The highly anticipated finale of “Dancing With the Stars” aired on Tuesday, Nov. 25, and it did not disappoint. Alix Earle, Robert Irwin, Dylan Efron, Elaine Hendrix, and Jordan Chiles gave it their all as they competed for the prestigious Len Goodman mirrorball trophy. The episode received an astounding 72 million votes, doubling last year’s tally and showcasing the immense support and excitement surrounding the season finale.
Each team performed three dances during the finale – a judges’ pick, an insta dance, and a freestyle. The insta dance added an element of surprise, as the teams only found out five minutes before their performance which dance they would be doing and to what song. This meant that they had to be prepared for multiple dances throughout the week in addition to their other routines.
Alix and Val started the show with a samba assigned by Carrie Ann Inaba, earning a perfect score of 30. Their insta dance, a high-energy cha-cha, also received a perfect score. The highlight of their night was the freestyle, where Alix showcased her confidence and earned another perfect score, making her the only contestant to score a perfect 90/90 for the night.
Dylan and Daniella impressed with a foxtrot for their insta dance, receiving a perfect score and accolades from the judges for one of the best dances of the season. Their freestyle, a contemporary routine in water, also earned a perfect score, bringing their total to 87/90.
Elaine and Alan delivered a pitch-perfect rumba, scoring a perfect 30. Despite a misstep in their quickstep insta dance, they still received a respectable score of 27/30. Their freestyle to “Chorus Line” with special appearances by Andy Richter and Lisa Ann Walter earned them another perfect score, totaling 87/90.
Robert and Witney wowed the judges with their quickstep, earning a score of 29/30 despite Robert suffering a rib injury during rehearsals. Their cha-cha insta dance and emotional yet energetic freestyle both received perfect scores, leading to a final score of 89/90.
Jordan and Ezra’s paso doble received a score of 29/30, with Carrie Ann noting minor mistakes. Their tango insta dance and show-stopping freestyle, which Carrie Ann deemed the best in 20 years, both earned perfect scores, totaling 89/90.
In an exciting announcement, the live tour will feature Danielle Fishel, Andy Richter, and Elaine Hendrix, with surprise appearances by the finalists. Ultimately, Robert Irwin emerged as the winner and took home the coveted mirrorball trophy. The finale was a night to remember, showcasing the incredible talent and dedication of all the contestants.
