The 10 Most Shocking & Successful Dancing With The Stars Couples Of Seasons 33 & 34 (2024-2025)

The ballroom drama, dazzling routines, and shocking eliminations of Dancing with the Stars have never been more intense than in the most recent seasons. With the Season 34 finale just wrapping up, the world is still buzzing about the newest Mirrorball Trophy holders and the celebrity-pro pairings that dominated the headlines, from unexpected perfect scores to heartbreaking send-offs. This article, updated in December 2025, dives deep into the most successful and controversial couples from both Season 33 and the recently concluded Season 34, providing a fresh look at the partnerships that defined the last two years of the iconic dance competition.

The magic of DWTS lies not just in the choreography but in the chemistry, and the 2024 and 2025 seasons delivered on all fronts. From a beloved reality star finally claiming the prize to a wildlife conservationist overcoming injury, the journey of these couples is a masterclass in dedication and performance. We break down the winners, the runners-up, the showmances, and the most unforgettable moments that cemented these pairings in DWTS history.

The Reigning Champions: DWTS Season 34 (2025) Winner and Finalists

Season 34 of Dancing with the Stars was arguably one of the most competitive in recent memory, culminating in a finale that saw a beloved celebrity overcome a significant setback to claim the coveted Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy. The season was packed with high scores, emotional routines, and a few truly shocking eliminations.

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Robert Irwin and Witney Carson: The Unstoppable Duo

The biggest story of the 2025 season was undoubtedly the partnership between wildlife conservationist and television personality Robert Irwin and veteran pro Witney Carson. Their journey was marked by consistent high scores, incredible showmanship, and a genuine connection that resonated with viewers.

• Celebrity: Robert Irwin (Wildlife conservationist and television personality)
• Professional Partner: Witney Carson (Two-time Mirrorball champion)
• Final Result: Winners of the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy (Season 34, 2025)
• Key Moment: Robert's ability to push through a rib injury right before the finale, delivering a flawless routine that helped secure their victory.
• Topical Authority Entity: Their win makes Witney Carson one of the most successful professional dancers in the show's history.

Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy: The Social Media Sensation

Social media influencer Alix Earle and two-time winner Val Chmerkovskiy were the season's dark horses. Their chemistry was electric, and Alix's rapid improvement made them a serious threat, ultimately finishing as the runners-up after a nail-biting finale.

• Celebrity: Alix Earle (Social media influencer)
• Professional Partner: Val Chmerkovskiy (Two-time Mirrorball champion)
• Final Result: Runners-up (Season 34, 2025)
• Key Moment: Their contemporary routines were consistently praised by the judges for their emotional depth and technical precision.

Dylan Efron and Elaine Hendrix: The Final Five Powerhouses

The Season 34 finale featured five couples, including the dynamic pairings of Dylan Efron (brother of Zac Efron) and Elaine Hendrix (actress). While they didn't take home the trophy, their presence in the final round solidified their status as top-tier competitors, showcasing the diverse talent of the 2025 cast.

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The Unforgettable Season 33 (2024) Champions and Showmances

Before the 2025 season, the ballroom was dominated by the highly entertaining and emotional Season 33. This season not only crowned a popular reality TV personality but also sparked a highly publicized "showmance" rumor that captivated the audience.

Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson: The Bachelor's Redemption

Former Bachelor star Joey Graziadei and his partner Jenna Johnson proved to be a formidable team, consistently delivering high-energy and technically sound performances. Their hard work paid off, earning them the Mirrorball Trophy after a fierce competition against Olympic athletes and seasoned performers.

• Celebrity: Joey Graziadei (Former The Bachelor star)
• Professional Partner: Jenna Johnson (Mirrorball champion)
• Final Result: Winners of the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy (Season 33, 2024)
• Topical Authority Entity: Jenna Johnson joined an elite group of pros with multiple wins, reinforcing her position as a DWTS legend.

Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten: The Olympic Powerhouse

Olympic rugby player Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten were an undeniable force throughout Season 33, known for their powerful, athletic, and often humorous routines. They finished as the runners-up, a testament to their incredible journey from the sports field to the ballroom.

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• Celebrity: Ilona Maher (Olympic rugby player)
• Professional Partner: Alan Bersten (Mirrorball champion)
• Final Result: Runners-up (Season 33, 2024)

The Most Talked-About Couples and Shocking Moments (2024-2025)

Beyond the winners, every season of DWTS is defined by the couples who bring the most drama, chemistry, and unexpected twists. Seasons 33 and 34 were no exception, featuring controversial contestants and rumored romances that kept the internet buzzing.

Brooks Nader and Gleb Savchenko: The Showmance Speculation

Model Brooks Nader and professional Gleb Savchenko were the subject of intense media scrutiny during Season 33. Their undeniable on-screen chemistry quickly sparked dating rumors, a classic DWTS phenomenon known as the "showmance." While they were eliminated relatively early in week four, the speculation around their relationship continued long after their final dance.

Anna Delvey and Ezra Sosa: The Controversial Pairing

One of the most controversial casting decisions in Season 33 was the inclusion of Anna Delvey (real name Anna Sorokin), known for her high-profile fraud case. Paired with Ezra Sosa, their journey was closely watched, proving that DWTS is not afraid to embrace controversial figures for ratings and discussion.

The "Secret Lives of Mormon Wives" Pairings

Both seasons featured cast members from the reality show The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, adding a unique flavor to the competition. Jen Affleck was paired with Jan Ravnik in Season 34, while another cast member was paired with Mark Ballas in the same season, demonstrating the show's commitment to drawing from current reality TV trends.

Shocking Eliminations of Season 34

Season 34 delivered several "shocking eliminations" that left fans in an uproar. Despite high scores and consistently strong performances, certain couples found themselves in the bottom two, proving that popularity and viewer votes often trump the judges' scores. The finale itself was noted for its "most shocking oops moments," which included unexpected stumbles and technical errors under pressure, highlighting the high-stakes environment of the competition.

The Lasting Legacy: Real-Life Romance and Topical Authority

The true topical authority of Dancing with the Stars extends beyond the Mirrorball Trophy to the real-life relationships forged in the ballroom. The 2025 DWTS: Live! Tour saw a major relationship announcement that thrilled fans, confirming the enduring magic of the show.

• Alan Bersten and Emma Slater: In a surprising turn of events during the 2025 DWTS: Live! Tour, professional dancers Alan Bersten and Emma Slater made their relationship official by sharing a kiss on stage. This revelation was a huge moment for fans who love seeing the pros find love with each other.
• The Chmerkovskiy Dynasty: Val Chmerkovskiy's appearance in Season 34, along with the continued presence of his brother Maksim Chmerkovskiy's wife Peta Murgatroyd in the professional roster (and their past wins), solidifies the family's deep-rooted legacy on the show.
• Jenna Johnson and Val Chmerkovskiy: While not a new couple, the fact that Season 33 winner Jenna Johnson is married to Season 34 runner-up Val Chmerkovskiy creates a fascinating dynamic, with the couple holding two of the last four top spots.

The partnerships of Seasons 33 and 34 have set a new standard for excellence, drama, and fan engagement. From Joey Graziadei's emotional victory to Robert Irwin's resilient win, and the constant buzz around the professional dancers like Witney Carson, Jenna Johnson, Val Chmerkovskiy, and Alan Bersten, the Dancing with the Stars ballroom continues to be the ultimate stage for celebrity transformation and unforgettable dance moments.