Who Won Dancing with the Stars 2024? Your Full Season 34 Finale Recap
After weeks of breathtaking performances and emotional eliminations, Dancing with the Stars has crowned its Season 34 champion. The finale was a spectacular three-hour event filled with perfect scores, heartfelt tributes, and show-stopping freestyle routines. Five couples entered the ballroom, but only one could take home the coveted Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy.
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So, who won Dancing with the Stars 2024? The winner is Robert Irwin and his professional partner, Witney Carson! The wildlife conservationist followed in his sister Bindi’s footsteps to claim the title, capping off a record-breaking and unforgettable season.
The Season 34 Finale: How It Unfolded
The grand finale on Tuesday, November 25, was a star-studded affair. The five remaining couples faced their biggest challenge yet: performing three separate dances. These included a Judges’ Choice redemption dance, an Instant Dance, and the highly anticipated Freestyle.
The pressure was on, with every point and viewer vote counting. The eliminated cast members from the season returned to cheer on the finalists, creating an electric atmosphere in the ballroom. Last season’s champions, Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson, also returned for a special performance. Here’s a look at the final leaderboard and how each couple fared.
Robert Irwin & Witney Carson (Winner)
Robert Irwin entered the finale as a fan favorite and left as a champion. Despite reports that he was battling a painful rib injury, he delivered a series of powerful performances. His freestyle to “Black & Gold” and “The Nights” was a moving tribute to his late father, Steve Irwin, earning a perfect score and leaving not a dry eye in the house. The judges praised his growth, dedication, and the heart he brought to every routine.
Final Dances & Scores:
- Judges’ Choice (Quickstep): 29/30
- Instant Dance (Cha Cha): 30/30
- Freestyle: 30/30
Alix Earle & Val Chmerkovskiy (2nd Place)
Social media sensation Alix Earle proved she was a true contender, delivering three perfect scores in the finale. Her freestyle was a powerful, emotional routine that reflected her journey of self-discovery on the show. The judges commended her vulnerability and technical improvement throughout the season. To get her flawless finale look, many viewers wondered about her routine. For a long-lasting, camera-ready finish like Alix’s, a reliable setting powder is key. The Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder helps lock in makeup for a smooth, poreless appearance that holds up under the hot studio lights.
Final Dances & Scores:
- Judges’ Choice (Jive): 30/30
- Instant Dance (Foxtrot): 30/30
- Freestyle: 30/30
Jordan Chiles & Ezra Sosa (3rd Place)
Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles brought her elite athleticism to the ballroom all season long. Her freestyle was a showcase of power, precision, and incredible acrobatic skill that earned a perfect score. The judges consistently praised her dynamic performances and infectious energy, solidifying her spot as one of the top dancers of the season.
Final Dances & Scores:
- Judges’ Choice (Salsa): 29/30
- Instant Dance (Viennese Waltz): 30/30
- Freestyle: 30/30
Dylan Efron & Daniella Karagach (4th Place)
Television personality Dylan Efron was the dark horse of the competition, showing remarkable improvement week after week. His freestyle was an adventurous and high-energy routine that highlighted his strength and charisma, earning a perfect score. The judges admired his work ethic and the clear joy he brought to dancing.
Final Dances & Scores:
- Judges’ Choice (Paso Doble): 28/30
- Instant Dance (Samba): 30/30
- Freestyle: 30/30
Elaine Hendrix & Alan Bersten (5th Place)
Actress Elaine Hendrix brought elegance and drama to every performance. She started the finale strong with a perfect score for her redemption tango. While her journey ended in fifth place, the judges celebrated her captivating stage presence and determination throughout the competition.
Final Dances & Scores:
- Judges’ Choice (Tango): 30/30
- Instant Dance (Samba): 27/30
- Freestyle: 30/30
DWTS Frequently Asked Questions
This season sparked many questions from viewers. Here are answers to some of the most common queries.
How Does Voting and Elimination Work?
Many fans wonder how the winner is chosen. The final result is a 50/50 split between the judges’ scores and viewer votes. Each couple receives ranking points based on their position on the judges’ leaderboard. Similarly, they receive ranking points based on the public vote totals. These two sets of points are combined, and the couple with the lowest total is eliminated. In the event of a tie, the couple with the fewer public votes goes home.
Where Can I Watch the Dancing with the Stars Finale?
The Season 34 finale aired live on ABC and was streamed simultaneously on Disney+. If you missed it, you can stream the full episode on Hulu and Disney+ the day after it airs. These platforms are the official home for watching the 2024 season.
Who Were the Contestants This Season?
Season 34 featured a diverse and exciting cast. The celebrities who competed were:
- Robert Irwin (Winner)
- Alix Earle (Finalist)
- Jordan Chiles (Finalist)
- Dylan Efron (Finalist)
- Elaine Hendrix (Finalist)
- Whitney Leavitt
- Jen Affleck
- Hilaria Baldwin
- Baron Davis
- Corey Feldman
- Danielle Fishel
- Scott Hoying
- Lauren Jauregui
- Andy Richter
What Do the Winners of Dancing with the Stars Get?
The champions receive the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy, named in honor of the late head judge. While there isn’t an official cash prize for winning, contestants are paid for their participation. Their pay increases the longer they remain in the competition, so the finalists earn the most.
How Can I Get That “Ballroom Glow”?
The dancers always look radiant on the floor, even after an intense routine. A glowing look starts with great skin preparation. Using a hydrating primer like the e.l.f. Power Grip Primer + 4% Niacinamide creates a perfect base for foundation. For that rosy, flushed look after a powerful dance, a liquid blush adds a natural-looking tint. The Saie Dew Blush Liquid Cream Blush blends seamlessly for a fresh, dewy finish.
To finish the look with luscious, hydrated lips that catch the light, a quality lip oil is a must. The Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil provides shine and nourishment, perfect for post-performance interviews.
Will There Be a Dancing with the Stars in 2025?
Yes! While an official announcement is pending, the show’s massive success and renewed popularity make a return for Season 35 in 2025 highly likely. Casting rumors will likely begin swirling in the late summer of next year.
A Season to Remember
From viral TikTok moments to emotional breakthroughs, Season 34 of Dancing with the Stars captivated audiences and brought a new generation of fans to the ballroom. Congratulations to Robert Irwin and Witney Carson on a well-deserved win! We can’t wait to see who hits the dance floor next season.