LOS ANGELES — Celebrating two decades on air, season 34 of “Dancing with the Stars” delivered an unforgettable experience.

This season witnessed a remarkable boost in viewership, attributed to a captivating ensemble of contestants. The finale was a dazzling spectacle, inviting the entire cast back to the ballroom for brief performances and to support the top five contenders.

Alix Earle, Dylan Efron, Elaine Hendrix, Jordan Chiles, and Robert Irwin each graced the stage three times—a first for the show. Given the season’s intense competition, it was a thrilling opportunity for fans to enjoy repeated performances from the contestants.

The evening unfolded over three hours, filled with numerous perfect scores. Ultimately, it was the viewers’ votes that determined who would take home the coveted Len Goodman Mirrorball trophy.

Spoiler alert

Australian wildlife advocate Robert Irwin, alongside partner Witney Carson, emerged as the season’s champions. This victory was especially poignant for Robert, as his sister Bindi Irwin had claimed the trophy a decade earlier with Derek Hough.

In an interview with co-host Julianne Hough, Irwin reflected on his win, stating, “My sister said it best: Thank you for changing my life.”

Carson added, “I’m so grateful for Robert, and I feel like I won already with him as my friend.”

The winners of this season were determined by a combination of live viewer votes from the night as well as the scores from judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli.

“Good Morning America” contributed to this post.

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