The finale of *Dancing With the Stars* Season 34 unfolded with a mixture of excitement and controversy, particularly when judge Carrie Ann Inaba faced boos from the audience following her critique of frontrunner Robert Irwin’s performance. Irwin, partnered with Witney Carson, delivered a vibrant quickstep to Jet’s hit song “Are You Gonna Be My Girl,” captivating fans and earning widespread applause.
As the duo opened the show, their energetic routine showcased impressive footwork, leading the audience to anticipate a glowing review from the judges. Initially, Inaba echoed this sentiment, describing the performance as “amazing” and “wonderful.” Yet, as she began to express her critique, the mood shifted dramatically. Upon stating, “There was a bit of a,” the audience immediately reacted with loud boos, demonstrating their disapproval of her impending comments.
In an attempt to restore harmony, Inaba laughed nervously and reiterated her commitment to providing honest feedback, stating, “I don’t want to give it to anybody who doesn’t absolutely deserve it.” She emphasized that her critique did not diminish Irwin and Carson’s potential as strong contenders for the coveted mirrorball trophy. “You know I love you!” she added, trying to diffuse the tension.
The backlash was significant enough that host Alfonso Ribeiro quickly transitioned to the skybox, allowing Irwin and Carson to converse with fellow contestant Julianne Hough instead. Unfortunately, Inaba’s full critique was lost amidst the crowd’s reaction. Despite this, Irwin and Carson received a commendable score of 29, with Inaba’s score of 9 being the only outlier.
In a heartfelt exchange with Hough, Irwin reflected on his unexpected journey into dance, expressing gratitude for Carson’s belief in him throughout the competition. He also became emotional as he spoke about his mother and sister, whom he described as “the most important and strongest” people in his life.
The finale highlighted not only the competition’s thrilling performances but also the passionate involvement of fans and judges alike. As Season 34 draws to a close, the dynamics between contestants and judges continue to resonate, showcasing the intense emotions that *Dancing With the Stars* elicits from its audience.
