By Jordan Grim • November 26, 2025 • 02:40 AM (PDT)
By Jordan Grim • November 26, 2025 • 02:40 AM (PDT)

Season 34 of dancing with the stars has wrapped with a finish that kept viewers glued to their screens. After a long run of high-pressure routines, surprise challenges and a packed finale night, Robert Irwin and Witney Carson walked away with the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy. Their win marked one of the most talked-about endings of the season.
The finale also featured a strong lineup of finalists. Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy, Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach, Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa, and Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten all took the floor with routines that pushed their limits. Each pair performed three times, including the judges’ choice dance, an instant dance and their freestyle round.
When co-host Julianne Hough asked Irwin what the win meant to him, he shared words that struck a chord with the ballroom crowd. He thanked his sister for reminding him how life-changing this journey has been. Carson echoed the emotion, adding that she already felt like a winner by forming such a strong bond with her partner.
The finale began with a vibrant routine danced to “Never Can Say Goodbye” by The Communards. Several past contestants returned for this last show, including Lauren Jauregui, Corey Feldman, Andy Richter, Whitney Leavitt and others.
Alix Earle and Chmerkovskiy opened the first competitive round with a samba to “Hip Hip Chin Chin.” Tonioli praised her growth, and Earle earned a perfect 30. Efron and Karagach followed with a paso doble that landed them a 28. Hendrix and Bersten earned a 30 for their rumba, while Irwin and Carson scored 29 for their quickstep. Chiles and Sosa wrapped things up with a strong 29 for their paso doble.
The instant round tested each couple with surprise music. Earle once again delivered a perfect 30 with her cha cha. Efron and Karagach matched that score with an impromptu foxtrot. Hendrix and Bersten earned 27, while Irwin and Carson returned to the top with another 30 for their cha cha. Chiles and Sosa closed with a perfect tango.
Earle and Chmerkovskiy opened the freestyle section with a mix of “Maneater” and “Sports Car,” earning a 30 and finishing with a total of 90 across all rounds. Efron, Hendrix and Chiles each delivered high-energy routines that also earned perfect scores. Irwin and Carson’s freestyle to “Black & Gold” and “The Nights” locked in their momentum, placing them firmly in the race for the finale win.
Irwin revealed he had been working through painful rib issues during rehearsals. Carson expressed concern but made clear that his health came first as they prepared for the finale.
The ballroom crowd included past contestants Stephen Nedoroscik, Bindi Irwin, Terri Irwin and Kelsey Anderson. Elaine Hendrix also had her longtime friend Lisa Ann Walter cheering from the seats.
Season 34’s journey ends with a fresh champion, a packed finale and a night fans of dancing with the stars will remember for years.