Season 34 of “Dancing with the Stars” came to a close on Tuesday as the remaining five contestants prepared their final dances to prove one last time that they deserve the Mirrorball.
Round recaps
The recaps are formatted in order of when each contestant performed. Couples were challenged with performing three dances this week: the judges’ choice dance, the instant dance challenge and the freestyle dance.
During the judges’ choice dance, judges pick the couple’s dance style and come in during rehearsals to serve as a mentor.
The high-intensity instant dance challenge requires contestants to blindly choose a dance style, then they are provided a song and five minutes to prepare for their routine.
The final challenge of the night is the freestyle dance, a style where partners have complete creative freedom over their routines — no rules or limits.
Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy: Overall Score 90/90
Judges’ Choice: Samba (10, 10, 10)
Opening the night on a strong note, Earle and Chmerkovskiy danced a samba to “Hip Hip Chin Chin” by Club des Belugas, with guidance from judge Carrie Ann Inaba during rehearsals. The judges said Earle has her own signature style: “refined fierceness.” They referred to her as incandescent, transforming into an absolute star throughout this season, awarding the pair three 10s.
Instant Dance Challenge: Cha Cha to “WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!” by RAYE (10, 10, 10)
Earle and Chmerkovskiy performed a cha cha to “WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!” by RAYE, with the judges calling her performance level “brilliant.” The couple rose to the occasion, being awarded a perfect score of three 10s by the judges.
Freestyle Dance: (10, 10, 10)
Dancing a freestyle routine to a mashup “Maneater” by Nelly Furtado and “Sports car” by Tate McRae, Earle and Chmerkovskiy said they wanted to showcase confidence, power and authenticity. The judges admire how Earle dances with her heart, with Inaba saying she feels extremely connected to Earle’s journey. The couple was awarded three 10s, landing them at the top of the leaderboard.
Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach: Overall Score 88/90
Judges’ Choice: Paso Doble (9, 9, 10)
Judge Bruno Tonioli advised Efron and Karagach during rehearsals for their Paso Doble to “Stampede” by Alexander Jean featuring Lindsey Stirling. The judges highlighted how far Efron has come since the beginning of the season but did critique his shaping, advising him to stretch his arms out even more. The duo was awarded two nines and one 10.
Instant Dance Challenge: Foxtrot to “Ordinary” by Alex Warren (10, 10, 10)
Dancing a Foxtrot to “Ordinary” by Alex Warren, Efron and Karagach were called “unbelievable” by the judges. The pair brought judge Inaba to tears, receiving three 10s from the judges.
Freestyle Dance: (10, 10, 10)
Efron and Karagach performed a freestyle to “Something In The Heavens” by Lewis Capaldi, telling the story of Efron falling in love with dance. The judges found the routine beautiful and poetic, capturing the elusive qualities of a dream. They complimented Efron’s applied lyricism to his movement, awarding the pair three perfect 10s.
Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten: Overall Score 87/90
Judges’ Choice: Rumba (10, 10, 10)
Performing a rumba to “Take My Breath Away – Acoustic” by Jae Hall, Hendrix and Bersten were mentored by judge Derek Hough. The judges compared Hendrix’s time on the season to the “hero’s journey,” as she has faced many ups and downs and continued to persevere through it all. The couple was awarded a perfect score of three 10s.
Instant Dance Challenge: Quickstep to “You Can’t Hurry Love” by The Supremes (9, 9, 9)
Hendrix and Bersten danced a quickstep to “You Can’t Hurry Love” by The Supremes, with the judges finding a few foot faults and a misstep in the beginning. Despite that, the judges enjoyed the lighthearted and entertaining performance, awarding the pair three nines.
Freestyle Dance: (10, 10, 10)
Performing a freestyle to “I Hope I Get It (from A Chorus Line)” by District 78, Hendrix and Bersten put on what the judges called a “Broadway production.” Hough said he found this to be a full-circle moment for Hendrix, as she began her journey on the show wanting to reclaim the dancing side of her, which she has now done beautifully. The judges awarded the couple a perfect score of three 10s.
Robert Irwin and Witney Carson: Overall Score 89/90
Judges’ Choice: Quickstep (9, 10, 10)
Irwin and Carson danced a quickstep to “Are You Gonna Be My Girl” by Jet, with Hough acting as an advisor during rehearsals. The judges said Irwin had the acceleration of a cheetah, footwork like a gazelle and the power of a lion, awarding the couple one nine and two 10s.
Instant Dance Challenge: Cha Cha to “Cake By The Ocean” by DNCE (10, 10, 10)
Performing a cha cha to “Cake By The Ocean” by DNCE, Irwin and Carson overcame both nerves and Irwin’s rib injury hours before Tuesday’s show. The judges admired the couple’s partnership, saying it’s the key to this challenge, awarding them three perfect 10s.
Freestyle Dance: (10, 10, 10)
Irwin and Carson danced a freestyle routine to a mashup of “Black & Gold” by Sam Sparro and “The Nights” by Avicii as a thank-you to America for always supporting him in one of his dreams. Hough said he remembered when 11-year-old Irwin was in the ballroom watching his sister win the mirrorball 10 years ago, and now he’s in her shoes. The judges said it was an “explosive freestyle,” awarding the couple three 10s.
Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa: Overall Score 89/90
Judges’ Choice: Paso Doble (9, 10, 10)
Performing a powerful Paso Doble to “Breakin’ Dishes” by Rihanna, Chiles and Sosa received guidance from Inaba during rehearsals. Despite Inaba calling out a disconnect in the dance at the beginning, the judges still admired Chiles’ attack and creation of space with her movements. The couple was awarded one nine and two 10s by the judges.
Instant Dance Challenge: Tango to “I Like It” by Alesso and Nate Smith (10, 10, 10)
Chiles and Sosa danced a tango to “I Like It (With Nate Smith)” by Alesso, with Chiles being called “strong” and “fabulous” by the judges. They highlighted the couple’s tight body contact, awarding the duo three 10s.
Freestyle Dance: (10, 10, 10)
Performing a freestyle to “Motivation” by Normani, Chiles and Sosa invited the singer and former season 24 finalist back to the ballroom. Chiles wanted to show that she is more than just a gymnast. Inaba said it was the best freestyle dance she had ever seen on the show, with the judges saying “you’re all winners” to the finalists. The couple was awarded a perfect score of three 10s.
Results
After showing emotional video messages from the contestants’ closest family and friends, it was time to announce the winner of season 34.
Hendrix and Bersten placed fifth, Efron and Karagach placed fourth and Chiles and Sosa placed third, leaving Irwin and Carson alongside Earle and Chmerkovskiy as the top two couples of the season.
After 10 weeks of intense competition, Irwin and Carson were announced as the winners of season 34, taking home the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy.