Dancing With the Stars season 34 finale: Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy top the leader board with one round left

The Season 34 finale of Dancing With the Stars is officially underway.

After another season of memorable dances and shocking eliminations, one couple will walk away with the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy in a matter of hours.

The five remaining couples include Gold medal-winning Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa; reality TV personality Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach; The Parent Trap star Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten; wildlife conservationist and son of the late Steve Irwin, Robert Irwin and Witney Carson; and social media influencer and host of the Hot Mess podcast Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy.

Alix and Val are atop the leaderboard heading into the Freestyle round.

Each couple will complete three routines during Tuesday night’s finale: a Judges’ Choice dance, an Instant Dance, and a Freestyle routine. Viewers at home will have the opportunity to cast their votes throughout the evening, which will combine with the judges’ scores to reveal the winner at the end of the night.

Dancing With the Stars airs at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+. The finale will be available to stream on Hulu starting Wednesday.

Key Points

• Who competed this season on 'DWTS'?
• How many routines are the remaining couples performing?
• How to vote

When does voting close?

02:42 , Caitlin Hornik

Voting for the competition will close after the final competitive dance has been performed.

The Freestyle dances are up next!

Jordan and Ezra receive judge's critiques

02:40 , Caitlin Hornik

“This challenge is mind-blowing,” Carrie Ann Inaba said. “Everything about that — I applaud you.”

Derek Hough deemed the dance “strong,” calling it “fantastic.”

Bruno Tonioli said it was “fabulous.”

The couple received a perfect 30 out of 30.

Jordan and Ezra's Instant Dance

02:32 , Caitlin Hornik

Jordan blindly picked a tango. She and Ezra will dance to “I Like It” by Alesso and Nate Smith.

Robert and Witney's critiques from the judges

02:31 , Caitlin Hornik

Robert admitted in the video package that he did not want to dance a cha-cha.

“I’m really nervous for this Instant Dance,” he said.

Ultimately, the couple had a few missteps during their routine, including a moment where Robert visibly stopped dancing. Still, the judges enjoyed the routine.

Bruno Tonioli said: “You were on fire.”

Carrie Ann Inaba agreed with Tonioli and commended the partnership between Robert and Witney.

Derek Hough admitted to being nervous for Robert, but said it was “incredibly impressive.”

The couple received a perfect 30 out of 30.

Fans react to Robert and Witney's Instant Dance reveal

02:26 , Caitlin Hornik

“Robert cha cha...his first one was bad i'm scared #dwts,” one fan wrote on X.

“Omg i’m nervous for robert and witney !! #DWTS,” another wrote.

“Omg I was so scared Robert would get his fourth jive lmao #dwts #dwts34,” someone else said.

robert cha cha...his first one was bad i'm scared #dwts

— sofi (@bellzuko) November 26, 2025

Robert and Witney's Instant Dance

02:22 , Caitlin Hornik

Robert blindly chose a cha-cha.

They will dance to “Cake by the Ocean” by DNCE.

The couple previously danced a cha-cha during Week Four.

Elaine and Alan's critiques from the judges

02:21 , Caitlin Hornik

Derek Hough said: “The quickstep queen! That is a very hard dance to do in a short amount of time. You are sensational.”

Bruno Tonioli said: “There were quite a few footfalls.”

Carrie Ann Inaba added: “You kept it fun, you kept it light, you kept entertaining us.”

The couple received a 27 out of 30 from the judges.

Fans react to the finale

02:19 , Caitlin Hornik

Viewers are lighting up X with their commentary.

“i fear if alix or robert doesn’t win dwts tonight I will not be emotionally available for the rest of the week 😭💀 #DWTS,” one viewer wrote.

“This finale feels so fast paced and boring. Loving the prior voted off contestants dancing though #DWTS,” another wrote.

“The commercials between every dance are so annoying tbh #DWTS,” someone else said.

“You should be able to vote 3x more since they are all doing 3 dances #dwts,” another commented.

