LOS ANGELES — He shed tears on the show and once fought for his spot with a dance-off, but Aaron Carter has performed his last dance on "Dancing With the Stars."

The 21-year-old singer and his professional partner, Karina Smirnoff, were eliminated from the hit ABC show Tuesday.

Carter cried early in the competition after harsh remarks from the judges. Last week, he beat out former football star Michael Irvin in a dance-off to keep his spot on the show. He came into Tuesday's episode tied for last place with fellow dancer Donny Osmond, but viewer votes failed to keep the younger entertainer afloat.

Judges' scores are combined with viewer votes to determine which contestant is eliminated each week.

Carter said he learned a lot during his eight weeks on the program.

"I've grown so much from your compliments and your criticism," he said, "so I've got to say thank you."

Head judge Len Goodman praised the young singer for his dedication.

"You're an inspiration to all young people that anything is possible," Goodman said. "If you were my son, I would be so proud of you."

Tuesday's episode also featured performances by Michael Buble, who sang his new single, and Susan Boyle, who performed what has become her signature song, "I Dreamed a Dream."

"Dancing" alumnae Kenny Mayne and Jerry Rice returned to the show with "DanceCenter," a play on ESPN's SportsCenter in which the sports anchor and former football star riff on the remaining contestants vying for the show's mirrorball trophy.

The semifinal round begins on Monday. Besides Osmond, remaining competitors include reality star Kelly Osbourne, singer Mya and model Joanna Krupa.

On the Net: abc.go.com/shows/dancing-with-the-stars