Well, another season of Dancing with the Stars has wrapped up, and wow, what a ride it was! The finale was packed with amazing routines, emotional moments, and of course, that nail-biting trophy reveal. We saw incredible growth from the contestants, some truly stunning performances that had the judges on their feet, and a few surprises along the way. If you missed any of the action or just want to relive the highlights, we’ve got you covered with all the latest dancing with the stars entertainment tonight has to offer.
Key Takeaways
- Robert Irwin and Witney Carson took home the Mirrorball Trophy after a season of impressive performances and overcoming challenges.
- The finale featured three rounds: Judges’ Choice, Freestyle, and the new Instant Dance Challenge, pushing the remaining couples to their limits.
- Contestants like Dylan Efron showed remarkable transformation throughout the season, starting lower on the leaderboard and making it to the final.
- Judges awarded perfect scores to several couples in various rounds, highlighting the high level of talent and dedication this season.
- The season celebrated the journey of all contestants, with past eliminated pairs returning for a final farewell dance.
Dancing With The Stars Season 34 Finale Recap
Judges’ Choice Round Highlights
The finale kicked off with the highly anticipated Judges’ Choice round, where each remaining couple was tasked with performing a style they hadn’t tackled before. This segment really put their adaptability and skill to the test. Judges assigned dances based on what they felt would challenge the contestants the most, pushing them to showcase new facets of their talent. It was a chance for them to prove how much they’d grown throughout the season, moving beyond their comfort zones.
Freestyle Performances Showcase Growth
Following the Judges’ Choice, the couples unleashed their creativity with their freestyle routines. This is where dancers truly get to express themselves, blending their journey, personality, and newfound skills into one spectacular performance. Many of these routines were designed to be a heartfelt thank you to their supporters and a final, dazzling display of their progress. The energy in the ballroom was palpable as each pair aimed to leave a lasting impression.
The Instant Dance Challenge Revealed
To cap off the competitive dances, the couples faced the thrilling Instant Dance Challenge. This segment is always a nail-biter, as pairs are given a new dance style with only a short amount of time to prepare. They receive the music and the style just moments before they have to perform it live. It’s a true test of their ability to learn quickly and perform under immense pressure, often leading to surprising and memorable moments that highlight their dedication and quick thinking.
Key Performances and Judge’s Scores
Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy’s Incandescent Samba
Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy brought a fiery samba to the ballroom, lighting up the dance floor with their performance. They danced to a vibrant track that allowed Earle to showcase her growing confidence and stage presence. The judges were impressed with the energy and execution, noting how far Earle has come since the beginning of the competition. Their dynamic routine earned them a near-perfect score, highlighting their strong connection and Alix’s remarkable progress.
Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten’s Exquisite Rumba
Elaine Hendrix, alongside her partner Alan Bersten, delivered a stunning rumba that captivated the audience and judges alike. Despite facing challenges throughout the season, Hendrix poured her heart into this performance, demonstrating grace and emotional depth. The routine was praised for its fluidity and the clear storytelling conveyed through their movements. It was a moment of pure artistry on the dance floor.
Robert Irwin and Witney Carson’s Quickstep Mastery
Robert Irwin and Witney Carson tackled a high-energy quickstep, proving their versatility and skill. Irwin, known for his consistent performances, showed incredible precision and speed, making the complex steps look effortless. The judges lauded his technical ability and the sheer joy he brought to the dance. This performance solidified their status as strong contenders for the Mirrorball Trophy.
Contestant Journeys and Redemption Dances
Dylan Efron’s Paso Doble and Transformation
Dylan Efron’s journey on ‘Dancing With The Stars’ has been a remarkable display of growth. Starting the competition lower on the leaderboard, Efron consistently worked to improve, culminating in a powerful Paso Doble. This dance, performed to ‘Stampede’ by Alexander Jean ft. Lindsey Stirling, showcased his dedication. While judges noted minor technical points like flat hands, the overall impression was one of significant artistic development and physical presence. Efron’s ability to transform and reach the finale is a testament to his hard work.
