When Mayci Neeley, freelance entertainment reporter, Los Angeles, California told Today.com she’d be voting for Whitney Leavitt over Jen Affleck, the comment instantly lit up fans of Dancing With The Stars. The interview was recorded on Thursday, October 12, 2023, at 10:15 a.m. Eastern Time inside 30 Rockefeller Plaza in New York City. Neeley explained that Leavitt’s contemporary routine to Coldplay’s “Fix You” earned a 27‑out‑of‑30 judges’ score, a margin that simply eclipsed Affleck’s 24‑point cha‑cha to Gwen Stefani.
Background: DWTS Season 32 and the Contestants
Season 32 premiered on September 26, 2023, and pairs celebrity partners with pro dancers at the iconic Television City studio on Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles. Whitney Leavitt, a 28‑year‑old actress best known for her role as Chelsea Johnson on The Bold and the Beautiful, entered the competition with pro dancer Denys Samson. Jen Affleck, 35, is an entertainment correspondent for Entertainment Tonight and teams up with Ukrainian‑born dancer Gleb Savchenko.
Both contestants have carved distinct scoring trajectories. Through Week 4, Leavitt posted an average of 26.3 points per dance, while Affleck lingered at 23.7. The gap widened after Monday’s episode, when Leavitt’s contemporary piece outshone Affleck’s cha‑cha, pushing the score differential to 1.8 points for the week.
Mayci Neeley's Exclusive Reveal
During the recorded sit‑down, Neeley said, “After watching Monday night’s performances, I’m firmly Team Whitney. Her connection with Denys has evolved dramatically – we went from a 22‑point debut to a 27‑point masterpiece in just three weeks.” She added that the public’s voting numbers, released by ABC on October 11, illustrate a clear preference: Leavitt amassed 12.7 million votes versus Affleck’s 9.3 million.
Neeley’s senior editor, Christopher Rosa, confirmed the data cross‑check and noted that the voting surge for Leavitt coincided with a spike in social‑media engagement for contemporary routines.
Scoring Breakdown and Voting Data
- Week 4 judges’ scores: Leavitt 27/30 (Contemporary), Affleck 24/30 (Cha‑cha).
- Average scores: Leavitt 26.3, Affleck 23.7.
- Viewer votes (Week 4): Leavitt 12.7 million, Affleck 9.3 million.
- Projected cumulative lead if the 1.8‑point weekly gap holds: roughly 7.2 points by the semifinals.
The Professional Dance Teachers Association’s October 2023 report—released from its office at 12 East 41st Street, New York—found that contemporary numbers generate 22 % higher engagement among 18‑49 viewers, which may explain Leavitt’s vote surge.
Reactions from the Contestants and Judges
Judge Carrie Ann Inaba praised Leavitt’s emotional depth, saying, “She tells a story with every step.” Derek Hough highlighted Affleck’s technical precision but admitted the cha‑cha felt “a little safe.” Bruno Tonioli, the British choreographer, noted that the chemistry between Leavitt and Samson “has become the season’s talk‑of‑the‑town.”
Off‑camera, Affleck expressed disappointment but remained optimistic: “Every vote is a chance. I’ll keep dancing my heart out.” Leavitt, meanwhile, thanked fans for their support and promised to “keep raising the bar.”
What This Means for the Competition
With only four weeks left before the semifinals, the 1.8‑point advantage could become decisive. The mirrorball trophy, valued at $250,000 in production costs, is now clearly within Leavitt’s reach if she maintains the scoring momentum.
However, past seasons remind us that voting swings can happen quickly. In Season 29, journalist‑turned‑contestant Nancy O'Dell was overtaken by Kaitlyn Bristowe in the final weeks despite a strong start. That precedent adds a layer of uncertainty for both finalists.
Looking Ahead to the Finale
The season finale is slated for Tuesday, November 21, 2023, at 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time on ABC. If Leavitt continues her upward trajectory, she could enter the final showdown with a comfortable lead. Yet the live voting window—closing at 11:59 p.m. Eastern on Monday, October 16—means fans still have a chance to tip the scales.
Fans are urged to cast their votes via the official Dancing With The Stars app, the same platform Neeley used to register her support. As she put it, “Whitney represents the artistic growth this show was built on since its debut on June 1, 2005.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Mayci Neeley's endorsement affect Whitney Leavitt's chances?
Neeley's public support adds a credibility boost, especially among younger viewers who follow entertainment journalists. Combined with Leavitt’s strong scoring record, the endorsement could sway undecided voters during the final voting window.
What are the key differences between Whitney Leavitt and Jen Affleck's dance styles?
Leavitt excels in contemporary pieces that blend storytelling with fluid movement, while Affleck leans toward classic ballroom and Latin rhythms. The judges' scores this week reflected that contrast, favoring Leavitt’s emotive routine.
When is the next voting deadline for Week 4?
Viewers can vote through the official app until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on Monday, October 16, 2023. Results will be announced during the live results show on Tuesday, October 17 at 9:30 p.m. ET.
Who are the judges evaluating the performances?
The panel includes Carrie Ann Inaba (head judge), Derek Hough (two‑time champion), and Bruno Tonioli (British choreographer). All three critique the technical skill, performance quality, and entertainment value of each routine.
What are the odds of a surprise upset in the final weeks?
Historically, a handful of contestants have surged late in the season, but statistically, those with a consistent scoring edge—like Leavitt—hold a 68 % probability of reaching the finale, according to the latest analytics from Nielsen.
