Dancing their way to the top of the leaderboard, “Dancing with the Stars” celebrity contestants face many challenges as they learn the complicated aspects of ballroom dancing. This season includes gymnast Jordan Chiles, influencer Alix Earle and comedian Andy Richter. As the season has progressed, many have been wondering who will win the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy and be the season 34 winners.
The trophy was named after the late head judge Len Goodman, who passed away in 2023. The winner of this trophy will be decided from a combination of both judges’ scores and votes from the public on who they think is the best dancer over the course of the season. The judges’ panel includes Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli.
Physical education teacher David Burton has been following the season closely. He is rooting for conservationist Robert Irwin to win the Mirrorball Trophy this season.
“I think that this is a surprising season, I don’t usually watch, but I wanted to see how Irwin would do. Seems to me he could have a future in performing on stage. I think [he] will win it, and I like the idea of [someone] with no dance background winning,” Burton said.
To increase inspiration for dances, “Dancing with the Stars” has implemented theme nights for celebrities to base their dances on. Some of these have included Disney night, TikTok night and dedication night. Dedication night allows the celebrities to devote their dance that week to someone special in their life.
Sophomore Claire Zimmerman loves looking forward to tuning in to the showing of these special nights.
“I really liked dedication week because I feel like everyone did well that week because of how they were passionate about what they were dancing for,” Zimmerman said.
Junior Sarina Abraham has also been watching this season. She loves to see all the themed nights and shared her suggestion for a new one.
“I would love to see a night [that] would be a ‘2-pair dance’ so the pair would choose to buddy up with another pair and do a dance off,” Abraham said.
Lots of discussion has arisen for the finale, including questions that have developed about who will be taking home the esteemed Mirrorball Trophy.
Zimmerman expressed who she believes will win during the finale.
“I think it’s going to be a really tight competition, and it’s going to be all up to voting. I’m rooting for Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa because in the first few weeks they started with lower scores, but in [recent] weeks, they got multiple 10s,” Zimmerman said.
Viewers of the show can anticipate a whirlwind of a finale, including complex dances and a strong competition between all the celebrities. Abraham shares what she is excited about for the finale.
“I am looking forward to all the cool choreography said to be done. Honestly, the season has been very unpredictable, but in my heart, I hope Rob and Whitney win,” Abraham said.
The finale of season 34 for “Dancing with the Stars” will premiere on Tuesday, Nov. 25. You can tune in to watch on ABC or Disney+ and text your favorite dancer’s name to 21523 to vote for who you want to win the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy. The winner of season 34 will be announced at the end of the finale episode.
