Being eliminated from *Dancing With the Stars* would have been a deeply personal blow for any contestant. After all, during the Dedication Night episode on October 14—a first in the ABC show’s storied history—the cast delivered heartfelt tributes to their loved ones, performing right before their eyes in the ballroom. With tears streaming as they honored parents, partners, and friends, *DWTS* delivered a stunning twist during the elimination reveal.
“The first couple who is safe is...” host Alfonso Ribeiro began, pausing for dramatic effect before declaring, “All of you! No one is going home tonight.”
Co-host Julianne Hough elaborated, “We couldn’t send anyone home tonight on such a special night. All of the scores and all of the votes from tonight will carry over to next week.”
Elaine Hendrix, in particular, was overjoyed to advance. “This means everything to me,” she shared. “This is a true second chance in my life, a dream come true, and I’m beyond grateful.”
Joining Elaine in the competition are the remaining celebrity contestants: Jordan Chiles, Alix Earle, Robert Irwin, Whitney Leavitt, Danielle Fisher, Dylan Efron, Jen Affleck, Scott Hoying, and Andy Richter.
Last week, Hilaria Baldwin reflected emotionally on her family’s unwavering support after she and partner Gleb Savchenko were eliminated. “I said to my daughter—because I’m so open with my kids—‘What happens if I get voted off right away?’” the 41-year-old mother of seven (Carmen, 12; Rafael, 10; Leonardo, 9; Romeo, 7; Eduardo, 5; María Lucía, 4; and Ilaria, 3, with husband Alec Baldwin) told *E! News* after the taping, her voice catching. “She said, ‘Mommy, at least you tried.’”
Hilaria continued, “And I hope they always know that: At least I tried.”
Alec later honored his wife on social media. “I want to say I love you, Hilaria, and I’m proud of you,” the actor wrote in an October 9 Instagram post. “It’s been wonderful for the family to support you as you support us every day. This has been such a big part of your life, and this is a dream come true for you.”
Since her exit, the yoga instructor has floated a theory about why she was voted off. “I did get bullied off the show,” she claimed in an October 12 Instagram Live, referencing the online backlash she faced during her four-week *DWTS* journey. “I did, that’s for sure. Absolutely.”
