We were later shown clips of the unfortunate incident, and yes, that’s the sound of my heart breaking in the background.
Alfonso then shared with the audience that Elaine was cleared by doctors to stay in the competition…if she didn’t get eliminated that night. DWTS proceeded to air Elaine and Alan’s last full rehearsal, an Argentine tango routine to the song “Bad to the Bone.” In view of her absence this week, the judges and the public were set to cast their votes on that particular performance.
During the episode’s run, Elaine took to Instagram to update fans from the hospital, explaining her injury and reaffirming her determination to remain in the competition.
Clearly rooting for her comeback, the judges gave Elaine’s rehearsal performance a generous total score of 32. Meanwhile, social media timelines flooded with support. It was clear people were NOT about to let her go home.
Someone wrote, “Elaine we’re getting you to finals diva!”
Another person begged, “EVERYONE TEXT ELAINE TO 21523 RIGHT NOW WE CAN’T LOSE HER.”
And someone else said, “Elaine is not going home because we are ALL going to vote for her, you hear me?”
Let’s talk about that godforsaken elimination round. I can’t be the only one who was on the edge of my seat when Alan ― representing Elaine last night ― landed in the bottom three couples at risk of being sent home. But just when I braced for the heartbreak, in a wildly unexpected turn of events, the pair made it to the next round of the competition!
Cue the collective scream heard across social media:
One person said, “WE DID IT QUEEN, YOURE SAFE.”
Someone else wrote, “I am so proud of you both for making it.”
Another person commented, “I was so sad when they announced you are hurt. Hope you get better soon! Was looking forward to your dance!”
And someone else wrote, “still voted 20 times for you, queen Elaine!! can’t wait to see you again next week! rest up so you’ll be back all healed up.”
Fans were thrilled by the news, though many were also shocked she’d be able to keep dancing in that condition.
Someone said, “i love them!! she’s a warrior HOWEVER.. what happens if she’s still not 100% for the next week or tweaks something in rehearsal?.. im shocked the injury doesn’t mean going home..”
But not everyone was celebrating. Some people were furious that Elaine ― who didn’t even dance that night ― was saved over Jen Affleck, who went home yesterday after delivering a strong contemporary routine to “Look What You Made Me Do.”
One person commented, “So Elaine didn’t have to dance, Effron has two left feet, Andy is awful and Danielle is awful but Jen gets voted off? Wish this was based off dance rather than popularity.”
Someone else said, “I’m glad Elaine is moving forward but it’s doesn’t seem fair someone who danced is being sent home over someone who didn’t.”
And another person stated, “Should’ve been Elaine.. she wasn’t even there.”
Though most reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, let’s face it ― it wouldn’t be reality television without a hint of online division. Still, at least we know one thing for certain, and it’s that in spite of all the odds having been against her favor, Elaine will be back serving moves and style next week.
What did you think of this week’s DWTS episode? Are you glad that Elaine survived the elimination round? Tell us everything in the comments below!
Be sure to watch Dancing with the Stars every Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+, the next day on Hulu. Catch the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Night special next week!