A record-setting vote, perfect scores, and a surprising win — Season 34 of “Dancing With the Stars” wrapped with a finale that sparked celebration and controversy.
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Season 34 of “Dancing With the Stars” came to a close Tuesday night, November 25, following a high-energy, three-hour finale that featured new choreography, the return of eliminated contestants, and an unprecedented 72 million viewer votes.
A viewer reacts to the “Dancing With the Stars” Season finale results, on November 25, 2025 | Source: Instagram/people
While the season’s end brought excitement to the ballroom, the final result left many viewers surprised — and some upset. On Instagram, reactions began pouring in shortly after the finale aired.
One viewer wrote, “Alix was more improved and had a perfect score. Should’ve won.” Another said, “Alix was robbed unfortunately.” A third one declared, “I demand a recount.”
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Others voiced disappointment more directly. One frustrated fan posted, “MAKES NO SENSE!!!! Alix and Val deserved that.” Another commented, “Alix outdanced him all season let’s be real. My champ.” Criticism over the result continued as another viewer wrote, “Not my winner 🙅🏻♀️.”
A different viewer shared, “Screaming, crying, throwing up 😭😭😭 Alix and val were always my mirrorball champs.” One fan added, “Happy the [sic] my two favorites were in the top two but you can’t tell me that Alix did not outperform Robert… she was the clear winner.”
Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy stand on the “DWTS” stage with Robert Irwin and Witney Carson on November 25, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
Criticism over the scoring also emerged. One fan commented, “I love Robert but he messed up multiple times??” Another asked, “He forgot the steps and gets a 30?? 🤨”
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Despite the wave of discontent, some viewers celebrated the final outcome. One supporter commented, “👏AMAZING!!! He deserves the win!!!” Another remarked, “Zero dance experience, improved every week, great personality, and amazing performances; plus great partner. Well deserved! Bravo Robert & Witney! 👏👏👏”
Robert Irwin and Witney Carson pictured on the “DWTS” stage on November 25, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
One fan expressed relief, posting, “thank god the mirrorball is back home (with witney).” Another praised the winner’s journey by writing, “Despite Carrie Ann’s consistent anti-Robert stuff, he STILL won!! He was, by far, the best dancer out there this season ❤️❤️.” Another exclaimed, “This dance was insane.”
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Ultimately, Robert Irwin and Witney Carson were crowned the Season 34 champions. With a combined score of 89 out of 90 on finale night and support from the viewing audience, their win capped off one of the show’s most competitive seasons to date.
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The moment was particularly emotional for Irwin, who quoted his sister Bindi Irwin — a past champion herself — during his acceptance speech. “My sister said it best, thank you for changing my life,” he expressed tearfully.
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Carson had previously revealed that Irwin was dealing with rib pain heading into the finale. In a TikTok video posted Tuesday, she said, “Robert’s ribs have been killing him, and more will be revealed on Tuesday, and you guys can get a better idea of what we’ve been dealing with all week.”
She added, “My body is feeling it. Robert’s body is feeling it. We’re, like, kind of falling apart right now.” A fan echoed the concern, commenting, “Hope he’s ok!!!!! He looked amazing but hope he’s not in pain.”
Robert Irwin and Witney Carson perform during the finale episode of “DWTS” Season 34 on November 25, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
The finale featured five finalists — Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy; Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach; Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten; Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa; and Robert Irwin and Witney Carson — each performing three routines: Judges’ Choice, Instant Dance Challenge, and Freestyle.
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All five couples earned a perfect score of 30 for their freestyle performances. In total, Earle and Chmerkovskiy scored 90 out of 90 across all three rounds, the only couple to do so. The final leaderboard for the night was as follows:
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- Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy: 90
- Robert Irwin and Witney Carson: 89
- Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa: 89
- Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach: 88
- Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten: 87
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The season leaderboard showed a tie between Earle and Irwin, both earning 459 points overall. Jordan Chiles followed with 452 points, Dylan Efron with 443, and Elaine Hendrix with 431.
The finale also welcomed back all eliminated contestants. Among those returning to the ballroom were Jen Affleck, Whitney Leavitt, Hilaria Baldwin, Baron Davis, Corey Feldman, Danielle Fishel, Scott Hoying, Lauren Jauregui, and Andy Richter.
The “DWTS” season 34 contestants celebrate winners Robert Irwin and Witney Carson, on November 25, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
Group numbers were performed to songs including “Never Can Say Goodbye” by The Communards, “Sugar on My Tongue” by Tyler, The Creator, “Applause” by Lady Gaga, and “I Don’t Dance” by Alexander Jean. A standout moment came when Normani joined finalist Jordan Chiles on stage during her freestyle to “Motivation.”
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Carson described the 11-week journey as one of both physical and emotional intensity. Speaking about the final stretch, she said, “Just trying to keep it together for, like, two more days. Literally today and tomorrow, and then it’s over.”
While opinions remain divided over the final result, Season 34 delivered a tightly scored finale, historic format changes, and a winner whose legacy echoes that of his sister — marking another milestone in the show’s 34-season run.