This finale feels so fast paced and boring. Loving the prior voted off contestants dancing though #DWTS

— Aly (@alypmiller) November 26, 2025

Elaine and Alan pick a quickstep

02:14 , Caitlin Hornik

They will dance to “You Can’t Hurry Love” by The Supremes.

The duo previously performed a quickstep during Disney night.

Dylan and Daniella's critiques

02:13 , Caitlin Hornik

After admitting in the video package that he did, in fact, want the foxtrot — but then saying during the live broadcast they didn’t, and didn’t practice the style — Dylan and Daniella nailed their Instant Dance.

“You brought me to tears in that dance,” Carrie Ann Inaba said. “You were leading like a leading man.”

“That, for me, was one of the best foxtrots from a man, ever,” Derek Hough said.

Bruno Tonioli added: “Len would adore it, by the way. It’s the quality of movement.”

The couple received a perfect score of 30 out of 30.

Fans upset by Alix and Val's Instant Dance scores

02:08 , Caitlin Hornik

Viewers at home aren’t holding back during the finale. Many have voiced their annoyance at Alix and Val earning another perfect score.

“Did it deserve three 10s no but it was good #DWTS,” one person wrote on X of the couple’s cha-cha.

“Enough with the Alix Earle glazing #dwts,” another wrote.

“Sorry but that dance wasn’t a 10 lol…..the pants did more moving than her #DWTS,” someone else said.

“That did NOT DESERVE a perfect score #DWTS,” another chimed in.

Sorry but that dance wasn’t a 10 lol…..the pants did more moving than her #DWTS

— ♎️ (@Kelz_Tinez) November 26, 2025

Dylan and Daniella pick a foxtrot

02:05 , Caitlin Hornik

The couple seemed noticeably irritated by picking the foxtrot at random. Dylan was seen with his face twisted into a bit of a frown while Daniella turned away from the camera.

They will dance to “Ordinary” By Alex Warren.

Alix and Val's Instant Dance

02:03 , Caitlin Hornik

Alix and Val danced a cha-cha to "Where Is My Husband!" is a song by the British singer-songwriter Raye.

“Was everything perfect? No. But it was fun,” Alix told co-host Julianne Hough after the routine.

The couple received a perfect 30 out of 30 from the judges.

How to vote during the finale

02:01 , Caitlin Hornik

Fans looking to cast their vote for their favorite couple will be able to do so once the show begins.

Online voting will be available across the U.S. and Canada at dwtsvote.abc.com.

Fans can also text their favorite couple’s keyword to cast their votes.

Viewer votes will combine with the judges scores from the evening to determine the winner of the competition.

Round one is done!

01:55 , Caitlin Hornik

All five couples have completed their first dance!

The Instant Dance round will be next. Each couple will randomly select a dance style and then be given a song. They will have five minutes to pick costumes and prepare before performing their routine live!

Jordan and Ezra's critiques

01:53 , Caitlin Hornik

“You’re a pleasure to work with because you’re so intense,” Carrie Ann Inaba said, noting that the beginning was a bit off.

Derek Hough called the dance “fantastic” while congratulating Ezra on reaching his first finale.

“You just go for it with so much determination, darling. You’re so great,” Bruno Tonioli said.

The couple received a 29 out of 30 from the judges.

Jordan and Ezra's first dance

01:49 , Caitlin Hornik

Carrie Ann Inaba chose a paso doble for the couple for the Judges’ Choice round.

“If she just delivers, Jordan has a great shot to win the Mirrorball,” Inaba said.

Fans react to Carrie Ann Inaba's critiques

01:46 , Caitlin Hornik

Viewers are divided on Inaba offering criticism to Robert and Witney. She was the final judge to comment but was cut off by the live audience booing her.

“CAI got interrupted by the booing and didn’t actually get to say the damn critique #DWTS,” one viewer wrote on X.

“Carrie Ann the buzz killer as always okay girl #Dwts,” someone else said.