Jordan Chiles’ Tango and Paso Doble Efforts
Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles, paired with Ezra Sosa, demonstrated impressive resilience and skill throughout the season. Her Tango, performed to ‘I Like It’ by Alesso and Nate Smith, aimed to build on previous strong performances in the same style. Later, her Paso Doble to ‘Breakin’ Dishes’ by Rihanna was a high-energy display of determination. Despite facing tough critiques, Chiles consistently brought passion to the ballroom, earning high scores and the admiration of the judges for her commitment.
Robert Irwin’s Cha Cha Redemption
Wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin faced a personal challenge with the Cha Cha, a dance style that hadn’t previously clicked for him. Performing to ‘Cake by the Ocean’ by DNCE, Irwin acknowledged his initial nervousness. However, his performance was elevated by his undeniable personality and stage presence. The judges, including Derek Hough, praised his execution and performance quality, recognizing his effort to master a dance that had been a hurdle. This round served as a significant redemption for Irwin, earning him a perfect score and proving his versatility.
The path to the Mirrorball Trophy is rarely a straight line. For many contestants, the season becomes a story of overcoming personal challenges, refining technique, and discovering hidden talents. Redemption dances, in particular, offer a chance to revisit a style that proved difficult earlier in the competition, showcasing the profound learning and growth that occurs week after week under the pressure of live performance.
The Road to the Mirrorball Trophy
Semi-Final Performances to Prince’s Music
The semi-final week of "Dancing With the Stars" Season 34 was a high-stakes event, with the remaining six couples facing a double performance challenge. Each pair had to tackle two routines: one in a new, unlearned style and another as a redemption dance, aiming to improve on a previous performance. The entire night was dedicated to the music of the iconic Prince, adding an extra layer of energy and artistry to the competition. This was a critical night, as the results would determine who would advance to the grand finale and have a shot at the Mirrorball Trophy.
Last week’s performances saw Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas, Robert Irwin and Witney Carson, and Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach at the top of the leaderboard after a relay dance. Unfortunately, Andy Richter and Emma Slater found themselves at the bottom, and the pressure was on for everyone to bring their absolute best.
The semi-final is always a turning point in the competition. It’s where dancers have to prove they have the stamina and skill to handle multiple styles and the emotional weight of the competition, all while honoring a legendary artist.
Elimination of Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas
As the competition intensified, the semi-final round unfortunately marked the end of the road for Whitney Leavitt and her professional partner, Mark Ballas. Despite their strong performances throughout the season, including a top spot on the leaderboard in previous weeks, they were eliminated just one week before the finale. This outcome underscored the fierce competition and the razor-thin margins separating the couples at this late stage of the game. Their departure left the remaining five couples to battle it out for the ultimate prize.
The Final Five Couples Compete
With Whitney and Mark’s elimination, the competition narrowed down to the final five couples. These remaining pairs moved forward to face the ultimate challenge: the grand finale. The pressure was immense as they had navigated an entire season of demanding routines, overcoming injuries, and pushing their creative boundaries. Now, they were just one performance away from potentially lifting the coveted Mirrorball Trophy, with each couple bringing their unique journey and strengths to the final showdown.
Final Dance Showdowns and Scores
Dylan Efron’s Foxtrot in the Instant Dance
Dylan Efron surprised everyone, including himself, by reaching the finale. For the Instant Dance challenge, he and his partner Daniella Karagach were tasked with a Foxtrot to "Ordinary" by Alex Warren. Efron had expressed a desire for the Foxtrot, feeling comfortable with its frame, and he certainly delivered. The judges were visibly impressed, with Carrie Ann Inaba exclaiming she didn’t think he knew how amazing it was, and Derek Hough questioning what he was even watching due to the sheer quality of the performance. They earned a perfect score of 30 out of 30.
Alix Earle’s Fierce Freestyle Performance
Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy aimed to showcase their growth throughout the season with their Freestyle. Dancing to a mashup of "Maneater" by Nelly Furtado and "Sports Car" by Tate McRae, Earle delivered one of her most powerful performances. She transformed from a shy beginner into a confident dancer, a journey she intended to highlight. The judges praised her intensity and transformation, with Bruno Tonioli calling her a "dominatrix unleashed." This spectacular routine also secured a perfect score of 30 out of 30.
