The Final Five: Who Was In The Dancing With The Stars Season 34 Finale?

The lights dimmed on one of the most competitive and emotionally charged seasons in recent memory, culminating in the spectacular Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) Season 34 finale. As of December 12, 2025, the dust has settled, and the results are officially in, revealing a star-studded group of five celebrity finalists who battled it out for the coveted Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy. This season saw unprecedented fan engagement, shattering previous voting records and setting the stage for a truly unforgettable conclusion.

The journey to the final night was fraught with dazzling perfect scores, shocking eliminations, and incredible personal growth from the celebrity contestants. Fans, judges, and the stars themselves were on the edge of their seats as the competition narrowed down to the very best. Here is the definitive breakdown of the five couples who made it to the final round of DWTS Season 34, their professional partners, and the incredible performances that defined their season.

Meet the Finalists: The Star-Studded Lineup of DWTS Season 34

For the first time in several seasons, the DWTS finale featured five couples, each bringing a unique blend of technical skill and captivating stage presence. The competition was fierce, with the final leaderboard being a tight race determined by a combination of judges' scores and a record-breaking number of viewer votes. The five finalists of Dancing with the Stars Season 34 were:

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• Robert Irwin & Witney Carson: The 21-year-old conservationist and wildlife expert, son of the late Steve Irwin, followed in his sister Bindi Irwin's footsteps. Partnering with seasoned pro Witney Carson, Robert quickly became a fan favorite, known for his infectious energy and powerful Latin dances. Their victory marked a special moment, coming exactly ten years after Bindi’s triumph.
• Alix Earle & Val Chmerkovskiy: The social media sensation and podcast host brought her massive following and a surprising vulnerability to the ballroom. Paired with two-time champion Val Chmerkovskiy, Alix demonstrated remarkable improvement throughout the season, transforming from a novice dancer into a legitimate contender and finishing as the season's runner-up.
• Dylan Efron & Daniella Karagach: The filmmaker and brother of Zac Efron, Dylan, was partnered with the dynamic pro Daniella Karagach. Known for his commitment to storytelling and sharp technique, their partnership produced several memorable contemporary and jazz routines that consistently earned high praise from the judges.
• Jordan Chiles & Ezra Sosa: The Olympic gymnast and medalist, Jordan Chiles, was paired with pro Ezra Sosa. As expected, Jordan excelled in routines requiring agility and precision. Their partnership was a powerhouse of athleticism and clean execution, making them a constant threat on the leaderboard.
• Elaine Hendrix & Artem Chigvintsev: The veteran actress, best known for her roles in films like The Parent Trap, was a dark horse in the competition. Paired with Artem Chigvintsev, Elaine’s journey was defined by her elegance and emotional connection to the music, securing her a spot in the final five.

The Road to the Mirrorball: Semifinals Recap and Defining Performances

The path to the finale is never easy, and Season 34 saw its share of drama and iconic moments. The Semifinals were particularly intense, leading to a surprise double elimination that solidified the final five. Each couple had a defining performance that showcased their growth and potential to win the Mirrorball Trophy.

Robert Irwin and Witney Carson's journey was characterized by their ability to connect emotionally with the audience. Their Argentine Tango, which paid homage to his family's legacy, was a standout moment that earned them their first perfect score of the season. The pressure of following in Bindi Irwin's footsteps was evident, but Robert channeled it into powerful, mature performances that belied his young age.

Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy consistently improved, peaking with their stunning Contemporary routine in the latter half of the competition. Alix’s ability to take the judges' critiques and apply them directly to her dancing earned her the respect of the panel and the undying support of the voter base, which proved crucial in the final count. Their partnership was a masterclass in celebrity transformation.

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The final night required two critical performances: a redemption dance and the highly anticipated Freestyle. The Freestyle performance is often the make-or-break routine, allowing the couples to throw out the rule book and create a show-stopping number that encapsulates their entire journey. The Season 34 Freestyles were particularly memorable:

• Robert & Witney: Their Freestyle was a high-energy, theatrical blend of Latin and contemporary styles, showcasing Robert's showmanship and charisma. It was a clear plea to the audience, celebrating their partnership and his family's legacy.
• Alix & Val: Their routine was a beautiful, technically demanding piece that highlighted Alix's newfound grace and athleticism, proving she belonged in the final two.

The Historic Finale Vote and The New Mirrorball Champion

The Season 34 finale was historic not just for the five finalists, but for the sheer volume of participation. The show announced that over 72 million votes were cast during the finale alone, contributing to a season total that surpassed 500 million. This unprecedented level of viewer engagement underscored the massive cultural relevance of Dancing with the Stars.

The judging panel, which included Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough, provided their final scores, but ultimately, the winner was determined by the combination of those scores and the overwhelming viewer votes. The leaderboard was incredibly close, with the judges praising the technical skill of all five finalists.

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The Final Results and The Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy

After a tense reveal, the final standings were announced, confirming the power of the fan vote:

1. Winner: Robert Irwin and Witney Carson. Their consistent scores, combined with an enormous outpouring of fan support, secured their victory. Robert became the second member of the Irwin family to lift the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy, a testament to his dedication and the family's enduring connection with the American audience.
2. Runner-up: Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy. Finishing in second place, Alix and Val delivered a stunning final performance that showcased the most significant transformation of the season.
3. 3rd, 4th, and 5th Place: The remaining spots were filled by Dylan Efron & Daniella Karagach, Jordan Chiles & Ezra Sosa, and Elaine Hendrix & Artem Chigvintsev. All three couples delivered spectacular finale routines, making the final decision one of the most difficult in DWTS history.

The victory for Robert Irwin and Witney Carson was a poignant end to a spectacular season. Witney Carson, a beloved professional dancer, added another victory to her impressive resume, while Robert cemented his status as a talented performer and a worthy champion. The emotional final moments, where Robert dedicated the win to his family and the spirit of his late father, Steve Irwin, resonated deeply with viewers worldwide. The success of Season 34, marked by the incredible talent of its five finalists—Robert Irwin, Alix Earle, Dylan Efron, Jordan Chiles, and Elaine Hendrix—proves that Dancing with the Stars remains a television powerhouse.