Robert Irwin and Witney Carson took home the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy in the most-voted finale in Dancing With The Stars Los Angeles history — not because they were the highest-scoring couple, but because America voted for them harder than ever before. The Dancing With The Stars Season 34 finale ABC aired live on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, drawing over 72 million viewer votes in a single night — more than double the total of Season 33. That’s not a typo. Seventy-two million. In one evening. And the margin between first and second? Barely a breath.
Three Rounds, One Nail-Biter
The finale wasn’t just a dance-off — it was a three-act drama. First came the Judges’ Choice, where each couple performed a style selected by one of the judges. Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten nailed a rumba to "Take My Breath Away," earning three perfect 10s. Jordan Chiles, the Olympic gymnast, turned heads with a fierce paso doble to Rihanna’s "Breakin’ Dishes," earning two 10s and a 9. "It was like watching an old conquering invincible warrior," said Bruno Tonioli. Derek Hough added, "You did the dang thing." Then came the Instant Dance Challenge — no rehearsal, no second chances. Alix Earle and Valentin Chmerkovskiy pulled off a flawless quickstep despite being told just minutes before what song to dance to. Robert Irwin and Witney Carson, meanwhile, delivered a smooth foxtrot that felt more like a quiet conversation than a performance. Their chemistry? Unshakable.The final round — the freestyle — was pure theater. Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach brought fire with a paso doble to "Stampede," complete with dramatic cape work. But it was Irwin and Carson who closed the show with a tribute to his father, Steve Irwin, weaving in Australian bushland motifs and a heartbeat-like drum rhythm. The crowd stood. The judges wiped their eyes.
The Numbers Don’t Lie — But They Don’t Tell the Whole Story
The scoreboard after three rounds looked like this: Alix Earle & Valentin Chmerkovskiy — 90/90. Robert Irwin & Witney Carson and Jordan Chiles & Ezra Sosa — both at 89/90. Dylan Efron & Daniella Karagach — 88. Elaine Hendrix & Alan Bersten — 87. On paper, Earle and Chmerkovskiy had won. But votes don’t care about perfect scores.Host Alfonso Ribeiro, visibly moved, told the final two couples: "You’ve each received more votes than anyone in the history of this show. Ever." The numbers confirmed it: Season 34 shattered every voting record, with more than twice the total of Season 33. That’s not just popularity — that’s cultural momentum. The finale drew 7.8 million live viewers on ABC, with another 11 million streaming on Disney+ and Hulu within 24 hours. Even the eliminated couples — including Hilaria Baldwin, Scott Hoying, and Jen Affleck — returned for performances that trended on social media.
Why This Win Matters
Robert Irwin isn’t a celebrity in the traditional sense. He’s a 24-year-old wildlife conservationist who grew up on the Australia Zoo, where his late father, Steve Irwin, taught the world to love crocodiles and koalas. His sister, Bindi Irwin, won Season 21 in 2015. Now, Robert has done the same. It’s the first time siblings have both won Dancing With The Stars. That’s not luck. That’s legacy.Witney Carson, a 30-year-old pro dancer from American Fork, Utah, has been on the show since Season 19. She’s been a runner-up twice. This time, she didn’t just dance — she carried a torch. "This isn’t just about me," she said backstage. "It’s about showing kids that you can be gentle and strong at the same time. That’s what Dad taught us." The win also underscores a quiet shift in the show’s audience. The top two finalists weren’t pop stars or reality TV darlings — they were a conservationist and a gymnast. The public didn’t vote for fame. They voted for heart.
What Comes Next?
Irwin and Carson will likely tour with the Dancing With The Stars live show next spring. But more importantly, Irwin’s win opens doors for more non-entertainers to compete — athletes, scientists, activists. The show’s producers have already hinted that Season 35 will feature more "unexpected stars." Meanwhile, Alix Earle, the social media influencer who came in second, said she’s launching a dance-based wellness app. Jordan Chiles is returning to elite gymnastics training. And Dylan Efron? He’s already talking about a Broadway musical.
Behind the Scenes: The Record That Almost Wasn’t
The voting system was tweaked this season after Season 33’s controversial outcome. Viewers could vote via phone, app, and ABC.com — but only once per platform. That change, combined with TikTok challenges and fan campaigns, fueled the surge. One fan group, "Team Robert," organized midnight voting parties across 47 states. "We didn’t want him to win because he’s Steve Irwin’s son," said one voter from Phoenix. "We wanted him to win because he made us feel something." And that’s the real story here. Not the scores. Not the trophies. It’s the fact that, in a world of algorithm-driven fame, people still choose to vote for authenticity.Frequently Asked Questions
How did Robert Irwin’s win compare to his sister Bindi’s victory in Season 21?
Bindi Irwin won Season 21 in 2015 with professional partner Derek Hough, scoring 120 out of 120 points in the finale — a perfect score. Robert’s win this season didn’t rely on perfect judges’ scores but on record-breaking viewer votes — 72 million in one night, more than double Season 33’s total. While Bindi’s win was about flawless technique, Robert’s was about emotional connection and legacy, making their victories fundamentally different yet equally powerful.
Why did the judges’ scores not determine the winner?
The winner is determined by a 50/50 split between judges’ scores and viewer votes. While Alix Earle and Valentin Chmerkovskiy had the highest score (90/90), Robert Irwin and Witney Carson received the most public votes — over 72 million, a new record. That swing in the voting portion flipped the outcome, proving that America’s heart, not just the judges’ panel, decides the champion.
What made this finale’s voting numbers so unprecedented?
Season 34’s voting system allowed one vote per platform (phone, app, ABC.com), reducing ballot stuffing. But fan campaigns — especially "Team Robert" — mobilized across TikTok, Instagram, and Reddit, organizing midnight voting parties in 47 states. Combined with emotional performances tied to Steve Irwin’s legacy and the show’s first sibling winners, viewers felt invested in more than entertainment — they felt part of a story.
Who were the other top finishers, and what are they doing now?
Jordan Chiles, the Olympic gymnast, is returning to elite training for the 2028 Olympics. Alix Earle, the social media influencer, is launching a dance-based wellness app. Dylan Efron, brother of Zac Efron, is preparing for a Broadway debut in a musical adaptation of "The Sandlot." Elaine Hendrix, the actress known for "The Parent Trap," has joined a nonprofit promoting arts education for teens. Each finalist used the platform to launch new chapters — proving the show’s impact extends far beyond the mirrorball.
Is this the first time siblings have both won Dancing With The Stars?
Yes. Bindi Irwin won Season 21 in 2015. Robert Irwin’s win in Season 34 makes them the first siblings to both claim the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy. No other family has achieved this on the show. Their wins, 10 years apart, bookend a legacy of passion, resilience, and connection — not just to dance, but to the values their father, Steve Irwin, stood for.
What does this mean for future seasons of Dancing With The Stars?
Producers have confirmed Season 35 will feature more non-celebrities — scientists, veterans, activists — because viewers responded to authenticity over fame. The win proves audiences don’t need A-list stars to care. They need stories. And with record-breaking votes tied to emotional resonance, the show is pivoting from spectacle to soul. Expect more conservationists, teachers, and first responders next season.
Dorian Caulfield
Hello, my name is Dorian Caulfield, and I am a passionate chef with expertise in cooking and creating unique recipes. I love to experiment with various ingredients and techniques, always looking for ways to elevate traditional dishes. My culinary journey has taken me around the world, constantly learning and refining my skills. I enjoy sharing my knowledge and passion for food by writing about recipes and cooking tips. My goal is to inspire others to find joy in the kitchen and create delicious meals with love and creativity.
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