The Unforgettable Four: Ranking The Dancing With The Stars Season 34 Finalists And Their Shocking Journeys
The most recent season of Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) culminated in a spectacular and highly emotional finale, crowning a new champion and cementing the legacies of four unforgettable celebrity-pro pairings. The competition, which aired its Season 34 finale on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, saw a diverse group of stars—ranging from wildlife conservationists to Olympic athletes and major social media influencers—battle it out for the coveted Mirrorball Trophy. This season was widely regarded as one of the tightest races in the show's history, with judges' scores and viewer votes creating a suspenseful, nail-biting finish.
The journey of the finalists was marked by incredible growth, perfect scores, and deeply personal moments shared in the ballroom. From a viral sensation finding her confidence to a wildlife warrior honoring his late father, the Season 34 finale delivered a powerful conclusion to a truly memorable run. Here is a definitive look at the four finalists, their professional partners, and their final placement in the competition.
The Dancing with the Stars Season 34 Finalists: Full Rankings and Biographical Profiles
The finale featured the top four couples, each delivering a final set of high-stakes performances, including a perfect-scoring Freestyle, to sway the last-minute votes. The final rankings were determined by a combination of the judges' scores and the crucial viewer votes cast throughout the season and on the final night.
1. Robert Irwin & Witney Carson (Winners)
- Celebrity: Robert Irwin
- Celebrity Status: Australian Wildlife Warrior, Conservationist, Television Personality, Son of the late Steve Irwin.
- Professional Partner: Witney Carson
- Final Placement: 1st Place (Mirrorball Trophy Winners)
- Key Moments: Robert Irwin's win was a deeply emotional moment, coming a decade after his older sister, Bindi Irwin, also won the competition. He was praised for his natural stage presence, infectious energy, and ability to connect with the audience, often dedicating his dances to his family and his passion for wildlife. Their final Jive routine and a heartfelt Freestyle were highlights of the finale.
2. Alix Earle & Val Chmerkovskiy (Runners-Up)
- Celebrity: Alix Earle
- Celebrity Status: Social Media Influencer, TikTok Star, and Entrepreneur.
- Professional Partner: Val Chmerkovskiy
- Final Placement: 2nd Place (Runners-Up)
- Key Moments: Alix Earle's journey was described as transformative, moving from initial nervousness to finding her 'groove' and confidence on the dance floor. Her massive online following played a significant role in the voting, propelling her to the final two. Her partnership with two-time Mirrorball champion Val Chmerkovskiy was a fan favorite, showcasing impressive technical growth throughout the season.
3. Jordan Chiles & Ezra Sosa
- Celebrity: Jordan Chiles
- Celebrity Status: Two-time Olympic Gymnast, Silver Medalist at the Tokyo 2020 Games.
- Professional Partner: Ezra Sosa
- Final Placement: 3rd Place
- Key Moments: As an Olympic athlete, Jordan brought incredible discipline and physical prowess to the competition. Her routines were consistently high-scoring, demonstrating a remarkable ability to transition from gymnastics to ballroom and Latin styles. Her final performances with partner Ezra Sosa were technically sharp, earning high praise from judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli.
4. Dylan Efron & Daniella Karagach
- Celebrity: Dylan Efron
- Celebrity Status: Filmmaker, Adventurer, and Brother of actor Zac Efron.
- Professional Partner: Daniella Karagach
- Final Placement: 4th Place
- Key Moments: Dylan Efron's participation surprised many, and his journey was characterized by his dedication to learning a completely new skill. His partnership with former Mirrorball champion Daniella Karagach was a powerhouse of creativity, with their routines often pushing the boundaries of traditional ballroom. Efron reflected on his experience, stating he "did something I never thought I would," highlighting the personal growth that DWTS often facilitates.
The Season of Surprises: Key Entities and LSI Keywords That Defined DWTS 34
Season 34 of Dancing with the Stars was a masterclass in reality television, mixing raw talent with compelling personal narratives. The season's success was not just about the final four, but the entire ecosystem of the show that kept viewers engaged.
The Judges' Panel and Hosts:
The return of the beloved judging panel—composed of the insightful Carrie Ann Inaba, the technical master Derek Hough, and the energetic Bruno Tonioli—provided consistent, high-level critiques. The show was expertly hosted by the charismatic duo of Alfonso Ribeiro and former pro-dancer and judge Julianne Hough, who brought a seamless flow to the live broadcasts.
The Battle for the Mirrorball Trophy:
The competition was intense from the very first week. The Mirrorball Trophy became the ultimate prize, symbolizing not only dance excellence but also a personal triumph for the celebrity contestants. Robert Irwin’s victory was a testament to his consistent improvement and the powerful emotional connection he forged with the audience through his storytelling dances, including a memorable Freestyle performance that earned him a perfect score.
The Power of the Audience Vote:
This season underscored the immense power of the fan vote. While Robert Irwin consistently received high judges' scores, the massive support for Alix Earle from her social media followers was a dominant force, keeping her in the running week after week and demonstrating the changing landscape of celebrity influence in reality TV. The final results were a clear reflection of the combined influence of technical skill (favored by the judges) and fan popularity (dictated by the votes).
The Legacy of Season 34: What Made This Finale Unique?
The Season 34 finale stands out for several reasons, making it a pivotal moment in the history of Dancing with the Stars. It successfully blended different generations of celebrity, from legacy names to new-age influencers, creating a broad appeal for the show.
The Irwin Family's Second Triumph: Robert Irwin's win was a significant moment for the show and his family. His sister, Bindi Irwin, won Season 21, creating a unique family dynasty on the DWTS stage. Robert's emotional reaction and tribute to his family's conservation work resonated deeply with millions of viewers, transforming his Jive and Freestyle dances into viral moments.
The Social Media Star's Validation: Alix Earle's second-place finish proved that a celebrity's journey on DWTS can be about more than just dance technique; it can be a platform for personal development and a way to connect with a wider audience beyond their established niche. Her growth from a self-professed non-dancer to a Runners-Up finalist was a major storyline.
The Technical Titans: Both Jordan Chiles and Dylan Efron demonstrated the incredible dedication required to master difficult dance styles like the Argentine Tango and Paso Doble. Their high placements, particularly Jordan's third place, highlighted the judges' appreciation for technical precision and the difficulty of their routines, often achieving near-perfect scores.
The journey of the Season 34 finalists was a powerful reminder that Dancing with the Stars is fundamentally about transformation. Whether it was a wildlife warrior stepping out of the shadow of his famous father, or an influencer finding her inner confidence, the final four couples delivered a season of unforgettable moments, setting a high bar for future competitors.
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