The Dancing with the Stars finale for Season 34 has finally arrived — and not without drama. As the ballroom dims, the lights go up, and final votes are cast, fans around the world are glued to their screens. But behind the sparkle and sequins, a last-minute twist threatened to change everything: frontrunner Robert Irwin is competing with a rib injury just hours before the big night.
Table of Contents
Finalists, Format & What to Expect
For Season 34, five couples made it to the DWTS finale:
- Robert Irwin & Witney Carson
- Alix Earle & Val Chmerkovskiy
- Jordan Chiles & Ezra Sosa
- Dylan Efron & Daniella Karagach
- Elaine Hendrix & Alan Bersten
This year’s finale is particularly ambitious: the show will feature three rounds of performances — a Judges’ Choice dance, an Instant Dance (surprise song/style revealed just before they perform), and a Freestyle routine. For many, this marks the most demanding and unpredictable finale format yet.
The episode airs live on Tuesday, November 25 (8:00–11:00 p.m. EST) on ABC and Disney+. It will stream on Hulu the following day.
The Twist: Robert Irwin’s Rib Injury
Just one day before the finale, Robert Irwin and his partner Witney Carson revealed that he had suffered a rib injury. In a TikTok video, Carson said,
“Robert’s ribs have been killing him … more will be revealed on Tuesday, and you guys can get a better idea of what we’ve been dealing with all week.”
Because of the injury, they were forced to adjust parts of their freestyle choreography — a stressful, last-minute change that could affect their performance.
Despite the setback, the pair are still considered frontrunners for the coveted Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy. Their popularity, combined with their strong judge scores, makes many fans hopeful they can pull off a win
Season 34 Highlights: Why Robert & Witney Are Leading
Robert and Witney’s journey through Season 34 has been remarkable. In the semifinals, they scored a whopping 59 out of 60 — a near-perfect performance that put them at the top of the leaderboard.
Their semifinal Jive was awarded a perfect 30/30, with judges praising their energy, control, and polish. The Viennese Waltz they followed up with scored 29/30 — cementing their position as the pair to beat.
On social media, Robert struck an emotional tone. In a heartfelt post just before the finale, he wrote that the experience changed his life, calling his partnership with Witney “the biggest gift.”
For many longtime fans — especially those who remember his sister Bindi Irwin winning DWTS a decade ago — a Robert victory would be “full circle.” His journey blends raw emotion, popular support, and undeniable dance improvement.
Will the Rib Injury Derail Them?
That’s the million-dollar question. A rib injury isn’t trivial — it can affect breathing, posture, and overall control. For a routine that demands precision, stamina, and emotional expression, even minor pain could make a big difference.
Witney’s own words underscored the pressure: “It’s honestly the most stressful part … we’ll have to run it a lot and make sure everything is coming together for Tuesday.”
Still, Robert & Witney remain undeterred. Fans across social media have poured in messages of support, urging them to stay safe but also encouraging them to push for the trophy.
What’s at Stake — And What to Watch For
- Mirrorball Trophy: Winning would be a major moment for Robert — potentially a legacy-defining achievement, especially given his family’s history with the show.
- Three-Round Format: Judges’ Choice, Instant Dance, and Freestyle — the tests of skill, improvisation, and pure performance will challenge every finalist.
- Audience & Judge Votes: The final result will come from a blend of judges’ scores and live audience votes, meaning fan support could tip the scales.
- Performance Under Pressure: How well each pair handles nerves, last-minute changes, and physical strain will truly matter — especially for Robert under the spotlight.
How to Watch the DWTS Finale & Tune In
- Live Broadcast: ABC and Disney+ — Tuesday, November 25, 8:00–11:00 p.m. EST.
- Streaming (on-demand): Hulu — available from Wednesday, November 26. Parade
Set your timers, folks — this could be one of the most dramatic and emotional finales of Dancing with the Stars ever. Between injuries, fan-favorite contestants, and a brand-new format, anything can happen.
Whether Robert Irwin brings home the Mirrorball, or another couple shocks the dance floor — the Dancing with the Stars finale is shaping up to be a night no fan will want to miss. Let the music play, the sequins shine, and the final votes roll in.