Robert Irwin and Witney Carson were crowned the champions of Dancing With the Stars season 34 in a thrilling three-hour finale on November 25, 2025. The Australian wildlife expert outperformed a strong field of finalists, including Olympian Jordan Chiles and influencer Alix Earle, securing the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy. All finalists received perfect scores in the freestyle round, but viewer votes ultimately decided the winner.
Finale Overview
The season 34 finale of Dancing With the Stars aired on ABC on November 25, 2025, featuring five finalists: Jordan Chiles with Ezra Sosa, Alix Earle with Val Chmerkovskiy, Dylan Efron with Daniella Karagach, Elaine Hendrix with Alan Bersten, and Robert Irwin with Witney Carson. The episode included three competitive rounds, with performances judged by Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli. TVLine polls prior to the finale showed Robert leading both in who would win (67%) and who should win (57%), reflecting his strong fan support.
Round-by-Round Breakdown
Judges' Choice
In this round, couples learned and performed a new ballroom or Latin style under judges' coaching. Scores were: Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa (Paso Doble) - 29/30; Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy (Samba) - 30/30; Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach (Paso Doble) - 28/30; Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten (Rumba) - 30/30; Robert Irwin and Witney Carson (Quickstep) - 29/30.
Instant Dance Challenge
Couples drew styles and songs minutes before performing, drawing from pre-rehearsed options. Results: Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa (Tango) - 30/30; Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy (Cha-Cha) - 30/30; Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach (Foxtrot) - 30/30; Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten (Quickstep) - 27/30; Robert Irwin and Witney Carson (Cha-Cha) - 30/30.
Freestyle Round
The unrestricted freestyles earned perfect scores across the board: all couples scored 30/30, highlighting the season's high caliber.
Results and Behind-the-Scenes Moments
After the performances, viewer votes determined the outcome. Robert Irwin and Witney Carson won the Mirrorball, with Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy as runners-up, followed by Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa in third, Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach in fourth, and Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten in fifth.
Off-air, the audience booed Carrie Ann Inaba for her constructive critiques, such as noting Dylan's hand placement, Robert's incomplete moments, and Jordan's strong attack in her paso doble. Jordan defended Inaba, saying, "I have to give credit to Carrie Ann, because as a woman, it is hard to really express who you are and what you're doing. So Carrie Ann, keep doing what you're doing." A crowd director reminded viewers during a break to remain respectful. Joyful moments included Danielle Fishel gifting a stuffed unicorn to Dylan Efron's sister Olivia, and post-win celebrations with hugs from Xochitl Gomez and an emotional embrace between host Alfonso Ribeiro and Witney, marking the 11-year anniversary of her first win with him.