Mirrorball Magic: Robert Irwin and Witney Carson Claim DWTS Glory in Epic Season 34 Finale

The confetti cannons roared like a thousand applause breaks, silver and gold shards raining down on the Disney lot’s sprawling ballroom stage as if the heavens themselves were celebrating. It was November 25, 2025, and “Dancing with the Stars” Season 34 had just etched its name into the annals of reality TV triumph with a three-hour extravaganza that blended heart-pounding rhythms, tear-streaked confessions, and a winner’s reveal that left 72 million voters—and a nation of glued-to-the-screen fans—utterly breathless. In the end, after a nail-biting tally of judges’ scores and viewer passion, Robert Irwin and his pro partner Witney Carson hoisted the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy high, their faces illuminated by the very lights that had tested their every step. It wasn’t just a win; it was a legacy handover, a wildlife warrior’s graceful leap from the Australian outback to the glittering heart of American pop culture.

Hosted by the evergreen Alfonso Ribeiro—whose own Season 19 victory with Carson made this reunion a full-circle fairy tale—and the effervescent Julianne Hough, the finale kicked off with an opening number that set the tone: a high-energy mashup choreographed by Ray Leeper to Madonna’s “Holiday,” featuring the full cast in festive flair, from Olympic medalists flipping mid-air to influencers voguing with viral precision. The energy was electric, the stakes higher than ever in a season that had already shattered viewership records, drawing in Gen Z TikTokers alongside boomer loyalists thanks to a cast that spanned viral sensations and silver-screen vets. But beneath the sequins and spotlights lay the real pulse: stories of transformation, where celebrities shed personas like old costumes to reveal raw, rhythmic souls.

The format was a finale fever dream—three dances per couple, no holds barred. First up, the Judges’ Choice, a chance to revisit and redeem a past routine handpicked by the panel: Derek Hough, Carrie Ann Inaba, and Bruno Tonioli, whose critiques had evolved from razor-sharp to downright poetic over 11 weeks. Then, the wildcard Instant Dance, drawn lottery-style from a spinning wheel of styles and tunes, forcing on-the-spot alchemy under the glare of live judgment. Finally, the freestyle: pure, unbridled expression, where technique bowed to narrative, and every lift, spin, and stomp told a personal epic. With five finalists in the fray—Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy, Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach, Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten, Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa, and the eventual champs Irwin and Carson—the night unfolded like a symphony building to its crescendo.

Let’s rewind the reel: The evening’s emotional anchor was undoubtedly Jordan Chiles, the 24-year-old Olympic gymnast whose floor routines had already dazzled Paris 2024 before a heartbreaking medal controversy thrust her into the spotlight. Paired with newcomer Ezra Sosa—promoted from the troupe after his electric chemistry with her—she owned the floor from her Week 1 jive. In the finale, their Judges’ Choice Viennese waltz to “Clair de Lune” earned a standing ovation from Hough, who gushed, “You’ve turned pain into poetry.” The Instant Dance? A tango to an unexpected “Bad Romance” by Lady Gaga, where Chiles’ splits met Sosa’s fierce holds in a blaze of redemption—scoring a 28/30 despite a minor slip. But it was their freestyle hip-hop to Normani’s “Motivation” (with the singer herself crashing the stage for an impromptu verse) that sealed their bronze: a high-octane tribute to Black girl excellence, all power walks and flips, netting 30s across the board. “You’ve motivated us all,” Inaba declared, tears flowing. Chiles finished third, her grace undimmed, already teasing a Broadway-bound future.

In fourth, Dylan Efron—Zac’s younger brother, fresh off a “Traitors” win and “Down to Earth” producing cred—brought bro-energy and boyish charm with Karagach, whose Season 32 victory made her a freestyle whisperer. Their Judges’ Choice contemporary to Coldplay’s “Fix You” revisited a Week 5 tearjerker, earning 29 for its vulnerable lifts. The Instant Dance samba to “Hips Don’t Lie” had the crowd whooping, though a syncopated stumble docked a point (27/30). Freestyle? A playful High School Musical nod to “We’re All in This Together,” complete with confetti cannons and Zac’s surprise video cameo—29 again. “You’ve fixed our hearts,” Tonioli quipped. Efron bowed out with hugs all around, his post-show X post reading: “Danced my way into family. Grateful.”