“Regardless of how ppl feel about Carrie Ann the crowd shouldn't be allowed to boo the judges.... doesn't seem ballroom appropriate #DWTS,“ another wrote.

“Alright stop booing Carrie Ann when she's right like damn #DWTS #DWTSFinale,” someone else said.

Carrie Ann the buzz killer as always okay girl #Dwts

— 🖤jen🖤 (@goofygoobersjen) November 26, 2025

Robert and Witney's critiques

01:43 , Caitlin Hornik

“The quickstep king! My man! It was crisp and clean,” Derek Hough said.

“Witney, beautiful job all season,” he added.

Bruno Tonioli said: “The footwork, nimble like a gazelle, and the power like a lion!”

Carrie Ann Inaba was booed for pointing out a small criticism after deeming the dance “amazing.”

The couple received a 29 out of 30 from the judges.

Robert and Witney's first dance

01:39 , Caitlin Hornik

Derek Hough picked a quickstep for the duo’s Judges’ Choice round.

In the video package detailing the couple’s week, Robert revealed he had been dealing with rib pain.

“If I push any harder, my body’s going to break,” he said.

'Best dance of the night so far'

01:31 , Caitlin Hornik

Fans had strong reactions to Elaine and Alan’s rumba.

“Yeah, go Alan! That was amazing choreography #dwts,” one fan wrote on X.

“Elaine that took my breath away!!!!!!!!! So beautiful!!!! #DWTS #DWTS34,” another wrote.

“Alan and Elaine best dance of the night so far #dwts,” someone else said.

Elaine that took my breath away!!!!!!!!! So beautiful!!!! #DWTS #DWTS34

— Bud Light Queen (@budlightqueen27) November 26, 2025

Elaine and Alan's feedback

01:29 , Caitlin Hornik

“Elaine, that was exquisite,” Derek Hough said.

“My darling, pure class. The perfect balance of sensuality and elegance,” Bruno Tonioli added.

“Dance is more than just the steps, it’s what you do between the steps. That was beautifully expressive,” Carrie Ann Inaba said.

The couple received a perfect 30 out of 30.

Elaine and Alan's first dance

01:26 , Caitlin Hornik

For the Judges’ Choice, Derek Hough picked a rumba.

Daniella and Dylan's first score

01:24 , Caitlin Hornik

“Good job. Beautiful shapes,” Bruno Tonioli said.

“The hands got a little flat,” Carrie Ann Inaba said.

“Your improvement has been remarkable,” Derek Hough added before praising Daniella’s choreography.

The couple received a 28 out of 30, receiving a perfect 10 from Tonioli.

Bruno Tonioli's birthday

01:21 , Caitlin Hornik

Bruno is celebrating his 70th birthday in the ballroom! Co-host Alfonso Ribeiro gave him a shoutout before diving into Daniella and Dylan’s feedback.

Daniella and Dylan's first dance

01:19 , Caitlin Hornik

Bruno Tonioli picked their Judges’ Choice: a paso doble.

“I want to see total domination of the arena,” Tonioli said in a confessional.

Fans react to Alix and Val's samba

01:13 , Caitlin Hornik

“Alix did good but it wasn’t perfect imo. Samba is hard but… #dwts,” one fan wrote on X.

“Alix didn’t move me in the slightest BORING SLOPPY LAZYYYYYYY #dwts,” someone else wrote.

“The samba was alright. Felt too plain for a finale dance #DWTS,” another wrote before adding, “10 for that plain dance??? Puhhh leaseee #DWTS.”

Alix didn’t move me in the slightest BORING SLOPPY LAZYYYYYYY #dwts

— ⭐️ (@inviciblestring) November 26, 2025

Alix and Val's first score of the evening

01:11 , Caitlin Hornik

Derek Hough praised Val as “one of the best to ever do it.” Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruni Tonioli also celebrated the performance.

The couple received a perfect score of 30.

First round of the competition begins

01:06 , Caitlin Hornik

The Judges’ Choice round dances will be performed first. Alix and Val will kick things off with a samba selected by judge Carrie Ann Inaba.

