The Dancing With The Stars Season 34 finale will crown its champion on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, ABC at 8:00 PM Eastern Time — and the odds are stacked in favor of wildlife advocate Robert Irwin and his partner Witney Carson. After 10 weeks of high-energy routines, emotional eliminations, and viral TikTok moments, only five pairs remain. The three-hour live broadcast — ending at 11:00 PM ET — promises fireworks, nostalgia, and a surprise format twist that’s got fans buzzing.
Who’s Left in the Running?
The final five contestants are a mix of Olympic grit, reality TV fame, and heartfelt advocacy. Alix Earle, the social media sensation, dances the Samba to ‘Hip Hip Chin Chin.’ Jordan Chiles, the Olympic gymnast, brings precision and poise to every step. Dylan Efron, reality star and brother of Zac Efron, tackles the Paso Doble to ‘Stampede.’ Elaine Hendrix, veteran actress and former The Parent Trap star, delivers charm with a classic touch. And then there’s Robert Irwin — son of the late Steve Irwin, conservationist, and surprisingly, one of the most consistent scorers this season.
It’s Irwin’s emotional connection with audiences that may tip the scales. His Quickstep to ‘Are You Gonna Be My Girl?’ went viral after he dedicated it to his father’s legacy. Viewers didn’t just vote for the moves — they voted for the story. The Economic Times noted that Irwin’s leaderboard growth outpaced every other finalist, even those with higher judge scores.
A New Finale Format — No More Mercy
Co-host Alfonso Ribeiro dropped a bombshell last week: the finale won’t follow the usual two-dance structure. Instead, each finalist will perform three rounds — and only one will survive them all.
- Round 1: Judges’ Choice — A style assigned by Derek Hough, Carrie Ann Inaba, and Bruno Tonioli. No picks allowed.
- Round 2: Instant Dance — A surprise song plays, and dancers have 60 seconds to rehearse before performing live.
- Round 3: Freestyle — Pure creativity. No rules. No safety net.
‘It’s not about who’s the best dancer,’ Ribeiro told Good Housekeeping. ‘It’s about who holds up under pressure. And that’s what makes a champion.’
Alix Earle confirmed the new format on TikTok, calling it ‘terrifying but thrilling.’ Her 1.2 million followers reacted with memes, countdowns, and one viral clip of her practicing freestyle in her living room while her dog barked along.
More Than Just a Finale — A Celebration
This isn’t just a competition — it’s a love letter to the season. The opening number, choreographed by Joey Pizzi, will set the tone with ‘Never Can Say Goodbye’ by the Communards. Then come the showstoppers: Tyler, The Creator’s ‘Sugar On My Tongue,’ Lady Gaga’s ‘Applause,’ and Alexander Jean’s ‘I Don’t Dance’ — each paired with a surprise guest dancer.
And then there’s the reunion. Joey Graziadei, Season 33’s winner, will return with Jenna Johnson for a tango to ‘Tanguera.’ It’s a rare moment — champions don’t usually come back. But this season? It’s different. The producers wanted to honor the journey, not just the finish line.
All 14 original pairs — even those eliminated weeks ago — will return to the ballroom for a group number. That means fans will see Baron Davis and Britt Stewart, Hilaria Baldwin and Gleb Savchenko, and even Andy Richter and Emma Slater — all back together, one last time.
Who’s Calling the Shots?
The judges — Derek Hough, Carrie Ann Inaba, and Bruno Tonioli — will deliver their final critiques live. But here’s the twist: their scores will only count for 50% of the final result. The other half? Viewer votes accumulated over the entire season.
That’s why Irwin’s lead matters. Even if he’s not the highest-scoring finalist in the finale rounds, his consistent fan support could carry him. ‘It’s not just about the dance tonight,’ said a former DWTS choreographer who spoke anonymously. ‘It’s about who made people feel something all season long. And Robert? He made them cry.’
What’s Next for DWTS?
The show’s ratings have held steady this season — even outperforming several new fall premieres. According to Match Point Media, Season 34 saw a 14% increase in social media engagement compared to Season 33. That’s not just luck. It’s momentum.
ABC has already signaled interest in renewing for Season 35. Rumors suggest a possible international twist — maybe a celebrity from the UK or Australia joining the cast. But for now, the focus is on tonight.
For cord-cutters, the finale will stream live on Disney+ and Fubo. Next-day access? Hulu and Hulu on Disney+ will have it ready by 5 AM ET Wednesday.
Why This Finale Matters
This isn’t just another dance show finale. It’s a cultural reset. For the first time, a wildlife advocate — not a singer, actor, or athlete — is the frontrunner. It signals something deeper: audiences are drawn to authenticity over fame. Robert Irwin didn’t come here to win a trophy. He came to honor his father’s legacy. And in doing so, he’s changed what it means to be a champion on Dancing With The Stars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the five finalists in Dancing With The Stars Season 34?
The five finalists are Alix Earle, Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles, reality star Dylan Efron, wildlife advocate Robert Irwin, and actress Elaine Hendrix. Each competed against 14 original pairs, surviving nine weeks of eliminations. Robert Irwin and Witney Carson lead in viewer support, according to The Economic Times, while Jordan Chiles has the highest average judge scores.
What’s the new finale format for Season 34?
For the first time, the finale features three rounds: a judges’ choice dance, an instant dance with 60 seconds of prep, and a freestyle. This replaces the traditional two-dance structure. The format is designed to test adaptability under pressure — not just technical skill. Co-host Alfonso Ribeiro confirmed this change to Good Housekeeping, calling it ‘the ultimate dance test.’
How is the winner decided?
The winner is determined by a 50/50 split: half from the judges’ scores during the finale’s three rounds, and half from cumulative viewer votes throughout the season. This means a contestant with lower finale scores but strong overall fan support — like Robert Irwin — can still win, even if they don’t top the night’s leaderboard.
Can I watch the finale live without cable?
Yes. The finale will stream live on Disney+ and Fubo. Hulu and Hulu on Disney+ will have it available the next day. All episodes are also available on-demand via ABC’s app with a participating TV provider login. For those without subscriptions, the finale will be available for free on ABC’s website for a limited time after broadcast.
Why is Robert Irwin favored to win?
Robert Irwin leads in season-long viewer engagement, with a 22% increase in social media mentions since Week 5, according to The Economic Times. His emotional connection to his late father, Steve Irwin, resonated deeply with audiences. Unlike other finalists who rely on star power, Irwin’s authenticity turned him into a cultural touchstone — making him the rare contestant whose fanbase grew stronger as the season progressed.
Will Dancing With The Stars return for Season 35?
Yes — ABC has not officially announced renewal, but Match Point Media’s analysis shows Season 34 outperformed 8 of the 10 new fall shows in key demographics. With consistent ratings and rising social engagement, Season 35 is highly likely. Rumors suggest possible international celebrity pairings, but no official details have been confirmed yet.
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