After 11 grueling weeks of dancing, the finale was finally here! Of the 12 couples, only 5 made it to the finale: Robert Irwin and Witney Carson, Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy, Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa, Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach, and Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten.
This was easily one of the most competitive seasons that DWTS fans have seen in the last 20 seasons of the show. As a fan myself, the level at which each celeb and pro competed at was top class every night. There was a mix of people with no experience growing and improving every week. All five finalists easily could have taken home a mirrorball trophy in any other season. But these last 11 weeks were a combination of happiness, joy, sadness, anger, confusion, but most important of all, love for the ballroom.
For this season all five couples had to compete in three rounds of dance: A “judges choice, instant dance,” as well as what fans look forward to most, freestyle. Starting the night off in the first round was Alix Earle and her partner, three-time mirrorball champ Val Chmerkovskiy. Judge Carrie Anne Inaba chose the Samba for the pair. They finished off with a perfect score and started the night on top of the leaderboard. Tied with them on the leaderboard were duo Elaine Hendrix and partner Alan Bersten. Six-time champion and judge Derek Hough chose a Rumba for the duo.
To follow was Dylan Efron and Emmy-nominated choreographer Daniella Karagach. Judge Bruno Tonioli chose a Paso Doble for the pair. Their total score for the dance was a 28 out of 30, putting them behind Earle and Chmerkovskiy.
The next couples to compete were Olympic medalist Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa. Inaba was also this couple’s judge, choosing a Paso Doble. Chiles and Sosa tied with Robert Irwin and Witney Carson, who performed a Quick Step selected by Hough. Both couples tied with 29 out of 30.
For the first time in DWTS history, the couples had to perform the instant round in a finale. This round of the finale shifted the leaderboard significantly. There was a mix of stress and nerves because of the intensity and impact this would cause to the competition. The instant dance round was the perfect test to see how well each pair is at improvising and creating a dance on the spot. Just five minutes prior to their live performances, each couple finds out their dance style and music.
Having scored a perfect score, Efron and Karagach, Chillies and Sosa, and Irwin and Carson moved up on the leaderboard. Hendrix and Bersten scored 27 out of 30 in the 2nd round, bringing them from second on the leaderboard to last. Earle and Chmerkovskiy scored another perfect score for the second round, leaving them still at the top by this point of the competition.
Finally came the freestyle round. They must improvise and create something that will not only captivate the judges’ scores, but also the viewers’ votes. Viewer votes have been so crucial this season. Captivating the heart of the fans at home is what can make you stay or leave the competition.
First up were Earle and Chmerkovskiy, who had been dominating the scoreboard throughout the whole night. They delivered a consistent and well-rounded performance, earning another perfect score. By this point, the pair just needed viewer votes to secure the mirrorball, as they earned themselves a perfect 90 out of 90 for the finale.
Efron and Karagach followed with a beautiful contemporary dance. This dance showcased not only Efron’s improvement over the past 11 weeks, but how he has grown as a person throughout the season. We have been with him along this journey of not being an entertainer to transforming into a beautiful dancer. Pro dancer Karagach, who is known as the “Ferrari” a name given to her by judge Hough during the season, had many high expectations from fans, and she did not disappoint with her choreography. The couple earned a perfect 30 out of the 30 for their freestyle dance.
To follow were Hendrix and Bersten, who delivered a unique dance piece that included acting since Hendrix is best known for her villain roles in films, and dance all in one. Hendrix is 54 years of age. Watching her compete at such a high level was inspiring for not only older women but also people who have a dream they want to achieve. The dance featured Hendrix’s long-time best friend, Lisa Ann Walter, and eliminated star Andy Richter. They got a perfect 30 out of 30.
Chiles and Sosa were next. This was Sosa’s first finale appearance, in his second season as a professional. With fewer final appearances and experience than the other pros, Sosa was able to keep up with a captivating hip hop routine. Chiles brought the heat to the ballroom and showcased the power that a woman of color holds. She showed that she is not only a gymnast but a dancer as well. The duo delivered a strong performance, bringing Inaba to say that it was “the best freestyle [she’s] ever seen in 20 seasons.” For this, the duo received a perfect score.
Fan favorites and high contenders Irwin and Carson performed a perfectly executed freestyle that showed Irwin’s improvement and ability as a dancer. All season long, Irwin has had an emotional connection with the fans. He has dedicated many dances to his late father, Steve Irwin, the famous conservationist who passed away when Robert was only two years old. Irwin impressed the audience and the judges, landing a perfect score to finish his night. It was a great routine to show the fans his growth through grief and a dancer all season long.
Finishing all three rounds, Earle was on top of the leaderboard with a perfect 90 out of 90! Typically, in DWTS history, the celebs and their pros leave it all out on the dancefloor to get those perfect scores. Irwin and Chiles were tied with 89, followed by Efron with 88, leaving Hendrix last with 87 out of 90.
Irwin and Earle have been fan favorites all season long.It was no surprise that the last two stars standing to be crowned as champions were Earle and Irwin. Earle and Chmerkovskiy competed masterfully, landing a perfect score from the judges, but was it enough to win the viewer votes? Irwin and Carson, who were just one point behind Earle and Chmerkovskiy all night long, were crowned the season 34 champions. They were the obvious fan favorite, leading them to win the fan votes that helped them gain their victory.
This was the closest that the votes have ever been for two finalists in DWTS history. All season long, fans across the U.S broke records every night to get their favorite couple one step closer to the Len Goodman mirrorball trophy. It’s safe to say that DWTS is officially back! With a successful record-breaking season, Dancing with the Stars will return to the ballroom next year.
