In a surprising turn of events during the popular dance competition, *Dancing with the Stars*, Guillermo Rodriguez bid farewell to the competition on 13 October. This unexpected elimination left many, including late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, feeling dismayed, particularly as Rodriguez and his professional partner, Witney Carson, had achieved their highest score of the season just moments before.
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During his monologue on *Jimmy Kimmel Live!*, the host expressed his disbelief at the results, labelling them as a “kick in the Mirrorballs.” Kimmel, who has closely followed Rodriguez’s journey on the show, pointed out that despite securing a score of 22 out of 40, the duo found themselves in the bottom two once again. He underscored the reliance on audience votes to determine their fate in the competition.
Accompanied by Rodriguez and Carson in a behind-the-scenes interview segment, Kimmel addressed his outrage directly. “First of all, this is an outrage,” he remarked, playfully suggesting the possibility of a legal challenge against the show’s results. Rodriguez joined in the banter, quipping about taking legal action, while Carson expressed her readiness to support such a move.
Kimmel praised Carson for her choreography throughout the season, remarking on her ability to transform Rodriguez from a novice dancer to a formidable competitor. “You’ve taken this lump of Play-Doh and you sculpted him into a masterpiece,” he applauded, highlighting the chemistry between the partners that had charmed audiences.
As Carson reflected on her experience with Rodriguez, she noted, “Everything,” when asked what she would miss most about their time together. The camaraderie they developed was evident, as she affectionately mentioned not having to navigate a “weird custody battle” over him now that he was eliminated.
In an interview with Kimmel, Rodriguez also shared his personal accomplishments, revealing that he had successfully lost weight as part of his objective for joining the competition. Kimmel added a humorous twist by stating, “You lost weight and you gained a pregnant friend,” acknowledging the bond formed throughout the season.
Their last performance on the show featured a salsa dance to Bad Bunny’s “Tití Me Preguntó,” which received high praise from the judges. Derek Hough described the routine as “so entertaining,” while Carrie Ann Inaba remarked that Rodriguez had “brought the joy back” to the stage. Despite their elimination, the couple’s performance stood out as a highlight during a Super Bowl-themed night.
After the announcement of their exit, Rodriguez shared heartfelt gratitude towards the show’s audience and the *Dancing with the Stars* team. “I had a lot of fun. It was great,” he said, expressing his appreciation for Carson’s guidance and support throughout the season. Carson reciprocated the affection, stating, “Thank you so much for making the season just so fun, so enjoyable.”
As the show continues to air its live episodes every Tuesday evening, the impact of Rodriguez and Carson’s partnership resonates beyond their time in the competition. Fans have been drawn to their infectious energy and joy, raising the question of how such a beloved duo could be voted out. With Kimmel’s playful commentary and the heartfelt exchanges between the contestants, it’s clear that Rodriguez’s journey is one that will be remembered fondly, even if it ended earlier than many had hoped.
*Dancing with the Stars* continues to captivate audiences every Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC and Disney+, with episodes available for streaming the following day on Hulu. As the competition progresses, viewers will undoubtedly keep an eye on the remaining contestants, hoping for more memorable moments reminiscent of Rodriguez and Carson’s extraordinary season.