Danielle Fishel’s Exit Sparks Online Uproar and Revives Debate Over ‘DWTS’ Judging Fairness

The fallout from Danielle Fishel’s elimination continued long after the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Night cameras stopped rolling. Viewers across the country vented frustration online, accusing the judges of favoritism and calling the results “a slap in the face” to fans who saw Fishel as a frontrunner.

Fishel’s grace under pressure stood in sharp contrast to the outrage online. Her calm farewell speech was widely shared as fans posted tributes celebrating her growth throughout the competition. Some even urged producers to review the scoring process, arguing that audience votes and panel feedback were increasingly out of sync this season.

Meanwhile, Team Kool — featuring Andy Richter and Emma Slater, Robert Irwin and Witney Carson, Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy, and Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten — performed “Celebration” by Kool & the Gang and scored 38 points, just shy of perfection. Still, the outcome left viewers baffled, as Richter, who earned one of the lowest individual scores of the evening with 30, advanced while Fishel did not.

Solo dances that night saw Alix Earle and Whitney Leavitt tie for first with 39 points, while Leavitt and Ballas secured immunity for maintaining the highest cumulative season total. Close behind were Jordan Chiles and Robert Irwin at 38 points, followed by Dylan Efron (36), Elaine Hendrix (37), and Richter at the bottom.

Adding to the spectacle, the episode celebrated the upcoming 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction with live rock hits and guest judge Flavor Flav, whose lively commentary brought extra flair to the night’s proceedings. Still, the elimination dominated headlines, overshadowing what was meant to be a high-energy tribute to rock legends.

Fishel’s departure follows the Week 7 Halloween Night exit of actress Jen Affleck and partner Jan Ravnik, another controversial decision that sparked similar fan backlash. Combined, the two eliminations have reignited debate about whether Dancing With the Stars rewards technical skill, emotional storytelling, or pure popularity.

For now, Fishel leaves behind a legacy of determination, artistry, and heart — qualities that many fans insist deserved far more time under the ballroom lights.