The Shocking Finale: 5 Couples Who Faced Elimination On Dancing With The Stars Season 34

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The ballroom drama reached its peak in early December 2025, as the final couples of Dancing with the Stars Season 34 faced their last hurdle before the coveted Mirrorball Trophy was awarded. The phrase "eliminated tonight" took on a whole new meaning as the final five were whittled down to a single champion in one of the most unpredictable finales in the show's history.

The tension on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, was palpable, with a field of diverse and talented finalists battling it out over three intense rounds of dancing. While wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin and his pro partner Witney Carson ultimately claimed the victory, the final elimination—the runner-up—left many fans surprised and emotional, marking the end of a remarkable journey for a social media sensation.

Dancing with the Stars Season 34: The Full Cast and Elimination Order

Season 34 of Dancing with the Stars, which premiered in September 2025, brought together a memorable group of celebrities and their professional partners. The competition was fierce from the start, with judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough consistently challenging the couples. Co-hosts Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro guided the audience through the weekly eliminations, where viewer votes and judges' scores determined who would go home.

The journey to the finale saw several fan-favorite couples depart, each elimination adding to the suspense of the season. The following list details the complete cast and the order in which they were eliminated, leading up to the final night's dramatic conclusion:

  • Winner: Robert Irwin and Witney Carson
  • Runner-Up (Eliminated Last): Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy
  • 3rd Place: Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa
  • 4th Place: Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten
  • 5th Place: Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach
  • Eliminated 8th (Week 9): Kaitlyn Bristowe and Emma Slater
  • Eliminated 7th (Week 8): Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas
  • Eliminated 6th (Week 7): Andy Richter and Emma Slater
  • Eliminated 5th (Week 6): Danielle Fishel and Pasha Pashkov
  • Eliminated 4th (Week 5): Jen Affleck and Jan Chmerkovskiy
  • Eliminated 3rd (Week 4): Hilaria Baldwin and Gleb Savchenko
  • Eliminated 2nd (Week 3): Lauren Jauregui and Brandon Armstrong
  • Eliminated 1st (Week 2): Corey Feldman and Jenna Johnson

The final five couples—Irwin, Earle, Chiles, Hendrix, and Efron—represented a powerhouse of talent, making the final elimination decision a matter of razor-thin margins.

Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy: The Last Couple Eliminated

The final, ultimate elimination of the season—the couple who finished in second place—was social media personality Alix Earle and her partner, the veteran pro Val Chmerkovskiy. Their journey was defined by a stunning improvement arc, transforming Earle from a nervous beginner into a confident, polished performer.

On finale night, the couple delivered three high-energy and emotional routines, earning high praise from the judges. They tied for the second-highest score on the leaderboard, a testament to their dedication throughout the entire season. The final decision ultimately came down to the combination of judges' scores and the crucial viewer votes, which tipped the scales in favor of Robert Irwin.

Earle's run on DWTS was a significant moment for the show, bringing in a massive new audience from her online following. Her vulnerability and growth, often highlighted by Val Chmerkovskiy's supportive choreography, resonated deeply with fans, making their final elimination a truly emotional moment for the couple and the audience alike.

A Breakdown of the Final Night's Dances and Scores

The Season 34 finale was structured around three challenging dances for each of the remaining couples: a Judges' Choice repeat, an Instant Dance Challenge, and the highly anticipated Freestyle. The scores from these routines were added to the cumulative viewer votes to determine the final standings.

Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy consistently wowed the panel with their final performances. For their Judges' Choice dance, they revisited their high-scoring routine from a previous week, showcasing the significant technical improvements Alix had made. Their Instant Dance Challenge, a surprise routine choreographed on the spot, highlighted their chemistry and quick thinking.

The most memorable routine, however, was their Freestyle. This dance is often the most personal and ambitious, allowing the pros to incorporate elements that best showcase their celebrity partner's journey. Earle and Chmerkovskiy’s Freestyle was noted for its creative storytelling and technical difficulty, earning them a near-perfect score that helped them tie for the second-highest spot on the leaderboard with a total of 58/60 for the night.

Despite their near-perfect scores, the public vote ultimately decided the winner. The intense competition meant that every single vote counted, leading to what many called "one of the tightest votes" in DWTS history.

The Legacy of Season 34: A New Benchmark for DWTS

Season 34 of Dancing with the Stars will be remembered not only for the incredible talent of Robert Irwin and Witney Carson but also for the high level of competition across the board. The season successfully blended traditional ballroom excellence with contemporary performance styles, keeping the show fresh and engaging. The judges, including the ever-critical Carrie Ann Inaba and the passionate Bruno Tonioli, noted the consistently high quality of the routines, setting a new benchmark for future seasons.

The show’s move to ABC and Disney+ has continued to expand its reach, bringing the magic of the Mirrorball Trophy to a wider audience. The inclusion of diverse celebrities, from Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles to actor Elaine Hendrix, ensured that there was a compelling storyline for every viewer. The season solidified the roles of Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro as the dynamic duo of hosting, maintaining the show's lively and celebratory atmosphere.

While the elimination of Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy was the final heartbreak of the season, their second-place finish is a massive achievement. Their journey is a powerful reminder that Dancing with the Stars is about more than just technique; it's about personal transformation, which is why fans tune in week after week. As the show prepares for its next installment, the standard of excellence set by the Season 34 finalists will be the one to beat.

dancing with stars eliminated tonight
dancing with stars eliminated tonight

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