“Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro” has its final three after Allen Genkin was eliminated in a closely fought semifinal. Adele Zaikman, AJ Pritchard and Selena Hamilton advanced from the Aug. 24 episode and will now compete for the professional dancer spot on “Dancing With the Stars” Season 35.
The semifinal tested much more than dance technique. The final four had only two days to prepare two routines, putting their choreography, teaching ability, adaptability and on-camera presence under pressure. Mark Ballas and Shirley Ballas were joined by two-time Mirrorball champion Kym Johnson as guest judge.
Who Made the DWTS: The Next Pro Final 3?
Adele Zaikman, AJ Pritchard and Selena Hamilton are the three finalists. Allen Genkin became the last contestant eliminated before the finale.
The result carries extra weight because the series functions as an extended audition for the main ballroom. ABC’s official announcement explains that 12 rising dancers entered the competition seeking one professional dancer position on Season 35.
That makes the judging different from a standard dance contest. A future “DWTS” pro must teach a celebrity, adapt choreography to a partner’s strengths and create routines that connect with a television audience.
Ballroom competition fans can see a similar focus on professional partnerships in the Strictly Come Dancing 2026 full line-up, where the upcoming season brings a refreshed cast and new professional dancers.
Final Four Face Current DWTS Pros
For the first semifinal round, Allen partnered with Witney Carson for a jive, AJ danced a cha cha with Rylee Arnold, Adele performed a samba with Gleb Savchenko, and Selena teamed with Jan Ravnik for a salsa.
The established pros were also able to observe how the contestants worked during rehearsals. Witney identified confidence as an area Allen could strengthen. Rylee questioned how AJ’s demanding teaching style might translate to working with a celebrity partner.
Gleb praised Adele’s technical level but wanted a bigger standout moment, while Jan responded positively to Selena’s instincts for choreography designed to work on television.
Selena, Adele and AJ Strengthen Their Finale Cases
Selena’s salsa with Jan became one of her strongest performances of the night. The judges highlighted her choreography, musicality and chemistry, with Kym praising her star quality.
Adele’s samba with Gleb was another standout. Her technical control impressed the panel, although the judges still wanted more memorable moments that would register strongly with viewers at home.
AJ showed precision and leadership during his cha cha with Rylee. Shirley praised the way he showcased his partner, while Kym highlighted their personalities. Mark felt the routine could use more soul, funk and grit.
Reality competition viewers following major August finales may also be interested in the Love Island USA Season 8 reunion schedule, which is also set for Aug. 31.
Second Round Leaves Little Between the Final Four
The remaining dancers then partnered with each other. Allen and Selena performed a quickstep, while AJ and Adele took on the foxtrot.
The quickstep gave Selena an opportunity to revisit a style she had previously struggled to teach during the coaching challenge. This time, she and Allen earned praise for personality, musicality and creativity.
AJ and Adele closed the competitive portion with a polished foxtrot. Mark praised its classic ballroom quality, Kym highlighted their connection, and Shirley described AJ as a star while pointing to Adele as part of a new generation of “DWTS” talent.
Why Was Allen Genkin Eliminated?
Allen did not leave after a poor performance. Mark called his jive with Witney his favorite jive of the season, but Shirley and Kym felt the choreography could have created more standout opportunities for Witney.
With all four semifinalists receiving substantial praise, the decision came down to small differences. Shirley said one dancer had “ever-so-slightly underperformed” before announcing Allen’s elimination without revealing a bottom two.
Allen said he was devastated to leave but believed he had given everything to the competition. He also reflected on his late mother and said he hoped he had made her proud.
DWTS: The Next Pro Finale Is Set
The finale is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 31. Adele, AJ and Selena will compete for the Season 35 professional dancer position after surviving challenges focused on technique, choreography, teaching and performance.
The finalists are set to work with former “DWTS” contestants Adam Rippon, Nev Schulman and Charli D’Amelio, adding a celebrity-partner test that closely reflects the job awaiting the eventual winner.
A preview also showed Mark and Shirley Ballas dancing together, with a live audience joining the ballroom. Adele enters the finale with polished technique, AJ with ballroom experience and precision, and Selena with momentum built around creativity and personality. One of them will leave the competition with the available Season 35 pro spot.
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