The Dancing with the Stars Season 34 finale aired on November 26, 2025, crowning Robert Irwin and professional partner Witney Carson as champions — a moment that stunned fans who’d expected the crown to go to TikTok sensation Alix Earle. The win capped a 20th-anniversary season that blended Olympic grit, Hollywood nostalgia, and viral fame, all under the glittering lights of Studio 11 in Los Angeles. It wasn’t just about dance moves; it was about redemption, resilience, and the quiet magic of a man who grew up watching his father, Steve Irwin, connect with the wild — and now, with America.
From Olympic Gold to Mirrorball Glory
Jordan Chiles, the 2024 Olympic gold medalist in gymnastics, didn’t just enter the competition — she arrived like a storm. Her Jive to "Maniac" in Week 1 earned a perfect 22 points, and by Week 8, her Tango to "Anxiety" by Doechii scored another 24. "I might have a gold medal, but I'm eyeing that miracle," she told Good Morning America during the cast reveal on September 3, 2025. And for a while, it looked like she might get it. But as the weeks wore on, the judges began to favor emotional storytelling over technical perfection. Chiles, paired with Ezra Sosa, finished in third place — a respectable showing, but not enough to topple the frontrunner.
The Rise of Robert Irwin and the Power of Authenticity
Robert Irwin, 24, the son of late wildlife icon Steve Irwin, entered the competition as a quiet, unassuming figure. He wasn’t a pop star, not a household name like Corey Feldman or Elaine Hendrix. But he had something rarer: sincerity. His Foxtrot to "Footprints in the Sand" by Leona Lewis in Week 9 didn’t just earn a perfect 40 — it silenced the room. Judges Bruno Tonioli and Derek Hough were visibly moved. "That wasn’t a dance," said Hough. "That was a prayer."
Robert’s journey wasn’t flawless. He stumbled in the Paso Doble, struggled with rhythm in the Cha-Cha, and once admitted on live TV, "I don’t know if I’m any good at this." But his connection with Witney Carson, a veteran of seven seasons, felt real. They practiced before sunrise. They cried after losses. And when they danced the team Freestyle to "25 or 6 to 4" by Chicago — alongside Danielle Fishel, Whitney Leavitt, and Dylan Efron — they scored another perfect 40. That performance, broadcast on October 21, 2025, became the season’s viral moment.
Who Got Left Behind?
The season’s first double elimination on September 23, 2025, shocked viewers: Corey Feldman and Baron Davis were sent home together. Feldman, 53, the former child star of The Goonies, had been a fan favorite for his humor and heart — but his scores hovered in the teens. Davis, the former NBA All-Star, was a physical marvel but struggled with musicality. "I thought I could do this," he told Good Morning America the next day. "Turns out, dancing’s harder than defending LeBron."
By Week 7, Jen Affleck, the "Mormon housewife" from Utah, was eliminated in 9th place. Her journey was a quiet triumph — she’d never danced before, didn’t own heels, and had three kids at home. But she showed up every week. "I didn’t come here to win," she said. "I came here to prove I could try."
Elaine Hendrix, best known as Meredith Blake in The Parent Trap, finished fifth — her Viennese Waltz to "I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing" earning a 28-point score. Her emotional exit, surrounded by her daughter and husband, was one of the most tender moments of the season.
The Newcomers Who Changed the Game
One of the season’s most surprising additions was Jan Ravnik, the new pro dancer who, according to Good Morning America on October 15, 2025, had spent years as a backup dancer on Taylor Swift’s record-breaking Eras Tour. His chemistry with Jen Affleck was electric — even though they were eliminated in Week 5. "He taught me how to feel the music, not just count steps," she said. Ravnik’s arrival signaled a shift: DWTS was no longer just about Broadway or ballroom. It was about pop culture, global tours, and the energy of the modern stage.
What This Season Meant for the Franchise
Season 34 wasn’t just a celebration — it was a redefinition. The show, which began in 2005, had been criticized for favoring fame over talent. But this season flipped the script. The winner wasn’t the most famous. He wasn’t the most viral. He was the one who showed up with his whole heart — and made people cry without saying a word.
The ratings? Up 18% from last season. Social media mentions? Broke records. And for the first time in years, viewers weren’t just watching for the drama — they were watching because they believed in the dancers.
What’s Next?
ABC has already announced Season 35 will premiere in September 2026, with rumors swirling about a "Celebrity All-Stars" spinoff. Meanwhile, Robert Irwin has launched a nonprofit called "Dance for the Wild," using his Mirrorball Trophy winnings to fund wildlife education programs in Australia. Alix Earle, the runner-up, signed a deal with ABC to host a behind-the-scenes docuseries. And Jordan Chiles? She’s back in the gym — training for the 2028 Olympics. But this time, she says, she’s not just dancing for medals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won Dancing with the Stars Season 34?
Robert Irwin, wildlife advocate and son of Steve Irwin, won Season 34 alongside professional dancer Witney Carson. Their emotional Foxtrot to "Footprints in the Sand" earned a perfect 40 points, and their consistent improvement throughout the season won over both judges and viewers. Alix Earle finished as runner-up.
Why was Robert Irwin’s win surprising?
Irwin wasn’t a celebrity with a massive fanbase like Alix Earle or Jordan Chiles. He was a quiet, humble figure with no prior dance experience. His win challenged the show’s traditional bias toward fame and viral moments, proving that authenticity and emotional connection can outweigh popularity.
Who were the top three finishers?
Robert Irwin and Witney Carson won first place. Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy finished as runners-up. Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa took third place — a remarkable achievement for an Olympic gymnast competing in her first dance competition.
What was the most memorable performance of the season?
The team Freestyle to "25 or 6 to 4" by Chicago, performed by Team Chicago (Robert Irwin, Danielle Fishel, Whitney Leavitt, Jordan Chiles, and Dylan Efron), received a perfect 40 points. But Robert’s solo Foxtrot to "Footprints in the Sand" was the emotional climax — it moved judges to tears and became the season’s defining moment.
How did the new pro dancer Jan Ravnik impact the season?
Jan Ravnik, who danced on Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, brought a fresh, pop-culture energy to the ballroom. His chemistry with Jen Affleck elevated her performance, and his presence signaled DWTS’s shift toward embracing modern dance styles and artists from outside traditional ballroom circles.
Did any celebrity achieve a perfect score?
Yes. Robert Irwin and Witney Carson earned a perfect 40 for their Foxtrot to "Footprints in the Sand." They also scored another perfect 40 during the team Freestyle. Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa scored 24 in their Tango, and Dylan Efron received 23 in his Foxtrot — both near-perfect marks that kept them in contention.
