The Shocking Finale: 5 Reasons Robert Irwin And Witney Carson Conquered Dancing With The Stars Season 34

The latest season of Dancing with the Stars concluded in a high-stakes, emotional finale, delivering one of the most unpredictable results in the show's history. As of December 15, 2025, the unforgettable Season 34 remains the benchmark for competitive ballroom dancing, culminating in an epic showdown between five incredible celebrity-pro partnerships that captured the hearts of millions. The battle for the coveted Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy saw a massive surge in viewer engagement, with the final night generating a record-breaking number of votes. The intense competition, which featured three demanding rounds of performances, showcased the incredible growth of the celebrity contestants. From the Judges' Choice Round to the spectacular Freestyles, every couple brought their absolute best, making the final decision a truly difficult one for the viewers at home. Ultimately, it was the partnership of wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin and professional dancer Witney Carson who lifted the trophy, solidifying their place in DWTS legend.

The Final Five: Meet the Season 34 Contenders

The journey to the finale of Season 34 was marked by incredible talent, dramatic eliminations, and a consistently high level of skill from the celebrity contestants. The final night featured five couples, each bringing a unique background and dance story to the ballroom floor.

Here is a complete look at the celebrity-pro partnerships that made it to the ultimate showdown, vying for the prestigious Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy:

• Robert Irwin & Witney Carson: The eventual champions, Robert, the son of the legendary Steve Irwin, quickly became a fan favorite. His natural charisma and Witney's innovative choreography proved to be a winning combination.
• Alix Earle & Val Chmerkovskiy: The social media sensation and her veteran pro partner were a formidable duo. Alix's immense fan base and Val's polished routines kept them at the top of the leaderboard throughout the season.
• Jordan Chiles & Ezra Sosa: The Olympic gold medalist gymnast and her partner consistently delivered technically brilliant and high-energy performances, often earning perfect scores from the judges.
• Dylan Efron & Daniella Karagach: The reality TV personality and his pro partner, known for her creative and powerful choreography, were the dark horses of the competition, showing tremendous improvement week after week.
• Elaine Hendrix & Alan Bersten: The seasoned actress and her partner brought elegance and theatricality to the ballroom, showcasing classic dance styles with flair and precision.

The judges’ panel—comprising the sharp-witted Carrie Ann Inaba, the technical expert Derek Hough, and the flamboyant Bruno Tonioli—had the monumental task of scoring the three final rounds: the Judges' Choice dance, the Redemption Round, and the spectacular Freestyle.

Breaking Down the Winning Night: Irwin and Carson’s Perfect Journey

Robert Irwin and Witney Carson's victory was a culmination of a season defined by consistent improvement and emotional connection with the audience. Their final night performances were a masterclass in versatility and showmanship, ultimately swaying the record-breaking over 72 million votes cast by viewers.

The finale night was structured to test every facet of the couples’ abilities, starting with the Judges' Choice Round. This round saw each couple revisit a dance style chosen by the judges to demonstrate how much they had grown since their first attempt.

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The Quickstep That Set the Tone

For Robert and Witney, the Judges' Choice was a high-octane Quickstep, which they performed to “Are You Gonna Be My Girl” by Jet. The routine was a testament to Robert’s clean footwork and boundless energy, which Derek Hough praised as a massive leap from his early-season performances. The couple’s ability to execute such a demanding ballroom dance with precision and joy immediately put them in contention for the top spot.

The Redemption Round further solidified their standing, but it was their final performance—the highly anticipated Freestyle—that truly sealed the deal. The Freestyle is traditionally the most important dance of the finale, allowing the couples to throw out the rulebook and showcase their chemistry and creativity.

Robert and Witney’s Freestyle was a powerful, emotional journey that earned them a perfect score of 30 out of 30. The routine, set to the song "Black," was visually stunning and technically flawless, blending contemporary moves with high-impact lifts. This perfect score, combined with the immense public support, was the final push needed to claim the title.

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The Final Showdown: Notable Performances and LSI Keywords

While Irwin and Carson took the top prize, the other finalists delivered performances that were equally memorable and technically brilliant. The sheer competition elevated the entire Season 34 finale, making it a must-watch television event.

Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy: The Viral Freestyle

Runner-up Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy delivered a viral-worthy Freestyle that perfectly blended Alix’s social media personality with Val’s signature bold choreography. Their routine, a mashup featuring Nelly Furtado’s “Maneater” and Tate McRae’s “Sports car,” was a high-energy spectacle that resonated deeply with the younger demographic. Alix’s journey from a non-dancer to a top finalist was one of the season’s most compelling storylines, showcasing the power of fan voting and dedication.

Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa: The Perfect Argentine Tango

Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa proved their technical prowess by earning a perfect 30 for their Argentine Tango, set to the song “U Got the Look.” Jordan’s athletic ability translated seamlessly into the intense, intricate movements of the Argentine Tango, leaving the judges in awe. Their consistent high scores throughout the season demonstrated that technical excellence is always rewarded in the DWTS ballroom.

The finale also featured a spectacular opening number that brought back all the eliminated couples from the season, providing a final celebratory moment for the entire Season 34 cast. Co-hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough expertly guided the audience through the tense evening, building anticipation until the very last moment when the Mirrorball Trophy was presented.

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The emotional weight of the finale was palpable, particularly when the results were announced, confirming Robert Irwin as the champion. The victory was a tribute to his late father’s legacy and a testament to the hard work and dedication he poured into the grueling 11-week competition. The Season 34 finale is a powerful reminder of what makes Dancing with the Stars a beloved cultural phenomenon: the blend of celebrity, professional artistry, and the overwhelming support of the viewing public.

The impact of this season continues to resonate, setting a high bar for the next installment of DWTS. Fans are already eagerly anticipating the next cast announcement, hoping to see a repeat of the high-caliber dance routines and dramatic competition that defined this recent finale.