Robert Irwin injury revealed ahead of Dancing with the Stars season 34 finale: Live updates

Robert Irwin teases new Dancing with the Stars season 34 lineup

Another season of Dancing With the Stars is about to come to an end.

After another season of memorable dances and shocking eliminations, one couple will walk away with the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy tonight.

The five remaining couples include Gold medal-winning Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa; reality TV personality Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach; The Parent Trap star Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten; wildlife conservationist and son of the late Steve Irwin, Robert Irwin and Witney Carson; and social media influencer and host of the Hot Mess podcast Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy.

However, Irwin’s partner revealed that he suffered an injury to his ribs in the hours leading up to the live finale.

“Today at [camera] blocking is a little stressful because we just have to make the freestyle all come together. Robert’s ribs have been killing him and more will be revealed on Tuesday and you guys can get a better idea of what we’ve been dealing with all week,” Carson shared in a Monday TikTok.

Each couple will complete three routines during Tuesday night’s finale: a Judges’ Choice dance, an Instant Dance, and a Freestyle routine. Viewers at home will have the opportunity to cast their votes throughout the evening, which will combine with the judges’ scores to reveal the winner at the end of the night.

Dancing With the Stars airs at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+. The finale will be available to stream on Hulu starting Wednesday.

30 minutes until the finale begins!

The final leg of the competition for the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy begins in 30 minutes! Tune in on ABC or Disney+ to catch all the action.

Caitlin Hornik26 November 2025 00:30

Jordan Chiles speaks out ahead of finale

The Olympic gold medalist shared a series of behind-the-scenes photos in the hours before the finale.

“Ezra you have turned me into a ballroom dancer and also helped me tell my story! I don’t want this to end but HAPPY FINALE DAY!!! You have inspired me in so many ways and I hope I did the same for you!” Chiles’ caption read in part.

Caitlin Hornik26 November 2025 00:25

45 minutes until the finale!

Get your popcorn ready — the live DWTS finale starts in 45 minutes!

'Dancing with the Stars' hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough
‘Dancing with the Stars’ hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough (Disney)

Caitlin Hornik26 November 2025 00:15

Robert Irwin suffering from injury

Witney Carson has shared that Irwin suffered an injury to his ribs in the hours leading up to the live finale.

“Today at [camera] blocking is a little stressful because we just have to make the freestyle all come together. Robert’s ribs have been killing him and more will be revealed on Tuesday and you guys can get a better idea of what we’ve been dealing with all week,” Carson shared in a Monday TikTok.

Caitlin Hornik26 November 2025 00:09

Former ‘DWTS’ champ Rumer Willis comments in support of Daniella and Dylan

Willis, who won Season 20, offered words of support for Efron and Karagach.

“Dylan you are absolutely a winner no matter what. Your dedication and love of dancing is so clear every week. You should be so proud of yourself. You truly are a leading man. So grateful to have been a small part of your journey. I had the best time dancing with you and learning from Dani. You and Dani are incredible. Kick ass today. 🙌 Go team Dady,” Willis commented on Efron’s latest Instagram post.

Caitlin Hornik25 November 2025 23:48

Alix Earle urges fans to vote

Earle shared an Instagram Story reminding fans when and how to vote ahead of the 8 p.m. ET finale start time.

Alix Earle has urged her fans to vote as soon as possible
Alix Earle has urged her fans to vote as soon as possible (Alix Earle/Instagram)

Caitlin Hornik25 November 2025 23:33

Daniella Karagach thanks Dylan Efron with emotional post

Karagach posted a carousel of photos from her time being partnered with Efron on the show.

Caitlin Hornik25 November 2025 23:13

Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten compete tonight

Hendrix, known to audiences around the world as Meredith Blake in The Parent Trap, and Bersten have danced well throughout the competition. Their routine to “Defying Gravity” during Wicked week remains a standout moment from the season.

Bersten returns to the DWTS finale again after winning Season 28 with partner Hannah Brown.

Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten will dance three routines in Tuesday night's season finale
Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten will dance three routines in Tuesday night’s season finale (Disney)

Caitlin Hornik25 November 2025 22:54

‘DWTS’ showrunner reveals top choice high-profile celeb

DWTS showrunner Deena Katz has shared who she would love to bring to the ballroom.

“Have you guys ever taken a big swing on a star that you thought there was no way we could get them to go into the ballroom?” former winner Joey Graziadei asked on an episode of the DWTS podcast.

“We often go to Deena and say, ‘Can you ask Bill Clinton?’” Green replied. “She’ll be like, ‘he’s not going to say yes. I’ll give it a try.’”

Although she listed other names including former U.K Prime Minister Tony Blair and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Katz admitted that she is not ready to give up on the former president making his way to the ballroom.

“Bill Clinton is one that I will keep asking,” Katz said. “He probably knows or doesn’t know that that’s on my little vision board.”

Caitlin Hornik25 November 2025 22:42

‘DWTS’ ratings hit new high

During last week’s episode, DWTS reached a seven-year high for the semi-finals.

The show saw 7.22 million total viewers, according to ABC, the highest-watched semi-finals since November 2018. The figure is also up 28% compared to last year’s semi-finals episode.

Caitlin Hornik25 November 2025 22:21