With the ‘Dancing with the Stars’ finale hours away, former champion Sharna Burgess declares Robert Irwin the clear favorite, as passionate fans and dramatic past controversies promise an electrifying finish and new legacy for the show.
Tonight, Dancing with the Stars fans will witness one of the most anticipated finales in the show’s recent history. The season has delivered both emotional storytelling and fierce competition, but it’s Sharna Burgess—Season 27 champion and beloved veteran—who has ignited the debate by calling Robert Irwin “the one to beat,” with social media influencer Alix Earle as his prime challenger.
The Legacy of Sharna Burgess and Why Her Prediction Matters
Burgess stands as one of the series’ most authoritative voices, having joined in 2011 as a troupe member before rising to professional partner in 2013. Her championship run alongside radio host Bobby Bones cemented her status—especially as that victory became one of DWTS’s most controversial and talked-about moments in history, leading to headlines and heated debate years later [Parade].
Her deep familiarity with the behind-the-scenes pressures, production politics, and the unpredictable sway of fan voting gives her judgments an extra edge. When Burgess names Irwin as her frontrunner during a Good Morning America appearance, it reframes the entire finale night narrative.
This Year’s Finalists: Robert Irwin, Alix Earle, and the Underdog Stories
For many, Robert Irwin has taken on the emotional torch that his late father, Steve Irwin, once carried. His journey on DWTS has not just been about technical prowess—it’s about honoring his family’s legacy and delivering tributes that connect viscerally with the voting public. These family-centric moments have sparked massive social buzz and viral moments throughout the season [Parade – Robert Remembers Steve Irwin].
Social media powerhouse Alix Earle also remains in the hunt, with Burgess naming her as Irwin’s primary threat for the title. Meanwhile, Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles, performing with Ezra Sosa, and competitors Elaine Hendrix and Dylan Efron, round out a finale that’s stacked with both athletic and entertainment pedigree.
- Robert Irwin: Animal conservationist and moving tribute-maker, with family legacy fueling fan support.
- Alix Earle: Social influencer whose charisma and digital-first audience could deliver an upset.
- Jordan Chiles & Ezra Sosa: Gymnastics nation’s strongest hope for a shock win.
- Elaine Hendrix & Dylan Efron: Consistent, elegant performers with rising support.
A Season Defined by Fan Power—and Past Controversies
Burgess’s own Season 27 win was famously labeled “shocking” by former host Tom Bergeron, fueling a controversy that continued years later as Bobby Bones surrendered his trophy following negative commentary [Parade – Tom Bergeron]. This saga reinforced for viewers how much fan engagement—both positive and negative—can tip the balance in the final vote.
The immediacy of social media reactions was on full display this season as well. Comments ranged from “Love both choices Robert and Alex are so amazing!” to passionate campaigns like “Team Ezra and Jordan!! Gymnastics nation VOTE!!” The DWTS audience, more than ever, sees itself as a decisive player in the outcomes [Parade].
How Bindi Irwin’s Win Shapes This Finale
It is impossible to discuss Robert’s chances without referencing his sister Bindi Irwin, who took the DWTS crown with professional partner Derek Hough during her season. Bindi’s vocal support and family involvement have magnified the stakes—fanning speculation that tonight could mark a historic second win for the Irwin family, a storyline that DWTS loves [Parade – Bindi Irwin Supports Robert].
Why This Finale Matters—for DWTS and Its Global Fanbase
This finale is more than a competition—it’s a rare convergence of family history, emerging digital stars, and athletic prowess in a single broadcast. Burgess’s insights underscore a truth that defines the show’s longevity: DWTS is as much about heart-driven storytelling as technical dance scores.
For fans, tonight is a chance to witness either the crowning of a new-generation Irwin, a breakthrough social influencer, or an Olympic gold-level upset. In a season marked by passion, participation, and even old controversies, the outcome will ripple through the DWTS community for seasons to come.
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