“dancing with the stars” has crowned its new Mirrorball champions.
After a high-stakes season 34 finale, Robert Irwin and Witney Carson won the coveted Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy after performing the final dance numbers.
Finalists also included Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy; Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach; Jordán Chiles and Ezra Sosa; and Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten.
Robert Irwin and Witney Carson perform a dance routine during the season 34 finale of “Dancing with the Stars.”
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When asked by co-host Julianne Hough what winning “DWTS” meant to him, Irwin said, “My sister said it best: Thank you for changing my life.”
Carson added: “I’m very grateful for Robert and feel like I’ve already gained from him as a friend.”
To cap off a record-breaking season, the final episode sees the five remaining couples competing for the chance to win the coveted Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy.
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The final dances included one chosen by one of the judges, an “Instant Dance Challenge” for the ultimate test of improvisation, and a freestyle round.
This season’s winners were determined by a combination of votes from the night’s live viewers, as well as scores from judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli.
How did the show open?
Brandon Armstrong, Lauren Jauregui, Rylee Arnold, Scott Hoying, Jennifer Affleck, Hilaria Baldwin, Jan Ravnik, Gleb Savchenko appear in this image.
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The finale began with an electrifying dance number to The Communards’ “Never Can Say Goodbye.”
It also saw the return of cast members throughout the season, including Lauren Jauregui, Andy Richter, Corey Feldman, Danielle Fishel, Hilaria Baldwin, Scott Hoying, Whitney Leavitt and Baron Davis.
What did the contestants dance first?
The episode began with the judge’s choice dance. Earle and Chmerkovskiy were the first to hit the dance floor with a samba to Club des Belugas’ “Hip Hip Chin Chin.”
At the end of his performance, Tonioli told Earle: “As a performer, you have become an absolute star.”
Earle scored 10s across the board for a total score of 30 for the routine.
Valentin Chmerkovskiy and Alix Earle compete on the season 34 finale of “Dancing with the Stars.”
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Efron took the stage next with Karagach and performed a pasodoble to Alexander Jean’s “Stampede” with Lindsey Stirling.
His performance earned a score of 28 after Inaba noted that Efron’s hands “went a little flat” during his performance. His criticism was met with boos from those in the ballroom.
Hendrix and Bersten earned a score of 30 for their performance to Jae Hall’s “Take My Breath Away.”
Hough called her performance of the dance “exquisite” and “beautiful.”
Irwin and Carson’s quick segue to Jet’s “Are You Gonna Be My Girl” was praised by Tonioli and Hough, but Inaba had minor criticism, raising the duo’s score to 29 out of 30.
Witney Carson and Robert Irwin perform during the season 34 finale of “Dancing with the Stars.”
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Chiles and Sosa closed the first round with a pasodoble of “Breakin’ Dishes.” Hough called her performance “strong,” while Tonioli called it an “incredible pasodoble.” His performance earned a 29.
What happened during the Instant Dance Challenge?
Earle kicked off the Instant Dance Challenge with an impromptu cha cha to “WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!” by RAYE. obtaining a perfect score of 30.
Efron and Karagach then took to the dance floor for an impromptu foxtrot to Alex Warren’s “Ordinary,” which also earned a score of 30.
Daniella Karagach and Dylan Efron appear in this image.
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Next, Hendrix and Bersten hit the fast track to the tune of The Supremes’ “You Can’t Hurry Love,” resulting in a score of 27.
Irwin and Carson were next to pull off the cha cha of DNCE’s “Cake By The Ocean” and score a 30.
Finally, Chiles and Sosa performed the tango to Alesso and Nate Smith’s “I Like It” with a perfect score of 30.
Jordan Chiles and Ezra during the season 34 finale of “Dancing With the Stars.”
Eric Mccandless/Disney via Getty Images
How did the final dances go?
Earle and Chmerkovskiy kicked off the freestyle round with a routine to Nelly Furtado’s “Maneater” and Tate McRae’s “Sports Car.” The routine earned the duo a 30, giving them a total of 90 points for their three dances.
Efron and Karagach followed with a soulful freestyle to Lewis Capaldi’s “Something in the Heavens.” They also got a 30.
Hendrix and Bersten also earned a 30 for their freestyle to District 78’s “I Hope I Get It (from A Chorus Line).”
Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten appear in this image.
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Next, Irwin and Carson performed a freestyle to “Black & Gold” by Sam Sparro and “The Nights” by Avicii. The duo also earned a 30 from the judges.
Chiles and Sosa closed the freestyle round with a fun number to Normani’s “Motivation” and earned a 30 from the judges.
What happened to Robert Irwin while preparing for the finale?
Irwin detailed severe rib pain he suffered while preparing for the final episode.
In a segment showing Irwin and partner Witney Carson’s quick dance move, Irwin winced in pain and clutched his ribcage.
“I’ve been dealing with rib pain because the intercostal muscles of the ribs are under a lot of tension,” Irwin said, adding that “it’s gotten progressively worse.”
Carson shared her concern for Irwin’s health, saying, “This is where my maternal instincts come in. At the end of the day, his health is my priority.”
Who was in the audience?
The Ballroom has a star-studded audience tonight with past contestants including season 33 contestant Stephen Nedoroscik, Bindi Irwin and Terri Irwin and “Bachelor” franchise star Kelsey Anderson.
Hendrix’s best friend, Lisa Ann Walter, who has been cheering her on all season, is also in the audience tonight to support her.
Terri Irwin, Bindi Irwin and Chandler Powell appear in this image.
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