AJ McLean has been eliminated from 'Dancing with the Stars'

AJ, 42 - who performed a Viennese Waltz to Queen's 'Somebody to Love' - subsequently said: "You know what, this has been one hell of a ride and I could not have picked a better partner to go on this journey with."

The pop star made an early mistake during his routine, but the couple recovered to score 23 out of a possible 30 points.

That left AJ facing a jive dance-off against Johnny, and he ultimately couldn't do enough to retain his place on the show.

He later said: "I've always been one to bow out from whatever the situation is with ease and grace and with a lot of gratitude. Honest to God, I've made a lot of great friends here, both on the stage and off the stage."

Although AJ felt disappointed to be leaving the show, he's also looking forward to spending more time at home with his wife Rochelle.

He said: "It still sucks, it's a major bummer, but there's also kind of a sense of relief and calmness as well, because life goes on.

"And my wife has been holding down the fort like a trooper ... because this is seven days a week, every week."

Meanwhile, Cheryl admitted to being shocked by their exit, revealing she already had two dances planned for next week's semi-finals.

She told 'Entertainment Tonight': "I already had his other two routines choreographed for the semi-finals. Normally I'm not that confident going in, but I was like, 'For sure, there's no way [we'll get eliminated].'"

AJ's exit means the upcoming semi-finals will feature Johnny, Kaitlyn Bristowe, Nev Schulman, Nelly, Skai Jackson and Justina Machado.