Robert Irwin's Triumph: The Explosive DWTS Season 34 Finale Recap And Full Leaderboard (2025)

The most dramatic season of Dancing with the Stars to date culminated in an unforgettable finale that captivated over 72 million voters, proving the show's enduring popularity. As of today, December 11, 2025, the dust has settled on the Season 34 competition, and the results are a testament to the power of audience votes over the judges' final scores. The three-hour spectacular saw five powerhouse couples battle for the coveted Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy, culminating in a jaw-dropping victory that surprised many on the leaderboard. The night was packed with emotional freestyles, perfect scores, and a finish so close it was dubbed "one of the tightest" votes in the show's history.

The finale was a showcase of celebrity transformation, with the final five couples delivering some of the most technically challenging and personally expressive routines of the entire season. While the judges—Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli—had their favorites, the combination of their scores and the massive viewer vote determined the ultimate champion. Here is the definitive, in-depth recap of the Dancing with the Stars Season 34 Finale, detailing the final performances, the scores, and the complete final standings.

The Final Five: Complete DWTS Season 34 Leaderboard and Standings

The finale night kicked off with five incredible couples, each having earned their spot through weeks of grueling training and emotional performances. The competition was fierce, with the final judges' leaderboard showing a near-perfect tie at the top. However, the audience votes reshuffled the final rankings in a major way.

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The final rankings for Dancing with the Stars Season 34 are as follows:

• 1st Place (Winners): Robert Irwin & Witney Carson
• 2nd Place (Runners-Up): Alix Earle & Val Chmerkovskiy
• 3rd Place: Jordan Chiles & Ezra Sosa
• 4th Place: Dylan Efron & Daniella Karagach
• 5th Place: Hendrix & Alan Bersten

Robert Irwin's Biography Profile:

• Full Name: Robert Clarence Irwin
• Born: December 1, 2003 (Age: 22 as of 2025)
• Birthplace: Buderim, Queensland, Australia
• Occupation: Wildlife Conservationist, Television Personality, Photographer
• Family: Son of the late "Crocodile Hunter" Steve Irwin and Terri Irwin; Brother of Bindi Irwin (DWTS Season 21 Winner).
• DWTS Pro Partner: Witney Carson (Two-time Mirrorball Winner)
• Notable Projects: Co-hosts Crikey! It's the Irwins, Chief Conservation Officer of Australia Zoo.

The Night of Perfect Scores: Judges' Choice and Instant Dance Recaps

The finale was structured into two main rounds: the Judges' Choice dance, where a judge selected a routine for the couple to perfect, and the Instant Dance Challenge, where couples were given a new dance style and music just hours before air time.

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Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy: The Perfect Start

TikTok superstar Alix Earle and her pro partner Val Chmerkovskiy had a spectacular night, setting the tone with a perfect score in the first round. For the Judges' Choice, Carrie Ann Inaba selected a vibrant Samba for the duo, which they performed to "Hip Hip Chin Chin." Inaba praised Earle's incredible growth, noting that the performance was a brilliant way to start the final.

Their second performance, the Instant Dance, was a fiery Cha Cha to the viral hit "WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!". The couple's chemistry and sharp technique earned them high praise, solidifying their position at the top of the leaderboard with an impressive total score of 90/90 from the judges for their two routines.

Robert Irwin and Witney Carson: The Consistent Contenders

Wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin and pro Witney Carson entered the finale as fan favorites, known for their infectious energy and genuine connection. Their journey had been marked by consistent improvement, often culminating in emotional tributes to Robert's late father, Steve Irwin.

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Their Judges' Choice dance was a high-energy Jive routine. Robert's commitment to the character and the complex choreography impressed the panel. While they didn't hit the perfect 90 like Alix and Val, their total score of 89/90 kept them firmly in the running, demonstrating a level of technical mastery that few expected at the start of the season.

The Decisive Factor: Freestyle Routines and Emotional Tributes

The Freestyle is traditionally the most anticipated dance of the finale. It allows the couples to shed the constraints of a specific ballroom style and create a routine that tells their unique story. This round often separates the champions from the contenders, and Season 34 was no exception.

Robert and Witney's Winning Freestyle

Robert and Witney delivered a powerful and uplifting Freestyle to a mashup of "Black & Gold" by Sam Sparro and "The Nights" by Avicii. The routine was a vibrant, high-octane celebration of Robert's journey and his family's legacy. It was a perfect blend of ballroom technique and showmanship, capturing the spirit of joy and adventure that defined his time on the show.

The judges were visibly moved. Bruno Tonioli called the routine "beautiful and poetic," while Carrie Ann Inaba stated that the number was the "epitome of what DWTS was all about." The performance earned them a perfect score, cementing their place at the top of the judges' final leaderboard (tied with Alix Earle).

Alix and Val's Show-Stopping Freestyle

Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy chose a darker, more dramatic path for their Freestyle, dancing to "Maneater." The routine was a technical masterclass, showcasing Alix's impressive stage presence and newfound confidence. Val's choreography was intricate and demanding, and Alix met the challenge with a polished performance that earned a standing ovation.

Despite their perfect 90/90 cumulative judges' score—one point ahead of Robert and Witney—the audience vote proved to be the ultimate decider. Their incredible run ended in a well-deserved second place, highlighting the incredible growth they achieved throughout the season.

The Tightest Race Ever: The Final Results and Emotional Victory

The final moments of the finale were fraught with tension. With the judges' scores being so close, the power was entirely in the hands of the millions of viewers who cast their votes. The co-hosts, including Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro, built the suspense before announcing the final outcome.

When the results were announced, the ballroom erupted. Robert Irwin and Witney Carson were crowned the Season 34 champions, taking home the coveted Mirrorball Trophy. Robert's emotional reaction was one of pure disbelief and gratitude. He paid tribute to his family and the supportive DWTS community, acknowledging the journey as one of the most transformative experiences of his life.

The victory was a major upset on the leaderboard, as Alix Earle had technically led the judges' scores. This result underscores a key dynamic of Dancing with the Stars: while technique is essential, the emotional connection and journey of the celebrity—their story, their growth, and their ability to inspire viewers—often hold the most weight in the final vote. Robert Irwin's genuine nature, combined with Witney Carson's masterful choreography and mentorship, resonated with the audience in a way that translated directly into the winning votes.

Topical Authority: The Legacy of Season 34 and Future of DWTS

Season 34 will be remembered as a landmark season for several reasons. It continued the legacy of the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy, named in honor of the late head judge. The season also showcased the incredible talent of the professional dancers, with Witney Carson securing her second Mirrorball win. The inclusion of diverse celebrities like Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles and environmentalist Robert Irwin broadened the show's appeal, bringing in new demographics.

The finale also featured a spectacular return of all eliminated Season 34 couples, including performances by stars like Jamie Lynn Spears, Barry Williams, and others, adding to the festive atmosphere. The high-stakes, three-hour format ensured that every moment was filled with drama and dance. The overwhelming viewer engagement, with over half a billion votes cast throughout the season, confirms that Dancing with the Stars remains a cultural phenomenon, successfully navigating its transition to ABC and Disney+. Fans are already anticipating the announcement of Season 35, eager to see which celebrities will attempt to master the Foxtrot, Paso Doble, and Viennese Waltz next.