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Gavin DeGraw was unable to overcome a sudden death duel against Jaleel White on last night's Dancing with the Stars and was eliminated from the competition. But when ET caught up with the musician after the decision backstage, he put a positive spin on the outcome and said the competition had been a great experience. 

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"What I want to say to the judges is that I had a great time," Gavin said. "No matter what the results are as far as the numbers go, I'm not here for the math. I was here for the experience. I had a great time. I got to partner up with an amazing human being and met a lot of great people here."

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For her part, partner Karina Smirnoff said she was disappointed with Gavin's exit and will miss many things about working with him. "He's funny, he's got an amazing sense of humor. Sometimes the jokes are in a cycle, so after a while you hear them again -- but I think that's funny in itself." She added that the singer was "always a joy to be around" and "made every situation look better."

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Watch the video to also hear one of last night's entertainers on the show, renowned percussionist Sheila E., explain why she admires all the contestants and whether she would consider competing on the show herself.

Tune in for an all-new Dancing with the Stars next Monday on ABC.