Fans of Dancing with the Stars follow every performance, surprising elimination, and emotional finale to discover which celebrity can master the ballroom. However, keeping track of past winners, new contestants, voting rules, and streaming options can become confusing when a new season begins.
This guide explains the show’s competition format, the 2025 winner, Robert Irwin’s journey, the 2026 cast, audience voting, and viewing options. It also covers eliminations, finale details, tour information, and ways to follow official announcements. Whether you are a longtime viewer or a new fan, you will find the essential information in one easy-to-read guide.
What Is Dancing with the Stars?
Dancing with the Stars is a televised dance competition that pairs celebrities with professional ballroom dancers. Each couple learns and performs choreographed routines in styles such as the tango, salsa, foxtrot, jive, and contemporary dance.
A panel of judges evaluates technique, timing, musicality, and performance. Viewers also participate through voting, helping determine which couples advance and which face elimination.
The American version airs on ABC, with episodes also available through Disney+ under its current distribution arrangements. Availability may vary by subscription, location, and season.
Who Won Dancing with the Stars 2025?
Robert Irwin and professional dancer Witney Carson won the 2025 season, Season 34, of the American competition. The finale aired on November 25, 2025, in the United States, and their victory continued a special family connection to the show.
Robert is the son of the late wildlife conservationist Steve Irwin and the younger brother of Bindi Irwin, who won the competition in 2015 with Derek Hough.
Their victory reflected more than individual dance ability. Robert and Witney built a strong partnership, improved their technique throughout the competition, and delivered performances that connected with the audience.
Dancing with the Stars 2025 Finale Results
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Season | Season 34 |
| Winner | Robert Irwin and Witney Carson |
| Runner-up | Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy |
| Other finalists | Jordan Chiles, Elaine Hendrix, Dylan Efron |
| Prize | Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy |
| Finale | November 25, 2025 |
| Previous Irwin family winner | Bindi Irwin, in 2015 |
Robert Irwin’s win became one of the major highlights of the show’s 2025 season. His performances also introduced the wildlife conservationist to viewers who may not have followed his work before the competition.
What Is the Dancing with the Stars 2026 Cast?
Season 35 began with a two-night premiere on September 15 and 16, 2026. The celebrity lineup includes actors, athletes, musicians, social media personalities, and television personalities paired with professional dancers.
Dancing with the Stars 2026 Cast and Professional Partners
| Celebrity contestant | Professional dance partner |
|---|---|
| Amber Glenn | Pasha Pashkov |
| Ciara Miller | Brandon Armstrong |
| Connor Wood | Rylee Arnold |
| Ezra Frech | Daniella Karagach |
| Guillermo Rodriguez | Witney Carson |
| Harry Shum Jr. | Jenna Johnson |
| Jackson Olson | Emma Slater |
| Jenna Dewan | Val Chmerkovskiy |
| Julia Stiles | Ezra Sosa |
| Maura Higgins | Mark Ballas |
| Tatyana Ali | Jan Ravnik |
| Tyler Cameron | Sharna Burgess |
| Giada De Laurentiis | Confirm the current official pairing before publication |
| Taylor Hanson | Confirm the current official pairing before publication |
| Sarah Jane Nader | Confirm the current official pairing before publication |
| Conner Leavitt | Confirm the current official pairing before publication |
The show’s lineup combines different backgrounds and experience levels. Some contestants bring years of stage experience, while others must learn ballroom fundamentals from scratch.
The professional partners teach choreography, refine posture and footwork, and help celebrities prepare for weekly performances. This relationship can strongly influence a couple’s development throughout the season.
Editorial note: Verify the final four partner pairings against the official Season 35 cast announcement before publishing.
When Does Dancing with the Stars Start in 2026?
Season 35 premiered on September 15, 2026, with a second premiere episode on September 16. The show subsequently moved to its regular Tuesday schedule, with episodes generally airing at 8 p.m. Eastern and Pacific time on ABC and Disney+.
For viewers following the current season, the important scheduling details are:
- Regular broadcast: Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT.
- Main broadcasters: ABC and Disney+ in the United States.
- Next-day streaming: Episodes are available on demand through Hulu and other officially supported platforms, depending on the service.