The evening begins!

01:04 , Caitlin Hornik

The eliminated couples each got a moment in the spotlight as the five finalists were featured in a special reveal toward the end of the lively number.

5 minute warning!

00:55 , Caitlin Hornik

This is your five minute warning! The DWTS finale is about to begin!

Season 33 champions to perform

00:49 , Caitlin Hornik

Reigning champions Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson will be performing a special dance during the three-hour finale.

Previous Mirrorball champ Bindi Irwin posts in support of brother Robert

00:41 , Caitlin Hornik

Bindi won the Mirrorball Trophy in 2015 with pro partner Derek Hough, who is now a judge as Robert Irwin competes for the win tonight.

30 minutes until the finale begins!

00:30 , Caitlin Hornik

The final leg of the competition for the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy begins in 30 minutes! Tune in on ABC or Disney+ to catch all the action.

Jordan Chiles speaks out ahead of finale

00:25 , Caitlin Hornik

The Olympic gold medalist shared a series of behind-the-scenes photos in the hours before the finale.

“Ezra you have turned me into a ballroom dancer and also helped me tell my story! I don’t want this to end but HAPPY FINALE DAY!!! You have inspired me in so many ways and I hope I did the same for you!” Chiles’ caption read in part.

45 minutes until the finale!

00:15 , Caitlin Hornik

Get your popcorn ready — the live DWTS finale starts in 45 minutes!

Robert Irwin suffering from injury

00:09 , Caitlin Hornik

Witney Carson has shared that Irwin suffered an injury to his ribs in the hours leading up to the live finale.

“Today at [camera] blocking is a little stressful because we just have to make the freestyle all come together. Robert’s ribs have been killing him and more will be revealed on Tuesday and you guys can get a better idea of what we’ve been dealing with all week,” Carson shared in a Monday TikTok.

Former 'DWTS' champ Rumer Willis comments in support of Daniella and Dylan

Tuesday 25 November 2025 23:48 , Caitlin Hornik

Willis, who won Season 20, offered words of support for Efron and Karagach.

“Dylan you are absolutely a winner no matter what. Your dedication and love of dancing is so clear every week. You should be so proud of yourself. You truly are a leading man. So grateful to have been a small part of your journey. I had the best time dancing with you and learning from Dani. You and Dani are incredible. Kick ass today. 🙌 Go team Dady,” Willis commented on Efron’s latest Instagram post.

Alix Earle urges fans to vote

Tuesday 25 November 2025 23:33 , Caitlin Hornik

Earle shared an Instagram Story reminding fans when and how to vote ahead of the 8 p.m. ET finale start time.

Daniella Karagach thanks Dylan Efron with emotional post

Tuesday 25 November 2025 23:13 , Caitlin Hornik

Karagach posted a carousel of photos from her time being partnered with Efron on the show.

Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten compete tonight

Tuesday 25 November 2025 22:54 , Caitlin Hornik

Hendrix, known to audiences around the world as Meredith Blake in The Parent Trap, and Bersten have danced well throughout the competition. Their routine to “Defying Gravity” during Wicked week remains a standout moment from the season.

Bersten returns to the DWTS finale again after winning Season 28 with partner Hannah Brown.

'DWTS' showrunner reveals top choice high-profile celeb

Tuesday 25 November 2025 22:42 , Caitlin Hornik

DWTS showrunner Deena Katz has shared who she would love to bring to the ballroom.

“Have you guys ever taken a big swing on a star that you thought there was no way we could get them to go into the ballroom?” former winner Joey Graziadei asked on an episode of the DWTS podcast.

“We often go to Deena and say, ‘Can you ask Bill Clinton?’” Green replied. “She’ll be like, ‘he’s not going to say yes. I’ll give it a try.’”

Although she listed other names including former U.K Prime Minister Tony Blair and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Katz admitted that she is not ready to give up on the former president making his way to the ballroom.

