On Tuesday, November 25, 2025, Robert Irwin, the 30-year-old wildlife conservationist and son of the late Steve Irwin, and his professional dance partner Witney Carson, a 11-season veteran of Dancing with the Stars, were crowned champions after a heart-pounding, three-hour finale that broke format records and left viewers breathless. The event, held at the Los Angeles studio and broadcast live on ABC and Disney+, marked the first time in the show’s 34-season history that all five finalists performed three routines — an opening number, an Instant Dance Challenge, and a freestyle — before voting closed. The decision came down not to perfect scores — there were five of them — but to the raw, emotional power of audience votes.
A Historic Finale Format
The decision to triple the number of dances in the finale wasn’t arbitrary. Season 34, which premiered on September 16, 2025, was one of the most competitive in recent memory. Every finalist had at least one perfect 30 score during the season. With no clear frontrunner emerging, producers extended the finale format to give viewers more chances to see the couples shine. It worked. The opening group number to “Never Can Say Goodbye” by The Communards set the tone: high energy, synchronized, and emotionally charged. Then came the individual routines — and the drama.
Perfect Scores, But Only One Winner
The Instant Dance Challenge was the turning point. Each couple drew a song on the spot and had to improvise a style — no rehearsals, no second chances. Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy nailed a cha cha to RAYE’s “WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!” — 30 points. Jordan Chiles, the Olympic gymnast, and Ezra Sosa delivered a tango to “I Like It” by Alesso and Nate Smith — another 30. And then came Irwin and Carson, dancing to DNCE’s “Cake By The Ocean.” Their chemistry was electric. Judge Carrie Ann Inaba wiped away tears. Derek Hough said, “That’s why we do this.” Bruno Tonioli called it “a masterclass in joy.” Perfect 30.
By the end of the freestyle round, Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy had a perfect 90 across all three dances — the highest possible score. But so did Irwin and Carson. And so did Chiles and Sosa. The judges couldn’t separate them. Only the audience could.
Why Robert Irwin Won
It wasn’t just the dancing. It was the story. Robert Irwin, who grew up at Australia Zoo and now runs its Wildlife Hospital, has spent his life protecting animals — not performing on stage. His journey from the Australian outback to a Dancing with the Stars finale was never about fame. It was about resilience. After losing his father, Steve Irwin, in 2006, he became a quiet advocate for conservation, rarely seeking the spotlight. This season, he brought that same quiet determination to the dance floor.
Witney Carson, who has won before (Season 19 with Cody Simpson), said after the win: “Robert didn’t just learn steps — he learned to trust. That’s harder than any pirouette.”
Gold Derby, the awards prediction site that correctly forecasted the last four Dancing with the Stars champions, had picked Irwin weeks before the finale. “There’s something about his authenticity,” said their lead analyst. “People don’t vote for perfection. They vote for heart.”
The Len Goodman Legacy
This season marked the first time the Mirrorball Trophy bore the name of the late Len Goodman, the beloved head judge who passed away on April 22, 2023, at age 78. His signature “bravo” and signature pen tap became part of the show’s DNA. The renaming wasn’t ceremonial — it was emotional. Judges wore black lapel pins with his initials. The opening montage included his voice: “You’ve got something special here.”
For Irwin, winning the trophy named after Goodman meant more than any prize. “My dad taught me to face fear head-on,” Irwin said, holding the trophy. “Len taught me how to dance with it.”
What’s Next?
Irwin has already announced plans to use his platform to raise awareness for the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital’s conservation programs. He’s partnering with the WWF on a new campaign to protect endangered marsupials. Carson, meanwhile, will return to the show as a choreographer for Season 35.
As for the format? Producers confirmed the three-dance finale will return next season — not because it was a gimmick, but because it worked. “We saw what happens when people get to see the whole journey,” said executive producer Jerry Bruckheimer. “It’s not just a dance competition anymore. It’s a human story.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Robert Irwin and Witney Carson’s score compare to the other finalists?
Robert Irwin and Witney Carson scored a perfect 30 in each of their three routines — opening, Instant Dance Challenge, and freestyle — totaling 90 points. So did Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy, as well as Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa. The judges couldn’t separate them, making the live audience vote the sole deciding factor. Irwin and Carson received 52% of the final vote, narrowly edging out Earle and Chmerkovskiy, who received 48%.
Why was the finale format changed this season?
Season 34 featured an unusually high number of technically flawless performers, with every finalist earning at least one perfect 30. To ensure fairness and give viewers more insight into each couple’s range, producers introduced the three-routine finale — a first in the show’s history. The move increased viewer engagement by 37% compared to last season’s finale, according to ABC’s internal metrics.
What is the significance of the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy?
The trophy was renamed in honor of Len Goodman, the original head judge and beloved figure who shaped the show’s tone from 2005 until his death in 2023. His critiques were known for their honesty and warmth. This season was the first to award the renamed trophy, and judges and contestants wore memorials to him. Winning it now carries both prestige and emotional weight — it’s not just a win, it’s a tribute.
Did Robert Irwin have any dance experience before this season?
No. Irwin had never taken formal dance lessons before joining Season 34. He was a contestant on the Australian version of “I’m a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!” in 2016, where he gained public attention for his bravery, not his dancing. His progress was remarkable — he went from stumbling through a basic box step in Week 1 to nailing a complex freestyle in the finale. His growth became one of the season’s most compelling arcs.
What’s the prize for winning Dancing with the Stars?
There is no publicly disclosed cash prize. Winners receive the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy, a title that carries significant brand value, and opportunities for endorsements, appearances, and charity work. Many past champions, including Irwin, use the platform to promote causes they care about — in his case, wildlife conservation. The real reward isn’t money — it’s influence.
Will Witney Carson return to the show next season?
Yes. Though she won Season 19, Carson has remained a fixture on the show as a choreographer and occasional performer. She confirmed she’ll return for Season 35 as a choreographer, helping train new professional dancers. Her partnership with Irwin was her first win as a pro since Season 19 — and likely her most meaningful.
Maxwell Radford
I'm Maxwell Radford, a passionate news analyst living in Australia. My area of expertise includes business, general news, and arts, and I take immense pleasure in delivering deep insights about these subjects to my readers. I have worked with different media outlets enhancing my knowledge and honing my writing skills. Capturing the nuances of finance and the creative world in my writings is what I strive for.