It is the Season 34 finale of Dancing with the Stars, and five couples competed to win the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy. This incredible finale featured tons of dancing and tears before a new Mirrorball champ was crowned. This season has been fabulous from start to finish.
This week, unlike previous seasons, each couple danced three times. They performed a new style selected by the judges in the Judges’ Choice round. Then they danced a stressful Instant Dance, finding out their style and music just five minutes before they performed. And finally, the competitors left it all on the ballroom floor in their Freestyle.
Last week, everyone was shocked when The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Whitney Leavitt and her partner, Mark Ballas, were sent home just shy of the finale. I did not have their elimination on my Season 34 bingo card. I expected to see them quickstepping into the finale.
What happened in Dancing with the Stars Season 34 finale?
The opening number, set to The Communards’ Never Can Say Goodbye, was fun and energetic, and featured all the eliminated contestants and their pros. Joey Pizzi choreographed the routine. I also loved the elegant and sexy performance by the DWTS 2026 tour members, set to Sapphire by Ed Sheeran. Of course, Mandy Moore choreographed this gem.
And I was over the moon to see Season 33 champion and Bachelor star Joey Graziadei hit the floor with Jenna Johnson to Tanguera by Fabio Hager Sexteto. Their traditional tango was smoldering and passionate. I loved it!
Who got the top score of the night in Dancing with the Stars Season 34 finale?
Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy had the highest scores in Dancing with the Stars Season 34 finale.
Alix Earle and her partner, Val Chmerkovskiy, topped the leaderboard with a perfect score of 90 points. The duo’s Judges’ Choice samba, set to Hip Hip Chin Chin by Club des Belugas, was spicy. Judge Carrie Ann Inaba coached Alix and Val during rehearsals.
“She cranked up the heat to full blast!” judge Bruno Tonioli stated. “As a performer, you have become an absolute star.” For their instant dance, Alix randomly drew the cha-cha. They did a great job, and the judges loved it.
And in their Freestyle, Alix channeled her newfound confidence into a Paso Doble and Argentine Tango-flavored routine. She danced to Maneater by Nelly Furtado and Sports Car by Tate McRae. Her performance was powerful, super sexy, and radiated confidence. “Alix, you are an absolute superstar,” judge Derek Hough stated. “I’m just really touched by you,” Carrie Ann said. “And you dance with your heart open – passionately.” Alix has improved so much this season, and I’m glad that she made it into the finale.
What were the judge’s scores in DWTS Season 34 finale?
- Alix and Val (Samba, Instant, Freestyle) – 90 points
- Robert and Witney (Quickstep, Instant, Freestyle) – 89 points
- Jordan and Ezra (Paso Doble, Instant, Freestyle) – 89 points
- Dylan and Daniella – (Paso Doble, Instant, Freestyle) – 88 points
- Elaine and Alan (Rumba, Instant, Freestyle) – 87 points
The race for the Mirrorball is tight. Only three points separated Alix, at the top of the leaderboard, from Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten at the bottom. And all the performances from the final five were phenomenal!
Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach’s Instant Dance foxtrot to Ordinary by Alex Warren was stunning. Their routine was sensual and elegant. “That for me was one of the best foxtrots from a man – ever,” Derek stated. “Len would adore it, by the way,” Bruno added. High praise indeed.
Plus, Elaine and Alan’s Judges’ Choice rumba to Take My Breath Away by Jae Hall was gorgeous. Derek went into rehearsals to give the couple some pointers. The duo’s romantic and sensual dance was breathtaking. “That was exquisite. It truly was,” Derek stated. They earned a well-deserved perfect score for this performance.
Who won the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy?
Robert Irwin and Witney Carson won DWTS Season 34 and took home the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy!
Elaine and Alan came in fifth place, while Dylan and Daniella nabbed third. Next, Jordan Chiles and her partner, Ezra Sosa, came in third place. Then, it came down to Alix and Val and Robert Irwin and his partner, Witney Carson.
Finally, Robert and Witney were announced as the winners, with Alix and Val taking second place. Hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough noted that the voting margin between the two pairs was small. When asked how he felt, Robert stated, “My sister said it best, thank you for changing my life.” As you may recall, Robert’s sister, Bindi Irwin, won Season 21 of DWTS. “I’m so grateful for Robert, honestly. I feel like I already won with him as my friend, and I can’t thank you enough for this gift,” Witney said.
Was Robert winning the Mirrorball a surprise? No. He was a frontrunner all season, and even with a rib injury, turned in fantastic performances. And coming into the show, he had no dance or performance experience.
Although his Judges’ Choice quickstep had a misstep, it was still entertaining. The pair’s Instant Dance cha-cha to DNCE’s Cake By The Ocean wowed the judges. However, Robert and Witney’s Freestyle, set to Black & Gold by Sam Sparro and The Nights by Avicii, was impressive. It was fun, dynamic, and energetic. “You have just done the most beautiful Freestyle,” Derek stated. “You are a dancer.” Indeed!
Final thoughts on Dancing with the Stars Season 34 finale
I mean, this season was mind-blowing. In addition, the Freestyles for Season 34 were jaw-dropping. Jordan and Ezra’s hip-hop-infused routine, featuring a guest spot by her friend, Season 24 DWTS contestant Normani Kordei, ignited the ballroom. “That is the best Freestyle I have ever seen in 20 seasons, hands down,” Carrie Ann stated. WOW!
Plus, Elaine’s salute to the life of a dancer had a Broadway feel, complete with fellow Season 34 competitor Andy Richter playing a director. She danced her Freestyle to I Hope I Get It (From A Chorus Line) by District 78. It was like taking a peek behind the scenes of a Broadway production.
And Dylan and Daniella’s Freestyle, which was in a contemporary vein, featured them dancing in a pool of water at the end. “Beautiful, poetic, the movement had such wonderful lyricism,” Bruno said of the routine, set to Lewis Capaldi’s Something in the Heavens. Dylan has fallen in love with dance, and his journey and improvement have been amazing.
Overall, this has been one of the best seasons of DWTS – ever. While embracing new ideas, combined with a nod to the past, the show has recaptured its joy. I didn’t want this season to end, and I am already wondering who will grace the ballroom next time.
You can watch Dancing with the Stars Season 34 on Disney+.
TELL US – WHAT DID YOU THINK OF SEASON 34 OF DWTS? WHICH FREESTYLE WAS YOUR FAVORITE? DID THE RIGHT COUPLE WIN THE MIRRORBALL?