“Bill Clinton is one that I will keep asking,” Katz said. “He probably knows or doesn’t know that that’s on my little vision board.”

Brittany Miller reports:

DWTS casting director won’t stop asking this high-profile celebrity to join show

'DWTS' ratings hit new high

Tuesday 25 November 2025 22:21 , Caitlin Hornik

During last week’s episode, DWTS reached a seven-year high for the semi-finals.

The show saw 7.22 million total viewers, according to ABC, the highest-watched semi-finals since November 2018. The figure is also up 28% compared to last year’s semi-finals episode.

Dylan Efron and Daniela Karagach will take the floor tonight

Tuesday 25 November 2025 22:19 , Caitlin Hornik

Efron and Karagach have faired well throughout the season. They’ve had a few viral moments during their dances — including the walking on water lift — powered by Karagach’s electric choreography. She’s a previous Mirrorball Trophy champion, having won Season 30 with former NBA player Iman Shumpert.

Season 34 saw new 'DWTS' podcast

Tuesday 25 November 2025 22:04 , Caitlin Hornik

The podcast has featured former contestant Joey Graziadei interviewing members of this season’s cast, in addition to other special guests, as they discuss that week’s dances and other behind-the-scenes facts from the episode.

New episodes drop every Thursday and will be available to watch with video on both Disney+ and Hulu.

“I couldn’t be more excited and honored to be joining the Dancing with the Stars team in this new way, bringing audiences exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes content,” Graziadei said in a statement to Variety. “I have so many great memories from my time competing (and winning didn’t hurt), so I can’t think of a better way to connect with contestants and bring deeper conversations and fun moments to the podcast space.”

Brittany Miller reports:

Dancing with the Stars announces podcast hosted by recent winner ahead of new season

Robert Irwin and Witney Carson compete tonight

Tuesday 25 November 2025 21:57 , Caitlin Hornik

Frontrunners from Week One, Irwin and Carson have remained consistent throughout the season. They’ve earned top marks from the judges week after week as they look to win the Mirrorball Trophy and follow in the footsteps of Irwin’s sister, Bindi, who won with Derek Hough in 2015.

Tom Bergeron's return to the ballroom

Tuesday 25 November 2025 21:44 , Caitlin Hornik

Tom Bergeron returned to the Dancing with the Stars ballroom with a clear message for ABC network executives after he was fired from the show.

The former host of the reality competition show appeared on Tuesday’s show as the episode’s special guest judge for DWTS’s 20th anniversary celebration, marking his first time on the show since his shocking departure due to creative differences with the producers in 2020.

Bergeron’s grand return was full of nostalgic moments, starting with co-host Julianne Hough fighting back tears as she introduced the TV legend. But the episode turned serious when Bergeron, 70, declined to critique the relay dance and instead used his last moments on camera to urge ABC to make a major change to the show’s format.

“You guys were great,” he told the contestants. “But in my last comments as a judge, I want to talk directly to the network.”

He then spoke directly to the camera: “This show is setting ratings records again, so next season, bring back the results show. Let the whole country vote. Let everybody vote.” His message was met with cheers from the live audience.

Carsen Holaday reports:

Tom Bergeron issues begs ABC to change Dancing with the Stars format in direct plea

Competing tonight: Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy

Tuesday 25 November 2025 21:21 , Caitlin Hornik

Podcast host Earle and her partner Chmerkovskiy have steadily improved their scores throughout the season, consistently landing near the top of the leaderboard.

Chmerkovskiy is a three-time Mirrorball Trophy winner, having achieved the feat with past partners Rumer Willis (Season 20), Laurie Hernandez (Season 23), and Xochitl Gomez (Season 32).

Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas controversy explained

Tuesday 25 November 2025 21:08 , Caitlin Hornik

Throughout their time on the show, Leavitt and Ballas were consistently near the top — if not claiming the first spot — on the judges’ leaderboard, though many criticized Leavitt’s previous dance experience. She received a degree in dance from Brigham Young University and previously competed against Witney Carson, a DWTS pro who attended a rival dance studio at the time.

