The Five Biggest Shocks From The Dancing With The Stars Season 34 Finale: Robert Irwin's Emotional Win And The Final Leaderboard
The Mirrorball Trophy has found a new home, and the results from the latest season of Dancing with the Stars are still sending shockwaves through the ballroom. The Season 34 finale, which aired in late 2025, capped off one of the most unpredictable and emotionally charged seasons in the show's history, culminating in a spectacular, three-dance showdown between five formidable finalists. Fans watched on as the combination of judges' scores and viewer votes crowned a new champion, forever cementing their place in DWTS lore, with the winner overcoming a significant injury to claim the coveted Len Goodman Memorial Mirrorball Trophy.
The entire Season 34 journey was packed with dazzling performances, shocking eliminations, and a level of competition that kept the judges—Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli—on their toes every week. From the very first week, it was clear that the battle for the Mirrorball would be tight, but no one could have predicted the dramatic twists and turns of the final night. Here is the definitive recap of the Season 34 finale, including the winner, the final standings, and the five biggest shocks that defined the season.
Dancing with the Stars Season 34: The Final Standings and Winners' Profile
Season 34 featured a star-studded cast and a final five that showcased incredible talent and dedication. The grand finale saw the remaining couples perform three routines: a Judges' Choice, a Redemption Dance, and the all-important Freestyle. The final results were determined by a combination of the judges' scores from the final night and the accumulated viewer votes from the entire season.
The Champion: Robert Irwin and Witney Carson
- Star: Robert Irwin (Wildlife Conservationist, Son of Steve Irwin)
- Pro Partner: Witney Carson (Two-time Mirrorball Champion)
- Final Night Highlight: Their Jive routine was a technical masterpiece that earned them a perfect score, putting them at the top of the leaderboard.
- Key Obstacle: Irwin battled through a painful rib injury for several weeks, a testament to his commitment and resilience.
The Runner-Up: Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy
- Star: Alix Earle (Social Media Personality and Podcaster)
- Pro Partner: Val Chmerkovskiy (Two-time Mirrorball Champion)
- Final Night Highlight: Their Freestyle Dance was a fan-favorite, showcasing Earle's growth and stage presence, helping them secure the second-place finish.
The Remaining Finalists (Top 5)
The competition was fierce, with the final three couples being eliminated based on the combined scores and votes, just before the final winner was announced. The final five couples who made it to the last night were:
- Jordan Chiles & Ezra Sosa (Olympic Gymnast)
- Dylan Efron & Rylee Arnold (Actor/Producer, Brother of Zac Efron)
- Elaine Hendrix & Alan Bersten (Actress, known for The Parent Trap)
The Five Biggest Shocks That Defined DWTS Season 34
Every season of DWTS has its unforgettable moments, but Season 34 delivered a fresh batch of surprises, from unexpected eliminations to major in-ballroom drama. These five moments were the most talked-about highlights and controversies of the year, shaping the entire competition.
1. Robert Irwin's Unstoppable Rise Despite Injury
The biggest story of the season was arguably Robert Irwin's journey. Following in the footsteps of his sister Bindi Irwin, Robert quickly established himself as a front-runner. However, his journey was complicated by a significant rib injury that he sustained mid-season.
Despite the pain, Irwin and Witney Carson continued to deliver high-scoring routines, showcasing an incredible partnership and an inspiring level of dedication. His ability to perform complex lifts and fast-paced dances like the Jive, even while injured, was cited by the judges as a display of true grit, which undoubtedly swayed many viewer votes in the final weeks and contributed heavily to his ultimate victory.
2. The Controversial Dance Marathon Win
One of the mid-season episodes featured a high-stakes Dance Marathon, where all couples competed on the floor simultaneously, with the winners receiving a crucial bonus of five points. The victory went to Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas, a result that sparked immediate debate among the fanbase.
Many viewers felt that other couples, who had been consistently higher on the leaderboard, were overlooked, leading to accusations that the judges were attempting to boost certain couples. This moment became a flashpoint for fan discussions about fairness and the impact of bonus points on the overall competition.
3. The Shocking Early Exit of a Fifth Harmony Star
The elimination of Fifth Harmony singer Dinah Jane and pro Brandon Armstrong earlier in the season was a major surprise. Dinah Jane was widely considered one of the most technically proficient dancers in the competition, consistently receiving high praise from the judges, including Carrie Ann Inaba.
Her elimination, which occurred relatively early (Eliminated 3rd on September 30, 2025), served as a stark reminder that judges' scores are only half the battle. The power of the viewer vote proved to be stronger than the leaderboard, showcasing the unpredictable nature of the show and leaving fans stunned that such a talented couple had to leave so soon.
The Battle of the Ballroom: Key Moments and Hosts
The success of Season 34 was not just about the contestants; it was also about the familiar faces guiding the show and the high-stakes performances that captured the audience's attention. The return of a beloved duo as hosts and the intense competition in the finale were central to the season's popularity.
4. Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro’s Dynamic Hosting Duo
Season 34 marked the highly anticipated return of Julianne Hough alongside Alfonso Ribeiro as co-hosts. Hough, a former pro dancer and judge, brought her deep expertise and warmth to the role, while Ribeiro maintained his charismatic energy and connection with the contestants.
Their chemistry and seamless transitions were praised by fans and critics alike, providing a stable and engaging platform for the drama and spectacle of the competition. The hosting duo helped elevate the show's presentation, ensuring the focus remained on the incredible performances and the emotional journeys of the stars.
5. The Finale's Perfect Score Showdowns
The finale itself was a perfect-score bonanza, with multiple couples earning the coveted 30/30 from the judges. Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy's emotional Freestyle dance earned a perfect score, and Robert Irwin and Witney Carson's Jive also hit the 30-point mark.
This high level of scoring highlighted the immense talent of the final five: Robert Irwin, Alix Earle, Jordan Chiles, Dylan Efron, and Elaine Hendrix. The fact that the judges' scores were so close—with the top couples often separated by only a point or two—emphasized that the final result would come down to the massive number of viewer votes cast. The close competition made the final reveal even more suspenseful, proving that Season 34 truly was one of the tightest races in DWTS history.
The Legacy of Season 34 and What's Next
Season 34 will be remembered for its high-caliber talent, its dramatic twists, and the inspiring victory of Robert Irwin, who continued his family's legacy of success in the ballroom. The season demonstrated that heart, dedication, and a strong connection with the audience can overcome even the most formidable technical challenges and injuries.
As the ballroom goes dark for a brief hiatus, fans are already speculating about the cast of the next season. With the show continuing to draw massive audiences and generate significant social media buzz, the search for the next batch of celebrity dancers is already underway, promising another season of sequins, samba, and spectacular showdowns.
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