The Ultimate List: 5 'Dancing With The Stars' Couples Who Defined The 2025 Season (And One Shocking Off-Stage Romance)
The ballroom drama, incredible athleticism, and undeniable chemistry of Dancing with the Stars reached a fever pitch in 2025, culminating in one of the most unpredictable finales in recent memory. As of late December 2025, fans are still reeling from the Season 34 results, which saw a beloved wildlife conservationist claim the coveted Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy, beating out a social media titan and an Olympic powerhouse. This season was defined by a mix of viral stars and Hollywood veterans, but the true story of the year was not just on the dance floor—it was the shocking off-stage romance that finally came to light among the professional dancers.
The latest season, which premiered on September 16, 2025, and wrapped up on December 2, 2025, saw the return of judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli, with Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough keeping the energy high as hosts. The competition was fierce, featuring stunning performances across the Argentine Tango, Paso Doble, and Foxtrot, proving once again that the right partnership is the key to victory. Here is the definitive breakdown of the couples who truly defined the 2025 season and the biggest off-stage news.
The Reigning Champions: DWTS Season 34 (2025) Winners and Finalists
Season 34 of Dancing with the Stars was a powerhouse of talent, featuring fifteen couples vying for the title. The competition was incredibly tight, with multiple couples achieving perfect scores early in the season. The finale saw five couples competing, a rare event in the show's history, but only one pair could lift the legendary trophy.
- Winners: Robert Irwin and Witney Carson
The son of the late Steve Irwin, Robert Irwin became an instant fan favorite. Paired with veteran pro Witney Carson, their journey was marked by consistent high scores and emotional routines. Despite Robert suffering a rib injury just before the finale, their final performances, including a breathtaking freestyle, secured them the win, making Witney a two-time champion. Their victory was a testament to their enduring partnership and the overwhelming viewer support.
- Runners-Up: Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy
Social media sensation Alix Earle and two-time champion Val Chmerkovskiy were the season’s dark horses. Their chemistry was electric from the start, and Alix’s massive online following translated into huge voting support. Their technical improvement throughout the season was praised by the judges, especially their fierce Paso Doble, but they ultimately fell just short of the title.
- Third Place: Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa
Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles brought incredible flexibility and precision to the ballroom. Partnered with fan-favorite pro Ezra Sosa, their routines often showcased complex choreography and high-flying lifts. While their technical execution was nearly flawless, the judges occasionally sought more emotional connection in their performances. They were consistently in the top tier and proved to be one of the most exciting new pairings.
- Finalist: Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach
Actor and filmmaker Dylan Efron (brother of Zac Efron) was paired with Season 30 winner Daniella Karagach. Their partnership was a blend of Daniella’s innovative choreography and Dylan’s surprising natural grace. They were a consistent presence in the semifinals, showcasing a memorable Viennese Waltz that earned rave reviews.
The Biggest Professional Romance of 2025: Alan Bersten and Emma Slater
While the celebrity-pro pairings dominate the headlines, the most significant "couple" news of 2025 came from two long-time professional dancers: Alan Bersten and Emma Slater. For years, fans have speculated about a romance between the two, given their palpable chemistry on the show and during the DWTS: Live! tours. This year, the rumors were finally confirmed in a dramatic, on-stage moment.
In April 2025, during the final performance of the Dancing with the Stars: Live! tour, Alan and Emma hard-launched their relationship with a passionate kiss on stage. This public display was the culmination of months of rumors and confirmed their status as the newest power couple of the ballroom. Their announcement sent shockwaves through the fan community and dominated entertainment news for weeks.
Both dancers have been mainstays on the show for years, with Alan reaching the finals with Season 33’s runner-up Ilona Maher and Emma being a former champion. They have since opened up about their mutual support, with Emma even addressing rumors of friction during the subsequent Season 34, emphasizing their strong, supportive bond. Their story is a reminder that sometimes, the true love story unfolds not in the competition, but behind the scenes.
Memorable Couples and Key Entities from the Recent Seasons
To truly understand the current landscape of DWTS, it's essential to look back at the immediate past season, which set the stage for the 2025 competition. Season 33 (2024) introduced several key professional dancers and unforgettable celebrity personalities who remain integral to the show's topical authority.
Season 33 (2024) Highlights and Notable Names
The season preceding the 2025 run was equally exciting, crowning Bachelor star Joey Graziadei and his partner Jenna Johnson as champions. Their emotional journey and high-scoring routines, including a standout Foxtrot, are still frequently referenced in the ballroom.
Other significant couples and entities from Season 33 included:
- Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong: The actress and her pro delivered one of the most technically demanding routines of the season with their Argentine Tango, showcasing the high level of competition.
- Danny Amendola and Witney Carson: The former NFL star proved that football players can master the ballroom, delivering a powerful Paso Doble during the popular "Hair Metal Night" theme.
- The Judges' Influence: The return of the core judges—Carrie Ann Inaba, known for her critiques on lifts; Derek Hough, celebrated for his technical expertise; and Bruno Tonioli, famous for his energetic praise—continued to shape the narrative. Their scores and comments are key entities that determine a couple's fate.
- Controversial Star: The pairing of social media personality Anna Delvey with pro Ezra Sosa generated immense media attention, proving that the show’s casting is constantly evolving to reflect current pop culture.
The success of these couples and the ongoing narratives surrounding the professional dancers, particularly the relationship between Alan Bersten and Emma Slater, solidify Dancing with the Stars as a dynamic, ever-evolving competition. The 2025 season will be remembered for the triumphant victory of Robert Irwin and Witney Carson, but the off-stage romance is the news that will keep fans talking until the next season.
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