The race to become Dancing with the Stars' newest professional dancer just got a lot tighter. In a tense semifinal episode that aired Monday night, Allen Genkin was eliminated from Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro, leaving AJ Pritchard, Adele Zaikman, and Selena Hamilton as the final three competitors heading into next week's finale.

The four semifinalists—Allen, AJ, Adele, and Selena—each performed two demanding routines in an effort to secure their spots in the finale. Paired with established DWTS pros for their first dance and then partnering with each other for a second, the contestants faced one of the most challenging episodes of the season as judges and viewers weighed technique, chemistry, and star potential.

A Competitive Field Narrows

Allen Genkin's elimination came as a surprise to many fans who had watched him deliver consistently strong performances throughout the competition. Partnered with Selena Hamilton for a quickstep set to "Valerie" by Mark Ronson featuring Amy Winehouse, Allen showcased his technical precision and performance quality, but it wasn't enough to earn him a spot in the finale alongside the other three dancers.

The semifinal featured a unique format that tested the contestants' versatility and adaptability. In addition to their main routines with DWTS pros, the four finalists choreographed and performed duets with one another, creating unexpected pairings that revealed new dimensions of their dancing abilities. Adele and AJ teamed up for a foxtrot to Hozier's "Too Sweet," while Selena and Allen took on the quickstep challenge together.

Selena Hamilton performed a salsa with veteran pro Jan Ravnik, set to "La Mudanza" by Bad Bunny, showcasing her Latin dance strengths. AJ Pritchard, who comes from a family of professional dancers and has his own competitive background, delivered a cha-cha with Rylee Arnold to "Lil Boo Thang (Remix)" by Paul Russell, demonstrating the smooth transitions and showmanship that have made him a frontrunner throughout the season.

The Final Three Take Shape

With Allen's departure, the final three contestants represent a diverse range of backgrounds and strengths. AJ Pritchard has the pedigree and polish of a seasoned performer, with a track record that many believe makes him the favorite to win. Adele Zaikman has consistently impressed judges with her technical precision and emotional connection to the music, earning praise from guest judges including Daniella Karagach in earlier episodes. Selena Hamilton has emerged as a fan favorite, combining athleticism with artistry and delivering standout moments in Latin and ballroom styles alike.

The competition has been closely watched by both DWTS fans and aspiring professional dancers, as the winner will earn a coveted spot on the DWTS pro roster for Season 35, which premieres September 15. The stakes are enormous: joining the show's professional lineup means national visibility, lucrative contracts, and the opportunity to work with celebrity partners on one of television's longest-running and most beloved competition series.

Judges and Mentors Weigh In

Throughout the season, contestants have received feedback from a rotating panel of judges including Mark Ballas and his mother, Shirley Ballas, who serves as head judge on the UK's Strictly Come Dancing. Mark has spoken about the challenge of judging alongside his mother, noting that Shirley keeps him honest and brings decades of expertise to the evaluation process.

Guest mentors have also played a critical role in shaping the contestants' development. Daniella Karagach, one of DWTS' most accomplished current pros, mentored the competitors during the show's Miami-themed episode and offered insights into what it takes to succeed as a professional dancer on the series. The mentorship moments have provided viewers with behind-the-scenes glimpses into the work ethic, resilience, and adaptability required to thrive in the high-pressure ballroom environment.

Next Week: The Finale

The finale of Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro is set for Monday, August 31, just two days before the full cast of DWTS Season 35 is scheduled to be announced on Good Morning America. The timing ensures that the winner will be integrated immediately into the show's promotional rollout and paired with a celebrity partner for the upcoming season's two-night premiere event.

For AJ, Adele, and Selena, the next week will be the culmination of months of preparation, competition, and growth. One of them will walk away with a life-changing opportunity, while the other two will have demonstrated their talent on a national stage and potentially earned spots in the show's troupe or future professional lineup.

Allen Genkin's journey may have ended in the semifinals, but his performances throughout the season showcased the caliber of talent that The Next Pro has attracted. As the final three prepare for their last performances, the competition has never been more open or the stakes higher. Monday's finale will crown Dancing with the Stars' newest professional dancer and set the stage for what promises to be an exciting Season 35.