The Season 34 finale of Dancing With the Stars is here, and tonight ABC will crown its newest champion. The three-hour special will see the remaining five celebrities — Elaine Hendrix, Alix Earle, Dylan Efron, Jordan Chiles, and Robert Irwin — compete for the coveted mirror ball trophy.
A Historic Finale Format
For the first time in DWTS history, the finale will feature three rounds of competition: a Judges’ Choice routine, an Instant Dance performed live to a surprise song, and a freestyle routine. Cohost Alfonso Ribeiro called it the “most demanding season finale in the history of the show.”
Robert Irwin: The Fan Favorite
Wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin, partnered with Witney Carson, enters the finale as the frontrunner. Irwin has consistently topped the leaderboard and earned his first perfect score in Week 9. His fan base — bolstered by global support and even praise from Prince William — makes him the favorite to win. If victorious, he would follow in the footsteps of his sister Bindi Irwin, who won Season 21 in 2015.
Dylan Efron: The Underdog
While not far behind, Dylan Efron and partner Daniella Karagach scored the lowest in the semifinals with 55/60. Despite this, Efron has delivered memorable performances, including a heartfelt Week 5 dance dedicated to his sister Olivia. He also earned a perfect score in Week 9, proving he’s capable of surprises.
Semifinals Recap
The Nov. 18 semifinals featured two rounds of dances set to Prince classics. Highlights included:
- Robert Irwin scoring a perfect 30/30 for his jive.
- Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy earning 30/30 for their Viennese waltz to “Purple Rain.”
- Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa impressing with a 30/30 Argentine tango.
- Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten delivering a flawless paso doble.
Shockingly, frontrunner Whitney Leavitt and partner Mark Ballas were eliminated despite strong scores.
Leaderboard Rankings After Semifinals
- Robert Irwin & Witney Carson: 59/60
- Alix Earle & Val Chmerkovskiy: 58/60
- Jordan Chiles & Ezra Sosa: 57/60
- Elaine Hendrix & Alan Bersten: 57/60
- Dylan Efron & Daniella Karagach: 55/60
What’s at Stake
With Irwin leading, Earle close behind, and Chiles and Hendrix tied, the finale promises fierce competition. The underdog story of Efron adds unpredictability, making tonight’s outcome one of the most exciting in DWTS history.
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