abc.com dancing with the stars delivered the final performances of Season 34 as the three-hour finale aired on Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025, bringing five finalists into a competitive showdown for the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy.
The finale featured three rounds for each couple: a Judges’ Choice routine, an Instant Dance revealed just moments before performing, and a high-energy Freestyle designed to capture the audience’s vote. Judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli scored every routine, and the winner was determined by combining those scores with votes cast live during the broadcast.
Finalist couples competing in the Season 34 finale
This season ended with a diverse and competitive group of finalists who delivered some of their strongest work of the year:
- Alix Earle & Val Chmerkovskiy
- Robert Irwin & Witney Carson
- Jordan Chiles & Ezra Sosa
- Dylan Efron & Daniella Karagach
- Elaine Hendrix & Alan Bersten
Each couple entered the finale with momentum after weeks of advancing through the leaderboard, and the final round required them to demonstrate both technical mastery and showmanship.
What set this finale apart
Season 34’s finale added pressure by requiring Instant Dance performances. For these routines, couples received the song moments before taking the floor. This demanded quick adaptation and strong partnership, making the live element even more intense.
The Judges’ Choice round allowed each panelist to assign a specific style aimed at showcasing precision or emotional storytelling. The evening closed with Freestyles, known for big lifts, bold choreography and staging that fills the ballroom.
Broadcast structure and how the scoring worked
The finale aired at 8 p.m. ET and featured real-time voting throughout the show. Viewer votes counted only during the broadcast window, and the night’s tally was added to the judges’ scores. This combination determined the final ranking and the Mirrorball champion.
The running order rotated between the three rounds, giving each couple moments of spotlight and opportunities to build momentum. The judges provided full commentary after every performance, highlighting strengths, technical improvements and execution under pressure.
Memorable moments from the ballroom
This year’s finale delivered standout performances marked by creativity, athleticism and emotional depth:
- Freestyles featured large ensemble elements, dramatic lighting and choreography tailored to the strengths of each celebrity.
- Several finalists incorporated lifts, flips and signature moves that pushed their season-long progression.
- The show opened with a celebratory group number that featured returning Season 34 cast members, creating a reunion atmosphere.
- Len Goodman was honored throughout the season with tributes, making the competition for the trophy named after him especially meaningful.
Each finalist brought a unique performance style, from athletic energy to classic ballroom elegance, giving fans a range of standout moments.
A closer look at the three-round format
• Judges’ Choice
A judge selected a dance style for each couple, providing targeted direction based on their season-long growth. These routines focused on precision, technique and form.
• Instant Dance
This round tested musicality and adaptability. With minimal preparation time, couples needed sharp synchronization and strong floor awareness.
• Freestyle
The final Freestyle round allowed competitors to showcase personality, athleticism and creativity without the constraints of traditional ballroom rules. Freestyles often influence audience voting heavily due to their visual impact.
Why fans paid special attention this season
Season 34 included a wide mix of competitors — from digital creators to athletes and actors — creating broad audience engagement. Many finalists built strong fanbases during the season, and their weekly improvement translated into close competition by finale night.
The finale’s structure offered a balance of technical evaluations and entertainment value, ensuring the winner earned the trophy through both performance quality and audience support.
Essential details U.S. viewers followed throughout the finale
Here is a quick breakdown of the Season 34 closing format:
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Finale Date | November 25, 2025 |
| Number of Finalists | Five |
| Rounds | Judges’ Choice, Instant Dance, Freestyle |
| Judging Panel | Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, Bruno Tonioli |
| Voting Method | Live votes during the broadcast combined with judges’ scores |
| Trophy | Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy |
This structure shaped the night’s pacing and maintained suspense until the final moments.
Why abc.com dancing with the stars coverage mattered throughout the season
Throughout Season 34, the official online pages connected fans with performance rundowns, schedule updates, scoring details and weekly highlights. This provided clarity for viewers tracking rankings, improvements and weekly eliminations.
For the finale, official updates continued to outline the running order, the three-round rules and key moments from the ballroom. Fans relied on these updates to follow scores, understand how voter input worked and stay informed as the season reached its end.
Final reflections on Season 34
The finale showcased talent, creativity and athletic growth, confirming why the series remains a major part of televised competition entertainment. With demanding routines and live voting contributing to a close contest, Season 34 delivered a dramatic finish that kept viewers engaged until the last performance.
Share your thoughts below and tell us which finale performance stood out most to you.