Other fans alleged favoritism from the judges because of how much they like Ballas and want to see him win again.

Brittany Miller reports:

DWTS viewers rage over elimination of ‘best dancer’ on the series

Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa compete tonight

Tuesday 25 November 2025 20:33 , Caitlin Hornik

Chiles’ technique has been praised throughout the season. Tonight’s finale marks Sosa’s first!

Who is competing during the finale?

Tuesday 25 November 2025 20:14 , Caitlin Hornik

The five remaining couples are:

• Gold medal-winning Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa
• Reality TV personality Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach
• The Parent Trap star Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten
• Wildlife conservationist and son of the late Steve Irwin, Robert Irwin and Witney Carson
• Social media influencer and host of the Hot Mess podcast Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy

Pro dancer Daniella Karagach on the intimacy of ballroom dancing

Tuesday 25 November 2025 20:01 , Caitlin Hornik

Karagach knows that chemistry can make or break partners on the show vying for audience votes.

“You are always going to develop chemistry with your partner,” Karagach tells The Independent. “But it’s our job to sell it.”

To those watching at home, it might seem odd for two virtual strangers to be thrust against each other performing intimate choreography. But for Karagach as a professional ballroom dancer, it’s second nature.

“For us growing up, you are taught to look into each other’s eyes and be nose to nose at six years old,” Karagach explains. “For me, if you don’t go close enough to each other, you’re not selling the moment. It’s very touchy-feely. You look into each other’s eyes, you create that confidence, and then if you’re not a dancer, you’re like, ‘All right, these, these guys are close. That means they’re in love.’ It’s so funny to me.”

Caitlin Hornik reports:

DWTS pro Daniella Karagach on intimacy and relationships with dance partners

Who were the first eliminated couples?

Tuesday 25 November 2025 19:41 , Caitlin Hornik

After Week Two’s One-Hit Wonder-themed evening that had couples performing either the cha-cha, foxtrot, jive, quickstep, samba, or tango to songs including “Baby Got Back” by Sir Mix-A-Lot, “Rhythm of the Night” by Corona, “Blue (Da Ba Dee)” by Eiffel 65, and “Mambo No. 5 (A Little Bit Of … )” by Lou Bega, two couples were sent packing.

Former NBA star Baron Davis and pro dancer Britt Stewart, and actor Corey Feldman and his reigning DWTS champion pro partner Jenna Johnson were eliminated.

Caitlin Hornik reports:

Dancing With the Stars: Two couples voted off in first elimination of Season 34

How have Whitney Leavitt and Jen Affleck fared on DWTS season 34?

Tuesday 25 November 2025 19:23 , Caitlin Hornik

Season 34 of Dancing with the Stars has included the addition of celebrity cast members from The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.

A few weeks before the show’s premiere, it was announced on Good Morning America that Jen Affleck’s partner would be a brand new professional dancer, Jan Ravnik, who is best known for being one of the dancers on Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour.

Whitney Leavitt, meanwhile, was paired with pro Mark Ballas, who returned to the competition series after taking a few years off.

Brittany Miller reports:

How have Whitney Leavitt and Jen Affleck fared on DWTS season 34?

Ezra Sosa pens heartfelt thanks to partner Jordan Chiles

Tuesday 25 November 2025 19:09 , Caitlin Hornik

Sosa shared that he feels “so lucky” to have reached his first DWTS finale with partner Chiles.

“You truly allowed me the space and confidence to GROW and I’ll never forget the experience that this season was because of YOU.”

Alix Earle shares finale day excitement

Tuesday 25 November 2025 18:56 , Caitlin Hornik

Sharing a series of photos on her Instagram, Earle wrote: “Finale day here we come!! Some last moments of rehearsals 🥹 woke up feeling beyond excited to take in every last second of this experience and go out there with nothing but pure joy today. Thank you to everyone who has supported us along this journey 🤍 set your reminders to vote for us tonight 8pm EST/5pm PST.”

