Overview
- Episode 7, titled “Paired with the Pros: Semi‑Finals with Kym Johnson,” aired on ABC and featured two rounds of dances judged by Mark Ballas, Shirley Ballas and guest judge Kym Johnson.
- Each semifinalist performed a Latin routine with a current DWTS pro and a ballroom routine paired with another finalist to show choreography, teaching and onstage coaching skills.
- After judges’ critiques, Allen Genkin was eliminated, leaving Adele Zaikman, AJ Pritchard and Selena Hamilton as the three finalists advancing to the finale.
- The season finale is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 31, and will feature guest judge Derek Hough and Witney Carson as co‑host with Robert Irwin while finalists perform for a single pro spot on DWTS Season 35.
- The Next Pro serves as a direct pipeline into the DWTS roster, and recent episodes have emphasized both contestants’ ability to teach celebrities and production responses to earlier rehearsal safety concerns that affected scheduling.