Dancing With The Stars 34 Recap: 2025 Finale Week 11 Live Blog
Hey Everyone 🙂
Welcome to the season thirty-four grand finale of Dancing with the Stars. This is it! After eleven weeks and nine eliminations, we will crown a new champion. Only three dances stand between our finalists and the Len Goodman mirrorball trophy. And tonight’s three hour finale promises to be one of the most competitive in the show’s twenty year history.
The five remaining pairs will dance to a judges’ choice routine, compete in the instant dance round, and complete the competition with the fan favorite freestyles. In addition to all that, we will get to see all of this season’s cast back in the ballroom as well as new performances from the pros, troupe members, and special guests.
Last week, for the semi-finals, we honored the incredible music of Prince. At the top of the leaderboard after two dances was Robert Irwin and Witney. At the bottom was Dylan Efron and Daniella. Getting the boot just a week shy of the finale was one of the seasons highest scoring couples, Whitney Leavitt and Mark. With the scoring so close together, it really comes down to audience preference and the strength of voting.
If I had to hazard a guess even before tonight’s dancing commences, I’d say Robert has this on lock. He has the dance talent, personality, and a big enough following to carry him to the win. I think Alix will be the runner-up. I feel as though 3rd is a real toss-up between Jordan and Elaine. Dylan will end up in fifth. But all five finalists should be very proud of making it to the end. It has been a fun ride with some exceptional dancing.
Your votes will be combined with the judges scores to determine which couple will be eliminated. Remember, VOTING begins at the top of the show and concludes after the final dance of the evening.
For the final time this season, let’s get this party started…
We begin with a very dramatic opening focusing on the finalists before heading into the ballroom. The pros and troupe are soon joined by all the stars of season thirty-four. And since there is no competition for them tonight, everyone is dancing free and enjoying themselves. And doing a fabulous job I might add. Even Andy! Why does everyone seem like they are dancing better than when they competed? The benefits of not being judged. Joey Pizzi is the choreographer responsible for this opening routine. Here come our finalists all decked out and looking marvelous. Alfonso and Julianne arrive and welcome us to the show.
Alix Earle & Val – Samba
Yes! A great way to open up round one. What a fun and dazzling samba. Those hips were going crazy and I loved the impeccable samba rolls. Val really went for it here and choreographed a difficult routine that never wavered in energy and strength. Alix went out there and showed why she is a finalist and I think she took Carrie Ann’s rehearsal tips to heart and really excelled here.
Carrie Ann says all the content was there. She calls it brilliant and says she performed the heck out of it. Derek says samba is so hard to do but this was fantastic. He compliments Val. Bruno tells the audience to fasten their seatbelts. He says Alix has become a star.
Carrie Ann- 10, Derek- 10, Bruno- 10 = 30/30
VOTE for Alix & Val at dwtsvote.abc.com and/or via texting ALIX to 21523. Note- only US residents can vote using text method.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a finale without some proper filler. We now get a look at the first few weeks of the competition.
Dylan Efron & Daniella – Paso Doble
An interesting paso doble for me. On one hand, I enjoyed a lot of the content because it was true to the style and had that flair you need. I appreciate the intensity Dylan brought and Daniella is always a star partner. On the other hand, I saw some sloppiness at different points. It wasn’t terrible or too distracting but we must call a spade a spade and Dylan definitely had moments where he could have been sharper and stronger. It was a solid attempt and almost got to the next level. Almost.
Alfonso wishes Bruno a happy 70th birthday. Aww. Happy Birthday Bruno!
Bruno talks about Dylan’s torso. He tells him he could watch that all over again. In fact, he wants Dylan wrapped up in his dressing room as his gift. Okay Bruno. Don’t be creepy now. Carrie Ann thought the hands got a little flat but she tells him it was fantastic. Derek enjoyed the knee walks but wanted more shaping. He gives kudos to Daniella
Carrie Ann- 9, Derek- 9, Bruno- 10 = 28/30
VOTE for Dylan & Daniella at dwtsvote.abc.com and/or via texting DYLAN to 21523. Note- only US residents can vote using text method.
