The Shocking Final Scores: 5 Reasons Why The DWTS Season 34 Winner Didn't Have The Highest Judge Score

The world of competitive ballroom dancing witnessed one of its tightest and most debated finales in history as the latest season of Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) concluded. As of December 2025, the conversation is still buzzing around the Season 34 results, where the winning couple, despite delivering incredible performances, did not top the judges' leaderboard, proving once again that the audience vote is the true kingmaker. This article breaks down the definitive final scores, reveals the powerhouse couples, and explains the controversial 50/50 scoring mechanism that led to the shocking outcome.

The Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy was awarded following a spectacular finale, but the scores tell a nuanced story. The sheer talent displayed by the finalists—featuring a mix of social media stars, Olympic athletes, and television personalities—pushed the judges to hand out perfect scores with unprecedented frequency. Understanding the latest season's scores is key to appreciating the current state of the show, where technical skill is only half the battle against sheer popularity and emotional connection with the viewer.

DWTS Season 34 Finalist Scores and Placements (2025)

Season 34, which concluded in 2025, was a masterclass in performance, featuring a judging panel of Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli. The competition was fierce, culminating in a finale where the top two couples were separated by a single point on the judges' leaderboard. The final results, which incorporate the crucial audience vote, were as follows:

• The Untouchable Privacy 7 Secrets Of Rachel Mcadams And Jamie Lindens Life Beyond The Red Carpet E820e

• Winner: Robert Irwin and Witney Carson
• Runner-Up: Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy
• 3rd Place: Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa
• 4th Place: Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach
• 5th Place: Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten

The leaderboard scores from the final night of competition were incredibly high, with all couples performing two dances: a redemption dance and a show-stopping freestyle. The total possible score for the night was 90 points (3 judges x 10 points x 3 dances, as the instant dance was often incorporated or a third dance was performed).

The Final Leaderboard: Judges' Scores (Total Out of 90)

The judges' scores alone created one of the tightest races in DWTS history, with the top two couples earning near-perfect totals.

• 1st Place (Leaderboard): Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy – 90/90 points (Perfect Score)
• 2nd Place (Leaderboard): Robert Irwin and Witney Carson – 89/90 points
• 3rd Place (Leaderboard): Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa – Score Not Explicitly Listed (Top 3 Finalist)
• 4th Place (Leaderboard): Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach – Score Not Explicitly Listed (Top 4 Finalist)

The fact that Alix Earle, the social media sensation, achieved a perfect 90/90 score from the judges—making her the technical winner of the night—but ultimately finished as the runner-up, is the defining story of the season. This outcome underscores the massive influence of the fan base and the show's 50/50 scoring structure.

• 7 Shocking Things Jessica Capshaw Revealed About Growing Up With Steven Spielberg As Her Stepfather 892ho

The Power of the Perfect Score: Robert Irwin’s Triumph

While Robert Irwin and his partner Witney Carson finished second on the final night's leaderboard with 89/90 points, their consistency and emotional connection throughout the season, combined with a colossal fan following, propelled them to victory. Their final night included a breathtaking Quickstep and a powerful Freestyle dance.

The Irwin-Carson pairing received a near-perfect 29/30 for their Quickstep, followed by a perfect 30/30 for their final performance, showcasing a remarkable improvement and technical mastery over the competition's run.

Robert Irwin, the son of the legendary conservationist Steve Irwin, became one of the season's most beloved figures, with his journey from a novice dancer to a Mirrorball winner capturing the hearts of millions. His win, despite trailing on the judges' sheet, is a testament to the show's format, which is designed to reward both technical skill and audience appeal. The difference between Irwin’s 89 and Earle’s 90 was negligible in the grand scheme, allowing the viewer vote to swing the result.

• The Surprise Vegas Wedding And Shared Grief 5 Shocking Details Of John Schneider And Dee Dee Sorvinos Whirlwind Romance Ohirf

Key Scores and Memorable Dances from the Finale

The finale showcased a variety of dance styles, from the elegant Viennese Waltz to the high-energy Samba. The high scores reflected the incredible talent of the professional dancers, including Jenna Johnson, Mark Ballas, Daniella Karagach, and Alan Bersten, who are the backbone of the competition.

• Alix Earle's Perfect Night: Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy's final performances, including their redemption Samba, earned them a flawless 90/90. This incredible feat placed them at the top of the leaderboard, but the fan vote proved too strong.
• Dylan Efron’s Journey: Brother of Zac Efron, Dylan Efron, and Daniella Karagach consistently impressed with their technique, making it deep into the competition. Their high scores throughout the season demonstrated a strong commitment to the dance form.
• Jordan Chiles's Consistency: Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa were known for their precision and athleticism, often receiving high marks from the judges, particularly Derek Hough, who is known for his technical critique.

Unpacking the Controversial 50/50 Scoring System

The most crucial element in the DWTS finale is the intricate 50/50 scoring system, which is the source of all the controversy and excitement. This system dictates that the final result is determined by an equal weighting: 50% from the judges' scores and 50% from the public's votes.

This structure is what allows a couple like Robert Irwin and Witney Carson to win, even if they are technically a point behind on the judges' leaderboard. The judges—Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli—provide their expert critique and scores, but the ultimate decision rests with the millions of viewers who vote via text and online.

Why the Judges' Score Isn't Everything

The 50/50 split is a deliberate design choice that ensures the show remains a blend of technical competition and popularity contest. Here are the key takeaways:

1. Audience Connection: Celebrities who have a compelling personal story or who show significant growth (like Irwin) often win the audience vote, overriding a marginal deficit in the judges' scores.
2. Social Media Influence: Stars like Alix Earle, who have massive social media followings, can generate enormous voting power. However, even a large following can be outmatched by the broader, more emotionally invested network of a celebrity like Irwin.
3. The "Journey" Narrative: Viewers often vote for the celebrity who has demonstrated the most dramatic improvement from Week 1, rather than the one who is technically the best dancer in the finale.
4. Judges' Bias Perception: While judges strive for impartiality, viewers sometimes perceive a bias toward certain dancers, leading them to vote strategically to counter the judges' scores.
5. The Tight Race Factor: In a finale as close as Season 34, where the top two were separated by a single point (90 vs. 89), the fan vote becomes the absolute deciding factor, amplifying its power.

The system ensures that the show is not just a pure dance competition but an entertainment spectacle where charisma, personality, and the ability to connect with the audience are just as important as a perfect Tango or Foxtrot. The hosts, Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough, often emphasize the importance of the viewer vote, especially in such a close race.

Topical Authority: The All-Time Perfect Score Record

While the Season 34 scores were impressive, the all-time record for the most perfect scores in DWTS history remains a benchmark of excellence. A perfect score, which is a 30 (or 40, depending on the number of judges), is the ultimate accolade from the panel.

Historically, the couples who have achieved the most perfect scores are often the most technically proficient and emotionally engaging. The record for the most perfect scores in a single season is held by a few elite contestants, demonstrating the caliber of talent the show attracts. Names like Jordan Fisher, Bindi Irwin (Robert's sister), and Laurie Hernandez are frequently cited in the conversation about DWTS scoring excellence, often achieving 8 or 9 perfect scores in their respective seasons.

The Season 34 finale, with its near-perfect scores for both Robert Irwin and Alix Earle, confirms that the level of competition continues to rise. The scores from the latest season serve as a fresh reminder that while the judges can set the stage, the ultimate destination of the Mirrorball Trophy is decided by the millions of votes cast by the passionate viewing public.