Danielle with the Stars – Sharna Burgess in the 4th Chair: Finale

Release Date: November 27, 2025
Host: Sharna Burgess (guest-hosting for Danielle Fishel, iHeartPodcasts)

Episode Overview

This finale episode of "Danielle with the Stars" is an in-depth, passionate celebration and critique of the "Dancing with the Stars" Season 32 finale. Sharna Burgess takes the 4th judge's chair to break down each of the finalist couples’ performances, share her technical dance insights, comment on choreography and emotional moments, and ultimately reflect on the joy and growth experienced by both the dancers and the audience.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Structure of the Night

• Jam-Packed Finale: Season finale was extended to three hours, with each couple performing three dances—one of which was an "instant dance" chosen just before performance.

  “Three hours, three dances. One of them being an instant dance, which, by the way, meant those four dances that they had on the table, they didn't know which they were going to get. They were rehearsing all four throughout the week…They're exhausted.” (22:36)

• Pressure & Fatigue: Sharna notes the immense physical and emotional toll on contestants and wonders if the expanded format benefited the show or performer quality.

  “If it ain't broke, don't fix it… I wish they just had more time to get their dances to be on the best level that we've seen the whole season...” (23:08)

Segment-by-Segment Breakdown

Opening Reflections (03:15)

• Sharna’s excitement about the night and overview of the show’s epic season and diverse casting.

First Round: Redemption/Signature Dances

Each couple reprised or was given a technically challenging dance.

• Alex & Val – Samba

  • Judges: Praised Alex’s growth and performance energy.
  • Sharna’s Take:

    “I felt she was fractionally back-weighted at times… needed more hip rotation... There was so much in it to love.” (04:50)

  • Scores: Judges 10-10-10; Sharna 9.

• Dylan & Danny – Paso Doble

  • Judges: Impressed by shaping and improvement; noted “paddle hands."
  • Sharna’s Take:

    “His arms don’t develop… too low elbows… missing some attack. It felt a little bit slow, if I’m honest.” (06:30)

  • Scores: Judges 9-9-10; Sharna 8.

• Elaine & Alan – Rumba

  • Judges: Called her “pure class” with “perfect balance of sensuality and elegance.”
  • Sharna’s Take:

    “Legs were not straight… missing some hip rotation and the snap… up top, spectacular performer.” (09:50)

  • Scores: Judges 10-10-10; Sharna 9.

• Robert & Whitney – Quickstep

  • Judges: Praised choreography, nimble footwork, but noted a timing issue.
  • Sharna’s Take:

    “The kip up was off. His frame sometimes rounded… prep into the lean felt eggy… but overall, spectacular routine for him.” (12:24)

  • Scores: Judges 9-10-10; Sharna 9.

• Jordan & Ezra – Paso Doble

  • Judges: Called her “queen of the Amazon,” focused, fierce; some thought she over-attacked at the start.
  • Sharna’s Take:

    “Wonderful attack, but I wish there was a little more stretch… sometimes things get cut short, wanted more fluidity.” (15:06)

  • Scores: Judges 9-10-10; Sharna 9.

Instant Dance Challenge (22:35)

Explanation: Dancers practiced four potential dances all finale week, not knowing which they'd pull—showcasing adaptability and pressure.

• Alex & Val – Cha Cha

  • Judges: Raved at her transformation and performance.
  • Sharna’s Take:

    “Thank God for the fringe pants—they hid her legs… not an amazing dance but showed improvement.” (23:12)

  • Scores: Judges 10-10-10; Sharna 9.

• Dylan & Danny – Foxtrot

  • Judges: Derek called it possibly the best male celeb foxtrot in show history; others loved his control and improvement.
  • Sharna’s Take:

    “A bit shook at Derek’s statement—he was good, but I can think of a few better… frame started right, then wobbled… lovely glide.” (25:49)

  • Scores: Judges 10-10-10; Sharna 8-9 (noncommittal).

• Elaine & Alan – Quickstep

  • Judges: Noted “minor mistakes,” called her “quickstep queen."
  • Sharna’s Take:

    “There was a misstep in the hops, frame looked low and wobbly—felt tired and messy for Elaine.” (28:38)

  • Scores: Judges 9-9-9; Sharna 8.

• Robert & Whitney – Cha Cha

  • Judges: Praised foot placement, partnership, finish.
  • Sharna’s Take:

    “Mistakes—he tried to go into the New Yorker too early, Whitney had to stop him… timing was rushed; judges didn’t call out mistakes.” (30:53)

  • Scores: Judges 10-10-10; Sharna 8.

