Quick Read
- Normani made a surprise return to Dancing With the Stars in the season 34 finale.
- She pitched herself to join Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa for their freestyle routine.
- The performance was set to ‘Motivation’ and Beyoncé’s ‘Bow Down.’
- Judge Carrie Ann Inaba called it the best freestyle in the show’s 20-year history.
- Jordan Chiles finished third, but the routine was hailed as iconic.
Normani’s Triumphant Return Shakes Up DWTS Finale
Every season of Dancing With the Stars is packed with surprises, but the season 34 finale delivered something truly special. Normani, singer and former DWTS contestant from 2017, made a dazzling comeback to the dance floor on November 25. Her appearance wasn’t just another celebrity cameo—it was a moment crafted with intent, ambition, and a little bit of backstage initiative.
Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles, a finalist this season, revealed to E! News that Normani didn’t wait for an invitation. After attending a taping in September as an audience member, Normani pitched herself for Jordan’s freestyle routine. “She’s the one that actually said, ‘I think I should be in your freestyle,’” Jordan shared. At first, Jordan didn’t take the offer seriously—until Normani’s manager followed up and confirmed her enthusiasm. That phone call changed everything.
A Routine to Remember: Behind the Scenes
With Normani on board, Jordan and her dance partner Ezra Sosa knew they had a chance to make history. They choreographed a freestyle routine set to Normani’s own hit “Motivation” and Beyoncé’s “Bow Down”—a potent blend of star power and personal connection. The anticipation backstage was electric; the audience, already primed for a competitive finale, had no idea what was coming.
Judge Carrie Ann Inaba didn’t mince words. She called the performance “the best freestyle routine she had seen in DWTS’ 20-year history.” That’s not just praise—it’s legacy. For Jordan, who entered the competition unsure if she’d even reach the finale, the impact was profound. “To know that people are saying my freestyle was one of the best freestyle they’ve seen means everything,” she said.
Normani’s Influence: More Than Just a Cameo
Normani’s decision to rejoin DWTS wasn’t a nostalgic gesture. It reflected her ongoing connection to dance, performance, and collaboration. Her willingness to step into the spotlight alongside new talent like Jordan Chiles speaks volumes about her approach to artistry—hands-on, supportive, and always looking for ways to elevate others.
For Jordan, the experience is a career milestone. “We live in a world of different imaginations, different dreams, different realities,” she explained after the finale. The lessons learned on DWTS, she said, will “100 percent” inspire her future gymnastics routines. Fans might spot some new dance moves on the mat this season—a testament to the show’s impact beyond the ballroom.
Legacy of the Performance: What Comes Next?
The finale wasn’t just about Normani or Jordan—it was a showcase of what DWTS represents at its best: a platform for creativity, risk-taking, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. While Jordan finished third behind Alix Earle and winner Robert Irwin, her freestyle routine with Normani and Ezra Sosa will be remembered as a high point in the series’ long history.
Normani’s cameo also reignited interest in her career trajectory. After her time with Val Chmerkovskiy in season 24, she’s continued to build a multifaceted brand. Her DWTS appearance shows she’s not just a singer, but a performer who thrives on pushing boundaries—whether it’s on stage, in the studio, or in the dance arena.
Audience Reaction and Cultural Impact
Fans took to social media to celebrate the performance. Many praised Normani’s energy and Jordan’s athleticism, noting how the collaboration bridged pop, sport, and dance in a way few routines have before. The segment became a trending topic, drawing attention from both longtime DWTS viewers and newcomers.
For the show itself, the finale is a reminder of how unexpected partnerships can create unforgettable moments. Normani’s involvement was not scripted, but sparked by her own initiative—a move that will likely inspire future contestants and guest stars to take a more active role in shaping their DWTS experience.
As DWTS heads into its next season, the bar for freestyle routines has been raised. The blend of music, movement, and star power seen in Jordan and Normani’s performance is now the new standard—one that other competitors will aim to match, if not surpass.
Normani’s self-driven cameo in the DWTS season 34 finale highlights how creative initiative can reshape expectations in live entertainment. By pitching herself and collaborating closely with Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa, she helped deliver a routine hailed as historic—proving that genuine passion and teamwork can produce moments that define a show’s legacy.