The Season 34 finale of Dancing With the Stars delivered everything fans hoped for—heated competition, emotional moments, standout choreography, and a result that capped one of the most well-rounded seasons the show has produced in recent years. The ballroom was electric as the final five couples battled for the Mirrorball Trophy in a live, three-hour episode designed to test skill, artistry, and endurance. With each passing round, the season’s top contenders pushed their limits, revealing just how much growth and passion they had poured into the competition.
This finale was not just a dance show. It was a celebration of progress, resilience, and the magic that happens when celebrities from different backgrounds fully commit to the challenge of ballroom dancing. Throughout the night, the energy never dipped. The performances landed with precision, the audience roared through every routine, and the judges delivered some of their most detailed feedback of the season.
And in the end, one team rose above the rest.
A Final Five That Represented the Full Spirit of the Show
Season 34 offered one of the most diverse and evenly matched casts the series has seen in years. The final five couples brought different strengths, fan bases, and storytelling energies to the ballroom. They included:
- Alix Earle & Val Chmerkovskiy, whose journey from novice to polished finalist kept fans rooting for them every week
- Robert Irwin & Witney Carson, who delivered emotional depth and technical growth
- Jordan Chiles & Ezra Sosa, whose athletic precision kept them competitive in every round
- Dylan Efron & Daniella Karagach, whose charismatic routines added fun and unpredictability
- Elaine Hendrix & Alan Bersten, whose confidence and stage presence made them a surprise favorite
Each pair arrived at the finale on the strength of strong routines, consistent improvement, and the ability to connect with the audience. The fan engagement this season was especially strong, with viewers tuning in across the country for the live simulcast.
As the finale began, no couple appeared guaranteed a victory. That uncertainty created the sense of excitement that only Dancing With the Stars can produce.
Breaking Down the Finale Format: Three Rounds, No Room for Error
The finale featured three competitive rounds that tested different facets of each couple’s journey. Every step mattered, and every routine contributed to the final scoreboard. With judges’ scores combined with live viewer votes, the outcome depended on both skill and connection.
Round 1: Judges’ Choice
This round allowed the judges to select a dance style they believed would showcase each couple’s growth and ability to refine earlier performances. It essentially offered a second chance to perfect a dance from earlier in the season.
For many contestants, this round revealed just how far they had come. What once challenged them now felt comfortable. Movements that seemed intimidating weeks before were now performed with conviction and confidence.
The Judges’ Choice round set the pace for the night, and several couples used it to make bold statements.
Round 2: Instant Dance
As the name suggests, the Instant Dance required couples to learn their routine moments before stepping onto the dance floor. This format had been used before, but this season, it felt especially demanding given the caliber of the finalists.
Instant Dance tested:
- Reaction time
- Musicality
- Trust between partners
- Stamina
- Ability to stay calm under intense pressure
Despite the difficulty, every couple delivered a performance that showcased not only technique but also an impressive ability to adapt. This round reminded viewers that the celebrities had reached a level of comfort on the ballroom floor that would have seemed impossible on premiere night.
Round 3: Freestyle
The freestyle round capped off the night with routines that broke away from traditional ballroom structure. Freestyle is always the finale’s emotional anchor because it allows celebrities and pros to express their personalities and tell a story using any style, music, or choreography they choose.
The finalists used the freestyle round to create emotional connections with the audience, celebrate their journeys, and produce memorable visuals. The routines ranged from high-energy show numbers to heartfelt storytelling pieces.
Once the final performance ended, the ballroom erupted in applause. Energy surged across the stage as the finalists waited for the live votes and judges’ scores to be combined.
A Night Filled With Standout Performances
Every couple brought their A-game, but a few moments stood out as major highlights during the finale.
Alix Earle & Val Chmerkovskiy’s Breakthrough Samba
Their opening routine displayed confidence, polish, and flawless musical interpretation. What made this performance exceptional was the shift in Alix’s stage presence. She no longer danced like a newcomer. She moved with the precision of someone who understood her craft and trusted her instincts.
Val’s choreography emphasized sharp hip action, fluid transitions, and lively energy. Together, they set a competitive tone that carried through the rest of the night.
Robert Irwin & Witney Carson’s Emotional Powerhouse
Robert’s journey through the season captured the hearts of many. His dedication to every routine, combined with Witney’s teaching style, produced a partnership built on sincerity and growth.
Their finale routines were emotionally rich and showcased:
- Improved technique
- Strong storytelling
- A sense of connection to the music
- Graceful transitions
Robert’s expressive ability, which had steadily grown throughout the season, reached its peak during the freestyle, making him one of the most memorable finalists.
