The Final Five: Ranking The Remaining Contestants Of Dancing With The Stars Season 34
The "remaining contestants" of *Dancing with the Stars* Season 34 have officially cemented their place in the show's history, following a dazzling finale that aired in November 2025. This season was a true showcase of unexpected talent, dramatic improvements, and emotional performances, culminating in a fierce battle for the coveted Mirrorball Trophy. With the competition now concluded, we look back at the incredible journeys of the final five couples who danced their way to the very end, led by a surprise champion who captured the hearts of America.
As of today, December 22, 2025, the buzz around the Season 34 finale remains palpable, with fans still debating the scores, the eliminations, and the ultimate winner. The final lineup featured an Olympic gold medalist, a wildlife conservationist, a viral social media sensation, a TV personality, and a veteran actress, proving that star power comes in many forms. Here is the definitive breakdown of the final five couples, their professional backgrounds, and their incredible run on the dance floor.
The DWTS Season 34 Finalists: Biographical Profiles & Final Standings
The competition was intense right up to the final moments. The final five couples all delivered show-stopping routines, but only one could take home the championship. Below are the stars who were the last "remaining contestants" of the season, listed in reverse order of their final standing.
- 5th Place: Elaine Hendrix & Alan Bersten
- 4th Place (Finalist): Dylan Efron & Daniella Karagach
- 3rd Place: Jordan Chiles & Ezra Sosa
- Runner-up: Alix Earle & Val Chmerkovskiy
- Winners: Robert Irwin & Witney Carson
Elaine Hendrix (5th Place)
- Occupation: Actress, Animal Activist
- Known For: Playing Meredith Blake in *The Parent Trap* and Alexis Carrington in the TV series *Dynasty*.
- Professional Partner: Alan Bersten
- Season Highlight: Earning a perfect 30/30 for her Judges' Choice Rumba in the finale.
Dylan Efron (4th Place/Finalist)
- Occupation: Television Personality, Production Coordinator
- Known For: Being the younger brother of actor Zac Efron, and for his work as a production coordinator and television personality.
- Professional Partner: Daniella Karagach
- Season Highlight: Praised as the season's most improved dancer, Dylan delivered consistently strong performances, including a highly emotional Viennese Waltz.
Jordan Chiles (3rd Place)
- Occupation: Artistic Gymnast, Olympic Gold and Silver Medalist
- Known For: Her incredible career in artistic gymnastics, including winning a silver medal at the 2020 Summer Olympics and a gold medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics with the US team.
- Professional Partner: Ezra Sosa
- Season Highlight: Her technical prowess, which translated into stunning routines like her Disney Night Quickstep and a powerful Paso Doble in the finale.
Alix Earle (Runner-up)
- Occupation: Social Media Personality, Content Creator
- Known For: Rising to viral fame on TikTok in 2022 for her "Get Ready With Me" videos and content focused on beauty, fashion, and lifestyle.
- Professional Partner: Val Chmerkovskiy
- Season Highlight: Consistently earning high scores, including a perfect 30/30 during the finale night dances.
Robert Irwin (Winners)
- Occupation: Wildlife Conservationist, Television Personality, Photographer
- Known For: His passionate work as a conservationist at the Australia Zoo, following in the footsteps of his late father, Steve Irwin.
- Professional Partner: Witney Carson
- Season Highlight: His charismatic stage presence and emotional connection to the music, which ultimately secured him the Mirrorball Trophy.
The Journey to the Mirrorball: How the Top Five Navigated Season 34
The path to becoming one of the final remaining contestants in *Dancing with the Stars* is never easy. Season 34, which premiered in September 2025, was particularly competitive. The judges—Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli—demanded technical precision while the audience's votes favored heart and connection. The final five couples exemplified the perfect blend of both.
The season was marked by several themed nights that pushed the celebrities out of their comfort zones. From the vibrant energy of Latin Night to the theatrical demands of Halloween Week, the finalists showed remarkable versatility. Robert Irwin, in particular, was a fan favorite from the start. His natural charm and commitment to his partner, Witney Carson, made their partnership one of the most compelling narratives of the season. Their emotional dances, often dedicated to his family and his conservation work, resonated deeply with viewers, propelling them to the championship.
Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy were the season’s dark horses. Starting with good but not perfect scores, Alix showed a steady, impressive climb in technical skill, proving that her social media star status was backed up by genuine hard work. Her Argentine Tango and her finale routines were critical in securing her the runner-up position, showcasing a maturity and elegance that surprised many viewers.
Meanwhile, Olympian Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa brought a level of athleticism and technical precision expected from a world-class gymnast. While sometimes criticized for a lack of emotional connection early on, Jordan quickly adapted, delivering powerful and technically flawless dances that earned her consistent high scores from the judges. Her third-place finish was a testament to her dedication to mastering a completely new discipline.
The stories of Dylan Efron and Elaine Hendrix were equally inspiring. Dylan, paired with pro Daniella Karagach, was the epitome of the "most improved" contestant. His growth from a nervous beginner to a confident performer was a major highlight of the season. Elaine Hendrix, a veteran actress, proved that age is just a number, delivering a perfect score Rumba in the finale, a stunning achievement that secured her a well-deserved fifth place.
Key Moments and Entities That Defined DWTS Season 34
To truly understand the journey of the remaining contestants, it's essential to recognize the pivotal moments and the influential figures who shaped the season. The overall topical authority of *Dancing with the Stars* revolves around the judging panel, the dance styles, and the ultimate prize.
The Judging Panel and Their Influence
The DWTS Season 34 judges—Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli—were instrumental in guiding the finalists. Their feedback, often a delicate balance of critique and praise, pushed the couples to elevate their game every week. Derek Hough, a six-time Mirrorball champion, was particularly focused on technical execution and emotional storytelling, while Bruno Tonioli's flamboyant commentary often highlighted the passion and drama in the Latin dances.
The Mirrorball Trophy: The Ultimate Prize
The Mirrorball Trophy is the iconic symbol of victory on *Dancing with the Stars*. For Robert Irwin and Witney Carson, winning the Mirrorball represented not just a dance victory, but a powerful platform to share Robert's message of wildlife conservation with a massive global audience. The final night's competition, which saw them defeat the technically strong Alix Earle, was a clear demonstration of the power of the public vote combined with high judges' scores.
LSI Keywords and Topical Entities from the Season
The DWTS Season 34 conversation was rich with specific dance terminology and memorable moments, which are vital for topical authority. Relevant entities and LSI keywords include: Argentine Tango, Viennese Waltz, Contemporary Dance, Judges' Choice Round, Fan Favorite, Perfect Score, Elimination Night, Pro Dancers, Alfonso Ribeiro (host), and Julianne Hough (co-host).
The narrative of the final five remaining contestants in *Dancing with the Stars* Season 34 is one of dedication, growth, and star power. Robert Irwin's victory was a feel-good moment for the franchise, but the entire journey of the final five—Elaine Hendrix, Dylan Efron, Jordan Chiles, and Alix Earle—will be remembered as one of the most exciting and closely fought finales in recent memory.
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