- Special scheduling: The November 2, 2026, episode is scheduled for Monday instead of Tuesday.
Check the local television schedule before watching because special episodes can change the usual broadcast day.
How Does Dancing with the Stars Voting Work?
Audience voting gives viewers an opportunity to support their favorite celebrity and professional dancer partnership. The final outcome combines audience support with judges’ scores according to the show’s competition rules.
For Season 35, eligible viewers can cast votes online or by text message during the designated live voting window. Official voting rules specify limits and eligibility requirements.
How to Vote for Your Favorite Couple
- Watch the live episode and identify the couple you want to support.
- Follow the official voting instructions provided during the broadcast.
- Submit your votes within the permitted voting window.
- If voting online, save your selections before the deadline.
- Check the next episode to see which couples remain in the competition.
Voting eligibility depends on location and age. The show’s current online rules require voters to be at least 18 and physically located in the United States, its territories, or Canada. Text voting has narrower geographic availability.
Viewers in Pakistan and other countries outside the eligible regions should check the official rules rather than assume they can submit a valid vote.
Who Got Eliminated on Dancing with the Stars?
Each elimination removes a celebrity couple from the competition. The result depends on the show’s scoring and voting process, so a high judges’ score does not automatically guarantee safety.
In Season 35, Ciara Miller and Brandon Armstrong were eliminated during the October 6, 2026, episode, according to entertainment coverage published ahead of the October 13 broadcast.
To follow eliminations accurately, distinguish between three different events:
- Judges’ leaderboard: Shows how the judges scored the performances.
- Elimination announcement: Reveals which couple must leave the competition.
- Finale results: Determine the season’s final placement and winner.
Because eliminations change weekly, use the most recent episode when updating an article. Avoid presenting an old elimination as the latest result.
How Does the Dancing with the Stars Finale Work?
The finale brings the remaining couples together for their final performances. Depending on the season’s format, finalists may perform previously learned routines, a freestyle dance, or additional dances selected for the closing episode.
Judges assess technique, choreography, timing, and performance quality. Audience votes then help determine the final standings.
The 2025 finale featured five finalists: Robert Irwin, Alix Earle, Jordan Chiles, Elaine Hendrix, and Dylan Efron. Robert and Witney ultimately took home the Mirrorball Trophy.
For Season 35, the finale date and final placements should be confirmed through an official announcement before being described as settled facts.
Where to Watch Dancing with the Stars
The best viewing option depends on your country, subscription access, and whether you want to watch live or catch up later.
| Viewing option | Best for | Important detail |
|---|---|---|
| ABC | Live television viewing in the United States | Requires access to the local ABC broadcast |
| Disney+ | Live episodes and on-demand viewing in supported markets | Availability depends on location and subscription |
| Hulu | Catching up on episodes | Next-day availability is advertised for the US season |
| Local licensed services | Viewers outside the United States | Check whether the show is officially available in your region |
For American viewers, ABC and Disney+ are the principal live viewing options for Season 35. Episodes are also available on demand through supported services.
International availability can differ. A service that carries the program in the United States may not offer it in Pakistan or another country, so check local streaming catalogs before subscribing.
How Many Dancing with the Stars Episodes Are There?
The number of episodes varies by season. A season may include a premiere, themed competition nights, special guest appearances, elimination episodes, and a finale.
Season 35 began with two premiere nights in September 2026. Its remaining schedule includes weekly competition episodes and special theme nights.
Common episode elements include:
- Opening performances and contestant introductions.
- Individual dances and judges’ scores.
- Theme nights featuring particular musical styles or celebrations.
- Audience voting and elimination announcements.
- Final performances and the Mirrorball Trophy presentation.
A complete episode guide should list the episode title, original air date, theme, contestants who performed, and any elimination. Check the official schedule before adding future episode dates because programming can change.
What Is the Dancing with the Stars Tour?
The Dancing with the Stars tour brings ballroom performances to live audiences outside the television studio. Professional dancers and selected show personalities may participate, depending on the tour’s lineup and schedule.
A live show offers a different experience from watching the television competition. Audiences can see choreography up close, enjoy group routines, and experience the energy of a professional dance production.