Fans left fuming after semi-finals elimination

Tuesday 25 November 2025 18:46 , Caitlin Hornik

Last Tuesday’s episode of the ABC dance competition show saw the celebrity and professional dancer couples perform to Prince songs using one dance style they had already competed and one new style.

The episode concluded with The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Whitney Leavitt being eliminated along with her partner, Mark Ballas.

After scoring a 29 out of a possible 30 points for both of their dances, the pair was tied for second place in the judges’ leaderboard and received comments from the judges claiming their dances were “literal perfection” and “incredible.”

Still, it wasn’t enough to save them from elimination — and fans were furious.

Brittany Miller reports:

DWTS viewers rage over elimination of ‘best dancer’ on the series

Alan Bersten pens a sweet message to partner Elaine Hendrix

Tuesday 25 November 2025 18:33 , Caitlin Hornik

“I can’t believe we just left the rehearsal studios for the last time. I’m so proud of you @elaine4animals no matter what happens tomorrow, just know this season has been so special and I’m so grateful you were my partner! Let’s go out there and have fun!” Bersten wrote in the caption of a video of the dance partners hugging in the rehearsal studio.

Pro dancer Gleb Savchenko reveals his pick for the Mirrorball Trophy

Tuesday 25 November 2025 18:21 , Caitlin Hornik

Speaking to Covers, Savchenko shared his thoughts on the remaining couples.

“This year’s competition is really tough. I think we definitely have a few front runners. Obviously Robert [Irwin] and Alix [Earle] are doing a great job,” he said.

“I also feel like Jordan [Chiles] and Ezra [Sosa] are killing it - every week they’re amazing. Ezra, I have to give it to him, it’s his second season as a pro and he’s crushing it with the choreo and everything. As a pro, that’s what we should do: step away and highlight the celebrity, which is what he’s doing very well with Jordan. She’s obviously extremely talented, a great dancer and girl,” he continued.

“I would love for them to win, it would be cool.”

Robert Irwin bids farewell to the dance studio

Tuesday 25 November 2025 18:17 , Caitlin Hornik

In an Instagram video posted Monday night, Irwin and his partner Witney Carson said goodbye to their rehearsal studio.

“I’m gonna miss this. Thanks for the best memories, Witney. I will cherish this experience forever. One last night to dance - see you tomorrow, America,” Irwin wrote in the caption.

Pro dancer Daniella Karagach opens up about 'mom guilt'

Tuesday 25 November 2025 18:06 , Caitlin Hornik

Speaking to The Independent ahead of the show’s premiere, the 32-year-old said she’s “so excited” to get started with her partner: The Traitors breakout star Dylan Efron.

However, the excitement is bittersweet. Karagach knows the weeks ahead will bring long days and late nights away from her young daughter.

Married to fellow DWTS pro Pasha Pashkov for more than a decade, the couple welcomed their daughter, Nikita, in May 2023.

“There’s definitely a lot of mom guilt and that will never go away, especially now that Kiki’s talking, and she says, ‘Mama, don’t go to work,’” Karagach says.

Caitlin Hornik reports:

DWTS Season 34: Pro Daniella Karagach opens up about ‘mom guilt’

Instant Dance Challenge returns

Tuesday 25 November 2025 17:53 , Caitlin Hornik

Couples won’t know the dance style or song until minutes before they have to perform.

Pro dancers have to choreograph immediately after learning the song and style and then lead their celebrity to the floor to win over the judges and viewers at home.

Freestyle round dances revealed

Tuesday 25 November 2025 17:46 , Caitlin Hornik

• Social media personality Alix Earle and partner Val Chmerkovskiy will perform a Freestyle to “Maneater” by Nelly Furtado and “Sports car” by Tate McRae.
• Wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin and partner Witney Carson will perform a Freestyle to “Black & Gold” by Sam Sparro and “The Nights” by Avicii.
• Reality TV star and content creator Dylan Efron and partner Daniella Karagach will perform a Freestyle to “Something In The Heavens” by Lewis Capaldi.
• Film and TV actress Elaine Hendrix and partner Alan Bersten will perform a Freestyle to “I Hope I Get It (from A Chorus Line)” by District 78.
• Olympic gold medalist Jordan Chiles and partner Ezra Sosa will perform a Freestyle to “Motivation” by Normani.

