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How ‘Dancing With the Stars’ Is Changing Its Format for the Season 34 Finale
Dancing With the Stars is stepping up the stakes for its season 34 finale — and fans are in for a treat.
During the Nov. 18 semi-finals, co-host Alfonso Ribeiro teased a major twist to the show’s format as celebrity semi-finalists Robert Irwin, Dylan Efron, Alix Earle, Elaine Hendrix, Jordan Chiles and Whitney Leavitt competed for spots in the Top Five. “Next week, we’re taking over all of ABC in primetime with our most demanding season finale in the history of the show,” he revealed. “For the first time, we’ll have three rounds of competition.”
The finale will feature three high-pressure challenges: a judges’ choice dance, “Instant Dances,” and the “Make-or-Break Freestyle.” Instant Dances will test the celebrities’ ability to learn and perform a choreographed routine to a surprise song — all live. The Make-or-Break Freestyle is an anything-goes performance designed to wow both the judges and the audience, playing a key role in securing public votes. Co-host Julianne Hough added, “With all the incredible talent this season, you don’t want to miss it.”
This year’s competition has been especially fierce. During Tuesday’s Prince-themed semi-finals, multiple dancing pairs earned perfect scores. Whitney and Mark Ballas earned 29/30 for both their Viennese waltz to “Slow Love” and their cha cha to “1999” — but still faced a shocking elimination.
Meanwhile, Robert and Witney Carson nailed their jive to Prince’s “Baby I’m a Star,” receiving a perfect 30 from the judges. “That is how you tell everyone that you demand to be in the finale,” Carrie Ann Inaba gushed. Alix and Val Chmerkovskiy also scored a maximum for their Viennese waltz to “Purple Rain.” “We’ve seen you transform into a beautiful, beautiful dancer,” judge Derek Hough said. “I have no doubt that we’re going to see you in those finals.”
Elaine and her pro partner Alan Bersten weren’t far behind, delivering a show-stopping paso doble to “When Doves Cry.” Judge Bruno Tonioli was visibly thrilled: “It was a regal performance. Majestic!”
Fans can catch all the action during the three-hour season 34 finale, which airs Tuesday, Nov. 25 on ABC, featuring all three rounds of high-stakes competition that promise to test the celebrities like never before.
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