Dancing With the Stars Finale Introduces Major Format Change

The finale of Dancing With the Stars Season 34 promises to be a groundbreaking event with a significant change to its competition format. Scheduled to air on November 25, 2023, this season’s finale will feature three rounds of competition for the first time in the show’s history, further intensifying the stakes for the remaining contestants.

During the November 18 episode, co-host Alfonso Ribeiro announced the new format, highlighting its unprecedented nature. He stated, “Next week, we’re taking over all of ABC in primetime with our most demanding season finale in the history of the show.” The three rounds will include an Instant Dance, a Make-or-Break Freestyle, and a Judges’ Choice round, each designed to showcase the contestants’ skills and adaptability.

In the Instant Dance segment, contestants will be challenged to perform to a surprise song live. The Make-or-Break Freestyle allows for a creative no-rules routine that could significantly influence public voting. Lastly, the Judges’ Choice round will see the panel selecting specific routines or dance styles for the couples, adding another layer of strategy to the competition.

Co-host Julianne Hough expressed enthusiasm for the finale, stating, “With all the incredible talent this season, you don’t want to miss it.” The semifinals served as a testament to the participants’ remarkable abilities, with several couples achieving perfect scores.

Among the standout performances, Robert Irwin and Witney Carson received high praise for their jive to “Baby I’m a Star,” with judge Carrie Ann Inaba commenting, “That is how you tell everyone that you demand to be in the finale… That was insane—so clean, so sharp, so buoyant, so fun!”

Another highlight was Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy, who scored a perfect 30 for their Viennese waltz to “Purple Rain.” Judge Derek Hough remarked on Earle’s transformation into a skilled dancer, expressing confidence in her chances of reaching the finals.

The energy continued with Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten, who captivated the audience with their performance set to “When Doves Cry.” Judge Bruno Tonioli described it as “A regal performance… Majestic,” further underscoring the talent on display this season.

As the competition heats up, viewers can anticipate a thrilling finale that promises to elevate the excitement of Dancing With the Stars to new heights. With the changes to the format and the impressive roster of contestants, fans are eager to see who will emerge victorious in this iconic dance competition.