ABC Television
The latest season of “Dancing with the Stars” has concluded with a new champion!
On Tuesday night, Robert Irwin and Witney Carson were awarded the Season 34 Mirrorball Trophy.
Upon hearing their names announced as the winners, Robert expressed his emotions, stating, “My sister said it best: Thank you for changing my life!”
Robert was referring to his sister, Bindi Irwin, who won the Mirrorball Trophy in 2015.
Witney expressed her gratitude towards Robert, saying, “I’m so grateful for Robert. Honestly, I already feel like I won with him as my friend, and I can’t thank you enough.”
In an interview with “Extra” immediately following their victory, Robert shared his joy about fulfilling a dream and gaining a new friend in Witney. He described the experience as “the ultimate full-circle moment,” reflecting on Bindi’s win a decade ago and emphasized the importance of positivity.
The finalists faced stiff competition, including Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy, Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach, Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten, as well as Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa.
During the three-hour finale, each couple showcased their skills through an instant dance challenge, a judge-selected dance, and a freestyle performance.
After his freestyle performance, Robert thanked the audience and expressed his desire to make his late father, Steve Irwin, proud. He remarked, “I wish he could see it, I really wish he could be here.”
Judge Bruno Tonioli acknowledged Steve Irwin’s presence in spirit, stating, “He sees you.”
Bruno further praised Robert’s performance, saying, “What he’s gonna say is, ‘Mate that was a solid-gold 24-karat performance.’
Alix secured second place, achieving perfect scores of 10 for all three of her performances.
Following her freestyle, Derek Hough commended Alix, stating, “Alix, you are an absolute superstar. That felt like a tango-fusion arena-tour performance. You’re a superstar, really.”
Carrie Ann Inaba added, “I’m just really touched by you. You deliver the most exquisite dancing every time. I think you are fabulous and I want to see what you do next!”
Jordan, who finished in third place, included a special guest in her freestyle performance!
Jordan’s freestyle was set to “Motivation” by Normani, and the Olympian invited the singer to join her on stage.
Carrie Ann described Jordan’s performance as the best freestyle she has seen in 20 years.
After her routine, Jordan expressed to co-star Julianne Hough, “That performance felt so amazing. It showed I’m more than a gymnast.”
