Mandy
The highly anticipated Season 34 finale of Dancing With the Stars delivered an unforgettable night filled with energetic routines, returning cast members, and the crowning of a brand-new winner.
With three fresh performances from each finalist and a ballroom packed with stars, the show ended its latest season on a high note.
A Star-Packed Finale Night
The finale brought back the entire Season 34 cast, setting the stage for an evening of celebration and competition. The top five finalists—Alix Earle, Dylan Efron, Elaine Hendrix, Jordan Chiles, and Robert Irwin—returned to perform in front of a roaring crowd.
For the first time in the show’s history, each pair performed three unique routines:
- The Judges’ Choice dance
- The Instant Dance Challenge
- The iconic Freestyle routine
This new structure added intensity and excitement as fans waited to see who would rise to the top.
Returning Contestants Bring Energy To The Ballroom
Cast members who had been eliminated earlier in the season made a spirited return, including:
- Jen Affleck and Whitney Leavitt from Secret Lives of Mormon Wives
- Hilaria Baldwin
- Baron Davis, retired NBA star
- Corey Feldman, actor-musician
- Danielle Fishel of Boy Meets World
- Scott Hoying from Pentatonix
- Lauren Jauregui from Fifth Harmony
- Andy Richter, comedian and actor
Their presence added nostalgia and excitement as the finalists prepared for their final dances.
Behind DWTS Season 34’s Viral Success
DWTS showrunner Conrad Green and casting director Deena Katz revealed how a blended strategy of strong casting and social-media buzz helped catapult the show to a new level of popularity.
The TikTok Effect
Katz shared that TikTok transformed the show’s reach, bringing in a completely new audience who followed weekly trends and clips.
“The TikTok world opened something up I’ve never seen before,” Katz explained. “There’s a whole new audience watching just to keep up with the social-media story.”
How Voting Really Works
Green also clarified how viewer votes and judges’ scores combine:
- Scores and votes are ranked separately.
- Couples receive ranking points based on their position on each leaderboard.
- The lowest combined score (judges’ points + public vote points) results in elimination.
- If two couples tie, the one with fewer public votes leaves.
This 50/50 system ensures both audience engagement and dance quality remain central to the competition.
Finale Scores For All Three Rounds
Judges’ Choice
- Alix Earle & Val Chmerkovskiy — 30/30
- Dylan Efron & Daniella Karagach — 28/30
- Elaine Hendrix & Alan Bersten — 30/30
- Jordan Chiles & Ezra Sosa — 29/30
- Robert Irwin & Witney Carson — 29/30
Instant Dance Challenge
- Alix Earle & Val Chmerkovskiy — 30/30
- Dylan Efron & Daniella Karagach — 30/30
- Elaine Hendrix & Alan Bersten — 27/30
- Jordan Chiles & Ezra Sosa — 30/30
- Robert Irwin & Witney Carson — 30/30
Freestyle Round
All five couples earned perfect 30/30 scores, showcasing creativity, skill, and season-long growth.
Final Placements — Season 34 Results
- WINNER: Robert Irwin & Witney Carson
- 2nd Place: Alix Earle & Val Chmerkovskiy
- 3rd Place: Jordan Chiles & Ezra Sosa
- 4th Place: Dylan Efron & Daniella Karagach
- 5th Place: Elaine Hendrix & Alan Bersten
Robert Irwin’s emotional and powerful final performances secured him the Season 34 mirrorball trophy.
Season 34 of Dancing With the Stars wrapped up with one of the most exciting finales in the show’s history.
With standout performances, a renewed surge of online popularity, and record-breaking viewer engagement, the season delivered entertainment at every turn.
The crowning of Robert Irwin and Witney Carson marked a triumphant finish to a season defined by creativity, viral moments, and exceptional dance talent.