The Shocking Runner-Up: Who Lost The Dancing With The Stars Season 34 Finale?

The most recent and definitive "loss" on Dancing with the Stars was the highly-anticipated finale of Season 34, which aired just a few weeks ago, culminating in a surprising result that left fans divided. On this Thursday, December 18, 2025, the buzz is still centered on the incredible journey of the celebrity who came in second place, narrowly missing out on the coveted Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy after a season of spectacular dances and emotional breakthroughs. The final night of competition was a tight race, proving that even a perfect score from the judges isn't enough to guarantee a win against the power of the public vote.

The star who was declared the runner-up and, by definition, the final "loser" of the season, was none other than social media sensation Alix Earle, alongside her professional partner, Valentin "Val" Chmerkovskiy. Their journey was one of the most talked-about of the season, blending raw, emotional performances with the immense power of a massive online fanbase. Despite earning perfect scores in the finale, they ultimately fell just short of victory to the eventual champions, Robert Irwin and Witney Carson.

Alix Earle: The Social Media Star Who Almost Won DWTS

Alix Earle’s participation in Dancing with the Stars brought a massive new audience to the show, leveraging her fame as one of the internet’s most prominent lifestyle influencers. Her appearance marked a significant moment for the show, showcasing the crossover power of a digital celebrity in a traditional television competition.

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Alix Earle's Quick Profile & Biography

• Full Name: Alix Ashley Earle
• Date of Birth: December 16, 2000
• Age: 25 (as of the finale date)
• Hometown: Monmouth County, New Jersey
• Known For: Social Media Personality, TikTok Influencer
• Viral Content: "Get Ready With Me" (GRWM) videos, authentic vlogs, and lifestyle content.
• Education: Graduated from the University of Miami.
• DWTS Partner: Valentin Chmerkovskiy
• DWTS Final Result: Season 34 Runner-Up (Second Place)

Earle's transparency about her struggles with acne, relationships, and the pressures of fame resonated deeply with millions, establishing her as a relatable figure. This authenticity translated directly to the dance floor, where she often infused her performances with deep, personal emotion, earning her high praise from the judges and a dedicated voting bloc from the public.

The DWTS Season 34 Finale: Earle and Chmerkovskiy's Near-Perfect Night

The Season 34 finale, which aired on December 2, 2025, was one of the closest contests in recent memory. The final four couples—Robert Irwin and Witney Carson, Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy, Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach, and Elaine Hendrix and Pasha Pashkov—all delivered show-stopping performances.

A Night of Flawless Footwork and High Scores

Alix and Val performed two dances on the final night. Their incredible Instant Cha-Cha-Cha to a contemporary hit earned them a perfect score of 30 out of 30 from the judging panel. This perfect score was a testament to Alix’s massive improvement over the season, demonstrating technical precision that was often overshadowed by her emotional connection to the music in previous weeks.

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Their second performance, the highly-anticipated Freestyle dance, was a creative masterpiece that showcased Val Chmerkovskiy's choreography genius. The routine was designed to highlight Alix's journey and growth, earning them another set of near-perfect scores, contributing to a final combined judges' score that put them at the very top of the leaderboard, tied with two other couples.

Despite the judges' high praise and cumulative high scores, the final result depended on a combination of the judges’ scores and the crucial viewer votes. The power of the Irwin family legacy and Robert Irwin’s consistently charming performances proved to be the decisive factor, pushing him and Witney Carson to a historic win.

The Emotional Aftermath: Alix Earle's Gracious Reaction to the Loss

The moment the results were announced was filled with palpable tension. When hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough declared Robert Irwin and Witney Carson the winners, the camera quickly cut to Alix Earle, who was visibly emotional. However, her reaction was one of pure grace and gratitude, earning her even more respect from the audience and her fellow competitors.

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Tears of Joy and Reflection

In post-finale interviews, Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy shared their feelings about the runner-up finish. Alix, teary-eyed, emphasized that the experience was less about the trophy and more about the personal transformation she underwent. She spoke about how the intense training schedule, the demanding routines, and the vulnerability required to perform live had fundamentally changed her for the better. This personal growth narrative is a powerful example of the show’s enduring appeal, even for those who don't win the Mirrorball.

Val Chmerkovskiy, a two-time champion, praised Alix's dedication, highlighting the immense pressure she faced as a major celebrity stepping into a grueling physical competition. He noted that her ability to handle the criticism, the physical toll, and the emotional demands while maintaining her authentic self was a victory in itself. Their partnership, which blossomed into a genuine friendship, was one of the most heartwarming storylines of Season 34.

The Final Standings and Topical Authority

The Season 34 finale was a showcase of talent, solidifying the final placements as follows:

• Winner: Robert Irwin & Witney Carson
• Runner-Up (Second Place): Alix Earle & Valentin Chmerkovskiy
• Third Place: Dylan Efron & Daniella Karagach
• Fourth Place: Elaine Hendrix & Pasha Pashkov

While Alix Earle may have "lost" the final vote, her journey from a TikTok influencer to a polished ballroom dancer has cemented her as one of the most memorable contestants in the show's history. The immense support from her fanbase, affectionately known as the "Alix Earle Army," demonstrated the powerful shift in how celebrity influence translates to mainstream entertainment. Her success as the runner-up proves that sometimes, the biggest win is the journey itself, providing her with invaluable experience and a platform to continue her career with a new set of skills and a deeper connection to her audience. The Season 34 finale debate—whether the judges' scores or the fan vote should carry more weight—continues to be a hot topic among the DWTS community.