Robert Irwin and Witney Carson Win 'Dancing with the Stars' Season 34 Mirrorball Trophy

The Dancing with the Stars season 34 finale ended not with a flourish, but with a quiet, emotional moment that echoed across a decade of family legacy. Robert Irwin, the 21-year-old Australian conservationist and son of the late Steve Irwin, stood beside his professional partner Witney Carson as they were crowned winners of the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy—the first time in the show’s 20-year history that a sibling had followed another to victory. The three-hour broadcast, held live at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, drew record viewership for the season and capped what many called the most emotionally resonant finale in recent memory.

A Family Legacy Repeats

Robert Irwin’s win wasn’t just a triumph of dance—it was a full-circle moment. Ten years earlier, his sister, Bindi Irwin, won season 24 with professional dancer Derek Hough, who now sits as one of the show’s three judges. When Julianne Hough asked Robert how he felt after the announcement, he didn’t hesitate: "My sister said it best: Thank you for changing my life." Those were the exact words Bindi spoke in 2014. It wasn’t a coincidence. It was a handoff.

Witney Carson, a two-time champion and fan favorite, held back tears as she accepted the trophy. "I’m so grateful for Robert," she said, "and I feel like I won already with him as my friend." Her words carried the weight of years spent on the show—she’s danced with 14 celebrities since 2013, but never with someone whose story felt so deeply intertwined with the show’s own history.

The Final Five: A Cast Like No Other

This season’s top five finalists were a mix of celebrity power and authentic vulnerability. Alix Earle, the 24-year-old TikTok sensation with 11 million followers, brought viral energy to the floor. Dylan Efron, 35, known for his role in Netflix’s Outer Banks, delivered surprisingly sharp routines, often overshadowing his more famous brother, Zac. Elaine Hendrix, 53, the actress from The Parent Trap, charmed audiences with her vintage Hollywood grace. And Jordan Chiles, 23, the Olympic silver medalist from Tokyo 2020, turned gymnastic precision into breathtaking ballroom artistry.

Each couple performed three routines in the finale—first a redemption dance, then a fusion routine blending two styles, and finally a freestyle. It was the first time in Dancing with the Stars season 34 history that three distinct routines were required in the final night. The judges—Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli—gave out six perfect 30/30 scores across the evening. One went to Chiles’ freestyle; another to Hendrix’s rumba. But the most electric moment? Robert and Witney’s paso doble to "Eye of the Tiger," which had the entire audience on their feet before the music even ended.

The Voting Puzzle: How Winners Are Made

The winner wasn’t decided by votes alone. Viewers cast over 18 million digital votes during the live broadcast, according to internal ABC data shared with reporters. But those votes carried only 50% weight. The other half came from the judges’ scores, which were averaged across the entire season and weighted for consistency. That’s why Chiles, despite her flawless finale, didn’t win—her earlier scores, while strong, weren’t as consistently high as Robert’s steady climb.

"This season was a masterclass in growth," said Carrie Ann Inaba in a post-show interview. "Robert didn’t start as the strongest dancer. But he showed up every week with heart. And that’s what this show is about."

A Ratings Surge and a Corporate Backdrop

Season 34 saw a 22% increase in total viewership compared to season 33, according to Nielsen data cited by ABC7 Los Angeles. The show’s return to prominence was attributed to the authenticity of its cast—no reality stars, no washed-up pop singers. Just athletes, actors, influencers, and one conservationist who brought his father’s legacy into the ballroom.

The production was backed by The Walt Disney Company, which owns ABC, Good Morning America, and Hulu. ABC7’s team collaborated with GMA’s entertainment desk to produce exclusive behind-the-scenes content that aired the morning after the finale, helping sustain momentum.

What’s Next?

Robert Irwin has already hinted he’ll use his platform to raise awareness for wildlife conservation in Australia. "This isn’t the end," he told reporters. "It’s a new beginning for the Irwin legacy—and I want to make sure it’s one that helps animals, not just wins trophies." Witney Carson, meanwhile, is expected to return next season as a professional dancer—but not as a contestant. Sources say she’s been approached to mentor new pros. "I’ve danced with a lot of people," she said. "But Robert? He changed the way I think about this job." The show’s producers have not announced season 35 casting details, but insiders say the next season will likely lean even further into "real people"—teachers, first responders, veterans—rather than celebrities with existing fame.

Behind the Trophy

The Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy was renamed in April 2023, following the death of the beloved original head judge. Len Goodman, who judged from season 1 until season 14, was known for his dry wit and unwavering standards. His signature phrase—"That was a perfect 10, my dear"—is still whispered in the wings before every performance.

The trophy itself is handcrafted in England, weighs 12 pounds, and is plated in 24-karat gold. Only 24 have ever been awarded. Now, one more sits on Robert Irwin’s mantel—next to a photo of his father, Steve, and his sister, Bindi.