The Season 34 finale captured the attention of fans nationwide, and abc.com dancing with the stars continued to guide viewers through every performance, score, and moment that defined the closing night. With five finalists competing in a high-pressure, three-round format, the final episode delivered one of the most competitive endings the long-running ballroom series has seen. The energy, the skill, and the unpredictability produced a memorable night that kept fans engaged from the opening group routine to the last score reveal.
This extended breakdown explores every element of the finale, from the finalists’ journeys to the structure that shaped the results. It gives U.S. readers a complete, detailed look at how Season 34 concluded and why the ballroom remained one of television’s most engaging spaces.
The Power of a Five-Finalist Showdown
Season 34 reached its climax with five finalists advancing to the ultimate night. That alone set this season apart. In many previous seasons, the finale included four or sometimes even three couples, but the Season 34 lineup expanded the competition and raised the floor of difficulty.
The finalists were:
- Alix Earle & Val Chmerkovskiy
- Robert Irwin & Witney Carson
- Jordan Chiles & Ezra Sosa
- Dylan Efron & Daniella Karagach
- Elaine Hendrix & Alan Bersten
Each pair arrived with strong storylines. Some showcased week-to-week improvement. Others delivered high-score routines across the season. Each brought a unique performance identity into the finale.
The blend of athletic talent, performance charisma, and ballroom discipline made for a tightly matched group. Viewers entered the finale without a firm prediction, as each pair had shown the potential to claim the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy.
The Three-Round Format That Defined the Finale
The Season 34 finale used a structure that allowed the finalists to demonstrate versatility, adaptability, and innovation. Each couple performed three different routines, and each round carried its own expectations.
1. Judges’ Choice Round
The Judges’ Choice round opened the competition. Each judge selected a routine and style tailored to the finalist’s strengths or growth areas. This round often influences momentum early in the night because:
- It highlights technique.
- It emphasizes control and precision.
- It gives contestants a chance to redeem a previous challenge or revisit a dance style they excelled in.
For viewers, this round often feels like the most technical one. It allows judges to evaluate posture, frame, footwork, and timing without the extras of theatrical staging. This season, the Judges’ Choice dances included ballroom classics, Latin rhythms, and emotional contemporary styles.
2. Instant Dance Round
The Instant Dance round added the night’s biggest test of nerves. Couples learned their song shortly before taking the floor, which challenged their ability to adjust timing, step patterns, and performance delivery.
The Instant Dance format requires:
- Quick musical interpretation
- Strong partner communication
- Real-time adaptability
- Confidence under pressure
This round pushes dancers out of any comfort zones they developed over the season. With limited preparation, it becomes a test of instinct and teamwork. Fans often enjoy this section because it reveals raw performance energy unmatched by other rounds.
3. Freestyle Round
The Freestyle round ended the night, delivering some of the most exciting dances the show ever produces. Freestyles remove the rulebook and open the door to:
- High lifts
- Creative staging
- Group dancers
- Fusion choreography
- LED, props, and theatrical lighting
Finalists use this round to show personality, artistry, and athletic abilities without the confines of specific ballroom styles. Many viewers name the Freestyle as their favorite segment of any finale, and Season 34 continued that tradition.
Each finalist used the opportunity to create a routine that encapsulated their season. Some leaned into high-energy group numbers, while others crafted emotional storytelling moments meant to resonate with the audience.
Why the Season 34 Finale Felt Different From Previous Years
Several elements set this finale apart, even beyond the expanded finalist list. The Instant Dance format increased unpredictability. The Judges’ Choice assignments were notably demanding, focusing on technical growth. The Freestyles included some of the largest and most complex production designs of the season.
Additionally, returning cast members from earlier weeks joined the finale opening number. That created a sense of celebration that marked the closing of a season filled with diverse contestants, emotional arcs, and many breakthroughs.
The stakes felt higher, not only because of the finale design but also because the show has continued to modernize its format while honoring its ballroom roots.
How Scoring Worked on Finale Night
The scoring for Season 34’s finale followed a dual-format structure:
- Judges’ scores across the three rounds
- Viewer votes cast live during the broadcast window
The judges’ scores gave insight into technique, timing, musicality, and performance delivery. However, viewer votes have always played a crucial role. Fans across the U.S. participated throughout the evening, and their input helped decide the final result.
The combination of both elements ensured that:
- Technical excellence mattered
- Viewers remained part of the decision
- Momentum from earlier rounds could shift in the final minutes
This balanced scoring approach keeps the show competitive and interactive, which remains one of its signature strengths.
A Look at Each Finalist’s Strengths in the Finale
Every finalist brought a different quality that helped shape the night’s performances.
Alix Earle & Val Chmerkovskiy
Their partnership blended steady improvement with a polished performance presence. The finale allowed them to showcase their chemistry and growing confidence.
Robert Irwin & Witney Carson
A fan favorite with a warm, adventurous style, Robert entered the finale with enthusiasm and energy that translated well into all three rounds.
Jordan Chiles & Ezra Sosa
Jordan’s athletic background made her one of the strongest technical performers in the competition. Her finale routines featured impressive strength and precise movement.
Dylan Efron & Daniella Karagach
A standout for physicality and sharp choreography, Dylan used the finale to demonstrate adaptability and bold choreography choices.
Elaine Hendrix & Alan Bersten
Elaine brought theatrical flair and expressive performance to the ballroom, offering a finale filled with charm and artistry.
This mix of personalities, backgrounds, and styles made the Season 34 finale one of the richest in terms of diversity and performance range.
How the Competition Built Toward the Finale
The journey to the finale was shaped by weeks of themed nights, technical challenges, and performance breakthroughs. Several elements contributed to the heightened anticipation leading up to the last episode:
- Ballroom classics early in the season established a technical baseline.
- Contemporary and fusion weeks allowed contestants to explore emotion and creativity.
- Team dances showcased collaboration and showmanship.
- Quarterfinal and semifinal rounds narrowed the field with fast-paced choreography.
By the time the finale arrived, all five finalists had delivered standout routines across the season, giving the finale an evenly matched feeling.
Why abc.com dancing with the stars Coverage Remained Important All Season
The online coverage helped fans keep track of:
- Performance schedules
- Scoring progress
- Weekly eliminations
- Runner order
- Key updates during the finale
Throughout Season 34, viewers relied on it to follow the competition closely, understand rule changes, track voting timing, and revisit performance details. For many fans, it became the central hub for verifying outcomes and reviewing the evolving leaderboard week by week.
What Made Season 34 Stand Out for Fans
Several themes defined this season and helped keep fans engaged:
- A balanced cast of athletes, actors, and creators
- A finale with an unusually close talent gap
- Strong storytelling in choreography
- A mix of traditional ballroom and modern styles
- High production value in finale Freestyles
The blend of these qualities made Season 34 one of the more dynamic seasons of recent years.
Final Thoughts on a High-Energy Season
With its diverse finalists, demanding finale structure, and memorable routines, Season 34 delivered a strong finish that pleased longtime fans and newer viewers alike. The ballroom once again proved it can evolve, innovate, and still maintain the elements that make the show iconic.
Share your thoughts below and tell us which finale routine or finalist stood out the most to you.