Jordan Chiles' 'DWTS' finale performance takes an unexpected turn with a surprise guest appearance
ABC's 'Dancing with the Stars' Season 34 may be over, but it's Jordan Chiles' incredible resilience that's grabbing major headlines. The Olympic gold-medal gymnast has been winning hearts thanks to her magnificent stage presence and consistent high scores. Not only that, but Chiles also had a great support system, further cemented by a Grammy-nominated singer. And the singer also shook a leg with Chiles in the finale freestyle, and honestly, we were as surprised as everyone else.
The star in discussion is Normani, who had been a contestant in 'DWTS' Season 24. After attending a season 34 taping in late September, she pitched herself to Chiles for the finale freestyle, as per E! News. As Chiles recalled, "She's the one that actually said, 'I think I should be in your freestyle,'" and she didn't realize Normani meant it until her manager called, saying, "'No, she's being serious. She wants to be in it.'" And on November 25, she made a surprise cameo in Chiles and Ezra Sosa's finale routine, dancing to 'Motivation' and Beyoncé's 'Bow Down'.
Chiles said she didn't hesitate once Normani wanted to join the freestyle, recalling, "I was like, 'OK Ezra, we're gonna do this. We're going to make it one of the most iconic freestyles.'" And the routine delivered, with Carrie Ann Inaba calling it the best freestyle she had seen in DWTS' 20-year history. Chiles talked about the moment, sharing, "I came into this wondering what was going to happen and wondering if I would even make a finale, so to know that people are saying my freestyle was one of the best freestyles they've seen means everything."
Finishing third in the competition, Chiles said her 'DWTS' journey proved that "anything is possible." She added, "We live in a world of different imaginations, different dreams, and different realities. Words can't express how grateful I am to be a part of this show." Chiles noted that her experience will influence her future gymnastics, saying it will "100 percent" inspire new elements. "You might see some different dance moves on my floor routine this season," she said.
Notably, Robert Irwin won the dance show, claiming the Len Goodman Mirrorball trophy with partner Witney Carson, ten years after his sister Bindi Irwin won the show, as per The Guardian. As host Alfonso Ribeiro announced, "The winners and new champions of Dancing with the Stars are … Robert and Witney," 'DWTS' also witnessed some of the highest voting numbers in the show's history.
