"Dancing With The Stars Contestant Carried Out on Stretcher After Injury"

Dancing With The Stars fans were surprised to learn that contestant Elaine Hendrix had been hospitalized and would miss performing live in the latest episode on Tuesday. Hosts Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro announced her absence at the start of the episode due to an injury during rehearsals earlier that day.

Hendrix's dance partner Alan Bersten assured fans that despite her hospitalization, both of them were still in the competition. Judges, including guest Cheryl Burke, evaluated their last full rehearsal video in her absence. Hendrix had injured her ribs, but doctors cleared her to return next week if they receive enough votes.

During the episode, fans expressed shock and concern over Hendrix's injury on social media. Despite not being able to perform live, the judges scored their last full rehearsal performance of an Argentine Tango to the track "Bad To The Bone" by 2WEI and Lady Bri. Bersten updated viewers on Hendrix's condition, stating her determination to return next week if they progress in the competition.

Hendrix, from her hospital bed, shared on Instagram her disappointment at missing the live performance due to her rib injury. She assured fans she would rest for a day or two and return to the competition. Hendrix thanked her supporters, expressed her love for dancing, and urged fans to vote for her to see her back on the show.

Despite missing the live performance, Hendrix and Bersten received a combined score of 32/40 from the judges based on their rehearsal video. The episode also featured other couples performing, with Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy leading with a score of 39/40 for their Tango to Billie Eilish's "Bury A Friend."

In a Dance Monsterthon segment, couples danced simultaneously to earn additional points. Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas won the segment, adding five points to their score. Ultimately, Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy maintained the lead with a total of 43 points. The episode concluded with the elimination of Jen Affleck and Jan Ravnik.

Hendrix and Bersten, despite missing the Dance Monsterthon, garnered enough votes to continue in the competition. They will return for the next week's episode.