Elaine Hendrix’s Heartfelt Freestyle
Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten’s Freestyle was a touching tribute to her journey on the show. Performing to "Opening: I Hope I Get It" from A Chorus Line, Hendrix expressed how the competition taught her to believe in herself. Her performance was so moving that it brought Carrie Ann Inaba to tears. The judges lauded the routine for its emotional depth and connection, awarding them a perfect score of 30 out of 30. It was a beautiful culmination of her time in the ballroom.
Here’s a look at the scores from this round:
| Couple | Dance Type | Song Title | Score (out of 30) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dylan Efron & Daniella K | Instant Dance | "Ordinary" | 30 |
| Alix Earle & Val C | Freestyle | "Maneater" / "Sports Car" | 30 |
| Elaine Hendrix & Alan B | Freestyle | "Opening: I Hope I Get It" | 30 |
The Instant Dance challenge truly tested the couples’ ability to adapt and perform under extreme pressure, relying heavily on instinct and the pros’ quick guidance.
The Mirrorball Champion is Crowned
Robert Irwin and Witney Carson Take the Win
After an electrifying season filled with incredible talent and memorable performances, the moment everyone was waiting for finally arrived. The Mirrorball Trophy has a new home! Wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin and his professional partner Witney Carson have officially been crowned the champions of Dancing With The Stars Season 34. Their journey was one of consistent improvement and heartfelt performances, culminating in a victory that celebrated their dedication and skill throughout the competition.
Final Standings of the Top Couples
The competition was fierce right up to the very end, with all the finalists giving their absolute best. Here’s how the final rankings shook out:
- 1st Place: Robert Irwin and Witney Carson
- 2nd Place: Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy
- 3rd Place: Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa
- 4th Place: Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach
- 5th Place: Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten
Jordan Chiles’ Record-Breaking Freestyle
While Robert and Witney took home the top prize, it’s worth noting the incredible achievement of Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa. Their freestyle performance was so spectacular that it earned a standing ovation and a remarkable comment from judge Carrie Ann Inaba, who declared it the "best freestyle I have ever seen in 20 years." This moment underscored the high level of artistry and performance displayed throughout the season, even as the ultimate prize was awarded elsewhere.
The culmination of an 11-week journey saw the remaining couples push their limits, showcasing not only their technical abilities but also their personal growth and connection with their partners. The finale was a true testament to the dedication and passion that fuels the world of competitive ballroom dancing.
Wrapping Up the Season
And that brings us to the end of another exciting season of Dancing With the Stars. We saw incredible performances, surprising moments, and a whole lot of talent on the dance floor. From the early weeks to the grand finale, the journey for our celebrity dancers and their professional partners was one to remember. Congratulations to our Mirrorball Trophy winner, Robert Irwin and Witney Carson, and to all the couples who gave their all this season. We can’t wait to see who takes on the challenge next year!
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won Dancing With The Stars Season 34?
Robert Irwin and his professional partner Witney Carson took home the Mirrorball Trophy in the exciting Season 34 finale. They impressed the judges and viewers throughout the competition with their dedication and skill.
What were the final dances in the finale?
The final round included incredible freestyle performances where the couples showed off everything they learned. They also tackled a ‘Judges’ Choice’ dance picked by the judges and an ‘Instant Dance Challenge’ where they had only minutes to prepare.
Did any contestants have a tough time with certain dances?
Yes, some contestants had dances they found more challenging. For example, Robert Irwin had to do a redemption Cha Cha, a style he struggled with earlier. Elaine Hendrix also had to push through injuries to perform.
How did Dylan Efron do in the finale?
Dylan Efron had a strong showing in the finale. He performed a Paso Doble for the Judges’ Choice and a Foxtrot for the Instant Dance, earning high scores and showcasing how much he grew during the season.
Were there any surprise performances or moments?
The finale featured a special tribute to all the contestants who were eliminated earlier in the season, bringing everyone back to the ballroom for one last dance. The ‘Instant Dance Challenge’ also added a thrilling element of surprise for both the dancers and the audience.
What scores did the top couples receive?
The final scores were very close! Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy, and Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa both received perfect scores for some of their dances. Robert Irwin and Witney Carson also earned top marks, ultimately leading them to victory.
