5 Jaw-Dropping Moments That Crowned Robert Irwin The DWTS Season 34 Champion

The most recent *Dancing with the Stars* finale, which concluded Season 34 on November 25, 2024, delivered one of the most emotional and tightly contested finishes in the show's history. The night was a spectacular culmination of weeks of intense competition, star-studded performances, and heartfelt tributes, ultimately crowning a new champion who captured the hearts of millions of viewers and the judges alike. The energy in the ballroom was palpable as the final five couples battled for the coveted Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy, making the Season 34 finale a must-watch television event that solidified the show's status as a cultural phenomenon.

The finale, hosted by Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough, saw the judges—Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli—deliver their final critiques on a night that featured three rounds of high-stakes dancing. The competition was fierce, with the final results hinging on a combination of judges' scores and, crucially, viewer votes. The ultimate victor was a beloved wildlife conservationist and television personality who proved that his passion for the wild translated perfectly to the ballroom floor.

The DWTS Season 34 Finalists: A Complete Roster

The journey to the finale of *Dancing with the Stars* Season 34 was a grueling one, featuring a diverse cast of celebrities who pushed their physical and emotional limits. By the final night on November 25, 2024, only five couples remained, each with a legitimate shot at the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy. The final placements reflected a season of incredible growth, technical mastery, and undeniable star power.

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• First Place (Winners): Robert Irwin and Professional Partner Witney Carson.
• Second Place (Runners-Up): Alix Earle and Professional Partner Val Chmerkovskiy.
• Finalists (Top 5):
  • Jordan Chiles and Professional Partner Ezra Sosa.
  • Dylan Efron and Professional Partner Daniella Karagach.
  • Elaine Hendrix and Professional Partner Alan Bersten.

The final night required each couple to perform three separate routines: a "Judges' Choice" redemption dance, a repeat of their favorite dance from the season, and the highly anticipated, show-stopping Freestyle. The final scores were a testament to the high level of talent, with Robert Irwin and Witney Carson consistently sitting at the top of the leaderboard, though the fan vote ultimately determined the champion.

The Robert Irwin Phenomenon: How the Wildlife Warrior Won the Mirrorball

Robert Irwin’s victory in Season 34 was not just a win for him and his partner, Witney Carson; it was a powerful moment that resonated with fans of his late father, Steve Irwin, and cemented his own identity as a charismatic performer. His journey was marked by a blend of raw emotion, technical precision, and an infectious enthusiasm that made him a favorite from Week 1.

The finale showcased three of Robert and Witney's most memorable routines. Their first dance, the Judges' Choice, was a high-energy Jive that aimed to redeem a previous performance. The couple attacked the routine with precision and incredible synchronization, earning them a near-perfect score that set the tone for the rest of the night. Their second performance was a repeat of their emotional Foxtrot, which had previously earned them the first perfect score of the season. This routine, often a tribute to his family, was a moment of pure, heartfelt connection that brought tears to the eyes of the judges and viewers.

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However, the real show-stopper, and arguably the routine that sealed their victory, was their Freestyle. The Freestyle is the one dance where all rules are thrown out, allowing the professional choreographer to showcase the celebrity's strengths. Witney Carson crafted a routine that was both technically demanding and deeply personal, blending contemporary, jazz, and ballroom elements. The performance was lauded by Derek Hough as one of the most innovative and emotionally powerful Freestyles in recent memory, earning them a perfect 30/30 score and securing their place at the top of the leaderboard.

Behind the Scenes: The Emotional Tributes and Tightest Vote

The Season 34 finale was not just about the competition; it was a celebration of the season, featuring performances from all the eliminated couples and heartfelt tributes to the show's legacy. This year, the focus was particularly poignant as the contestants competed for the newly renamed Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy, a tribute to the legendary head judge who passed away.

The final decision came down to one of the tightest popular votes in the show's history. While Robert and Witney were technically ahead on the judges' leaderboard, the margin was razor-thin. Social media star Alix Earle and her partner Val Chmerkovskiy proved to be a formidable force, securing the second-place spot. Alix's journey was one of the season's biggest surprises, as she transformed from a complete novice into a powerful, confident dancer. Her final Paso Doble and a dynamic Freestyle earned high praise, proving that the fan vote can propel an underdog to the very top.

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Another major highlight was the perfect score earned by actress Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten for their Rumba. Judge Derek Hough called her journey "exquisite," noting her immense growth throughout the season. The final moments saw the eliminated cast members—including actress Elaine Hendrix, comedian Whitney Leavitt, and others—return to the ballroom, creating a celebratory atmosphere that underscored the camaraderie of the competition.

The Final Leaderboard and Shocking Runner-Up

The final night's scores were incredibly close, emphasizing the high caliber of the remaining dancers. While the judges' scores are important, the fan vote is the ultimate decider, which is why the results often contain a "shocking" element. The final standings were:

• 1st Place: Robert Irwin & Witney Carson (Highest Combined Score/Votes)
• 2nd Place: Alix Earle & Val Chmerkovskiy (Strong Fan Favorite)
• 3rd, 4th, 5th Places: The remaining spots were contested by Jordan Chiles, Dylan Efron, and Elaine Hendrix, all delivering masterful final performances that made the final decision an agonizing one for viewers.

What's Next for Dancing with the Stars?

With the Season 34 finale now a celebrated memory, fans are already looking ahead to the next chapter. The show continues to be hosted by the charismatic duo of Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough, maintaining the familiar energy of the ballroom. The judging panel—Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli—is expected to return, bringing their signature blend of technical expertise and enthusiastic feedback.

The success of Season 34, which garnered impressive viewership numbers, signals a bright future for the long-running competition. The show’s ability to find fresh, compelling celebrity stories, like Robert Irwin’s heartfelt journey and Alix Earle’s surprising transformation, ensures that the ballroom remains the ultimate stage for personal and artistic growth. The next season will undoubtedly bring a new lineup of stars ready to face the challenge and compete for the chance to lift the next Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy, continuing the legacy of one of television's most beloved reality competitions.

The *Dancing with the Stars* finale is always more than just a dance competition; it is a showcase of human potential, emotional vulnerability, and the transformative power of art. Robert Irwin and Witney Carson’s victory is a memorable addition to the show’s storied history, proving that the combination of passion, hard work, and a genuine connection with the audience is the ultimate winning formula.