The 5 Biggest Shocks And Triumphs From The DWTS Finale: Season 34’s Unforgettable Night
The lights dimmed on one of the most unpredictable seasons in show history, and as of the finale on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, a new champion has been crowned. The Dancing with the Stars Season 34 finale delivered a spectacular and emotionally charged evening, culminating in a razor-thin margin of victory that saw Robert Irwin and his professional partner, Witney Carson, hoist the coveted Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy. This season, broadcast live on ABC and Disney+, was a testament to the power of fan voting and the incredible journey of five phenomenal finalists.
The finale was a three-round dance marathon, pushing the celebrity-pro pairs to their absolute limit with a Judges' Choice, an Instant Dance, and the all-important Freestyle. The competition was fierce, with the final leaderboard scores being some of the tightest the show has ever seen, leaving the ultimate decision entirely in the hands of the millions of viewers who cast their votes.
Robert Irwin: Biography and Journey to the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy
Robert Irwin, the Australian zookeeper, conservationist, and television personality, captured the hearts of millions with his enthusiastic performances and deep connection to his professional partner, Witney Carson. His journey on DWTS was marked by consistent improvement and a surprising aptitude for ballroom dance, a skill far removed from his daily life at the Australia Zoo.
- Full Name: Robert Clarence Irwin
- Date of Birth: December 1, 2003
- Place of Birth: Buderim, Queensland, Australia
- Occupation: Zookeeper, Conservationist, Wildlife Photographer, Television Personality
- Family: Son of the late "Crocodile Hunter" Steve Irwin and Terri Irwin; younger brother of Bindi Irwin (who also won DWTS Season 21)
- Professional Partner (DWTS S34): Witney Carson
- DWTS S34 Accomplishment: Winner of the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy
- Notable TV Appearances: Bindi the Jungle Girl, Crikey! It's the Irwins, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
Irwin's participation carried a special emotional weight, following in the footsteps of his sister, Bindi Irwin, who won the competition in 2015. His dedication to honoring his father's legacy while forging his own path was a recurring theme throughout the season, culminating in a stunning finale performance that secured his victory.
The DWTS Season 34 Finale: A Breakdown of the Top 5 and Their Final Placements
The final night saw five exceptional couples compete for the title, each bringing a unique energy and dance style to the ballroom. The finale consisted of three rounds: a Judges' Choice, where one of the judges—Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, or Bruno Tonioli—selected a previous dance for the couple to perfect; an Instant Dance, where the song and style were revealed just moments before the performance; and the highly anticipated Freestyle.
Final Standings and Key Highlights
The competition was incredibly tight, with the judges' scores and viewer votes combining to determine the final rankings. The Top 5 couples, and their final placements, are a testament to the high level of talent in Season 34.
- Winner: Robert Irwin and Witney Carson
- The Winning Moment: Irwin and Carson's emotional victory was sealed by an electrifying Freestyle routine set to the iconic Michael Jackson song, "Black or White." The routine, which earned a perfect score of 30/30 from the judges, was praised for its creativity, high-energy lifts, and seamless blend of professional and theatrical elements.
- Judges' Choice Dance: The couple returned to a high-scoring routine from earlier in the season, showcasing their massive technical growth.
- Runner-Up (2nd Place): Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy
- The TikTok Sensation: Social media star Alix Earle and her partner Val Chmerkovskiy were a powerhouse throughout the competition, consistently delivering technically sound and engaging performances. Their journey was a demonstration of a non-dancer's ability to master complex choreography.
- Finale Performance: Their Freestyle was a fan favorite, blending contemporary and ballroom styles to tell a deeply personal story, ultimately securing them the runner-up position.
- Top 5 Finalists (In alphabetical order, final ranking unconfirmed):
- Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach: The fitness model and brother of Zac Efron proved to be a dark horse, showcasing incredible musicality and partnering skills, largely due to the brilliant choreography of Daniella Karagach.
- Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa: Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles brought her athletic prowess to the dance floor. Her precision and power made her a formidable competitor, with her routines often featuring high-flying, gravity-defying moves.
- Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten: The film and television actress, best known for her role in The Parent Trap, was the surprise emotional anchor of the final five. Her elegant and mature performances resonated with older viewers, proving that age is just a number in the ballroom.
The Judges' Panel and Hosts: The Backbone of Season 34
The dynamic of the judging panel and the energy of the hosts are crucial components of the DWTS experience. Season 34 maintained a stellar lineup that provided both critical feedback and undeniable charisma.
The Judges
The three main judges—each a legend in the world of dance and choreography—returned to their posts, ensuring a high standard of competition:
- Carrie Ann Inaba: Known for her focus on performance, emotion, and technical errors, particularly illegal lifts. She is the longest-serving judge on the panel.
- Derek Hough: A six-time Mirrorball champion, Hough brings a contemporary and professional dancer's perspective, often giving highly technical and encouraging critiques.
- Bruno Tonioli: The flamboyant and energetic judge, Tonioli focuses on the showmanship, flair, and entertainment value of each performance.
Their collective scores and critiques are instrumental, but the finale's ultimate outcome is a 50/50 split between judges' scores and viewer votes, making the audience participation a key LSI factor in the competition.
The Hosts
The hosting duo for Season 34 brought a perfect blend of experience and enthusiasm:
- Julianne Hough: A former two-time professional champion and judge, Julianne Hough's empathy and understanding of the pressure the pros and celebrities face made her an excellent backstage and main stage presence.
- Alfonso Ribeiro: A former Mirrorball winner himself (Season 19), Ribeiro's infectious energy and ability to connect with the contestants kept the mood light and celebratory, even in the most tense elimination moments.
The Legacy of the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy
The trophy itself holds a special significance, especially since the passing of legendary head judge Len Goodman. The Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy is now more than just a prize; it is a tribute to the man who set the standard for ballroom dance on the show for over 30 seasons. Robert Irwin and Witney Carson are now etched into the history books as the latest recipients of this prestigious award.
The finale's three-dance format—Judges' Choice, Instant Dance, and Freestyle—ensured that the winning couple possessed not only technical skill but also the mental fortitude to handle immense pressure. The Freestyle, in particular, is where a couple can truly define their season, moving beyond the strict rules of ballroom to showcase their partnership and creativity. Irwin and Carson's "Black or White" routine achieved this perfectly, delivering a moment of pure, unadulterated entertainment and triumph.
As the curtains close on Season 34, the anticipation for the next season is already building. The high scores, the emotional breakthroughs, and the unexpected winner have solidified this finale as one of the most memorable in Dancing with the Stars history, leaving fans eager to see which celebrities will step onto the ballroom floor next.
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