Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles is preparing to take the stage in the finale of Dancing with the Stars Season 34 with more fanfare than ever — and one of the big surprises came in the form of an unexpected guest appearance: Grammy‑nominated pop star Normani.
Chiles, who made a name for herself in elite gymnastics before transitioning into the glitter‑and‑sequins world of competitive ballroom dance, revealed that her freestyle routine will be set to the song “Motivation” by Normani.
This choice is more significant than it might appear at first glance — “Motivation” holds deep personal meaning to Chiles.
She first used the track during her NCAA floor routine at UCLA Bruins, where it marked a pivotal moment in her collegiate career: her first perfect 10 floor score, achieved in competition against the Utah Utes.
With her partner Ezra Sosa, Chiles will perform three dances in the finale: a judge’s choice, an instant dance and a freestyle. The judge’s choice will be a paso doble to Breakin’ Dishes by Rihanna; the instant dance will be to Bow Down by Beyoncé.
But everyone is anticipating the freestyle — the moment when Chiles brings that personal story full circle with Motivation.
What made the announcement even more notable was Normani’s surprise visit to the DWTS studio. She was spotted at rehearsals, fueling speculation that she might be collaborating behind the scenes — either lending artistic support, helping choreography or simply offering moral encouragement to Chiles.
Their connection goes further than just the song: in October, Normani joined Chiles at the UCLA Yates Gym for a spontaneous gymnastics session. Normani — trained in gymnastics herself — even took to the beam while Chiles guided her.
This crossover between sport and pop‑music celebrity underscores how Chiles has built a story that transcends athletics.
The fact that her DWTS entry echoes a major moment in her career — the first perfect score — gives her performance a narrative arc: from collegiate gymnast to Olympic contender to ballroom underdog turned finalist.
Chiles recently achieved a milestone on DWTS: she and Sosa notched the first perfect score of the season.
Chiles said of the moment: “That’s my first perfect score in anything… Now I actually feel more confident in myself of getting a perfect score in my sport, which is pretty crazy to say.” That confidence may carry her into a strong showing in the finale.
According to the article, if Chiles and Sosa walk away with the Mirrorball Trophy, Chiles would become the third Olympic gymnast ever to win Dancing with the Stars. The stakes are high.
The finale will see the remaining five couples each delivering three routines — and Chiles is betting on her story, her performance and her music connection to make the difference.
The selection of “Motivation” is more than a performance choice; it is a reflection of Chiles’s journey. The track symbolises breakthrough, focus and attainment — qualities that resonate with Chiles’s athletic life.
By choosing a song tied to her first perfect 10, she reclaims a formative moment and brings it into a new arena.
Normani’s presence adds an extra layer of media interest. While the article doesn’t confirm whether she will appear in the telecast itself, her studio visit suggests a fusion of sport, performance art and pop culture.
The former member of the girl group Fifth Harmony (alongside former band‑mate Lauren Jauregui) is no stranger to high‑profile collaboration — and her joining Chiles in a gymnastics session gave fans a viral moment. Interestingly, Jauregui also competed earlier in Season 34 of DWTS (and was eliminated in Week 3).
The synergy of Chiles’s athletic back‑story, the song choice rooted in personal achievement, and a surprise appearance by a pop star makes this DWTS finale narrative unique. It positions Chiles not just as a former gymnast trying out dance, but as an athlete‑performer with a story to tell.
That story has resonance: from the carpets of elite gymnastics, to collegiate floor routines, to the television dance‑floor, Chiles is weaving elements of identity, nostalgia and pop culture into her routine.
From a production standpoint, the finale offers a compelling storyline: one of the finalists is performing to her own soundtrack of success. And with Normani’s cameo fueling speculation, the backstage story becomes part of the event’s appeal.
Viewers may tune in not only for the dancing, but for the moment when Chiles honours her roots, pushes her comfort zone and perhaps claims the Mirrorball.
For Chiles and Sosa, the question now is whether they can harness all of that momentum and translate it into victory. The article’s sub‐tone suggests optimism: “Now I actually feel more confident…” Chiles herself recognises that the perfect score moment gave her a psychological boost.
But even if they don’t win, the performance itself is poised to be one of the season’s most memorable.
In sum, Jordan Chiles’s journey to the DWTS Season 34 finale is a rich tapestry of athletic triumph, personal symbolism and pop‑culture crossover.
Her choice of “Motivation” ties back to a key moment in her gymnastics career; Normani’s surprise visit brings star‑power and cross‑discipline intrigue; and the finale stage offers the big moment to showcase not just dance moves, but a story of transformation.
Whether she takes home the Mirrorball Trophy or not, Chiles is set to make a statement.
