The ‘Dancing with the Stars’ 2025 finale pits five fiercely talented celebrities against each other, but with Robert Irwin, Alix Earle, and Jordan Chiles leading the pack, fan power and star performance are set to collide in one of the show’s most unpredictable showdowns ever.
The stakes have never been higher on Dancing with the Stars as Season 34 barrels toward its finale. With shocking eliminations turning the leaderboard upside down, fans are left with five finalists: Robert Irwin, Alix Earle, Jordan Chiles, Dylan Efron, and Elaine Hendrix. Once-favored contender Whitney Leavitt was unexpectedly ousted in the semifinals despite sky-high judges’ scores, illustrating that fan allegiance can trump technical prowess.
It’s clear: The Mirrorball Trophy isn’t just handed to the judges’ favorite. It goes to the star who captures America’s imagination and inspires them to vote.
Every Finalist’s Road to the Finale
Robert Irwin and Witney Carson: The Familiar Favorite
Robert Irwin jumped out of the gate as an early frontrunner, boosted by being the first celebrity announced for the season and his history in the ballroom. With advice from his sister, Season 21 champion Bindi Irwin, and the expert choreography of Witney Carson—a Mirrorball winner herself—Robert’s journey has traced an arc from strong opening to new peaks in the semifinals. His likability and growing fanbase mirror the momentum that once propelled Bindi to victory.
While his scores dipped mid-season, Irwin’s ability to rebound when it counted reestablished him as the one to beat. But dance prowess alone isn’t enough—his cultivation of audience goodwill and experience overcoming pressure in the public eye give him an edge that goes far beyond footwork.
Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy: The Social Media Powerhouse
Alix Earle brings a new dimension to the franchise—a massive social following, with over 7.7 million TikTok fans, has transformed DWTS voting into a digital campaign. Under the guidance of DWTS veteran Val Chmerkovskiy, she’s turned weekly growth into a compelling narrative arc, earning praise like “the most improved” from Bruno Tonioli and recognition for her blossoming talent by Derek Hough.
If anyone can upend Robert’s frontrunner status, it’s Alix, who merges consistent technical growth with the enthusiasm of a mobilized online audience. This season, more than ever, social media buzz could be decisive—a factor underscored by similar trends in prior seasons [Parade].
Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa: The Elite Athlete Ascent
Olympic athletes are DWTS success stories for a reason. Jordan Chiles follows in the footsteps of Apolo Anton Ohno and Laurie Hernandez by parlaying competitive discipline into a late-season surge. Paired with rising pro Ezra Sosa, Chiles climbed from slow beginnings to the highest judges’ scores in the top five—a remarkable turnaround that could electrify voters seeking a momentum story.
The only mark against her is Ezra’s relative inexperience as a pro partner. While that’s cost some early audience familiarity, their visible chemistry and underdog narrative could convert undecided viewers.
Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach: The Heart-on-Sleeve Dark Horse
Dylan Efron embodies the “journey contestant”—no prior dance experience, vulnerability, and weekly growth. America loves a contestant who’s there to improve, not just to win. Partnered with the highly respected Daniella Karagach, Dylan had breakthrough moments lauded by judges. Still, with lower average scores and tough competition, his climb to the top looks steep, though not impossible given DWTS history with dark horse finalists [Parade].
Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten: The Comeback Story
When Elaine Hendrix made the finals, many analysts were surprised. Her resilience—returning to competition after a medical emergency—won both sympathy and respect from fans and judges. While she ranks lowest among finalists on judges’ scores, past upsets have shown that heart can sometimes trump metrics, especially when a fanbase rallies in the crucial final vote.
Leaderboard: How the Scores Stack Up
- Jordan Chiles: 373
- Robert Irwin: 370
- Alix Earle: 369
- Dylan Efron: 356
- Elaine Hendrix: 344
This narrow point spread among top contenders makes for the closest Mirrorball contest in recent memory. With ties to Olympic glory, social dominance, and family DWTS history in play, the path to victory may hinge as much on voter turnout as dance technique. The elimination of Whitney Leavitt, highest in judges’ scores at the time, showed just how much fan passion matters [Parade].
What Fans and History Tell Us About the Finale
DWTS fans are legendary for theory-crafting, trend-tracking, and backing their favorites with relentless online support. In previous seasons, dark horses and viral stars have surged at the last minute. This fan-driven volatility is exactly why both Robert Irwin and Alix Earle stand out: Robert for family connection and likeability, Alix for TikTok engagement and narrative appeal. Add Jordan’s Olympic prestige and the finale becomes as unpredictable as it is electric.
Historically, stars who combine genuine progression with powerful partners and a large, invested audience have often defied even the judges. This dynamic blend is driving excitement into the finale, creating the perfect storm for upsets or an affirmation of technical excellence.
The Final Verdict: Who’s Poised to Win?
- Robert Irwin – The classic favorite, blending DWTS legacy and consistent improvement.
- Alix Earle – The digital insurgent with the fan army and real growth.
- Jordan Chiles – The high-score Olympian peaking when it counts most.
- Dylan Efron – The underdog with the heartwarming journey.
- Elaine Hendrix – The comeback hero, fighting for a surprise finish.
The truth: Each of these finalists has a credible path to victory. For fans, that means every vote truly matters—a reality underscored by this year’s unprecedented twists and the collective power of the Dancing with the Stars community.
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