• Jordan & Ezra – Tango

  • Judges: “Sharp, strong, low, fabulous,” praised their hold.
  • Sharna’s Take:

    “A tough draw for them… hold not as good as last time; attack was a bit messy, not crisp… judges overlooked some roughness.” (33:39)

  • Scores: Judges 10-10-10; Sharna 8-9.

Final Round: Freestyle (38:28)

Culmination of journey, each routine tailored to star's strengths and growth.

• Alex & Val

  • Routine: Paso Doble/Tango-inspired; empowering, “arena tour” energy.
  • Memorable Sharna Quote:

    “She’s leaving it all on the floor... no attitude, no resistance, just wants more.” (39:32)

  • Scores: 10-10-10 from all.

• Dylan & Danny

  • Routine: Contemporary, poetic love song to dance itself.
  • Notable Judge Quote:

    “No one will ever understand this journey until they do it... this dance was a beautiful representation.” – Carrie Ann (46:36)

  • Sharna’s Critique:

    “Opening visual beautiful... not sure it lived up to what I wanted in the water… almost there but not spectacular.” (47:19)

  • Scores: Judges 10-10-10; Sharna 9.

• Elaine & Alan

  • Routine: Joyful, self-affirming, included ensemble — “I Hope I Get It” from A Chorus Line.
  • Sharna’s Praise:

    “Most spectacular way to end her journey... chef’s kiss for me. Circled that 10 three times!” (50:15)

  • Scores: 10-10-10 from all.

• Robert & Whitney

  • Routine: Upbeat tribute to his father, “My Father Told Me,” upbeat energy, emotional core.
  • Notable Moments:
    • Package segment broke Sharna (“I just lost it… when he said, 'I wish he could see it' about his dad, I just lost it.” 52:15)
  • Judges:

    “Your legacy as an example of how to move through life.” – Derek (53:00)
    “He sees you. Your dad sees you.” – Bruno (53:25)

  • Sharna’s Response:

    “Another chef's kiss… perfect ending to his journey… nailed every single bit.” (54:40)

  • Scores: 10-10-10 from all.

• Jordan & Ezra

  • Routine: Powerful, “queen bee” showstopper, featured surprise appearance by Normani.
  • Carrie Ann Quote:

    “You are a powerful woman of color and you show them how it's done. Best freestyle ever in 20 seasons.” (56:18)

  • Sharna’s Input: Thought Normani’s inclusion might’ve detracted, personally preferred focus stay on Jordan—but respected the choice.

    “She was in her element… it was absolutely spectacular. She’s gonna look back so proud. No notes.” (56:46)

  • Scores: 10-10-10 from all.

Season Reflections & Outcome

• New Era, Social Media, and Demands: Sharna admires the younger generation of pros and the show’s adaptation to social media and new formats, noting it “really is so interesting the way it has shifted and moved with the times… beautiful.” (59:34)

• Winner Announcement:

  “Robert and Whitney obviously won... We had no idea which way it was going to go... it did. It went to Robert and Whitney and it was beautiful to see Whitney get her trophy.” (60:45)

  • Emotional note: Whitney’s win came exactly 11 years from her first Mirrorball victory, handed by Alfonso.

• Gratitude & Farewell: Sharna thanks listeners, Danielle Fishel, and the whole DWTS community for their passion.

  “Thank you for hanging with me in the Fourth Chair… I've always loved being a teacher, a coach, and doing it this way has been really, really fun.” (61:16)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Alex’s growth: “She’s leaving it all on the floor every single time.” (39:45)
• On the show’s adaptability: “Not only are they doing all the demand of the dances, it’s all the TikToks in rehearsal... it really is so beautiful how it’s shifted and moved with the times.” (59:32)
• On Robert’s tribute to his dad: “When he just said, I wish he could see it… I just lost it.” (53:16)
• On Whitney’s journey: “There is something really special about this partnership and something really special about Whitney in it… I relate to that… that loss broke a little something in me.” (31:20)
• On finale fatigue: “Six dances, you guys. They're rehearsing six dances for the one show. I don't know if I love it.” (22:58)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Opening and Season Overview: 03:15–04:50
• First Round Performances (All Couples): 04:50–18:31
• Instant Dance Challenge: 22:35–38:28
• Freestyles: 38:28–56:18
• Season Summary & Winner Reveal: 59:32–61:16
• Program Gratitude and Close: 61:17–61:57

Final Thoughts

This episode offers a technical, emotional, and celebratory review of the Dancing With the Stars finale, expertly dissected with behind-the-scenes insights only a seasoned pro like Sharna Burgess could deliver. Whether you missed the finale or want a deep-dive critique of each routine and what it meant in the journey, this episode is a "chef's kiss" closer to a memorable season.