Honestly, if you’d told me ten years ago that another Irwin would be hoisting a Mirrorball trophy while the rest of us were still figuring out how to do a basic box step, I probably wouldn’t have been that surprised. The family just has rhythm in their DNA, apparently.
On a Tuesday night that felt more like a high-stakes sporting event than a ballroom competition, Robert Irwin and Witney Carson were officially crowned the winners of Dancing with the Stars Season 34.
The finale, which aired on November 25, 2025, wasn't just a win; it was a total emotional tidal wave. Watching Robert stand there, looking exactly like a younger version of his dad Steve, and quoting his sister Bindi by saying, "Thank you for changing my life," well—it basically broke the internet for a good hour.
What Really Happened With the Season 34 Finale
The competition was tight. Like, "holding your breath until you're blue in the face" tight. We went into the night with five couples, which is a lot for a finale, but the talent this year was just absurdly high.
Robert and Witney had to fight for every single point. They weren't always at the very top of the leaderboard during the middle of the season—they actually dipped a bit after a stellar start—but when it mattered most, they absolutely nailed it. They finished with a total score of 89 out of 90 across three rounds, just barely edging out some of the most popular influencers and athletes in the country.
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The Final Standings
It wasn't just the Robert show, though. The leaderboard was a revolving door of perfect scores. Here is how the final rankings shook out after the viewers' votes were tallied:
- Winners: Robert Irwin and Witney Carson
- Runners-up: Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy
- Third Place: Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa
- Fourth Place: Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach
- Fifth Place: Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten
The gap between Robert and Alix Earle was described by host Julianne Hough as one of the tightest they’ve ever seen. We’re talking about 72 million votes cast in a single night. That is half a billion for the season. People were invested.
The Dances That Sealed the Deal
You can't talk about who won Dancing with the Stars finale without looking at the Freestyle round. This is where the magic happens—or where it all falls apart.
Robert’s freestyle was basically a golden explosion of energy. It had lifts that looked physically impossible and a level of joy that you just can't fake. Witney Carson, who celebrated her second win exactly 11 years to the day after her first one (with Alfonso Ribeiro, no less), choreographed a routine that leaned into Robert's bubbly personality while showing off that he actually has the technical chops of a pro.
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Jordan Chiles and the "Best Freestyle Ever"
There’s a bit of a controversy—or at least a heavy debate—among fans about Jordan Chiles. She came in third, but Carrie Ann Inaba called her freestyle the "best I've seen in 20 seasons." She even brought out Normani as a surprise guest.
If you haven't seen it, go find the clip. They danced to a mashup of "Bow Down" and "Motivation," and it was less of a ballroom dance and more of a Super Bowl halftime show. It’s a bit of a head-scratcher how she didn't take the whole thing, but that's the power of the fan vote. Robert had the "legacy" factor, and Alix Earle had the massive social media army.
Why This Win Was Different
Ten years ago, Bindi Irwin won the trophy with Derek Hough. Robert was just a kid then. Seeing him come back at 21 and do the exact same thing felt like a full-circle moment for the show.
There were some heavy rumors behind the scenes that Robert was struggling with some pretty nasty rib injuries during the final rehearsals. Witney actually mentioned that his ribs were "killing him," but he refused to stop practicing. That "crocodile hunter" grit is real.
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Also, we have to talk about Dylan Efron. Most people thought he was just "Zac Efron's brother" going into this, but he turned out to be a legitimate dark horse. His Foxtrot in the second round was stunning, especially considering he only had five minutes to prepare for the "instant dance" challenge.
Taking Action: What’s Next for DWTS Fans?
If you're already feeling that post-season void, you aren't alone. The ballroom is empty, the sequins are packed away, and we're left waiting for Season 35.
While ABC hasn't officially greenlit the next season yet, the ratings were through the roof this year. You can bet your last dollar it’s coming back. In the meantime, here is how you can keep the momentum going:
- Watch the 2026 Live Tour: Several of the finalists, including Stephen Nedoroscik (from Season 33) and potentially some of this year's cast, often hit the road. Check the official DWTS tour site for dates.
- Review the Scores: If you're a nerd for the stats, look back at the week-by-week average scores. Chandler Kinney actually had a higher season average (27.4) than Robert (26.8), proving that being the "best" dancer on paper doesn't always mean you get the trophy.
- Follow the Pros: Witney Carson’s Instagram is usually the first place to see behind-the-scenes rehearsal footage that didn't make the broadcast.
The reality is that Dancing with the Stars is rarely just about the dancing. It’s about the narrative. Robert Irwin won because he was a great dancer, sure, but he also won because he made people feel something. He carried a shirt of his father's to every rehearsal. He wore a ring made of keys to his childhood home. In a world of polished influencers and pro athletes, that kind of raw, dorky sincerity is what actually wins the Mirrorball.
Expert Insight: If you're looking to start ballroom dancing yourself because of this season, don't start with the Quickstep. It’s what nearly took Robert out in the first round of the finale. Start with a simple Waltz or Cha-Cha. Your ribs will thank you.