Stunning Finale: Who Won Dancing With The Stars Season 34? Full Recap & Highlights

Keyword focus: Dancing With The Stars winner, DWTS Season 34, DWTS finale recap, Robert Irwin DWTS, Alix Earle DWTS
Power word used: Stunning

Introduction: A Record-Breaking Night on Dancing With The Stars

Dancing With The Stars Season 34 has officially wrapped, and the finale delivered one of the most high-energy, competitive, and emotional evenings in the show’s recent history. With more than 72 million public votes, the ballroom turned into a battleground of skill, stamina, and pure showmanship.

After weeks of eliminations, costume changes, tears, injuries, and back-to-back rehearsals, the grand finale crowned its new champion — and the night did not disappoint.

In this blog, you’ll find a complete recap, performance breakdowns, final scores, and a look at the top moments that had fans buzzing online. This is your ultimate DWTS Season 34 finale guide, crafted for SEO success and Google Discover visibility.

Who Won Dancing With The Stars Season 34?

The Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy went to Robert Irwin and his professional dance partner Witney Carson.

The wildlife conservationist, widely known as the son of the iconic Steve Irwin, proved throughout the season that he was more than just a fan favorite — he became one of the strongest technical dancers of the competition.

Despite suffering from a rib injury during the final week of rehearsals, Robert pushed through the pain and delivered near-perfect performances in all three rounds of the finale.

The duo scored a total of 89 out of 90 points from the judges, combined with millions of viewer votes that carried them to the top.

Final Rankings: DWTS Season 34

1. Robert Irwin & Witney Carson – Winner
2. Alix Earle & Val Chmerkovskiy – Runner-up
3. Jordan Chiles & Ezra Sosa – Third place
4. Dylan Efron & Daniella Karagach – Fourth place
5. Elaine Hendrix & Alan Bersten – Fifth place

A Finale Like Never Before: What Made Season 34 Unique?

For the first time in show history, finalists performed three brand-new dances during the same episode:

• Judges’ Choice Round
• Instant Dance Challenge
• Freestyle Round

Each routine required a fresh choreography, new musical arrangements, and a level of improvisation rarely seen in past seasons.

All previously eliminated contestants also returned for group performances, adding to the celebratory tone of the finale.

Round-by-Round Breakdown

Round 1: Judges’ Choice Performances

The finale kicked off with the judges selecting specific dance styles and guiding each couple through their last technical challenge of the season.

Top Scores — Judges’ Choice

• Alix Earle & Val Chmerkovskiy: 30/30
• Elaine Hendrix & Alan Bersten: 30/30
• Robert Irwin & Witney Carson: 29/30
• Jordan Chiles & Ezra Sosa: 29/30
• Dylan Efron & Daniella Karagach: 28/30

Alix Earle stunned with a dynamic samba, while Robert impressed with a high-energy quickstep that set the tone for his winning night.

Round 2: Instant Dance Challenge

This round pushed contestants to their limits. Couples were given their music and dance style only minutes before performing — a true test of adaptability.

Top Scores — Instant Dance Challenge

• Alix Earle & Val Chmerkovskiy: 30/30
• Dylan Efron & Daniella Karagach: 30/30
• Robert Irwin & Witney Carson: 30/30
• Jordan Chiles & Ezra Sosa: 30/30
• Elaine Hendrix & Alan Bersten: 27/30

This round proved decisive. Robert’s flawless performance earned him another perfect score, while Elaine’s lower score pushed her further from the top spot.

Round 3: Freestyle Round – The Showstopper

As always, freestyle routines brought the drama, the big lifts, and the emotional storytelling that DWTS finales are famous for.

Perfect Scores Across the Board

Every finalist earned 30/30 in this final round — a rare moment that showed how evenly matched the season’s top dancers were.

Robert and Witney’s freestyle mashup of dramatic modern choreography and upbeat contemporary movement earned standing ovations and solidified their position as finalists to beat.

Special Performances You Might Have Missed

The finale also included:

• Opening group performance choreographed by industry veteran Joey Pizzi
• Return of Season 33 winners Joey Graziadei & Jenna Johnson for a special showcase
• Appearances from eliminated contestants including fan favorites and viral personalities

These moments brought nostalgia and celebration to the season’s final episode.

Why Robert Irwin Deserved the Win

Robert’s win was more than just about technique. Here’s why he stood out:

✔ Dramatic Improvement

He grew from a shy, inexperienced dancer to a commanding performer.

✔ Emotional storytelling

His routines consistently connected with audiences.

✔ Overcoming injury

His rib injury could have held him back, but he delivered some of his strongest performances during the finale.

✔ Massive viewer support

A record-breaking voting turnout hinted that the audience was fully behind him.

Season 34: A Huge Win for Younger Viewers

This season successfully attracted a much younger audience due to:

• TikTok influencers
• YouTube creators
• Reality TV stars
• Athletes with large Gen-Z followings

The show trended on social media throughout the season, marking a major shift for the long-running franchise.

Where to Watch the Finale

The Season 34 finale aired live on ABC and is now available for streaming on:

• Disney+
• Hulu (next-day streaming)
• Hulu + Live TV (for those who want the broadcast version)

Who won Dancing With The Stars Season 34?

Robert Irwin and pro partner Witney Carson won the Mirrorball Trophy.

Who came in second?

Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy.

How many dances were performed in the finale?

Each couple performed three new dances.

What is the Mirrorball Trophy named after?

It is officially named the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy in memory of the late judge.

Conclusion: One of the Most Competitive DWTS Finales Ever

Season 34 of Dancing With The Stars will be remembered for its record-breaking votes, emotional performances, perfect freestyle scores, and the incredible rise of Robert Irwin.

From viral moments to technical brilliance, this finale truly had it all — making it one of the most unforgettable seasons in recent DWTS history.

If you’re a fan of reality competition shows, dance, or celebrity journeys, this season delivered everything you could want and more.