Dancing with the Stars Season 34 Finale Recap: Who Took Home the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy?
It is the Season 34 finale of Dancing with the Stars, and five couples competed to win the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy. This incredible finale featured tons of dancing and tears before a new Mirrorball champ was crowned. This season has been fabulous from start to finish.
This week, unlike previous seasons, each couple danced three times. They performed a new style selected by the judges in the Judges’ Choice round. Then they danced a stressful Instant Dance, finding out their style and music just five minutes before they performed. And finally, the competitors left it all on the ballroom floor in their Freestyle.
Last week, everyone was shocked when The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Whitney Leavitt and her partner, Mark Ballas, were sent home just shy of the finale. I did not have their elimination on my Season 34 bingo card. I expected to see them quickstepping into the finale.
What happened in Dancing with the Stars Season 34 finale?
The opening number, set to The Communards’ Never Can Say Goodbye, was fun and energetic, and featured all the eliminated contestants and their pros. Joey Pizzi choreographed the routine. I also loved the elegant and sexy performance by the DWTS 2026 tour members, set to Sapphire by Ed Sheeran. Of course, Mandy Moore choreographed this gem.
And I was over the moon to see Season 33 champion and Bachelor star Joey Graziadei hit the floor with Jenna Johnson to Tanguera by Fabio Hager Sexteto. Their traditional tango was smoldering and passionate. I loved it!
Who got the top score of the night in Dancing with the Stars Season 34 finale?
Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy had the highest scores in Dancing with the Stars Season 34 finale.
Alix Earle and her partner, Val Chmerkovskiy, topped the leaderboard with a perfect score of 90 points. The duo’s Judges’ Choice samba, set to Hip Hip Chin Chin by Club des Belugas, was spicy. Judge Carrie Ann Inaba coached Alix and Val during rehearsals.
“She cranked up the heat to full blast!” judge Bruno Tonioli stated. “As a performer, you have become an absolute star.” For their instant dance, Alix randomly drew the cha-cha. They did a great job, and the judges loved it.
And in their Freestyle, Alix channeled her newfound confidence into a Paso Doble and Argentine Tango-flavored routine. She danced to Maneater by Nelly Furtado and Sports Car by Tate McRae. Her performance was powerful, super sexy, and radiated confidence. “Alix, you are an absolute superstar,” judge Derek Hough stated. “I’m just really touched by you,” Carrie Ann said. “And you dance with your heart open – passionately.” Alix has improved so much this season, and I’m glad that she made it into the finale.
What were the judge’s scores in DWTS Season 34 finale?
- Alix and Val (Samba, Instant, Freestyle) – 90 points
- Robert and Witney (Quickstep, Instant, Freestyle) – 89 points
- Jordan and Ezra (Paso Doble, Instant, Freestyle) – 89 points
- Dylan and Daniella – (Paso Doble, Instant, Freestyle) – 88 points
- Elaine and Alan (Rumba, Instant, Freestyle) – 87 points
The race for the Mirrorball is tight. Only three points separated Alix, at the top of the leaderboard, from Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten at the bottom. And all the performances from the final five were phenomenal!
Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach’s Instant Dance foxtrot to Ordinary by Alex Warren was stunning. Their routine was sensual and elegant. “That for me was one of the best foxtrots from a man – ever,” Derek stated. “Len would adore it, by the way,” Bruno added. High praise indeed.
Plus, Elaine and Alan’s Judges’ Choice rumba to Take My Breath Away by Jae Hall was gorgeous. Derek went into rehearsals to give the couple some pointers. The duo’s romantic and sensual dance was breathtaking. “That was exquisite. It truly was,” Derek stated. They earned a well-deserved perfect score for this performance.
Joey Graziadei Returns to ‘DWTS’ to Dance Once Last Time as Mirrorball Champion
Bachelor Nation fans got to know Joey Graziadei on Season 28 of “The Bachelor,” where he fell in love and got engaged to fiancée Kelsey Anderson.
After their time on the show, Joey competed on Season 33 of “Dancing with the Stars” with dance partner Jenna Johnson and made history as the first Bachelor ever to win the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy.
After being crowned champion, Joey returned to the “DWTS” stage the other week to perform for the 20th anniversary with one of this season’s competitors for a “Relay Dance round.”
And now, the former Bachelor has returned to the stage again to perform once last time as reigning Mirrorball champion for the Season 34 finale with his dance partner Jenna.
During last night’s epic finale, Joey and Jenna performed an incredible ballroom-style dance that had fellow Bachelor Nation stars in awe.
Rachael Kirkconnell wrote about the dance, “one of the best dances of the night wowowow” and Jason Tartick commented, “Maybe the best dance of the night - beautiful.”
Joey also shared, “I MISS DANCING!! You’re the best @jennajohnson” and Jenna responded, “My Champion 🥹😭❤️🔥.”
Kelsey and Tanner Courtad were also in the ballroom to support Joey and the two posted about their excitement from the sidelines.
Tanner and Kelsey posted a selfie with Joey that said, “Fam huddle” and then posted a snapshot of Joey mid-dance that says, “The intensity!”
The two were also interviewed by “DWTS” in a video posted online and Kelsey said, “We are so excited to be back in the ballroom for another finale.” Tanner chimed in, “Yeah the show is amazing so far, I don’t know who’s going to win.” Kelsey added, “I have no idea, but I’m excited to see!”
Animal conservationist Robert Irwin and his dance partner Witney Carson were crowned the Season 34 Mirrorball champions, and Joey was able to personally hand him the trophy.
We loved seeing Joey and Jenna dance again, and congratulations to the new Mirrorball champions! What an amazing season finale.
