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The finale of “DWTS” Season 34 wrapped up on November 25, 2025, with five couples vying for the coveted Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy. Viewers witnessed a three-round showdown — Judges' Choice, Instant Dance, and Freestyle — to decide who would dance away with the crown. By the end, it was wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin and professional dancer Witney Carson who emerged victorious. EW.com+3ABC News+3Wikipedia+3
If you’ve been following the season, you know it was a nail-biter. And now that the dust has settled, here’s a full breakdown — from votes to controversy, and what the win really means.
Why Robert and Witney Won — And It Wasn't Guaranteed
🔹 A Tight, Record-Breaking Vote
It wasn’t just about judges’ scores. In the final moments, live votes poured in — in record numbers. Some outlets reported over 72 million votes cast during the finale. The Independent+1
From a judging perspective, Robert and Witney held their own: their Freestyle — and other final dances — earned high marks. EntertainmentNow+1 But it was their connection with the audience, and perhaps the emotional weight behind their journey, that pushed them past the finish line.
🔹 Perseverance Despite Pain
Season 34 wasn’t without challenges. According to a post-finale interview, Robert admitted his ribs “had been killing him” near the end — yet he refused to back down, continuing to rehearse until the last second. People.com+1
Witney Carson later praised him, calling their partnership more than just performance — a journey. Their win felt earned, not handed out. People.com+1
🔹 Honouring Legacy
There’s also the emotional layer. Robert is the son of the late wildlife icon Steve Irwin — and the younger brother of Bindi Irwin, who won “DWTS” back in 2015. Wikipedia+1
Throughout the season, Robert often spoke about dancing in his father’s old shirt — an homage that added depth to every performance. People.com+1
So maybe it wasn’t just about technique or votes: it was about story.
Who Else Was Close — The Final Standings
Here’s how the top five finished when all votes were tallied: Wikipedia+2Sports Illustrated Lifestyle+2
| Placement | Celebrity & Pro Partner |
|---|---|
| 1st | Robert Irwin & Witney Carson |
| 2nd | Alix Earle & Val Chmerkovskiy |
| 3rd | Jordan Chiles & Ezra Sosa |
| 4th | Dylan Efron & Daniella Karagach |
| 5th | Elaine Hendrix & Alan Bersten |
Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy came dangerously close — their finale dances reportedly scored perfectly, yet couldn’t quite match the combined power of votes plus judges’ scoring that Robert and Witney amassed. Decider+2EntertainmentNow+2
Third place went to Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa. Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach landed fourth, while Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten rounded out the finalists in fifth. Wikipedia+2Sports Illustrated Lifestyle+2
There’s Buzz: Was the Finale “Too Close to Call”?
Fans online have been all over the place. Some praised Robert’s win — his grit, emotion, and the heartfelt tribute to his family. Others, though, weren’t so sure. Many argued that Alix Earle, with her flawless final performance and growing fan base, deserved the win. The Sun+2Good Housekeeping+2
One thing’s clear: this might be one of the closest finishes in “DWTS” history. After a season packed with ups and downs — rib injuries, perfect scores, surges in popularity — the Mirrorball passed hands after a finale that left little room for certainty. Even the hosts acknowledged how tight the public vote was. mjsbigblog+2People.com+2
What This Win Means — For Robert, For “DWTS,” For Fans
🎭 For Robert and Witney: More Than a Trophy
For Robert Irwin, winning “DWTS” isn’t just about defeating other celebrities or earning applause. It’s a personal victory — a way to honor his father’s legacy and show that he belongs on that stage. Many fans say his win symbolises resilience, humility, and respect for heritage.
For Witney Carson, this adds another chapter to a successful career. But more than that: she found a partner who connects on more than just dance technique. It was about heart, history, vulnerability.
📺 For “DWTS”: A Comeback Season
Season 34 has been among the show’s most-watched in years. Viewership rose week after week — a rarity for fall TV. Wikipedia+2The Economic Times+2
That tells me something important: “DWTS” isn’t just surviving, it’s thriving. When a show blends emotion, performance, and audience participation in a season like this — people tune in.
🎯 For Fans: Proof That Votes Still Matter
This finale proved what loyal fans have suspected all along: you can’t judge a “DWTS” winner just by dance scores. Audience votes — often fueled by stories, backgrounds, even representation — carry enormous weight.
For anyone who’s ever thought “Maybe perfection in dance should always win,” this season offers a different take: sometimes, it’s the story behind the steps that moves people.
Looking Ahead: After the Glitz
With Season 34 wrapped up, eyes are already drifting toward Season 35. Who will sign up? Will the Mirrorball go back to someone famed for perfect choreography — or someone with a story so compelling crowds tune in?
For Robert Irwin, this could be a launching pad. Whether he uses this momentum for advocacy, further TV opportunities, or something unexpectedly meaningful — his “DWTS” win has put him center-stage in a big way.
Conclusion
Here’s what I take away from this finale: “Dancing with the Stars” didn’t just give us twirls, lifts, and routines this season. It gave us emotional resonance, personal stories, dramatic votes and, ultimately, a win that speaks to more than just technical perfection.
When the lights dim and the music ends, the Mirrorball went to Robert Irwin and Witney Carson. But what really stood out was the power of vulnerability, connection, and purpose behind every step.
For fans old and new, that’s the real win.
References
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Dancing with the Stars Crowns Season 34 Winners (E! Online) E! Online
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Dancing with the Stars Season 34 Finale: What the Finalists Are Dancing to (ABC News) ABC News+1
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Dancing with the Stars Recap: The Winner Was Announced (People) People.com+1
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Season 34 Information Summary (Wikipedia) Wikipedia
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Who Won DWTS 2025 — Decider / Entertainment outlets Decider+2EW.com+2
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Vote counts, fan reactions, and final standings (The Independent) The Independent+1
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