'Devastated' Mark Ballas Unexpectedly Leaves 'Chicago' Performance Mid-Show
Dancing With the Stars pro Mark Ballas left the Monday, April 20, performance of Chicago early due to illness.
One day prior, Ballas sat out of the show because he wasn't feeling well.
"Sorry I will not be able to perform again tonight. This illness has hit me and my whole household very hard. I have been doing everything I can to get back," Ballas wrote on his Instagram Stories on April 19. "Please have grace with some of your aggressive DMs. It's not like I'm doing this on purpose or can prevent what is happening. I even have family that has flown in from England that won't be able to see me perform now. This is a massive disappointment for me & again I can't apologize enough. Thank you for understanding."
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The next day, Ballas said that he was going to push through and get back on stage. However, later in the evening, he revealed that he was unable to get through the first act.
"I tried my best but l am still recovering and probably should have waited as I am not fully healed & my voice totally went out on me halfway through the first song," Ballas wrote on his Instagram Stories. "l apologize profusely to all that came out to see me & this wonderful cast. l am devastated," he added.
Following the last Dancing With the Stars season, Ballas partner Whitney Leavitt was offered a role in the hit Broadway musical-and she accepted. From there, it didn't take long for rumors about Ballas joining the cast to start. In early March, People magazine confirmed that Ballas would be reuniting with Leavitt on stage.
So far, it's been a successful run. On April 15, Ballas shared that Chicago had its highest-grossing week in 30 years.
It's been a busy stretch for the pro dancer, who also recently appeared on The Traitors. Fans are now hoping he takes the time he needs to recover before returning to the stage.
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This story was originally published April 21, 2026 at 8:35 AM.