Dancing With the Stars: Who Did Not Make It to the Finals?

Only three get to compete, so that means a favorite had to go...

By Natalie Finn May 18, 2011 2:04 AMTags
DWTS, Kym Johnson, Hines WardABC/ADAM TAYLOR

Only three celebs get a shot at mirror-ball glory next week, but Dancing With the Stars started off Tuesday with four contestants angling for a spot in the finals.

Hines Ward scored two perfect 30s last night, but it was Chelsea Kane who prevailed in the winner-take-all cha-cha and ended up in first place. Kirstie Alley danced better than ever before, but did Karate Kid nostalgia propel the languishing Ralph Macchio into next week's finale?

All was revealed tonight, and your finalists are...

Hines, Chelsea and Kirstie!

Meaning, it was the end of the road for Ralph, who was never quite the same after suffering a knee injury last week.

"The memories I take with me are, day one, when we came out here with the fox-trot, and this place erupted, I will never forget how the fans have driven us through every week," the actor said in thanks. "Thanks to my friends and family, and everyone who wanted me to do this show."

"Karina," he added, turning to partner Karina Smirnoff, "you have inspired me in so many ways with your talent, your class, your integrity as an artist, and even more so as a human being."

Awww, cue the waterworks.

But Hines and Kym Johnson, Chelsea and Mark Ballas, and Kirstie and Maksim Chmerkovskiy (who's yet to take the DWTS title) will get to show what they're really made of next Monday.

Are you excited about this finale lineup?

WATCH: Chelsea and Mark get the good news