Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa React to Carrie Ann Inaba Calling Their DWTS Finale Freestyle the ‘Best’ She’s Seen (Exclusive)
On November 25, 2025, during the season‑34 finale of Dancing with the Stars, audiences witnessed a performance that left judges and fans alike breathless.
Former Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles and professional dancer Ezra Sosa stepped onto the ballroom floor one last time — not to clinch the Mirrorball Trophy, but to deliver a freestyle routine so powerful it earned a rare superlative: from veteran judge Carrie Ann Inaba, who declared it “the best freestyle I’ve seen in 20 seasons, hands down.”
A Freestyle to Remember
For their final dance, Chiles and Sosa chose “Motivation” by singer Normani, with the twist of Normani herself appearing for a cameo, elevating the performance’s energy and emotion. Inaba, who has judged the show for many years, was evidently moved.
“You are a powerful woman of color and came here to represent, and you show them how it’s done,” she said, praising not just the dance technique, but the passion and representation behind it.
The remark stood out not only for its intensity, but for its rarity. Inaba has seen hundreds of routines over two decades — yet she called this one the best.
In that moment, Chiles and Sosa transcended the competitive aspect of the show: their dance became a statement, a tribute, and an emotional crescendo.
Chiles and Sosa’s Emotional Response
For Chiles — just 24 — Inaba’s praise carried weight beyond the dance floor.
Reflecting on the accolade after the show, she admitted, “I never thought I would make it to a finale and that somebody would say that my freestyle was the best out of all 20 years.” The compliment clearly touched her deeply, validating not just her performance, but her decision to step out of her comfort zone and embrace vulnerability through dance.
Sosa, 25, responded with equal sincerity: “And that’s on period. And that’s a wrap.” For him, the season had not just been about choreography or competition — it had been about growth, connection, and storytelling.
Their journey together ended not with a trophy, but with something arguably rarer: a moment of artistry that resonated.
Although Chiles and Sosa officially placed third in the competition, behind the eventual winners — Robert Irwin and his partner Witney Carson — their finale performance felt like a victory.
More Than a Dance — A Journey
The freestyle was just the final chapter in a season-long story. Earlier in the season, on “Wicked Night,” Chiles and Sosa wowed judges and fans with a Rumba to “For Good,” earning their first perfect 10s and bringing Chiles to tears.
That emotional performance had already started turning heads — but their finale freestyle crystallized all the progress, trust, and partnership built over weeks of rehearsals.
Behind the glamour of sequins and stage lights was something deeper: for Chiles — a celebrated gymnast transitioning to a dance floor; for Sosa — a pro dancer creating a space where vulnerability, strength, and identity could coexist.
Their final bow felt like more than the end of a competition — it felt like a milestone.
The Power of Representation and Emotion
Inaba’s praise went beyond technique. By acknowledging Chiles as “a powerful woman of color,” she spotlighted the importance of representation on a mainstream platform like DWTS.
For many viewers — especially young artists and athletes of color — Chiles’ success and dignity on that dance floor may have felt deeply affirming. Her performance became more than dance; it became representation, voice, and visibility.
Sosa’s choreography and partnership helped bring that message to life. He allowed Chiles to tell her story — of perseverance, reinvention, and resilience. And in doing so, they transformed their finale into something larger than the Mirrorball Trophy: a cultural moment.
Looking Back — And Forward
After the finale, Chiles described her time on DWTS as “a really cool experience.” She emphasized the bond she formed with Sosa, celebrating their journey as dancers and as teammates who supported each other through highs and lows.
Sosa, too, emphasized gratitude: for the opportunity, for the journey, and for the growth that came from stepping outside comfort zones and into uncharted territory.
While Robert Irwin and Witney Carson walked away with the Mirrorball Trophy — ending the season on a historic note — Chiles and Sosa left with something arguably more enduring: a finale performance that will be remembered not just for its flash or fanfare, but for its heart.
In the end, third place does not diminish their accomplishment. If anything, it underscores the truth that in performance — as in life — the greatest triumphs sometimes aren’t about winning, but about showing up, being real, and leaving a mark.
That night, Chiles and Sosa danced not for judges, not for prizes — but for themselves, for representation, and for the people who saw themselves in them.