Judges’ Choice Dances revealed

Tuesday 25 November 2025 17:34 , Caitlin Hornik

• Social media personality Alix Earle and partner Val Chmerkovskiy will perform a Samba to “Hip Hip Chin Chin” by Club des Belugas.
• Wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin and partner Witney Carson will perform a Quickstep to “Are You Gonna Be My Girl” by Jet.
• Reality TV star and content creator Dylan Efron and partner Daniella Karagach will perform a Paso Doble to “Stampede” by Alexander Jean featuring Lindsey Stirling.
• Film and TV actress Elaine Hendrix and partner Alan Bersten will perform a Rumba to “Take My Breath Away” by Jae Hall.
• Olympic gold medalist Jordan Chiles and partner Ezra Sosa will perform a Paso Doble to “Breakin’ Dishes” by Rihanna.

How to vote during the finale

Tuesday 25 November 2025 17:26 , Caitlin Hornik

Fans looking to cast their vote for their favorite couple will be able to do so once the show begins.

Online voting will be available across the U.S. and Canada at dwtsvote.abc.com.

Fans can also text their favorite couple’s keyword to cast their votes.

Viewer votes will combine with the judges scores from the evening to determine the winner of the competition.

Finale schedule revealed

Tuesday 25 November 2025 17:18 , Caitlin Hornik

The three-hour finale will include an opening number featuring all of the Season 34 couples.

Then, the remaining five couples will perform three routines each: a Judges’ Choice dance, an Instant Dance, plus a Freestyle routine.

What time is the finale?

Tuesday 25 November 2025 17:11 , Caitlin Hornik

Tuesday night’s Dancing With the Stars finale begins at 8 p.m. ET on ABC with streaming on Disney+.

The three-hour event will conclude at 11 p.m. ET.

Familiar faces in the ballroom

Tuesday 25 November 2025 17:08 , Caitlin Hornik

Season 34 of DWTS welcomed back co-hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough, in addition to the returning judging panel made up of Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli.

The trio of judges were joined by several guests throughout the season, including former host Tom Bergeron and former pro dancer Kym Johnson Herjavec.

Season 34 cast

Tuesday 25 November 2025 17:02 , Caitlin Hornik

The season started with 14 couples:

• Jordan Chiles (with Ezra Sosa) — Gold medal-winning Olympic gymnast
• Lauren Jauregui (with Brandon Armstrong) — Fifth Harmony singer
• Dylan Efron (with Daniella Karagach) — Reality TV personality and brother of actor Zac Efron
• Corey Feldman (with Jenna Johnson) — Eighties film star of Gremlins, The Goonies and Stand by Me
• Hilaria Baldwin (with Gleb Savchenko) — Yoga instructor, podcaster and wife of actor Alec Baldwin
• Andy Richter (with Emma Slater) — Comedian and former sidekick of Conan O'Brien
• Danielle Fishel (with Pasha Pashkov) — Star of Boy Meets World
• Elaine Hendrix (with Alan Bersten) — Actor known for her role as Meredith Blake in the 1998 remake of The Parent Trap
• Scott Hoying (Rylee Arnold) — Pentatonix singer
• Robert Irwin (Witney Carson) — Wildlife conservationist and son of the late Steve Irwin
• Alix Earle (with Val Chmerkovskiy) — Social media influencer and host of the Hot Mess podcast
• Jen Affleck (with Jan Ravnik) — Star of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives
• Whitney Leavitt (with Mark Ballas) — Also from The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives
• Baron Davis (with Britt Stewart) — Two-time NBA All-Star