Fifth place went to the underdog darlings: Elaine Hendrix, the “Parent Trap” icon whose comedic timing masked a dancer’s grit, and Bersten, whose patient partnering turned her tango terrors into triumphs. Their Judges’ Choice cha-cha to ABBA’s “Dancing Queen” incorporated that viral Parent Trap handshake, scoring 28 amid laughs. Instant Dance? A paso doble to “Livin’ on a Prayer,” fierce but frazzled (26/30). Freestyle to “I’m Still Standing” by Elton John was pure Elton—resilient, retro, 29. “You’ve trapped our hearts,” Hough joked. Hendrix, misty-eyed, quipped backstage, “Fifth? Honey, I’m first in fabulous.”

Then, the silver showdown: Alix Earle, the 24-year-old TikTok titan with 7 million followers, whose Week 1 confession of anxiety had endeared her to a generation. With Chmerkovskiy—four-time champ and her unflappable guide—they stormed the night. Judges’ Choice paso doble redux to “Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen: flawless, 30. Instant Dance foxtrot to “Sugar on My Tongue” by Tyler, the Creator: silky, 29. Freestyle mashup of Nelly Furtado’s “Maneater” and Tate McRae’s “Sports Car”? A third perfect 30, all struts and sass. “You’re unstoppable,” Derek beamed. Earle’s runner-up finish sparked X frenzy—fans decrying “influencer bias” while praising her growth from shaky steps to showstopper.

And the gold? Robert Irwin, 21, the khaki-clad keeper of his father Steve’s flame at Australia Zoo, whose debut foxtrot had judges calling him “a natural.” With Carson—his Season 19 mirrorball soulmate—they built a bond that transcended the floor, her choreography channeling his conservationist spirit into every sway. Judges’ Choice quickstep to “Sweet Caroline”: effervescent, 29. Instant Dance contemporary to “Time” by Pink Floyd (a nod to Gilmour’s recent health saga?): poignant, 28 despite a lift wobble. But the freestyle? A joyous samba to “Waka Waka” by Shakira, infused with animal kingdom flair—Irwin in faux croc scales, lifts evoking croc wrestles—three 10s, a near-perfect 89/90 total. “You’ve danced into history,” Bruno roared. As confetti fell, Irwin lifted the trophy, voice cracking: “For Dad, for family—this is our wild side.”

Guest spots amplified the magic: Season 33 champs Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson tangoed to “Tanguera,” their chemistry still sizzling. Relay dances pitted past winners—Apolo Ohno with Chiles, Xochitl Gomez with Irwin—in playful battles. The troupe previewed the 2026 tour to Ed Sheeran’s “Sapphire,” Mandy Moore’s choreography a whirlwind of promise. Returning alums like Andy Richter (comedy gold) and Whitney Leavitt (polarizing but pivotal) joined a group number to Lady Gaga’s “Applause,” proving DWTS’ family tree runs deep.

Social media erupted post-reveal: #DWTSFinale trended worldwide, with 20 million X impressions in hours. Fans hailed Irwin as “destiny’s dancer,” echoing his sister Bindi’s 2015 win, while Earle stans lamented the “rigged tears.” Critics praised the season’s diversity—gymnasts, influencers, actors—crediting showrunner Tyrell Shaffer’s bold casting for a 25% ratings spike.

As the credits rolled, Carson whispered to Irwin, “We did it—for the animals, for the art.” In a year of global turbulence, DWTS reminded us: Dance doesn’t discriminate. It heals, it unites, it crowns the unexpected. Season 34 wasn’t just a competition; it was a coronation of joy. And with whispers of Season 35 already swirling, the ballroom’s light never dims. Who’ll step into the shine next? The stars, as ever, will decide.