Jordan Chiles & Ezra Sosa’s Athletic Precision
Jordan entered the competition with the mindset of an Olympian—focused, disciplined, and physically capable. Her finale routines blended athletic agility with ballroom fluidity, creating sharp, detailed performances.
Ezra’s choreography leaned into Jordan’s strengths, resulting in routines that felt bold, dynamic, and effortlessly executed.
Dylan Efron & Daniella Karagach’s Showmanship
Dylan’s charm and onstage charisma carried him through the season. His finale routines emphasized personality and entertainment value. Daniella incorporated creative elements that allowed Dylan to shine and show how far he had come.
Their partnership delivered a style that blended fun with strong technique.
Elaine Hendrix & Alan Bersten’s Confident Performances
Elaine brought a theatrical quality to the ballroom. Her delivery reflected experience from stage and screen. The finale allowed her to tap into that expressive background while showing improved technique.
Alan and Elaine built a partnership rooted in mutual respect and creative interpretation, making their finale routines engaging and memorable.
Why the Competition Felt Especially Tight This Season
Season 34 stood apart not because of any single performance but because of the consistency across the board. Many seasons feature one or two dominant couples who lead the field. This finale featured five couples who all held legitimate chances of winning.
Factors that contributed to the closeness of the competition included:
- Strong choreographic direction from the pros
- Celebrities willing to push past their comfort zones
- Higher overall scoring averages across the season
- Emotional storytelling that resonated deeply with viewers
- Extremely dedicated fan bases
The live voting element added even more unpredictability. Viewer engagement surged during the finale, making the outcome even more dependent on audience connection.
The Moment the Winners Were Revealed
As the finalists stood side by side, the tension in the ballroom rose. The Mirrorball Trophy glittered under the lights as the hosts prepared to announce the results.
The winning couple of Season 34 was revealed to be:
Alix Earle & Val Chmerkovskiy
The room erupted into applause as the new champions embraced. Confetti fell across the stage, and fellow contestants rushed in to congratulate them.
This victory represented a full-circle moment for Alix, who had entered the competition as a newcomer with no ballroom experience. Week after week, she worked to improve her technique, overcome nerves, and connect authentically with viewers.
Val’s guidance shaped her into a confident dancer capable of delivering finale-level performances.
A Deep Dive Into What Made the Winning Partnership Stand Out
1. Clear Growth From Week 1 to the Finale
Alix’s evolution was visible. Each performance showed progress, and by the finale, she had gained a level of confidence that made her routines captivating.
2. Strong Fan Engagement
Her transparency, personality, and relatability endeared her to viewers who voted in large numbers throughout the competition.
3. Expert Choreography
Val’s ability to design routines that complemented Alix’s strengths—while also challenging her—was a key factor in their success.
4. Chemistry and Trust
They built a partnership rooted in communication and mutual respect. That trust showed in their performance quality.
5. A Freestyle That Left an Impression
Their final routine capped the night with a blend of creativity, technique, and high energy. The audience responded immediately.
What the Finale Says About the Future of the Show
Season 34 reinforced the continuing relevance of Dancing With the Stars. Even as the television landscape shifts, the show maintains a devoted U.S. audience thanks to its mix of heart, spectacle, and real growth.
This season highlighted:
- Strong cross-generational appeal
- Engaging use of live viewer participation
- Emotional storytelling
- High production value
- The appeal of personal transformation
The show continues to balance entertainment with meaningful progress from its cast, keeping audiences invested from premiere to finale.
A Look at What’s Next for the Finalists
While the Mirrorball Trophy goes to only one couple, the end of the season opens doors for every finalist.
Alix Earle & Val Chmerkovskiy
Their win forges new opportunities across entertainment, live events, appearances, and collaborative projects.
Robert Irwin & Witney Carson
Robert’s emotional presence and growth throughout the season left a lasting impression, setting him up for future opportunities both on screen and on stage.
Jordan Chiles & Ezra Sosa
Jordan’s strong athletic style and versatility highlighted her expanding range as a performer.
Dylan Efron & Daniella Karagach
Dylan used the season to show a new side of himself, and his engaging presence suggests he will continue to appear in live or televised projects.
Elaine Hendrix & Alan Bersten
Elaine’s theatrical flair and renewed public interest support the potential for future creative ventures.
Closing Thoughts
Season 34 of Dancing With the Stars delivered a finale that showcased the best of what the show offers: growth, entertainment, and the thrill of live performance. Every finalist earned their place in the ballroom, and every routine contributed to a night packed with unforgettable moments.
With Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy taking home the Mirrorball Trophy, the season ends with a win built on commitment, connection, and undeniable progress.
Share your favorite finale moment or the couple you rooted for all season in the comments below.