On Sep. 16, the first episode of Season 34 of “Dancing with the Stars” premiered on Disney+. The premiere had 8.13 million viewers, the highest premiere viewing record in five years. This season has also shattered voting records multiple times, with the most recent time being 53.1 million votes on Wicked Night. “Dancing with the Stars” is now halfway through Season 34.
Five celebrities have been eliminated so far; NBA point guard Baron Davis, film and television actor Corey Feldman, Fifth Harmony singer Lauren Jauregui, podcaster and entrepreneur Hilaria Baldwin, and Pentatonix singer Scott Hoying. Nine celebrities remain.
Whitney Leavitt, the “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” star, has been leading the score board so far this season. She has been in first place every week except for Week Five, where Dylan Efron took the top spot. Although there has been some controversy over Leavitt’s past dance experience, having danced competitively growing up and having a college degree with a focus on dance, Leavitt is a great dancer with amazing musicality. In addition, Leavitt’s partner is Mark Ballas, the “Dancing with the Stars” legend and three-time winner of the mirrorball. Many say that this gives Leavitt an unfair advantage as well. On Wicked Night, Leavitt received three perfect scores (10s), being the first to receive a ten this season. Despite this, Leavitt is very enjoyable to watch.
At the bottom of the leaderboard has been actor & comedian Andy Richter. His lively personality and sweet soul has kept fans voting for him and keeping him in the show, although he is consistently at the bottom of the leaderboard. In my opinion, it’s time for Andy Richter to leave so other dancers who are improving and competing can stay.
Now that most of the less talented celebrities have been eliminated going into Week Seven, the group of stars left is very competitive. “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” star Jen Affleck and “Boy Meets World” actress Danielle Fishel have been in the middle of the pack, usually ranking in the middle of the scoreboard. Both stars have amazing potential to improve.
Olympian gymnast Jordan Chiles, social media personality Alix Earle, wildlife conservationist and television presenter Robert Irwin, film and television actress Elaine Hendrix, and reality television personality Dylan Efron have been fiercely competing for the top of the leaderboard.
As for the rest of this season, I predict that Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas will come out on top with the Mirrorball Trophy. With Ballas’ master choreography, along with Leavitt’s dance skills and acting, the pair will go far.
Personally, I hope that Alix Earle & Val Chmerkovskiy will win. Earle’s Disney Night Maleficent dance was fantastic, and a turning point for Earle this season. That routine was criminally underscored. She has improved immensely, and continues to have a great routine every week.
I also would be happy if Robert Irwin and Witney Carson won. Irwin’s first week dance was very impressive, and judge Derek Hough even described it as the, “best first dance” he’s ever seen on “Dancing with the Stars.” Although some of his dances following his debut dance were lacking due to the expectation set from his Week One dance, he has improved greatly and made his way to the top of the leaderboard. Irwin also has a “Dancing With The Stars” legacy to live up to since his sister Bindi Irwin won season 21 with Derek Hough.
Freshman Emmilyn Kelly shares her thoughts on Season 34 of “Dancing With The Stars.”
“This is my first season watching ‘Dancing With The Stars.’ Robert Irwin and Witney Carson are my favorite couple because I think he has had the most improvement and has gotten more comfortable dancing, and Witney’s choreography is so good,” Kelly said.
Kelly explains who else she thinks might win.
“I think that Robert and Witney will win, but if they don’t win, I think it will be Andy Richter because of his large fan base,” Kelly said.
Senior Annalee Penny is also rooting for Robert Irwin.
“I love Robert Irwin and Witney Carson, and I think they will win. He has progressed so much, and I just love his energy. I think Whitney Leavitt has a good chance of winning. Dance wise she is probably the best on the show, but Robert Irwin has a bigger fanbase,” Penny said.
Students answered a form to choose their favorite “Dancing With The Stars” couple and their prediction of who will win, and the majority of the student body agreed with Emmilyn Kelly and Annalee Penny. Of those who answered the form, 28% of students’ favorite couple is Robert Irwin and Witney Carson, and 26.9% believe they will win.
This season will continue to be a cut-throat competition for the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy. A new “Dancing With The Stars” episode premieres every Tuesday at 8:00 PM on Disney+.