Corey & Jenna and Baron & Britt are out for a short little dance. That’s nice that the eliminated contestants get some time in the ballroom on their own without everyone else.
Elaine Hendrix & Alan – Rumba
Aww. That was lovely. So elegant and beautiful. Great hip action and a sensual softness that just flowed out of both Elaine and Alan. A classic rumba with everything you expect and want to see and as usual, a high performance value from Elaine who just knows exactly how to sell it. Alan did a nice job here with the choreography. An exquisite rumba.
Derek uses my word and calls it exquisite. He also gives compliments to Alan. Bruno calls it pure class and loved the sensuality and elegance. Carrie Ann comments she has been waiting for Elaine to do a dance like this. She calls it beautifully expressive.
Carrie Ann- 10, Derek- 10, Bruno- 10 = 30/30
VOTE for Elaine & Alan at dwtsvote.abc.com and/or via texting ELAINE to 21523. Note- only US residents can vote using text method.
Lauren & Brandon, Hilaria & Gleb, Scott & Rylee, and Jen & Jan welcome us back from commercial as each couple gets their own time to shine.
And now, a look back at more memories of this season’s competition.
Robert Irwin & Witney – Quickstep
Ouchie. Robert’s ribs are a bit injured. He doesn’t want Witney to change the choreography but she insists on having a plan B. Well, if he does have pain, it definitely didn’t show. And Witney did not change the choreography because that was tough. It was fast, filled with content, and a lot of fun to watch. The way the two of them just paraded around the ballroom totally in-sync was great to see. It shows the strength of Robert as a dancer and the pair as a couple. Fun ending as well. Witney always makes routines memorable.
Derek calls Robert the quickstep King. He says Witney always brings her A-game. Bruno says the footwork was light but powerful. Carrie Ann calls it amazing and wonderful but mentions a little issue. The audience shouts boos and Carrie Ann insists that tonight is for the trophy and she wants to make sure it goes to the right person.
Carrie Ann- 9, Derek- 10, Bruno- 10 = 29/30
VOTE for Robert & Witney at dwtsvote.abc.com and/or via texting ROBERT to 21523. Note- only US residents can vote using text method.
Whitney & Mark, Andy & Emma, and Danielle & Pasha bring us back from commercial. Andy will never not bring comedy. Watching both Whitney and Danielle reminds me how much they are missed in the competition.
Jordan Chiles & Ezra – Paso Doble
That was impressive first because the music was odd. Not exactly something I would pick for a paso but they made it work. And by the end, I was sold. Jordan is so strong and I know she is a gymnast but I cannot help be impressed by her power in the ballroom. Every step she did here and every arm extension was fierce and made a statement. She came out to put her stamp on tonight’s finale and without question, she did just that. Just a fiery routine from start to finish.
Carrie Ann says she is a pleasure to work with but she felt the attack was a bit too strong at the beginning. Yikes. Besides the boos, someone shouted something and Carrie Ann looked really pissed. Derek says Jordan did the thing. He says it had it all and it was fantastic and congratulates Ezra on his first finale. Bruno loved the determination and how she goes for it and says she is great.
Carrie Ann- 9, Derek- 10, Bruno- 10 = 29/30
VOTE for Jordan & Ezra at dwtsvote.abc.com and/or via texting JORDAN to 21523. Note- only US residents can vote using text method.
For Round 2, the instant dance, we get to see the contestants (with a blindfold on) pick the style they will dance. Alix is up first and she got the cha-cha-cha. They must now go grab costumes and come up with a routine in five minutes. Damn, that’s pressure if I ever saw it.
Alix Earle & Val – Instant Cha-Cha-Cha
Well, considering they had minutes to prepare, it was pretty good. It was a very basic cha-cha-cha and they most likely repeated a whole lot of the choreography that they used in their first cha-cha-cha. But Alix was able to keep up with it for the most part. It had a few questionable moments but this is a very difficult ask. Not only are these contestants dancing three times but you are asking them to dance to a routine they will essentially have to make up on the fly. Not easy.
