Robert Irwin is the Dancing with the Stars winner for Season 34. The 21-year-old wildlife conservationist captured the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy with professional partner Witney Carson on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, edging a finale field that included Alix Earle, Jordan Chiles, Dylan Efron, and Elaine Hendrix. The night capped a three‑round showdown (Judges’ Choice, Instant Dance, and Freestyle) and, per same‑night coverage, drew more than 72 million public votes that combined with the judges’ leaderboard to decide the result.
Minutes after the confetti fell, Irwin framed the moment in family terms: “To follow in those footsteps and to do the same has meant everything to me. This has absolutely changed my life.” He also explained why the win echoes his sister Bindi Irwin’s Season 21 triumph with Derek Hough: “It’s about making the world a better place… when I watched her lift that Mirrorball, I saw her lifting that message.” Carson matched the emotion: “I can’t think of anyone more deserving,” adding that watching him “shine has been one of my biggest highlights in my life.”
How Robert Irwin and Witney Carson closed the deal
The finale aired live on ABC at 8 p.m. ET on November 25 and featured three routines for each couple. Irwin and Carson’s card included a Quickstep to “Are You Gonna Be My Girl,” a Freestyle that blended “Black & Gold” and “The Nights,” and a Cha Cha for the Instant Dance. Despite Irwin battling rib pain in the lead‑up to showtime, the pair finished with an overall 89/90—one point behind Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy, who posted a perfect 90—but the viewer tally pushed Irwin and Carson to first place. Co‑hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough called the margin between the top two “one of the tightest ever.”
Irwin kept his late father Steve Irwin close throughout the season, rehearsing in one of Steve’s old shirts as a “good luck” talisman, and sharing that it “feels like a big hug every time I put it on.” His mother Terri Irwin and sister Bindi were in the audience on finale night, as Season 33 champions Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson returned for a special performance.
Finalists, scores, and where to watch
- Robert Irwin & Witney Carson — 89/90 overall and the Mirrorball champions.
- Alix Earle & Val Chmerkovskiy — perfect 90 from the judges; runners‑up.
- Jordan Chiles & Ezra Sosa — 89/90; third place.
- Dylan Efron & Daniella Karagach — 88/90; fourth place.
- Elaine Hendrix & Alan Bersten — 87/90; fifth place.
The Dancing with the Stars Season 34 finale (“S34 E11 — Finale”) is available to stream on ABC/Hulu. For fans searching “where to watch DWTS live” or “what time is Dancing with the Stars on,” the broadcast premiered at 8:00 p.m. ET and ran for roughly three hours.
Quotes that define the win
- Robert Irwin backstage: “This has absolutely changed my life.”
- Robert on following Bindi: “To follow in those footsteps… has meant everything to me.”
- Witney Carson: “I can’t think of anyone more deserving.”
- Robert, on his mission: “I’m a proud Wildlife Warrior, and I’ll always carry on my dad’s mission.”
- Robert, after the 20th anniversary tribute with Bindi: “This dance was emotional, beautiful and so deeply meaningful.”
Contestant & pro roll call (Season 34)
Season 34’s finalists and key pros discussed the result live on Good Morning America: Robert Irwin, Witney Carson, Alix Earle, Val Chmerkovskiy, Dylan Efron, Daniella Karagach, Jordan Chiles, and Ezra Sosa. Judges Derek Hough, Carrie Ann Inaba, and Bruno Tonioli presided across the season; co‑hosts were Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough.
Why the internet is debating the result
As “who won DWTS?” trended, reaction split. Some viewers argued that Alix Earle’s perfect 90 should have sealed it, while others pointed to the “viewer vote” as the decisive factor. A widely shared summary captured the divide: calls of “robbed” met replies like, “I’VE NEVER SCREAMED LOUDER — MY VOTE COUNTED.”
What’s next for Robert Irwin
Asked about the immediate future, Irwin said, “I go to New York and then straight to South Africa to film another show… And then, I’m back home.” Carson teased a reunion down under: “You’re not getting rid of me that easy.”
Links (exclusives & official)
- Robert Irwin: “This has absolutely changed my life.” (People, exclusive)
- What’s next for Robert after the win (E! News, exclusive)
- Finalists react live on GMA (ABC)
- S34 E11 “Finale” streaming hub (ABC)
The finale’s razor‑thin scoreboard (90 vs. 89) and reported 72 million votes explain why a runner‑up on judges’ points still became the DWTS winner. With Bindi’s 2015 title and Robert’s 2025 crown, the Irwins now hold two Mirrorballs in ten years.
View this post on Instagram
With a collective experience in film analysis and entertainment journalism, our team, comprised of avid movie buffs, has always been on the frontline of exploring cinematic universes, from the enchanting realms of Disney to the action-packed scenes of the MCU.
Our passion has led us to exclusive interviews with notable figures, early access, and active participation in the industry.
Recognized by the press, we dive deep into various genres, including drama, cartoons, comedy, and foreign films, always eager to bring fresh insights to our readers.
Connect with us or explore our journey to learn more about our adventures in unraveling the magic of the big screen.
