that,” Bruno said. “So energized and at the same time, controlled. You never put a foot wrong. Superstar Jive!”
Carrie Ann followed with, “That is how you tell everyone you demand to be in the finale. That was insane!”
Derek added that Irwin danced with his “full body,” calling the jive one that “had it all! Incredible!”
Score: 29/30
Fans React to Robert and Witney’s Prince Night Performances
Viewers lit up social media with reactions to Irwin’s standout night:
One wrote: “‘That’s 10’s!!!!!! This is what it looks like when the man dances!’”
Another comment read: “I say my favorite dance of the season.’”
A third comment read: “MY MIRRORBALL WINNERS RIGHT HERE.”
Another fan chimed in and said: “MY MIRRORBALL WINNERS BEST DANCE OF THE NIGHTTTTTT.”
“ROBERT JUST SAVED THE SHOW TONIGHT THANK YOU😍🙌.”
How Viewers Can Vote for Robert and Witney During the Live Broadcast
Voting opened at 8 p.m. ET and closed after the final performance. Fans could cast up to 10 votes per method per episode.
To vote by text:
- Text ROBERT to 21523.
- Up to 10 text votes per episode.
- Only available to viewers in the United States and its territories with a US wireless carrier.
To vote online:
- Visit dwtsvote.abc.com.
- Log in with an ABC account or create one for free.
- Select Robert Irwin and Witney Carson.
- Up to 10 online votes per episode.
- Available to viewers across all US time zones and Canada during the live show.
Robert and Whitney all the way!!