The Season 20 finale of Dancing With The Stars had everything: birthday celebrations, emotional thank-yous, shocking boos, surprise cameos, and one of the closest battles for the Mirrorball Trophy in recent seasons. Every finalist returned to the ballroom for one last dance, each sharing heartfelt reflections on how the competition transformed them. And yes, it was also Bruno’s 70th birthday, which added even more sparkle to an already electric night.

⭐ The Finalist Performances

Alix Earle

With Carrie Ann Cheering & Coaching in rehearsals, Alix delivered a flawless routine and earned a perfect 30/30. Her growth arc this season has been one of DWTS’ best, and she proved she belongs in the finals.

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Dylan Efron

Dylan’s abs may have stolen the show, but his performance had a few stiff moments and missteps. Still, Bruno, who mentored him this week, rewarded him with a 10, bringing Dylan to a strong 28/30.

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Elaine Hendrix

Elegant, classic, and totally magnetic. Elaine earned glowing praise from all three judges and walked away with a perfect 30/30. A full-circle moment for this season’s most theatrical contestant.

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Robert Irwin

Robert danced through rib pain and a last-minute choreography change. Carrie Ann’s critique sparked full-ballroom boos, but Robert took it in stride, thanking Witney for being his rock. He scored 29/30, with Carrie Ann delivering the lone 9.

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Jordan Chiles

Carrie Ann found Jordan “too intense,” and the crowd once again let their displeasure be known. Jordan responded with pure class, giving Carrie Ann a shoutout and keeping the vibes positive. Score: 29/30, with another solo 9 from Carrie Ann.

Instant Dances

Earlier this season, each celebrity was given a blindfold and had to choose a dance style. Tonight? They had five minutes to prep and perform it live.

• Alix – Cha Cha to “Where the Hell Is My Husband”
  Immaculate, confident, and effortless. 30/30 → 60/60

• Dylan – Foxtrot to “Ordinary”
  A little safe and similar to his Week 1 performance. He admitted he didn’t practice this one. 30/30 → 58/60

• Elaine – Quickstep to “You Can’t Hurry Love”
  Light, fun, but with a few stumbles. 27/30 → 57/60

• Robert – Cha Cha to “Cake By The Ocean”
  The last dance style he wanted, but he nailed it, and even surprised Witney with a final shirt-open moment. Judges loved their partnership. 30/30 → 59/60

• Jordan – Tango to “I Like It”
  The Tango was EXACTLY what Jordan wanted. She performed a powerful and proud rendition. 30/30 → 59/60

Freestyle: The No-Rules Showstoppers 

The freestyle round delivered some of the best DWTS dances ever.

Alix Earle

She gave total pop-star energy and if we were betting, this won't be the last time we see her on stage. She gave a heartfelt message of confidence to fans and a verbal love letter to Val. The judges gushed.
30/30 → 90/90

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Dylan Efron 

He performed an emotional and technically impressive dance on a dramatic splash pad. The entire ballroom cried. Dylan confessed he “fell in love with dance.”
30/30 → 88/90

Elaine Hendrix 

A tribute to dancers everywhere, which included a callback to her role as Meredith Blake in the Parent Trap,  cameos from Elaine's bestie, Lisa Ann Walter (Abbot Elementary), and co-DWTS competitor, Andy Richter. She was elegant, nostalgic, and inclusive.
30/30 → 87/90

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Robert Irwin 

Three straight raves from the judges. Carrie Ann honored Steve Irwin and Robert’s legacy. Robert thanked Witney as he closed out his lifelong DWTS dream.
30/30 → 89/90

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Jordan Chiles 

An epic routine blending dance, performance art, and gymnastics, with a cameo from Normani, which is ironic because her Fifth Harmony bandmate Lauren competed earlier in the season. Carrie Ann called it the best freestyle of all time.
30/30 → 89/90

The competitive performances aside, the finale included a few special moments, like Joey Graziadei, last season’s champ and host of the official Dancing With The Stars podcast, who performed a special number. They also announced that the DWTS Tour will be co-hosted by Danielle Fishel, Andy Richter, and Elaine Hendrix, and will have special guests that include Alix Earle, Dylan Efron, Jordan Chiles, and Robert Irwin. The finale ended with the competitors' friends & family sharing heartfelt and emotional video messages to each of the dancers. 

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Final Results

5th Place — Elaine Hendrix
4th Place — Dylan Efron
3rd Place — Jordan Chiles
2nd Place — Alix Earle
1st Place — Robert Irwin (just as Fandom Daily predicted!)