Bruno is impressed the transformation from week one to now. He calls it brilliant. Carrie Ann is blown away by how fantastic it was. She says Alix rose to the occasion. Derek finds this round cool because it shows what the contestants have learned throughout the season.
Carrie Ann- 10, Derek- 10, Bruno- 10 = 30/30
VOTE for Alix & Val at dwtsvote.abc.com and/or via texting ALIX to 21523. Note- only US residents can vote using text method.
Dylan is next. He randomly picked foxtrot. He doesn’t look too pleased to be doing a foxtrot but no time to be upset. They rush off to get changed and make up a routine.
Dylan Efron & Daniella – Instant Foxtrot
You know what? That was actually quite good for an instant dance. It had a lovely gliding quality and a very set beginning, middle, and end. It told a story and Dylan had a really strong frame throughout. I am very pleasantly surprised that he made it work so well in the short span they had because foxtrot was not one of his stronger dances and the pressure of tonight’s competition must be through the roof.
Carrie Ann calls it unbelievable. She loved the leading and says it brought her to tears. Derek says the control was great and says it was one of the best foxtrots from a man ever. Bruno agrees and wonders where that was coming from and says Len would have adored it. He notes the quality of movement.
Carrie Ann- 10, Derek- 10, Bruno- 10 = 30/30
VOTE for Dylan & Daniella at dwtsvote.abc.com and/or via texting DYLAN to 21523. Note- only US residents can vote using text method.
Next up is Elaine. Her random pick is quickstep. And off they go to get ready…
Elaine Hendrix & Alan – Instant Quickstep
Fantastic effort there. A little out of sync in parts with the footwork but the joy just coming out of Elaine is so wonderful to see. She is smiling from ear to ear and looks to be having so much fun. It was quick and Elaine leaned heavily on Alan throughout. It was a really good effort and again, so hard to do. If they had more time, I am sure Elaine would have perfected the small miscues she had.
Derek calls Elaine the quickstep Queen. He mentions a little mistake but calls her sensational and says well done. Bruno says it was glossy and glamorous. He does mention a few errors. Carrie Ann agrees but loves how she was light and fun during that dance.
Carrie Ann- 9, Derek- 9, Bruno- 9 = 27/30
VOTE for Elaine & Alan at dwtsvote.abc.com and/or via texting ELAINE to 21523. Note- only US residents can vote using text method.
Robert is next. He has Cha-Cha-Cha. They race off to get it ready to go.
Robert & Witney – Instant Cha-Cha-Cha
Once again, solid effort. I am not quite sure what happened in the middle there. It was definitely a bit of a mistake but Robert recovered quickly. This was a typical cha-cha-cha. Nothing over the top but all the essentials were there. One of Robert’s strengths is his ability to adapt to any style with his winning personality and high performance value. Even if something isn’t perfect, you just watch it and have to applaud at what you see.
Bruno says the placement was better and Robert was cleaner than he was previously. Carrie Ann notes that it is all about the partnership. Derek mentions the rotations were great as was the performance.
Carrie Ann- 10, Derek- 10, Bruno- 10 = 30/30
VOTE for Robert & Witney at dwtsvote.abc.com and/or via texting ROBERT to 21523. Note- only US residents can vote using text method.
Finally, Jordan is up for her instant dance. Jordan picked the tango. And away they go for costumes and choreography.
Jordan Chiles & Ezra – Instant Tango
Jordan wanted the tango and I could see why. She is so strong in hold and loved these dances where you need to bring all the strength you have. As an athlete, that is totally understandable. I didn’t see anything over the top amazing here but also, nothing was wrong. It was a simple tango done to a weird song that didn’t fit a tango. So all in all, I have to give Jordan her kudos for a job very well done indeed.
