By Emerson Thompson, Staff Writer
“The truth is, I’ve been lucky. But just like the waltz, life has its own rhythm of rise and fall.” This quote from the legendary Len Goodman captures the heartbeat of Dancing With the Stars. This is a show that was built on transformation, vulnerability and the unpredictable sway between triumph and challenge. As this season unfolds, contestants are not just learning choreography; they’re navigating their own arcs of growth, resilience and show-stopping surprises. From breakout performances to emotional journeys, the dance floor has become a stage where every rise feels earned and every fall fuels determination.
Now that Dancing With the Stars is moving closer to the semi finals in its milestone twentieth anniversary season, the pressure and excitement continue to build. Since its premiere on ABC and Disney+ on September 16, 2025, this season has showcased a dynamic cast. With a mix of returning professional dancers and new partnerships, along with themed nights that blend nostalgia and creativity, the competition has grown more intense and emotional as each couple fights for a place in the final round.
With this past week’s elimination of comedian Andy Richter, there are many mixed emotions. Andy brought a lighthearted and genuinely charming presence to Dancing With the Stars, fully committing to every routine with a good-natured sense of humor. Still, even with his effort and personality, it often felt like he was out of his depth compared to the stronger technical performers this season. As senior Reese Hargrove shared, “It was time for sweet baby Andy to go. He simply was not showing enough improvement. Love him though.” His time on the show was entertaining, but many viewers felt he should have been eliminated earlier based on dance ability alone.
Junior Sydnee Knight spoke about her thoughts so far this season: “I honestly have really liked this season. I feel like the majority of the contestants have been strong performers, and it’s nice to have a competitive nature around this show. My favorite has to be Alix Earl. Dancing with the Stars is all about progress, performance and showmanship, and Alix has shown all of those traits throughout this season. She has grown in not only the physical capacity of dance, but it is obvious her confidence has grown as well. She walks into that ballroom like it’s second nature.”
Alix Earle has become one of the season’s strongest contenders, showing real growth and confidence each week. Her natural stage presence and connection with viewers make her performances stand out, and her partnership with Val Chmerkovskiy has helped sharpen her skills. She’s quickly turned into a fan favorite with true finalist potential.
In my opinion, Alix will most likely win the mirrorball, with the rest following in this order. Robert Irwin has emerged as one of the strongest performers, showing both real improvement and a natural charm that connects with the audience. Whitney Leavitt has gained impressive momentum, delivering lively routines and growing more confident each week. Jordan Chiles continues to be powerful and technically skilled, though she has had a few uneven moments that place her slightly behind the top contenders. Dylan Efron has shown steady progress, stepping out of his comfort zone and becoming more expressive, but he still trails the frontrunners. Elaine Hendrix brings grace and commitment to the dance floor, though her growth has been more subtle and seems to have plateaued, and her performances less impactful compared to the rest.
No matter who takes home the coveted mirrorball trophy, Season 34 of Dancing With the Stars has been a celebration of growth and transformation. Contestants have developed their skills while gaining confidence and emotional depth, making each performance resonate with the audience. From triumphant routines to moments of vulnerability, the season has delivered unforgettable performances that honor the spirit of the show.
This season continues the legacy of Len Goodman, keeping his passion for ballroom dance and commitment to excellence alive while blending tradition with fresh energy and modern flair. As the semi finals and finale approach, the excitement is palpable, showing that the true beauty of Dancing With the Stars lies not just in competition, but in the journey each dancer takes across the floor.
