Round One: Judges’ Choice
Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy launched the competition with a samba to “Hip Hip Chin Chin” by Club des Belugas, earning a perfect 30 from judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli. Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach followed, performing a paso doble to “Stampede” by Alexander Jean featuring Lindsey Stirling; slight hand placement issues noted by Inaba brought their score to 28.
Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten collected 30 points for a rumba set to “Take My Breath Away” by Jae Hall, while Irwin and Carson scored 29 for a quickstep to Jet’s “Are You Gonna Be My Girl.” Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa concluded the first round with a paso doble to “Breakin’ Dishes,” earning 29.
Round Two: Instant Dance Challenge
The second phase tested improvisational skill. Earle/Chmerkovskiy delivered a cha-cha to RAYE’s “WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!” for another perfect 30. Efron/Karagach matched that total with a foxtrot set to “Ordinary” by Alex Warren.
Hendrix/Bersten tackled a quickstep to “You Can’t Hurry Love” by The Supremes and received 27, the lowest score of the round. Irwin/Carson drew a cha-cha to DNCE’s “Cake By The Ocean” and secured 30 points. Chiles/Sosa closed the segment with a tango to “I Like It” by Alesso and Nate Smith, also scoring 30.
Round Three: Freestyle Routines
Earle and Chmerkovskiy opened the freestyle section with a mash-up of “Maneater” by Nelly Furtado and “Sports Car” by Tate McRae, finishing the night with a cumulative 90. Efron and Karagach’s routine to “Something in the Heavens” by Lewis Capaldi also earned a perfect score, as did Hendrix/Bersten’s Broadway-inspired number to “I Hope I Get It” from A Chorus Line.
Irwin and Carson performed to Sam Sparro’s “Black & Gold” and Avicii’s “The Nights,” adding a final 30 to their tally. Chiles and Sosa concluded the competitive dances with a high-energy performance to Normani’s “Motivation,” likewise collecting 30.
Imagem: Internet
Voting and Result
With all freestyles rated at the ceiling, audience votes became decisive. After tabulation, host Julianne Hough announced Irwin and Carson as champions, followed by Earle/Chmerkovskiy, Efron/Karagach, Chiles/Sosa and Hendrix/Bersten in descending order. The outcome marked Carson’s second Mirrorball victory and delivered Irwin his first.
Health Concern During Rehearsals
Ahead of the finale, Irwin revealed ongoing rib discomfort attributed to strained intercostal muscles. Although medical intervention was not detailed on air, Carson noted that safeguarding her partner’s health remained a priority during rehearsals.
Audience and Judges
The ballroom audience included former titleholder Bindi Irwin, Terri Irwin, Chandler Powell, season 33 participant Stephen Nedoroscik, and “Bachelor” franchise alum Kelsey Anderson. Actor Lisa Ann Walter, a longtime friend of Hendrix, was also present to offer support.
Judging duties were handled by Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli. The trio alternated between critique and praise, maintaining the scoring consistency that has defined recent seasons. A historical overview of the panel’s evolution can be found on the Television Academy’s website here.
Season Overview
Season 34 introduced the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy, renamed in honor of the late head judge. Throughout the fall run, the series incorporated theme nights, live eliminations and interactive elements that contributed to record viewer participation, according to production statements issued earlier in the season.
With Irwin and Carson’s victory, “Dancing with the Stars” concludes its latest cycle and sets the stage for a new cast in 2026, when the long-running franchise will return for season 35.
Crédito da imagem: Eric McCandless/Disney via Getty Images
