Dancing With the Stars Season 34 ends tonight, and the race for the mirrorball trophy has never been tighter. After a season filled with record-breaking votes, surprise eliminations, and standout performances, the remaining five couples will return to the ballroom for the most demanding finale in the show’s 20-year history.
Finalists Elaine Hendrix, Alix Earle, Dylan Efron, Jordan Chiles, and Robert Irwin will each perform three routines: a Judges’ Choice dance, an Instant Dance with a surprise live song, and a freestyle performance.
Host Alfonso Ribeiro confirmed this is the “most demanding season finale ever,” making tonight’s competition unlike any before.
Robert Irwin Leads as the Season Favorite
Based on scores, fan engagement, and social media momentum, Robert Irwin and Witney Carson appear to be the frontrunners. The wildlife conservationist has been a consistent top performer since the premiere and achieved his first perfect score in Week 9.
Irwin’s emotional tribute to his late father, Steve Irwin, and his high-energy semifinal jive cemented his status as a fan favorite. Even Prince William publicly rooted for him earlier in the season.
If Irwin wins, he’ll become the second member of the Irwin family to claim the mirrorball trophy — following his sister Bindi’s Season 21 victory.
Who’s the Underdog Going Into the Finale?
While the competition is close, Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach sit at the bottom of the semifinal leaderboard with 55/60. Despite his Week 9 perfect score and emotional dedication dance to his sister Olivia, Efron faces a tougher climb than the other finalists.
However, his strong Week 5 breakthrough and growing fan support make him a potential spoiler in tonight’s votes.
Semifinal Standings: How the Top Five Ranked
The semifinal episode delivered intense routines set to Prince’s iconic music catalog. By the end of the night, the standings were:
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
The most shocking moment came when frontrunner Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas were eliminated despite strong weekly scores.
A Season Summary: Weekly Score Progression
A closer look at the finalists’ growth shows how each couple built momentum:
Robert Irwin & Witney Carson
Strong from the start, earning perfect scores in Week 9 and topping the semifinals
Week 10: 59/60
Alix Earle & Val Chmerkovskiy
Steady improvement with a perfect score in Week 9
Week 10: 58/60
Jordan Chiles & Ezra Sosa
Consistent highs, especially with their 30/30 Argentine tango in the semifinals
Week 10: 57/60
Elaine Hendrix & Alan Bersten
A late-season surge with near-perfect Prince-themed routines
Week 10: 57/60
Dylan Efron & Daniella Karagach
Late bloomers who delivered emotional performances and a perfect Week 9
Week 10: 55/60
Who Might Win?
With emotional storytelling, technique, and a massive fan base behind them, Robert Irwin and Witney Carson remain the most likely champions.
But with three rounds of competition — including a surprise Instant Dance — a single mistake could shift the outcome. Alix Earle, Jordan Chiles, and Elaine Hendrix also have strong chances based on scoring consistency and popularity.
