The ballroom drama reached a fever pitch on December 11, 2025, as the latest season of Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) culminated in one of the most unpredictable and high-scoring finales in the show's history. Fans were on the edge of their seats to see which of the final five couples would claim the coveted Mirrorball Trophy, following a season packed with perfect scores, emotional performances, and shocking eliminations. The final results were a testament to growth, fan loyalty, and sheer dancing talent, with the competition coming down to a razor-thin margin.
This deep dive provides the definitive breakdown of the final episode, revealing the celebrity who triumphed, the final scores, and the unforgettable moments that defined the Season 34 journey. We’ve broken down the leaderboard, the elimination order, and the specific dances that sealed the fate of the final contestants.
The Season 34 Finale: Full Celebrity & Professional Partner Lineup
Season 34 of Dancing with the Stars, which concluded in 2025, brought together a diverse and highly competitive cast. The finale saw five couples vying for the title, each having demonstrated remarkable improvement and dedication throughout the season. Here is the complete list of the finalists and their professional partners:
- Robert Irwin (Actor & Conservationist) with Professional Partner Witney Carson
- Alix Earle (Social Media Personality) with Professional Partner Val Chmerkovskiy
- Jordan Chiles (Olympic Gymnast) with Professional Partner Ezra Sosa
- Dylan Efron (Filmmaker) with Professional Partner Danielle Karagach
- Elaine Hendrix (Actress) with Professional Partner Sasha Farber
The judging panel, consisting of ballroom legends Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough, with special guest judge Julianne Hough for the finale, faced the monumental task of scoring performances that consistently pushed the boundaries of technical skill and emotional connection. The stakes were higher than ever, with the scores combined with viewer votes determining the ultimate champion.
The Final Leaderboard and Shocking Elimination Order
The finale night required each couple to perform two dances: a redemption dance, where they revisited a style they struggled with earlier in the season, and a high-stakes freestyle routine. The combined scores from the judges, along with the cumulative viewer votes from the entire season, determined the final standings. The night was a whirlwind of energy, with several couples earning perfect scores, making the final tally incredibly close.
Final Standings & Scores Breakdown:
The final five were eliminated in reverse order, building the tension until only the top two remained. The total scores listed below reflect the combined judges' scores for their two finale dances (out of a possible 60 points).
- 5th Place: Elaine Hendrix & Sasha Farber (Total Finale Score: 56/60) - Elaine's journey was defined by her dramatic flair and commitment to character. Her final Freestyle was a theatrical masterpiece, but it wasn't enough to push her past the early voting surge of the other contestants.
- 4th Place: Dylan Efron & Danielle Karagach (Total Finale Score: 58/60) - A dark horse throughout the season, Dylan’s technical precision and partnership with Danielle earned him high praise. They delivered a powerful redemption Paso Doble, but the public vote ultimately sent them home just before the top three.
- 3rd Place: Jordan Chiles & Ezra Sosa (Total Finale Score: 59/60) - The Olympic gymnast was a powerhouse of athleticism and grace. Jordan's redemption Jive was a highlight, and her near-perfect score for the finale night solidified her as one of the season's strongest dancers. She finished with a total of 89 combined points across her three finale dances, as noted in previous weeks.
The Final Showdown: Robert Irwin vs. Alix Earle
The final two couples represented a true clash of fan favorites and high-scoring talent. Robert Irwin and Witney Carson, known for their emotional connection and consistent improvement, faced off against Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy, who captivated the audience with their infectious energy and social media following. The final scores were incredibly tight, making the viewer vote the deciding factor.
The Runner-Up: Alix Earle & Val Chmerkovskiy
Alix Earle's journey was a masterclass in translating social media fame into ballroom success. Her partnership with Val Chmerkovskiy resulted in viral performances and a massive fan voting base. Their final Freestyle was energetic and fun, earning them a near-perfect score. Alix was the season's dark horse, consistently improving and connecting with the audience on a deeply personal level. Finishing as the runner-up is a major accomplishment, highlighting her unexpected talent and dedication.
The Mirrorball Trophy Winner: Robert Irwin & Witney Carson
Robert Irwin and Witney Carson were crowned the champions of Dancing with the Stars Season 34. Robert's win was the culmination of a powerful season defined by emotional depth and technical excellence. He and Witney had already earned the first perfect score of the season—a stunning 30/30 for their Foxtrot during the Semifinals—a pivotal moment that signaled their potential to win. Their final Freestyle was hailed by the judges as a perfect blend of storytelling, technique, and heart, securing them the highest judges' scores of the night and ultimately, the Mirrorball Trophy. Robert’s victory is a powerful reminder that the DWTS journey is about transformation, honoring his commitment to his family's legacy while forging his own path on the dance floor.
Topical Authority: Key Moments and Controversies of Season 34
Beyond the final results, Season 34 delivered several key moments and recurring themes that drove social media discussion and fan engagement:
- The Perfect Score Breakthrough: Robert Irwin and Witney Carson's Foxtrot was the first perfect score of the season, setting a new standard for the competition and creating a major talking point about their front-runner status.
- The Shock Elimination: The elimination of Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas in an earlier week sent shockwaves through the fanbase. Despite a respectable judges' score of 58 on the night, they were the partnership eliminated, proving that the public vote can often override the judges' preferences, adding to the unpredictable nature of the show.
- The Pro-Dancer Chemistry: Pro-dancers like Witney Carson, Val Chmerkovskiy, Danielle Karagach, and newcomer Ezra Sosa were consistently praised for their innovative choreography and ability to draw out the best in their celebrity partners, showcasing the high level of talent among the professional cast.
- The Finale Format Debate: The decision to have five couples in the finale, rather than the traditional four, sparked debate among viewers and critics about whether it diluted the final competition, though it ultimately led to a more action-packed and high-stakes final night.
The ultimate victory by Robert Irwin and Witney Carson cemented Season 34 as one of the most memorable in DWTS history, demonstrating that the combination of heartfelt performances, consistent improvement, and a strong public connection is the true recipe for Mirrorball success.
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