The Dancing with the Stars finale is here. Robert Irwin sits atop the leaderboard with 91% odds to win. Tonight’s three-hour special (airing at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+) will crown the Season 34 Mirrorball Trophy champion.
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🔥 Quick Facts:
- Five finalists competing tonight: Robert Irwin, Alix Earle, Jordan Chiles, Elaine Hendrix, and Dylan Efron
- Robert Irwin has a 91% chance of winning per Gold Derby predictions
- First-ever three-round finale format with Judges’ Choice, Instant Dance, and Freestyle
- Finale airs Tuesday, Nov. 25 for 3 hours starting at 8 p.m. ET
- If Robert wins, he’d be the second Irwin to win the show after sister Bindi in 2015
What Happened Leading to Tonight
Robert Irwin, the 21-year-old wildlife conservationist and son of the late “Crocodile Hunter” Steve Irwin, has dominated all season. He scored 59/60 in semifinals, the highest of any contestant. His partner, Witney Carson, helped him earn his first perfect 40/40 score in Week 9.
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The Season 34 semifinals featured a special Prince Night theme on Nov. 18. Four couples earned perfect scores that night. Robert pulled in the highest combined score, with judges giving him standing ovations. This consistent performance has made him the frontrunner heading into tonight.
The semifinals eliminated Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas, despite their strong season. That shocking exit cleared the path for the five remaining couples. Robert’s family support and genuine connection to the dance have resonated with viewers all season long.
Who’s Competing for the Mirrorball Tonight
Five couples take the stage for the most demanding finale in show history.
| Celebrity | Professional Partner | Semifinal Score |
|---|---|---|
| Robert Irwin | Witney Carson | 59/60 |
| Alix Earle | Val Chmerkovskiy | 58/60 |
| Jordan Chiles | Ezra Sosa | 57/60 |
| Elaine Hendrix | Alan Bersten | 57/60 |
| Dylan Efron | Daniella Karagach | 55/60 |
Alix Earle, the social media personality, came in second with 58/60. Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles and actress Elaine Hendrix tied at 57/60. Reality TV star Dylan Efron scored 55/60 but earned his own perfect score in Week 9, proving he belongs.
The Finale Format Changes Everything Tonight
ABC and Disney+ are mixing things up big time. Each couple will dance three times instead of the typical two. This is a first for the show’s 34 seasons.
Round one features a Judges’ Choice dance. Host Alfonso Ribeiro revealed this twist after Prince Night aired. Judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli get to pick the style and music themselves. Then comes Instant Dance with a mystery song revealed live. Finally, couples perform their signature Freestyle routine. This triple-threat format is serious business.
The show takes over all of ABC in primetime for three hours. It’s the most demanding finale ever created. Fans knew Week 10 Prince Night saw record-breaking voting numbers. Tonight’s format ups the ante even more.
Why Odds Favor Robert Irwin Tonight
Robert’s consistent excellence has built massive fan support. He’s the clear frontrunner with 91% odds to win according to Gold Derby prediction models. These odds combine thousands of fan votes and betting data.
Beyond pure talent, Robert brings something special to the ballroom. His genuine love for dancing and growth throughout the season inspire viewers. Plus, family legacy matters. If he wins, Robert becomes the second Irwin champion. Sister Bindi Won Season 21 in 2015 with partner Derek Hough. That connection resonates deeply with audiences.
Still, don’t count out the competition entirely. Alix Earle has massive social media reach. Jordan Chiles’ gymnastics fanbase is passionate. Dylan Efron surprised everyone with his growth. Elaine Hendrix brought veteran acting talent to the floor. Tonight, anything can happen on live television.
What to Expect When Finals Begin
Tune in at 8 p.m. ET tonight to watch the drama unfold.
- All five couples perform three complete routines each for judges and the live audience
- Viewer voting combines with judge scores to determine the winner
- ABC airs the special on both traditional TV and Disney+
- Next-day streaming available on Hulu
- The Mirrorball Trophy goes to the couple with the most total votes and points
Producer revealed this format represents the show’s biggest shake-up ever. Nobody’s holding back tonight. Each couple knows this is their final chance to shine. Perfect scores might become more common with judges pushing contestants to new limits. Expect emotional performances, incredible choreography, and genuine tension as five couples battle for glory.
Can Anyone Catch Robert Irwin at the Finish Line?
The question on everyone’s mind is simple: Will Robert Irwin finally bring home the Mirrorball for the Irwin family twice over?
His semifinal dominance suggests yes. But three rounds mean anything’s possible. A stumble during the Instant Dance could shake things up. Alix Earle’s 58/60 score keeps her close. Jordan Chiles’ incredible athletic grace could shine bright tonight. Sometimes the best dances come last.
The finale airs live, meaning no retakes, no second chances. Every step counts. Every beat matters. Judges will score harder than ever. Fans will vote like never before. One couple walks away golden. Which pair will hoist the Mirrorball Trophy after 11 weeks of emotional performances, growth, and pure dancing excellence?
Sources
- Gold Derby – Dancing with the Stars Season 34 predictions and odds
- USA Today – DWTS Season 34 finale viewing information
- Yahoo Entertainment – Finalist profiles and semifinals recap
Jessica Morrison is a seasoned entertainment writer with over a decade of experience covering television, film, and pop culture. After earning a degree in journalism from New York University, she worked as a freelance writer for various entertainment magazines before joining red94.net. Her expertise lies in analyzing television series, from groundbreaking dramas to light-hearted comedies, and she often provides in-depth reviews and industry insights. Outside of writing, Jessica is an avid film buff and enjoys discovering new indie movies at local festivals.