‘DWTS’ Season 34 Ends in Controversy as Robert Irwin Wins — Fans Split Over “Robbery” Claims

The Dancing with the Stars Season 34 finale aired on Tuesday, November 25, crowning a champion after one of the most fiercely contested and emotionally charged nights in the show’s history. But while the glittering mirrorball found its new home, the decision left viewers sharply divided—some cheering the outcome, others crying foul.

Wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin and his professional partner, Witney Carson, emerged victorious, echoing his sister Bindi’s win exactly ten years earlier. Their triumph came after a grueling three-round finale that tested skill, spontaneity, and heart.

The night began with the Judges’ Choice routine, where each couple revisited a ballroom or Latin style based on the panel’s advice. Irwin and Carson dazzled with a high-energy Quickstep to Jet’s “Are You Gonna Be My Girl.” Next came the Instant Dance—a true test of nerve—where contestants learned their style and song just minutes before stepping onto the floor. The duo nailed a Cha Cha to DNCE’s “Cake by the Ocean,” showing off rhythm and resilience.

Then came the Freestyle: the season’s emotional crescendo. Irwin and Carson delivered a stirring, cinematic number set to Sam Sparro’s “Black & Gold” and Avicii’s “The Nights,” weaving in tributes to Robert’s late father, Steve Irwin. Their performance was equal parts joy, vulnerability, and raw energy.

They weren’t alone in excellence. The competition was stacked: influencer Alix Earle with Val Chmerkovskiy, Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles with Ezra Sosa, actress Elaine Hendrix with Alan Bersten, and actor Dylan Efron with Daniella Karagach. All gave career-defining performances.

In the end, fan votes—cast live during the simulcast—and judges’ scores were combined to determine the winner. Host Alfonso Ribeiro revealed the rankings: Elaine and Alan placed fifth, Dylan and Daniella fourth, and Jordan and Ezra took third. That left Alix and Val, and Robert and Witney—both of whom received unprecedented viewer support. Judge Julianne Hough called it “one of the tightest margins we’ve ever seen.”

When Ribeiro announced Irwin and Carson as champions, social media erupted.

“Witnessed a robbery—filing a police report,” one fan posted. Others echoed: “Jordan was robbed,” “Alix should’ve won,” “They gave it all, and it still wasn’t enough.” Many pointed to Jordan’s Freestyle—a crowd favorite—as proof of a miscarriage of justice.

But just as many rallied behind Robert. “He started with zero dance experience and gave his all every week—this win is 100% earned,” one supporter wrote. “America got it right. Robert honored his dad, showed up with joy, and danced his heart out.”

Irwin, visibly emotional, dedicated his win to his family. “My sister said it best: thank you for changing my life!” Witney added, “I already felt like I won just having Robert as my partner—and now as my friend.”

Behind the smiles, though, was pain. Carson revealed they’d been dancing through injuries—Robert with persistent rib pain, both of them “falling apart” after 11 weeks of intense training. Yet they pushed through, driven by passion and purpose.

Throughout the season, Robert carried his father’s spirit with him—literally. He wore Steve Irwin’s old shirt to every rehearsal, a threadbare but treasured keepsake riddled with holes, repaired buttons, and memories. “Each tear tells a story,” Robert said. “It’s how Dad lived: at 100%.”

Now, as a newly crowned champion, he’s not slowing down. His next stop: New York, then South Africa for a wildlife project—and Witney will even join him in Australia for part of the journey. (“You’re not getting rid of me that easy,” she joked.)

For Robert, the mirrorball wasn’t just a trophy—it was a platform. “I’m a proud Wildlife Warrior,” he said, “and I’ll always carry on my dad’s mission. Even in the ballroom, I can do that.”

He proved you don’t have to choose between passion and performance.
You can honor your roots—and still shine on the world’s most dazzling dance floor.