Dancing with the Stars Season 34 Episode 8 Recap: Whitney & Mark Top Scores, Danielle Eliminated

Dancing with the Stars Season 34 Episode 8 aired Tuesday night on ABC, featuring Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Night. Contestants performed both individual and team routines, with Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas earning the top score of the evening. Danielle Fishel and Pasha Pashkov were eliminated after landing in the bottom three. Guest judge and Rock Hall inductee Flavor Flav joined the panel, providing insight and scores. The episode highlighted Paso Doble, jive, jazz, contemporary, and Viennese Waltz performances.

Performances and Scores

Contestants delivered standout performances across multiple dance styles. Elaine Hendrix returned from a rib injury to perform a Viennese Waltz with Alan Bersten to Dionne Warwick’s What the World Needs Now Is Love, receiving top scores for the season. Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas impressed with a Paso Doble to Ozzy Osbourne’s No More Tears, scoring 39/40 points.

Team routines added a competitive twist. Team Chicago, captained by Danielle Fishel with Alfonso Ribeiro joining, performed a Blue Brothers–inspired routine to Chicago’s 25 or 6 to 4, earning a perfect 40/40. Team Kool, led by Andy Richter and joined by Julianne Hough, danced to Kool & the Gang’s Celebration, scoring 38/40.

Judge Scores for Top Routines:

• Whitney & Mark (Paso Doble) – 79 points

• Jordan & Ezra (Jazz) – 78 points

• Alix & Val (Paso Doble) – 77 points

• Dylan & Daniella (Jive) – 76 points

• Robert & Whitney (Paso Doble) – 76 points

• Elaine & Alan (Viennese Waltz) – 75 points

• Danielle & Pasha (Contemporary) – 74 points

• Andy & Emma (Contemporary) – 68 points

Quotes & Reactions

Guest judge Flavor Flav praised the performances, saying, “Team Chicago is the bomb diggety, baby!” Judge Derek Hough highlighted the precision and energy, noting Whitney and Mark’s Paso Doble was “perfection”. Bruno Tonioli commended Danielle Fishel for her emotional contemporary routine despite minor mistakes, adding, “You should be proud of yourself and what you have achieved.” Carrie Ann Inaba recognized both technical skill and storytelling in multiple routines.

Impact Analysis

Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas earned immunity for next week’s relay dances and secured two bonus points, solidifying their lead on the leaderboard. Danielle Fishel and Pasha Pashkov’s elimination marked the end of their DWTS journey in seventh place. Team performances showcased the added complexity of collaborative scoring, influencing both individual rankings and strategy for upcoming episodes.

What’s Next

Dancing with the Stars will celebrate its 20th anniversary next week. Former host Tom Bergeron will return as a guest judge. Fans can expect more themed performances and competitive relays. DWTS airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+, with episodes available the next day on Hulu.

Sources

• ABC Official

• Entertainment Weekly

• Deadline

• People