The season 34 finale of Dancing With the Stars introduced a high-pressure twist for the five remaining couples. For the first time in the show’s history, the finale featured three full rounds of competition, with the “Instant Dance Challenge” proving to be the most demanding test of the night. The couples had only minutes to learn their dance style and song before performing live in front of the judges and audience.
What Was The Instant Dance Challenge?
The Instant Dance Challenge was a segment designed to test the contestants’ technical skill and ability to perform under pressure. The couples did not know which style of dance they would be performing or what music they would be dancing to until just minutes before they took the stage.
While the couples had rehearsed potential routines for various dance styles earlier in the week, the specific assignment was a last-minute surprise. This meant the professional dancers had to choreograph on the spot, and the celebrities had to immediately grasp the steps and timing.
How Each Couple Performed in the Instant Round
The five final couples all faced the Instant Dance Challenge during the November 25, 2025 finale. Here is a breakdown of how each pair performed and the scores they received from judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli.
Robert Irwin and Witney Carson: Cha-Cha
Robert Irwin and Witney Carson were assigned the Cha-Cha to โCake By the Oceanโ by DNCE. Irwin had previously admitted that “The cha cha just never made sense to me,” which made the assignment particularly daunting. Despite his initial hesitation, the pair delivered a high-energy routine that earned a perfect score of 30 out of 30.
Judge Bruno Tonioli told Irwin, “You were on fire,” while Derek Hough admitted, “I was nervous for you for that oneโฆ Honestly, so incredibly impressive.” Carrie Ann Inaba highlighted that their strong connection is what carried them through the difficult task.
Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa: Tango
Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles and her partner Ezra Sosa were assigned the Tango to โI Like Itโ by Alesso and Nate Smith. When they learned their assignment, they fell to the ground, though it turned out to be a good sign. Chiles later said she was comfortable with the dance’s frame.
Their precise and passionate performance featured excellent pivots and body contact, earning them a perfect score of 30 out of 30. The judges praised them for taking feedback well and executing the dance smoothly under pressure.
Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy: Cha-Cha
Social media personality Alix Earle and professional Val Chmerkovskiy also performed a Cha-Cha for their instant dance. They mastered the fast footwork and rhythm, achieving a perfect score of 30 out of 30. This continued their strong performance throughout the night, helping them secure a second-place finish overall.
Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach: Foxtrot
Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach were given the Foxtrot for their instant dance. They delivered a graceful and technically sound performance that impressed the judges enough to award them a perfect score of 30 out of 30. This strong showing helped them finish in fourth place for the season.
Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten: Quickstep
Actress Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten faced the Quickstep for their instant dance. The fast-paced ballroom style proved challenging under the time constraints. The couple received a 27 out of 30, the lowest score in this round. This contributed to their fifth-place finish in the finale.
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The Road to the Mirrorball Trophy
The Instant Dance Challenge was just one part of a demanding three-round finale. All couples also performed a Judges’ Choice dance and a Freestyle routine. The public’s votes combined with the judges’ scores to determine the final outcome.
Robert Irwin and Witney Carson were ultimately crowned the champions, lifting the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy. This win created a special family legacy, as Irwin’s sister, Bindi Irwin, won the competition back in 2015 with pro partner Derek Hough.
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