Carrie Ann says this challenge is mind-blowing. She has so much respect for Jordan and calls her amazing. Derek says Jordan couldn’t have gotten a better dance for that challenge. Bruno is brief and simply calls it fabulous.
Carrie Ann- 10, Derek- 10, Bruno- 10 = 30/30
VOTE for Jordan & Ezra at dwtsvote.abc.com and/or via texting JORDAN to 21523. Note- only US residents can vote using text method.
The final round, the freestyle, beings…
Alix Earle & Val – Freestyle
Interesting freestyle. It was a very long routine. At least, it felt that way. For me, it didn’t really feel epic until the final forty five seconds or so. Before that, it was very much in the pocket of what we have seen before just with added dancers and different music. It feels like we have seen Alix do a variation of this dance before. Alix shined when she had the opportunity to do something different, especially when she had that little section with the ladies. I do appreciate how far she has come and nothing was technically wrong with the dance. I just expect to be blown away by a freestyle.
Derek calls Alix a superstar. He says her confidence has been built from the beginning and calls it a phenomenal freestyle. Bruno calls Alix a she-wolf and says nothing can stand in her way. Carrie Ann is very touched by Alix because she dances with her heart open and feels connected to her journey.
Carrie Ann- 10, Derek- 10, Bruno- 10 = 30/30
VOTE for Alix & Val at dwtsvote.abc.com and/or via texting ALIX to 21523. Note- only US residents can vote using text method.
Dylan Efron & Daniella -Freestyle
Wow. Now, that is what I mean when I say I want to be blown away by a freestyle. What a great piece of choreography by Daniella. She really might be this show’s best dancer and choreographer. This was so emotional. It was all of Dylan’s emotions coming together in a beautiful contemporary piece. Those lifts. Those tricks. The ending with the water. Damn. It just all came together in such a wonderful way and you could literally feel the emotion throughout.
Bruno calls it beautiful and poetic. He says it had beautiful images he will never forget. Carrie Ann says the emotional journey is baffling. She felt it was the perfect representation of Dylan’s journey. Derek says Dylan embodies a kind masculinity and calls him a beautiful partner to Daniella. He claims to be speechless after basically giving a speech. LOL.
Carrie Ann- 10, Derek- 10, Bruno- 10 = 30/30
VOTE for Dylan & Daniella at dwtsvote.abc.com and/or via texting DYLAN to 21523. Note- only US residents can vote using text method.
Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson Perform a Classic Argentine Tango
Last season’s champions Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson get a video package talking about their time on the show and what life has been like since the show before they come out to perform for everyone. Joey commented that he wanted to do a classic ballroom routine as a tribute to the show’s twentieth anniversary.
And he and Jenna do indeed give us a classic Argentine Tango inspired ballroom routine. It is a nice break from tonight’s action. I feel like Joey never left the ballroom as he has been around all season and he hosts the podcast. He seems to be on contract with ABC. I kid of course. A nice routine for sure. Back to the freestyles…
Elaine Hendrix & Alan – Freestyle
That was super adorable. Elaine as a dancing student auditioning and then following through as a performer was perfect for her. It encompassed her entire career when it comes to dancing and I appreciated all the little nuances that Alan put in there. It was fun, funny, light, and just a terrific homage to dance itself. I think Elaine did herself a real favor here because that’s a routine you will remember long after you watch it. It is something you will think back and say… hey, that was cool.
Carrie Ann loved how Elaine shared her spotlight with so many people in that dance. She doesn’t want the season to end. She calls it wonderful. Derek says Elaine has completed the journey and loved the Broadway production. Bruno tells Elaine not to worry because she has it. He says she did a fantastic job from day one.
Carrie Ann- 10, Derek- 10, Bruno- 10 = 30/30
VOTE for Elaine & Alan at dwtsvote.abc.com and/or via texting ELAINE to 21523. Note- only US residents can vote using text method.
