Dancing with the Stars live takes center stage tonight as the Season 34 finale airs in a three-hour broadcast on ABC at 8 p.m. ET, with streaming available on Disney+. The event features five finalists competing through three high-stakes rounds: a judges’ choice routine, the newly added Instant Dance, and a freestyle.
The finale is confirmed as a fully live broadcast, meaning viewers nationwide can participate in real-time voting through the show’s official online and app-based platforms. The production team expanded the typical two-dance format to include the Instant Dance, where contestants receive their song and style moments before performing on stage.
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The Finalists Competing in the Live Event
The Season 34 finale features a competitive lineup of five finalists:
- Robert Irwin with Witney Carson
- Alix Earle with Val Chmerkovskiy
- Elaine Hendrix with Alan Bersten
- Dylan Efron with Daniella Karagach
- Jordan Chiles with Ezra Sosa
Each finalist will perform three routines, all scored live by the judges and evaluated alongside viewer votes. The winner will be announced at the end of the broadcast.
How Tonight’s Live Voting Works
Voting during the finale is available only during the live broadcast window. Once the show goes live at 8 p.m. ET, viewers can submit votes through:
- The official DWTS online voting platform
- The ABC app
Votes close when the live broadcast ends. Because the system counts only real-time votes, the “live” structure directly impacts each contestant’s final score.
Where and How to Watch the Finale Live
The Season 34 finale airs across multiple platforms:
- ABC (8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT, check local listings)
- Disney+ (live simulcast)
- Hulu (next-day streaming)
Viewers on the West Coast can still participate through synchronized live voting windows, ensuring fair scoring nationwide.
Highlights Leading Up to the Live Finale
The weeks leading into the finale delivered major fan moments:
- Contestants shared daily training updates, revealing that this season’s finale rehearsals were more intense than earlier episodes.
- Audience reactions from recent episodes helped build momentum, especially during emotional performances from several finalists.
- Family members and celebrity guests have appeared throughout the season, amplifying excitement heading into finale night.
These elements have contributed to increased attention on how each finalist will perform under live pressure.
The Instant Dance Twist
A standout addition to this year’s live finale is the Instant Dance. Unlike other rounds, contestants learn their routine details only minutes before competing. This format rewards adaptability, musicality, and raw performance skill.
The Instant Dance joins:
- Judges’ Choice
- Freestyle
- Special finale performances
- Guest appearances
- Returning competitors celebrating the season
This multi-round setup guarantees a fast-paced live broadcast.
Dancing with the Stars: Live! Tour
Beyond the televised finale, the franchise continues its popular national tour, Dancing with the Stars: Live!, which brings professional dancers and select guest performers to cities across the U.S.
The tour includes:
- Theater and arena stops nationwide
- Choreographed numbers inspired by fan-favorite routines
- Interactive moments with the live audience
The tour schedule runs through late 2025 and extends into early 2026, offering fans an in-person experience beyond the televised competition.
Why the Live Format Matters
The live broadcast affects the competition in several ways:
- Viewer votes and judges’ scores combine instantly
- Real-time pressure tests contestants’ consistency
- Instant Dance and freestyle segments create unpredictable, high-impact performances
- Live audience energy influences each round’s intensity
The phrase dancing with the stars live captures the essence of a show built on immediate reactions, spontaneous performances, and nationwide engagement.
Season 34 Finale Timeline
Before the Show:
Finalists complete final rehearsals for three live routines.
During the Show:
- Three-hour live broadcast begins at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+.
- Live voting opens and remains active throughout the show.
End of Show:
Judges’ scores and viewer votes are combined, and the Mirrorball Trophy winner is announced.
Conclusion
Season 34 has built toward one of the most anticipated finales in recent years, bringing together a strong mix of talent, live excitement, and intense competition. Tonight’s finale celebrates what makes this show unique — unforgettable performances happening in real time, powered by viewer participation and the energy of a live audience.
Share your thoughts below and tell us who you think delivered the best live performance of the night.