Last night’s “Dancing with the Stars” semifinals were filled with dazzling performances and high stakes, but one question was on everyone’s mind: who would be eliminated just before the finale? Fans tuned in anxiously to see if their favorite stars would make it to the final round. Olympian Ilona Maher certainly delivered a performance to remember, earning top scores and securing her place. Let’s dive into the details of the semifinal episode and reveal the answer to the burning question: who got eliminated on “Dancing with the Stars” tonight?
Ilona Maher’s Stunning Semifinal Dances
Rugby star Ilona Maher, representing Burlington, Vermont, and her professional partner Alan Bersten absolutely shone during the “Dancing with the Stars” semifinal. Each contestant had to perform two dances, a Latin style and a Ballroom style, both of which were new to them. Maher embraced the challenge, showcasing her versatility and growth throughout the season.
Paso Doble Power
For their first dance, Ilona and Alan chose the powerful Paso Doble, set to an orchestral version of “Unholy” by Sam Smith and Kim Petras. Bersten highlighted Maher’s natural strength, noting, “The paso is a very powerful dance, and Ilona is extremely powerful on the rugby pitch.” The performance was indeed powerful, with sharp movements and dramatic flair.
The judges were impressed. Derek Hough awarded a perfect ten, while Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli each gave nines. This brought their Paso Doble score to a near-perfect 28 out of 30, a testament to Maher’s hard work and dedication.
Viennese Waltz Dedication
Their second dance was a graceful Viennese Waltz to “golden hour” by JVKE. Maher dedicated this routine to her partner, Alan Bersten, expressing the deep bond they had formed during the competition. “We truly created something special. And honestly, I think I’ve found a friend for life,” Maher shared, adding an emotional layer to their elegant performance.
The Viennese Waltz earned even higher praise. Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli both awarded perfect tens, and Derek Hough contributed a nine, resulting in a score of 29 out of 30. This pushed Ilona Maher’s total score for the night to an impressive 57 out of 60, her highest of the season and placing her third overall for the night.
Semifinal Elimination: A Twist
Despite the high stakes of the semifinals, in a surprising turn of events, no one was eliminated on “Dancing with the Stars” last night. Yes, you read that right! All five remaining celebrity dancers – including the impressive Ilona Maher – advanced to the highly anticipated finale.
This means that the scores from the semifinals, combined with viewer votes, will carry over and contribute to the final scores next week. Every point will count as the stars battle it out for the coveted Mirrorball Trophy.
Get Ready for the Finale
The “Dancing with the Stars” season finale is set to be an epic three-hour event, airing next Tuesday, November 26 at 8 p.m. EST. You can watch it live on ABC and Disney+, or stream it the next day on Hulu. With all contestants advancing from the semifinals, the competition is tighter than ever, and it’s all to play for in the final showdown. Make sure to tune in and see who will be crowned the champion!
