“Dancing with the Stars” is in its 34th season and has been on air for 20 years. The show has always been popular and continues to reach a wide range of audiences over the years. It connects dance to thousands of fans who may have been unfamiliar with it beforehand. This season’s audience voting has been off the charts, breaking the show’s all-time voting record by reaching over 50 million votes during one episode.
The show has become especially popular with teens and young adults. On TikTok, girls have started posting reactions to eliminations and are hosting DWTS watch parties with their friends. Many even predict who will win the Finale and have their favorite pro and celebrity duos. There was even a fan base for one of the celebrities this season, Andy Richter, called the “fandys.” Many people started to fall in love with his personality and support him, even though he wasn’t the best dancer, up until his elimination week nine. There have been many memorable dances and moments from this season. With all that being said, here is the order in which the top five finalists placed.
First place: Robert Irwin and Witney Carson
I have been a fan of the show for many years, but I recently began watching every episode, since season 33, and voting for my favorites in hopes that they win it all. This season, my favorite pairing is pro Witney Carson and her partner, Robert Irwin. Witney has been on DWTS since season 16, starting as a member of the troupe and being promoted to a pro for season 18. Celebrity Robert Irwin is an Australian conservationist, continuing his father, Steve Irwin’s, legacy. He is only 22 years old and is a natural on the dance floor, despite having no prior dance experience. Most weeks, they have been at the top of the leaderboard and have performed many meaningful and memorable dances. Robert was crowned the season 34 champion and is the youngest male to win in the history of DWTS.
Second place: Alix Earle and Valentin Chmerkovskiy
A close second to Robert and Witney are Alix Earle and Valentin “Val” Chemerkovskiy. Alix Earle, an American internet personality, is 25 and kicks butt on the dance floor. She is definitely the most improved dancer from the first episode and puts in the work to improve each week. Her partner, Val Chemerkovskiy, has been a pro on DWTS since season 13. He is the male pro everybody loves, and who every girl celebrity wants to be paired with. He is an incredible dancer and has won three times. They have also been at the top of the leaderboard for most of the season and worked hard for it.
Third place: Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa
American gymnast Jordan Chiles is 24 years old and full of energy. Her partner, Ezra Sosa, is in his second season as a pro and is only 25 years old. Jordan has made immense improvements since week one. She puts in the work and always brings the fire. She is fierce on the dance floor and is always seen doing “clock it” toward the camera with her partner, Ezra. She has worked very hard to make it to the finale and has shown the fans what she is capable of.
Fourth place: Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach
Pro Daniella Karagach is known as the “Ferrari” and has been a pro since season 29. She is an amazing choreographer and is known for doing impossible tricks with her partners that people at home watching love trying to recreate. Her 33-year-old partner, Dylan Efron, an American TV personality, made major improvements from the beginning of the season. He didn’t start off strong with his first dance to “Milkshake” by Kelis. He has been climbing the leaderboard each week and now finds himself in the finale.
Fifth place: Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten
American actress, Elaine Hendrix, has been impeccable since her first dance despite her age. She does have past dance experience, which some would say gives her an upper hand. She has been fighting to make it to the finale. She suffered an injury during week seven and wasn’t able to dance, but the fans love her and saved her from elimination. Her partner, Alan Bersten, has been a pro since season 25 and has been the perfect partner for her. They have put in the work, making it to the finale, which I didn’t think would happen.
The season 34 DWTS finale broke many of the show’s records this year. It achieved its largest viewer amount in nearly a decade with 9 million fans watching. Also, it broke voting records, with more than 72 million votes cast during the finale and nearly half a billion votes over the entire season. If you didn’t watch this season, I would highly encourage you to watch next season and make it a tradition.
