From Start to End, Season 34 of Dancing with the Stars was a Perfect-10
By Mia Dubin
December 6, 2025
Google Images - ABC
Carrie Ann Inaba: 10. Derek Hough: 10. Bruno Tonioli: 10. If Season 34 of Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) were a single dance routine, it would have earned a perfect score. From dazzling debuts to emotional finales, this season delivered nonstop ballroom brilliance, packed with jaw-dropping routines, drama, and even record-breaking moments.
From Alix Earle’s iconic finale to Robert Irwin’s emotion-filled season, and even controversial eliminations like Whitany Leavitt and Marc Ballas’ departure, Season 34 had it all. Add in TikTok-trending moments, such as Daniella Karagach and Dylan Efron’s dance, which dominated social media, and it is clear this season left a lasting impression on everyone who watched it.
According to Alexa Ornstein, a freshman Cell Biology and Genetics major, “This was my first time watching Dancing with the Stars, and it was such a great experience. I love how the show brings people together, and it is amazing to see each celebrity improve throughout the season,” she continued, “My favorites were Alix Earle, Robert Irwin, and Elaine Hendrix because their performances were amazing. I loved the energy they brought to the dance floor.”
This season brought people together from family living rooms to dorm rooms. Having the show air in the first semester of college allows students to bond and make friends by connecting over the joy that Dancing with the Stars brings.
Ashley Morrison, a freshman marketing major, agrees with this idea of bonding by expressing, “I loved watching Dancing with the Stars because it gave me the chance to spend time with friends and meet new people. I’m so thankful the show gave me an excuse to grow closer to girls I might not have otherwise met. I never used to watch, but in college, I looked forward to weekly watch parties to get together with all my friends.”
This show is more than a competition; it is a change-maker. It has helped students find others who love it just as much, allowing them to connect with like-minded people and create lasting friendships and memories.
When it came to most memorable couples, Lauren Epstein, a freshman Journalism major, “My favorite DWTS star was Alix Earle. She was so fun to watch each week, and her improvement stood out to me. It was also cool to see her friendship with Val evolve as they became more comfortable with each other, and it showed while they danced.” Lauren also elaborates, “Val has been a favorite of mine for quite some time. I’ve been watching the show for over 5 years. His choreography really highlights the star and their confidence in their abilities. Val’s chemistry with his partners has also been mesmerizing to watch.”
From Alix Earle’s iconic finale to Robert Irwin’s emotion-filled season, and even controversial eliminations like Whitany Leavitt and Marc Ballas’ departure, Season 34 had it all. Add in TikTok-trending moments, such as Daniella Karagach and Dylan Efron’s dance, which dominated social media, and it is clear this season left a lasting impression on everyone who watched it.
According to Alexa Ornstein, a freshman Cell Biology and Genetics major, “This was my first time watching Dancing with the Stars, and it was such a great experience. I love how the show brings people together, and it is amazing to see each celebrity improve throughout the season,” she continued, “My favorites were Alix Earle, Robert Irwin, and Elaine Hendrix because their performances were amazing. I loved the energy they brought to the dance floor.”
This season brought people together from family living rooms to dorm rooms. Having the show air in the first semester of college allows students to bond and make friends by connecting over the joy that Dancing with the Stars brings.
Ashley Morrison, a freshman marketing major, agrees with this idea of bonding by expressing, “I loved watching Dancing with the Stars because it gave me the chance to spend time with friends and meet new people. I’m so thankful the show gave me an excuse to grow closer to girls I might not have otherwise met. I never used to watch, but in college, I looked forward to weekly watch parties to get together with all my friends.”
This show is more than a competition; it is a change-maker. It has helped students find others who love it just as much, allowing them to connect with like-minded people and create lasting friendships and memories.
When it came to most memorable couples, Lauren Epstein, a freshman Journalism major, “My favorite DWTS star was Alix Earle. She was so fun to watch each week, and her improvement stood out to me. It was also cool to see her friendship with Val evolve as they became more comfortable with each other, and it showed while they danced.” Lauren also elaborates, “Val has been a favorite of mine for quite some time. I’ve been watching the show for over 5 years. His choreography really highlights the star and their confidence in their abilities. Val’s chemistry with his partners has also been mesmerizing to watch.”
Photo Credit: Hello Magazine
This season was full of powerhouses that dominated the ballroom with every dance. Season 34 winner, sorry for the spoiler: Robert Irwin stole not only the judges’ hearts but also audiences nationwide.
Kate Hoffman, a freshman elementary education major, expresses, “I absolutely loved Robert Irwin and Witney Carson because not only were their dances electric with immense talent, but they had an infectious energy that kept fans engaged throughout the season [...] Robert is beyond kind and hardworking, and by the finale, it was clear he was incredibly deserving of the Len Goodman mirrorball trophy. I had a blast watching their amazing performances every week.”
Kate Hoffman, a freshman elementary education major, expresses, “I absolutely loved Robert Irwin and Witney Carson because not only were their dances electric with immense talent, but they had an infectious energy that kept fans engaged throughout the season [...] Robert is beyond kind and hardworking, and by the finale, it was clear he was incredibly deserving of the Len Goodman mirrorball trophy. I had a blast watching their amazing performances every week.”
Photo Credit: People
This show has transformed many lives, from those who have starred on DWTS to those who have watched vicariously on TV. From 20th birthday celebrations to Wicked Night and Disney Night, it has carried generations of fans, both new and old, who have grown to love everyone from Julianne to Alfonso and all the pros and stars. The show itself is a star, or should I say a mirrorball, as it brings people of all ages together to bond over their shared love of its glitz, glam, and dance.
So, next season, do not forget to text 21523 to vote for your favorite partnerships!
So, next season, do not forget to text 21523 to vote for your favorite partnerships!
Photo Credit: The Today Show