Watch USA TODAY reporters train with ‘Dancing with the Stars’ pros
USA TODAY’s Anna Kaufman steps into the ballroom to train with “Dancing with the Stars” pros.
“Dancing with the Stars” has a new champion.
After garnering a whopping 72 million votes during its live finale, “DWTS” came to a triumphant close on Tuesday, Nov. 25, naming Robert Irwin and pro partner Witney Carson the winners of Season 34.
The pair received the highest scores in both audience voting and judges’ decisions. They beat out the remaining couple, Dylan Efron and Daniela Karagacci. Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy. Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa. and Elaine Hendricks and Alan Bersten.
Irwin and Carson combined for 89 of 90 points all night. Earl took second place with Chmerkovskiy, receiving a total of 90 points out of a total of 90 points.
Chiles and Sosa finished third, Efron and Karagach fourth, and Hendricks and Bersten fifth.
For the first time in “DWTS” history, the remaining couples performed a total of three new dances. The jam-packed night featured performances of judge’s choice dances, an instant dance challenge, and a freestyle round.
All of Season 34’s couples returned to the ballroom for additional performances of Tyler, the Creator’s “Sugar on My Tongue,” Lady Gaga’s “Applause” and Alexander Jean’s “I Don’t Dance.” There were also several other performances, including the opening number of The Communards’ “Never Can Say Goodbye,” choreographed by Joey Pizzi.
Who won ‘Dancing with the Stars’? Complete recap of the final episode
After a particularly competitive season, Robert Irwin, wildlife conservationist and son of the late great Steve Irwin, won the coveted Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy alongside Carson.
Irwin and Carson combined for 89 of 90 points all night.
Ahead of the finale, Irwin’s professional dance partner Carson revealed he was injured in a TikTok video posted on Tuesday, November 25th. “Robert’s ribs are killing him, but we’ll find out more on Tuesday so we’ll have a better understanding of what we’ve been dealing with all week,” Carson said in the video.
Carson also stated that the finale was bittersweet as the past 11 weeks of dance rehearsals had been physically and mentally exhausting. “My body is feeling it. Robert’s body is feeling it. It’s like we’re falling apart right now,” she said. “I’m just trying to put it together.”
Check out our recap of the night, including the final tally.
Final ‘DWTS’ Season 34 Finale Score
After a three-hour show and over a dozen dance numbers, the final score will be announced. Here’s how each couple looked in the eyes of the judges.
- Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy: 90
- Dylan Efron and Daniela Karagacci: 88 years old
- Elaine Hendricks and Alan Bersten: 87 years old
- Robert Irwin and Whitney Carson: 89
- Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa: 89
Alix Earle gets her third perfect score of the night in her round 3 freestyle dance.
In the third and final round, Earle and Chmerkovskiy freestyled to a mashup of Nelly Furtado’s “Maneater” and Tate McRae’s “Sports Car,” earning them their third perfect score of the night.
Here are each contestant’s scores in the Freestyle Dance Challenge category:
- Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy, 30/30
- Dylan Efron and Daniela Karagacci, 30/30
- Elaine Hendricks and Alan Bersten, 30/30
- Robert Irwin and Whitney Carson, 30/30
- Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa, 30/30
Season 33 winners Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson return to the ballroom
“DWTS” couple Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson put on their dancing shoes once again for the season 33 finale of the dance competition. After winning last season’s Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy, they danced to Fabio Hager Sextet’s “Tangela.”
Round 2, Instant Dance Challenge Scores During ‘DWTS’ Finale
Earl took the stage first in the second round as well. She and her partner Chmerkovskiy danced the cha-cha to Ray’s “Where is My Husband,” earning her the second perfect score of the night. Of the five couples, Elaine Hendricks and Alan Bersten were the only ones not to receive a perfect score from the judges in round two.
Here’s how each contestant scored in the Instant Dance Challenge category:
- Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy, 30/30
- Dylan Efron and Daniela Karagacci, 30/30
- Elaine Hendricks and Alan Bersten, 27/30
- Robert Irwin and Whitney Carson, 30/30
- Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa, 30/30
“DWTS” Finalists’ Round 1 Performance, Judges’ Choice Scores
During the judges’ selection round, Earl took the stage first. She and Chmerkovskiy performed a perfect samba to Club Des Beluga’s “Hip Hip Chin Chin.”
Here are the scores for each contestant in the Judges’ Choice category:
- Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy, 30/30
- Dylan Efron and Daniela Karagacci, 28/30
- Elaine Hendricks and Alan Bersten, 30/30
- Robert Irwin and Whitney Carson, 29/30
- Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa, 29/30
Eliminated ‘DWTS’ cast members return to support finalists
The star-studded night also featured performances from all of the season’s eliminated stars, including fan favorite Andy Richter and polarizing reality star Whitney Leavitt. The two have become defining personalities this season as network television’s flagship show rides a ratings wave and welcomes a legion of young viewers.
“The Mormons” star Jen Affleck, Alec Baldwin’s wife Hilaria Baldwin, former NBA player Baron Davis, Pentatonix’s Scott Howing, “Goonies” actor Corey Feldman, former Fifth Harmony member Lauren Jauregui and “Boys Meets World” star Daniel Fishel were back in the ballroom to cheer on the top five finalists.
“DWTS” judge Carrie Ann Inaba replies to heckler During the live finale
Judge Carrie Ann Inaba wasn’t going to ignore the cries from the audience after criticizing finalist Jordan Childs’ performance. As a heckler rushed to the gymnast’s defense and called her a “queen,” Ann Inaba stopped her comment and yelled, “What? What did you say?” Co-host Alfonso Ribeiro told finalist Derek Hough, “Okay, okay, okay. Don’t worry about that. Derek, you’re awake.”
‘DWTS’ Season 34’s Most Dramatic Moments Revisited
“Dancing with the Stars” Live Tour
Already missed Dancing with the Stars? For die-hard fans, the finale is just the beginning. Many pros (and some celebrities) head out on live tours, allowing viewers across North America to see their spins and lifts up close.
Irwin, Chiles, Earl and Efron will join the tour as special guest stars, while non-finalist contestants like Richter and Fischel will serve as guest hosts alongside Hendrix.
The 2026 “Dancing with the Stars” live tour is scheduled for 74 performances. Click here for more information on how to get tickets.
Contributor: Lianna Norman, Palm Beach Post. Samantha Neely, Fort Myers
