We were later shown clips of this unfortunate incident and yes, that was the sound of my heart breaking in the background.
Alfonso then shared with the audience that the doctors cleared Elaine to compete…If she was not expelled that night. DVTS started broadcasting the last full rehearsal of Elaine and Alan – an Argentine tango number for the song “Bad to the Bone”. Due to her absence this week, the judges and audience had to vote on this particular performance.
During the episode, Elaine took to Instagram to update fans from the hospital, explaining her injury and reaffirming her determination to stay in the competition.
Clearly rooting for her return, the judges gave Elaine's rehearsal performance a generous overall score of 32. Meanwhile, social media feeds were flooded with support. It was clear that people were NOT going to let her go home.
Someone wrote: “Elaine, we'll take you to the finals, diva!”
Another person pleaded: “EVERYONE TEXT ELAINE AT 21523 RIGHT NOW WE CAN'T LOSE HER.”
And someone else said, “Elaine isn't going home because we're ALL going to vote for her, you hear me?”
Let's talk about this godforsaken qualifying round. I can't be the only one who was on the edge of my seat when Alan, representing Elaine last night, found himself in the bottom three at risk of being sent home. But just as I was bracing myself for heartbreak, in a completely unexpected turn of events, the couple advanced to the next round of the competition!
Consider the collective cry that can be heard on social media:
One person said: “WE DID IT QUEEN YOU ARE SAFE.”
Someone else wrote: “I'm so proud of you both for doing this.”
Another person commented: “I was so sad when they said you were hurt. Hope you get better soon! I was looking forward to your dance!”
And someone else wrote: “Still voted for you 20 times Queen Elaine! Can't wait to see you again next week! Rest so you can come back safe and healthy.”
Fans were delighted with the news, although many were shocked that she would be able to continue dancing in this condition.
Someone said: “I love them!! She's a warrior HOWEVER…what happens if she still isn't 100% next week or tweaks something in rehearsal?…I'm shocked the injury doesn't mean she has to go home.”
But not everyone celebrated. Some people were furious that Elaine, who didn't even dance that night, was saved by Jen Affleck, who returned home yesterday after performing 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 terrible and Danielle is terrible but Jen gets voted out? I wish it was based on dancing and not popularity.”
Someone else said: “I'm glad Elaine is moving forward, but it seems unfair that someone who danced is sent home instead of someone who didn't.”
And another person said: “Should have been Elaine…she wasn't even there.”
While most reactions have been largely positive, let's face it: it wouldn't be a reality show without a hint of online sharing. However, at least we know one thing for sure: despite the odds being stacked against her, Elaine will be back serving up moves and style next week.
What do you think about this week DVTS episode? Are you glad Elaine survived the qualifying round? Tell us everything in the comments below!
Be sure to check it out Dancing with the Stars every Tuesday at 8:00 pm ET on ABC and Disney+, next day on Hulu. Watch the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Night special next week!
