Did you feel the electric energy? The 'Dancing with the Stars' season 34 finale just wrapped up, and the results have sparked major excitement – and maybe even a little controversy! Robert Irwin and Witney Carson danced their way to victory, claiming the coveted Mirrorball Trophy. But was it a clear win, or were other couples deserving? Let's dive into the dazzling details.
After weeks of intense competition, fan favorites Robert Irwin and his partner Witney Carson emerged victorious. Their final performances wowed the judges and captured the hearts of viewers, securing them the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy. This season's journey was filled with glittering costumes, impressive choreography, and nail-biting eliminations, but the finale was a true showdown of talent.
But they weren't the only stars shining bright! The finalists included some seriously talented duos: Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy; Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach; Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa; and Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten. Each couple brought their A-game to the finale, making the competition incredibly fierce.
When co-host Julianne Hough asked Robert Irwin what winning 'DWTS' meant to him, his heartfelt response resonated with many: "My sister said it best: Thank you for changing my life." It was a touching moment, showcasing the profound impact the show had on him. Carson echoed the sentiment, adding, "I'm so grateful for Robert, and I feel like I won already with him as my friend." It's clear their partnership extended beyond the dance floor, creating a genuine bond.
The final dances were a true test of skill and creativity. They included a routine chosen by one of the judges, an “Instant Dance Challenge” designed to push their improvisational abilities to the limit, and a show-stopping freestyle round where they could really let their personalities shine.
Now, here's the crucial part: The winners weren't solely determined by the judges' scores. The final decision was a combination of live viewer votes from the night and the scores from the esteemed judging panel: Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli. This blend of professional opinion and audience support makes the 'DWTS' results so engaging – and sometimes, controversial!
The finale kicked off with a high-energy opening number set to "Never Can Say Goodbye" by The Communards, immediately setting the stage for an unforgettable night. And it wasn't just about the finalists! The show also welcomed back familiar faces from throughout the season, including Lauren Jauregui, Andy Richter, Corey Feldman, Danielle Fishel, Hilaria Baldwin, Scott Hoying, Whitney Leavitt, and Baron Davis. Seeing past contestants added to the celebratory atmosphere.
The first round featured the Judges' Choice dances, where the judges hand-picked the routines. Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy started things off with a vibrant samba to "Hip Hip Chin Chin" by Club des Belugas. Bruno Tonioli was so impressed, he declared, "As a performer, you've become an absolute star!" Their performance earned them a perfect score of 30.
Next, Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach delivered a powerful paso doble to "Stampede" by Alexander Jean featuring Lindsey Stirling. While their routine was strong, Carrie Ann Inaba pointed out that Efron's hands "got a little flat" during his performance, resulting in a score of 28. This critique was met with boos from the audience – a testament to Efron's popularity and the passion of the 'DWTS' fanbase.
Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten followed with a beautiful rumba to "Take My Breath Away" by Jae Hall, earning a perfect score of 30. Derek Hough praised their interpretation of the dance, calling it "exquisite" and "beautiful."
Robert Irwin and Witney Carson then took to the floor with a quickstep to "Are You Gonna Be My Girl" by Jet. Bruno Tonioli and Derek Hough lauded their performance, but a minor critique from Carrie Ann Inaba brought their score down to 29 out of 30. Even the frontrunners weren't immune to the judges' scrutiny!
Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa wrapped up the first round with a high-energy paso doble to "Breakin' Dishes." Derek Hough called their performance "strong," while Bruno Tonioli described it as a "kick-*** paso doble," earning them a score of 29.
Then came the Instant Dance Challenge, where the couples had to improvise a routine to a song they'd just heard. Alix Earle nailed a cha cha to RAYE's "WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!" earning a perfect 30. Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach followed with an impromptu foxtrot to "Ordinary" by Alex Warren, also scoring a perfect 30. Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten took on a quickstep to "You Can't Hurry Love" by The Supremes, resulting in a score of 27. Robert Irwin and Witney Carson rocked a cha cha to "Cake By The Ocean" by DNCE, earning another perfect 30. Finally, Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa delivered a tango to "I Like It" by Alesso and Nate Smith, also scoring a perfect 30. The Instant Dance Challenge truly showcased the dancers' versatility and adaptability.
The freestyle round was the final opportunity for the couples to showcase their creativity and personality. Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy kicked things off with a routine to "Maneater" by Nelly Furtado and "Sports Car" by Tate McRae, earning a perfect 30 and bringing their total score for the night to 90. Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach followed with a moving freestyle to "Something in the Heavens" by Lewis Capaldi, also earning a 30. Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten earned a 30 for their freestyle to "I Hope I Get It (from A Chorus Line)" by District 78. Robert Irwin and Witney Carson performed a freestyle to "Black & Gold" by Sam Sparro and "The Nights" by Avicii, also earning a perfect 30 from the judges. Chiles and Sosa closed out the freestyle round with a fun number to "Motivation" by Normani, earning a perfect 30. With everyone scoring perfectly, it really came down to the public vote.
Interestingly, Robert Irwin revealed he was dealing with some serious rib pain while preparing for the finale. In a segment previewing his quickstep with Witney Carson, Irwin was visibly wincing in pain. "I've been dealing with rib pain because the intercostal muscles of the ribs are under a lot of tension," he explained, adding that it was "getting worse progressively." Carson expressed her concern, stating, "This is where my motherly instincts come in. At the end of the day, his health is my priority." It's a testament to his dedication that he persevered through the pain to deliver such a winning performance.
The ballroom was filled with a star-studded audience, including past contestants like season 33's Stephen Nedoroscik, Bindi Irwin and Terri Irwin, and "Bachelor" franchise star Kelsey Anderson. Elaine Hendrix's best friend, Lisa Ann Walter, was also there to cheer her on. Having such a supportive atmosphere definitely contributed to the energy of the night. Disney is the parent company of Hulu, ABC, ABC News and "Good Morning America."
So, what do you think? Did Robert Irwin and Witney Carson deserve the Mirrorball Trophy, or were there other couples who should have won? Did viewer votes accurately reflect the talent on display? And how much should injuries impact judging? Let's hear your thoughts in the comments below! This season was a rollercoaster, and we want to know what you think about the results!