Before making plans, check the specific tour’s announced dates, participating performers, venue, and ticket availability. Television contestants do not automatically appear at every tour stop, and the live show’s lineup may differ from the current television cast.
Who Is Witney Carson on Dancing with the Stars?
Witney Carson is a professional dancer known for teaching celebrity partners and performing ballroom routines on the American series. She partnered with Robert Irwin during Season 34 and won the 2025 competition with him.
Her role involved helping Robert learn choreography, improve his technique, and prepare for the demands of live performances. Professional dancers contribute far more than steps: they also help their partners build confidence, musical timing, and stage presence.
When searching for Witney on the show, look for performance recaps, partner announcements, and season results. Her partnership with Robert is particularly relevant to viewers researching the 2025 finale.
What Makes Dancing with the Stars Season 35 Different?
Season 35 brings a new group of celebrities into the ballroom, giving viewers fresh partnerships and new stories to follow. The cast includes familiar television and film performers, athletes, musicians, chefs, and online personalities.
The competition also features returning hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough, alongside judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli. The combination of established television personalities and new contestants helps the show maintain continuity while introducing fresh rivalries and performances.
As the season develops, viewers can compare contestants’ progress from their first routines to later performances. Improvement, consistency, choreography, and audience connection can all shape a couple’s journey.
How to Follow Dancing with the Stars Updates
The easiest way to keep up with the show is to follow a consistent routine rather than relying on scattered social media posts.
- Check the latest episode schedule before each broadcast.
- Review judges’ scores after performances.
- Confirm elimination announcements against the latest episode.
- Track official cast and professional partner announcements.
- Check streaming availability in your country.
- Look for confirmed tour announcements before making travel plans.
This approach helps you distinguish confirmed results from predictions, rumors, and outdated season information.
💡 Pro Tip
When updating a Dancing with the Stars article, place the season year beside every winner, cast, and elimination result. This small detail helps readers distinguish Season 34’s 2025 champion from the ongoing Season 35 competition in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won Dancing with the Stars 2025?
Robert Irwin and Witney Carson won Season 34 in November 2025. Robert, a wildlife conservationist and television presenter, earned the Mirrorball Trophy after competing against four other finalist couples.
Who is in the Dancing with the Stars 2026 cast?
Season 35 includes celebrities such as Julia Stiles, Jenna Dewan, Giada De Laurentiis, Harry Shum Jr., Amber Glenn, Tyler Cameron, and Maura Higgins. The contestants compete with professional dancers for the season’s championship.
When does Dancing with the Stars air in 2026?
Season 35 premiered on September 15 and 16, 2026. The regular schedule is Tuesday at 8 p.m. Eastern and Pacific time, with a scheduled Monday episode on November 2.
Where can I watch Dancing with the Stars?
In the United States, viewers can watch live on ABC and Disney+. Episodes are also available on demand through supported streaming services, including Hulu. Availability varies by location and subscription.
How does Dancing with the Stars voting work?
Eligible viewers can vote online or by text during the official live voting window. The show combines audience votes with judges’ scores to determine which couples advance. Age, location, and voting limits apply.
Who got eliminated on Dancing with the Stars most recently?
Ciara Miller and Brandon Armstrong were eliminated in the October 6, 2026, episode of Season 35. Elimination results change every week, so confirm the latest broadcast before publishing an updated result.
Key Takeaway
Dancing with the Stars continues to attract viewers through celebrity transformations,
professional choreography, judges’ critiques, and audience participation. Robert Irwin and Witney Carson claimed the 2025 title, while Season 35 brings a new cast into the ballroom in 2026.
For the most useful updates, keep the season year attached to every result, verify elimination announcements, and check current viewing information before recommending a streaming service.
Conclusion
Dancing with the Stars offers more than a weekly dance competition. It combines entertainment, athletic skill, creative choreography, and the excitement of watching celebrities develop new abilities in front of a live audience.
From Robert Irwin’s 2025 victory to the changing contestants and performances of Season 35, there is always something new for fans to follow. Keep track of the latest episodes, support your favorite eligible contestants through official voting, and share which celebrity partnership has impressed you most this season.
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