We knew to expect anything on Dancing With the Stars' double elimination night, but the surprise wasn't who was eliminated but rather what happened during and after the elimination. For Robert Herjavec and Kym Johnson, viewers saw a very private moment go public (more on that in a second) and then Chris Soules say a tearful goodbye. After the show, I spoke with both couples about what happened, and what's next.
Kym Johnson won't get a new car from Robert Herjavec...at least not for winning season 20 of DWTS. The two were eliminated halfway through the show—much to everyone's surprise who thought that their real-life romance would take them through to the semifinals. Alas, it was not meant to be. #TeamSharkaroo fans have been some of the most vocal on social media, so I really did expect them to stick around. The good news though is that we'll see them back again for the finale, which is in less than two weeks. Maybe then they'll finally admit to what we all saw in that video package of them kissing and declaring their love for each other.
Update: Kym changed into jeans and a tunic for the flight to New York City, while Robert was snazzy as usual in a suit and tie. They kept close to each other on the press line and later admitted to me that they weren't that shocked to be going home. "After what happened last night," Kym said, "I was kind of expecting it because our scores were really low." Still, Robert couldn't help but reflect on the disappointment that he wouldn't go to the semifinals with Kym. "I thought our individual dance was so strong, but the scores just weren't there," he said.
As for that rehearsal package that showed Kym and Robert saying "I love you" and exchanging kisses, #TeamSharkaroo still didn't want to admit to much of anything backstage. When asked if they were surprised that such a private moment aired, Robert said he wasn't, though "it was in good humor and funny. It's Kym-plicated." Which led us to this...
Glamour: Explain what "Kym-plicated" means exactly.
Robert: Yeah, what does that mean Kym?
Kym: Well, Chris and Witney said they love [each other] too.
Glamour: Yeah, but it's different with you guys. I also don't like the word "Kym-plicated" because it implies things are touch and go with you two, and you guys have such a genuine love and appreciation for each other.
Kym: Oh totally. I love and adore Robert. I do love him.
Robert: And I have an Emmy and I'm a great actor. [Laughs]
Glamour: Will you say where you're going on vacation now?
Robert: We're going to New York.
Glamour: Not that. The other vacation.
Robert: Well, Chicago on Thursday. I have to do a speech, so Kym will come with me.
Glamour: OK, but what about the exotic location?
Robert: Chicago's not exotic?
Glamour: Not yet! It needs to warm up first.
Robert: Chicago's pretty exotic.
Kym: Yeah, I love Michigan Avenue, all the shopping. Yeah.
Robert: We'll have a great time in Chicago.
We're sure they will. Maybe we'll hear more about that "exotic" Chicago trip when they return for the finale.
The second eliminated couple of the night was truly one of my favorites: Chris Soules and Witney Carson. Seeing Chris tear up was all the proof you guys needed to know of why he touched everyone on the show. America got it right for the most part tonight, but with that said, Riker, Rumer, and Nastia need to be the final three standing.
Update: Backstage, I spotted Chris and Witney in a long embrace surrounded by various DWTS crew members. Chris knew he wasn't the strongest dancer (although as Len Goodman said, he certainly was the "most improved"), but he took the process so seriously and wanted to prove more than anyone that he belonged. For as much as people joked that he was "straight off the farm," it's what made Chris stand out more than anyone else—totally ego-free and beyond grateful to have this opportunity.
After the tears, Chris told reporters that it was his goal "not to cry on national television," but he knows he's needed back in Iowa for the family business. As for his relationship with the other Whitney, "Chicago is a lot closer than Los Angeles," he said of their recent commute.
Partner Witney—who will actually head to Iowa on the DWTS tour this summer—couldn't stop singing Chris' praises. "I'm so proud of him," she said to reporters. "I never thought we'd make it to week eight, and that's pretty incredible." It's true...for someone without any dance or performing experience, he was the most impressive on this entire season.
By the way, in case you missed it, Chris and Witney joined me on DWTS: All Access last night. Here's the clip of us playing truth or dare, sadly for the last time on the show.
What do you think about Chris and Robert going home? Should it have been Noah instead?