Robert Irwin & Witney – Freestyle
I think the biggest compliment I can give Robert here is that I had a hard time telling the difference between he and Witney and the other pros during the routine. He looked that good that I just thought it was a routine with only professional dancers. I loved how the dance was in two parts with the first being classic and the second more emotional. It gave the whole thing depth and made it memorable. Witney, like Daniella, is a star on this show and she did Robert proud. Excellent freestyle.
Derek says he remembers watching Robert as an eleven year old and now he is here as a dancer and he thanks him for everything he has done. Bruno says that Robert’s dad sees him and loves him. Carrie Ann says that she hopes Robert accepts all the love in the room and all the affection everyone has for him.
Carrie Ann- 10, Derek- 10, Bruno- 10 = 30/30
VOTE for Robert & Witney at dwtsvote.abc.com and/or via texting ROBERT to 21523. Note- only US residents can vote using text method.
Jordan Chiles & Ezra – Freestyle
That was the most “now” freestyle we saw. It was hip-hop mixed with some ballroom mixed with some street dancing mixed with some contemporary. A fusion of everything really. A very modern take, which I expected from these two. And with special guest Normani as well. You guys remember, she is a previous finalist on this show. I was waiting tonight for someone to do a freestyle that speaks to a more modern take on dancing and this was it. Sure, this show is about classic ballroom and Latin dancing but this is the freestyle and Jordan is going for votes so I think it was smart to be different and stand out. I was sort of dancing along as I sit here. LOL.
Bruno calls it a showstopper and says Queen B herself would love it. He says everyone to him is a winner. Carrie Ann says it is the best freestyle she has seen ever on the show. Derek calls it incredible. He says Jordan has been waiting for ten weeks to do that and it was everything,
Carrie Ann- 10, Derek- 10, Bruno- 10 = 30/30
VOTE for Jordan & Ezra at dwtsvote.abc.com and/or via texting JORDAN to 21523. Note- only US residents can vote using text method.
Judges Scores For Finals (Out Of 90)
Alix & Val – 90
Jordan & Ezra – 89
Robert & Witney – 89
Dylan & Daniella – 88
Elaine & Alan – 87
Before we name a new champion, we get as special performance by the pros that you could see on the upcoming tour. This dance tonight, just like the tour, is choreographed by Mandy Moore. Go to dwtstour.com for all the details on tour dates and tickets. After the dance, Alfonso and Julianne announce that some of this season’s cast, such as Andy, Danielle, Dylan, Elaine, Alix, Jordan, and Robert will join the tour at different points as co-hosts and special guests. So if you had a favorite or more this year, you can see them LIVE! How cool.
And now…. after a marathon night of dancing… it is time for the FINAL results of season thirty-four.
The show received more than 72 million votes tonight! The show has consistently broke records each week in terms of voting.
Before the announcement, we get a special montage for the five finalists. Those closest to them from friends and family taped some special messages of love and encouragement.
In 5th place… Elaine & Alan
In 4th place… Dylan & Daniella
In 3rd place… Jordan & Ezra
So, it comes down to Robert and Alix. And we get ONE LAST COMMERCIAL before the results. Because we haven’t had enough commercials over the last three hours.
Julianne announces that both Robert and Alix have received more votes than anyone ever has in a finale and the gap between these two is one of the closest in the programs history.
The winners of Dancing with the Stars season thirty-four and new champions are…
ROBERT & WITNEY
Alix & Val end in 2nd place.
Robert thanks everyone for changing his life. Witney feels like she already won with Robert as her friend. As last season’s champs hand over the trophy, Robert and Witney are lifted up in celebration. The confetti rains down as the season comes to a close!
I want to thank every single person who read the blog this season, who commented, who watched with me live or after and joined in on the fun. I want to thank MJ for giving me the opportunity to come back this year and blog my favorite little reality-competition show. It was a thoroughly entertaining season with some great dancing and memorable moments.
And tonight’s finale was the strongest I have ever seen with one amazing dance after the other. Truly and without hyperbole, all the finalists danced beautifully and gave their best performances of the season. They should all be proud of themselves.
I hope you all have a safe and happy Thanksgiving and a wonderful holiday season. <3
