She and partner Mark Ballas lasted three weeks before hearing the surprising news that it was over.
The judges thought Cavallari had the best Cha Cha in week one and the best Quickstep in week two.
She was smack dab in the middle this week, but what Cavallari didn't have were enough fans to keep her in the competition.
"I had such an incredible experience," she said. "We've become such a little family that it's really sad to leave. I'm going to miss seeing everybody every day, but I'm glad I did the show and I wouldn't take it back for anything."
Cavallari expects to be back in the ballroom, rooting on her new friends.
"As far as the dancing goes, I don't think she deserves to be in this position, but that's what makes the show the show," Ballas said. "I mean, it's up to the voters and sadly we didn't get enough votes."
While not necessarily in the bottom two, soccer star Hope Solo still felt that pressure waiting to see if she'd be the one to go.
"I think the true athlete in me came out tonight and I didn't know I was going to get that invested," Solo said. "I came on the show not expecting to do great, but now I'm committed and I'm here for the long haul."
Professional dancer Derek Hough says being in the middle of the pack is often not where you want to be.
"To be honest with you, I think it's more dangerous to be sort of middle of the pack because if you're in jeopardy, people will rally behind you if you're the lowest score," Hough said.
Chaz Bono and partner Lacey Schwimmer had the lowest score by far, but the fans saved them. And Bono's mother, Cher, tweeted if he survived, you'd see her in the audience Monday night.
"It will be nice to have her here," Bono said. "She's been supportive this whole time and it'll be great to see her in the audience."
Tuesday's results show also included performances by Mary J. Blige, Estelle and a surprise appearance by Chubby Checker, who sang his 50-year-old hit, "The Twist."
On Monday night, the nine remaining teams will dance to movie themes.
