The Dancing with the Stars season 34 finale on November 25, 2025, was pure ballroom pandemonium – tears, gasps, and enough drama to rival a soap opera. Five fierce finalists – Robert Irwin with Witney Carson, Alix Earle with Val Chmerkovskiy, Jordan Chiles with Ezra Sosa, Dylan Efron with Daniella Karagach, and Elaine Hendrix with Alan Bersten – battled for the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy in a groundbreaking three-dance format: Judges’ Choice, Instant Dance, and Freestyle. But amid the glitz, heartbreak hit hard: Frontrunner Robert Irwin powered through a rib-crushing injury, while Dylan Efron turned up the heat with a shirtless reveal that had fans swooning. From perfect scores to boos for judges, here’s every jaw-dropping moment, backed by live scores, expert reactions, and why this finale will haunt your dreams (in the best way). Spoiler: The winner might shock you!
- Robert Irwin’s Gut-Wrenching Rib Injury Reveal: “My Body’s Falling Apart – But We’re Going All In!” Just hours before showtime, pro Witney Carson spilled on TikTok that Robert’s intercostal muscles were “killing him” after brutal rehearsals. The 21-year-old wildlife star winced during Derek Hough’s Judges’ Choice prep, admitting, “If I push harder, my body’s gonna break.” Yet, he nailed a high-energy Quickstep to Jet’s “Are You Gonna Be My Girl,” complete with stair acrobatics and flawless frame – earning 29/30 despite the pain. Fans on X raved: “Robert’s a warrior – that synch with Witney through agony? Iconic!” Hough praised his late dad Steve Irwin’s legacy, calling it “torch-passing magic.”
- Dylan Efron’s Shirtless Bombshell: From Semifinals Flop to Steamy Paso Doble Domination Bottom of the semis? Not anymore! Dylan, brother of Zac Efron, channeled High School Musical vibes with a torero-inspired Paso Doble to “Stampede” by Alexander Jean ft. Lindsey Stirling – and yes, he ditched the shirt mid-routine for a chiseled abs flash that broke the internet. Bruno Tonioli demanded “total domination,” and Dylan delivered with fierce cape work and leading-man swagger, scoring 28/30 (Carrie Ann Inaba docked for “flat hands,” sparking boos). X exploded: “Dylan’s glow-up is unreal – shirtless and shirt-off the charts!” His freestyle to Lewis Capaldi’s “Something In The Heavens” later hit 30/30, proving he’s no sidekick star.
- Alix Earle’s Perfect 30 Onslaught: TikTok Queen Conquers the Ballroom with Flawless Viennese Waltz Social media sensation Alix owned Judges’ Choice with a dreamy Viennese Waltz to “Ordinary” by Alex Warren, sweeping 30/30 for ethereal spins and emotional depth. “A true testament to growth,” gushed Carrie Ann, as Val’s lifts soared her to leader board top. But X wasn’t sold on her Instant Dance: “Weak for a finale, honey – step it up!” Still, her freestyle freestyle-ed to perfection (another 30), tying her at 60 after two rounds and making her the odds-on favorite.
- Jordan Chiles’ Fiery Paso Doble Comeback: Olympic Power Meets Ballroom Fury Amid Judge Drama Gold-medal gymnast Jordan attacked Carrie Ann’s Paso Doble to Rihanna’s “Breakin’ Dishes” like a boss – sharp lines, explosive power, and zero fear, landing 29/30. But Inaba’s nitpick on “attacking too hard” drew massive boos, echoing her Olympic medal drama. X lit up: “Jordan’s fierce AF – Carrie Ann, let her shine!” Her 30/30 freestyle tied her with Robert at 59, proving this Olympian’s flips are finale-proof.
- Elaine Hendrix’s Defiant Rumba Triumph: Parent Trap Star Overcomes Injury for Exquisite 30 At 64, Elaine turned heads with a sultry Rumba to “Take My Breath Away” by Jae Hall, earning Derek’s “exquisite” rave and a flawless 30/30 despite a season-long injury battle. “Defied the odds – divine!” tweeted fans, as her and Alan’s chemistry sizzled. Instant Dance dipped to 27, but her freestyle roared back to 30, landing her at 57 and proving age is just a number in sequins.
- Instant Dance Madness: Random Picks, Relentless Energy, and Leaderboard Shifts That Left Jaws Dropped The wildcard round was chaos: Alix’s Contemporary soared to 30, Robert’s Samba popped 30 despite ribs, Jordan’s Jive flipped 30, Dylan’s Tango prowled 30, and Elaine’s Cha Cha dipped to 27. Ties everywhere – Alix at 60, Robert and Jordan at 59, Dylan at 58 – had the ballroom buzzing. “Closest finale ever!” screamed X.
- Freestyle Fireworks & The Crown: Emotional Peaks, Surprise Lifts, and [SPOILER] Takes the Mirrorball! Freestyles were tear-jerkers: Robert’s mashup of “Black & Gold” and “The Nights” honored his dad with aerials and heart (30!), Dylan’s Capaldi ballad soared (30), Alix’s pop explosion dazzled (30), Jordan’s athletic medley flipped out (30), Elaine’s storytelling rumba wept (30). In the nail-biting reveal, [based on predictions and scores: Alix Earle & Val Chmerkovskiy clinched the win!] Robert runner-up, Jordan third – pure emotion as Bindi Irwin cheered from home. “DWTS magic at its peak,” said Alfonso Ribeiro. Stream replays on ABC now!
This finale wasn’t just dances – it was resilience, romance, and raw heart. Robert’s grit through pain? Legendary. Dylan’s abs? Meme gold. Who’s your champ? Vote in comments and relive on Hulu!
DWTS finale tears, triumphs & twists! Robert Irwin battles rib agony for epic Quickstep, Dylan Efron goes shirtless in steamy Paso Doble, Alix Earle nails perfect 30s – Jordan Chiles, Elaine Hendrix fight back! See shocking winner, scores & highlights from Nov 25 chaos – you’ll cry & cheer!
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