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Robert Irwin and Witney Carson WIN Mirrorball Trophy on DWTS Finale

Robert Irwin and Witney Carson WIN Mirrorball Trophy on DWTS Finale
Editorial
  • PublishedNovember 26, 2025

UPDATE: The thrilling season 34 finale of Dancing with the Stars has just concluded, with Robert Irwin and Witney Carson taking home the coveted Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy. This electrifying conclusion captivated audiences on October 23, 2023, as the duo triumphed over fierce competitors in a high-stakes showdown.

In a night filled with emotion and spectacular performances, Irwin expressed his gratitude, saying, “My sister said it best: Thank you for changing my life.” Carson added, “I’m so grateful for Robert, and I feel like I won already with him as my friend.” This heartfelt connection has resonated with fans, making their victory even more impactful.

The finalists included notable dancers like Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy, Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach, Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa, and Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten. The winners were determined through a combination of live viewer votes and scores from judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli.

The finale opened with a stunning performance to “Never Can Say Goodbye” by The Communards, featuring former contestants like Lauren Jauregui and Andy Richter. The atmosphere was electric as the audience cheered for their favorites, setting the stage for the intense competition that followed.

In the first round, the contestants showcased their talents with the Judges’ Choice dances. Earle and Chmerkovskiy kicked things off with a samba, earning a perfect score of 30. Efron and Karagach followed with a paso doble, scoring 28 amidst mixed reactions from the crowd. Irwin and Carson’s quickstep secured them a near-perfect score of 29, while Chiles and Sosa concluded the round with a strong paso doble, also scoring 29.

The competition intensified during the Instant Dance Challenge, where contestants had to improvise. Earle dazzled with a cha cha that earned her a perfect score of 30, a feat matched by Efron and Karagach with their foxtrot. Irwin and Carson’s cha cha also scored 30, demonstrating their exceptional skill under pressure.

As the finale progressed, each pair performed their freestyles, showcasing creativity and flair. Irwin and Carson’s routine to “Black & Gold” by Sam Sparro earned them another perfect score, solidifying their position as frontrunners. The audience was on the edge of their seats as each performance concluded with a score of 30, highlighting the high level of competition this season.

Irwin faced personal challenges leading up to the finale, revealing he dealt with severe rib pain. He shared, “I’ve been dealing with rib pain because the intercostal muscles of the ribs are under a lot of tension.” Carson expressed her concern, emphasizing that Irwin’s health was her top priority.

The star-studded audience included past contestants and celebrities, adding to the excitement of the evening. The camaraderie and support among the contestants were palpable, creating a memorable atmosphere for all involved.

As the dust settles from this thrilling finale, fans eagerly anticipate what season 35 may bring. With the success of this season and the emotional connections made, the future of Dancing with the Stars promises to be just as captivating.

Stay tuned for more updates as the world of dance continues to evolve!

Editorial
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Editorial

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