The 2025 season of Dancing With Stars The Australia is almost over, and fans all over the country can’t wait to see who wins the Mirrorball Trophy. This year’s season has had surprising performances, rising stars, and deeply personal journeys, making it one of the most intriguing yet.
Let’s look at the best contestants, the results of the semi-finals, and what we can expect from the Grand Finale, which everyone is looking forward to.
Recap of the Sunday night Semi-final _ leaders, scores, and a goodbye
The first semi-final of DWTS 2025 aired on Sunday night. Four famous dancers competed for a chance to make it to the Grand Finale.
35 points for Brittany Hockley and Craig Monley
- Gave an emotional waltz based on her long-distance relationship.
- Judges praised her change, with Sharna Burgess saying she had “turned into a dancer.”
- Got the most points of the night.
Trent Cotchin and Jess Raffa got 34 points.
- Did a sharp and sure cha cha.
- Mark Wilson said that Cotchin’s performance was “Grand Finale worthy,” which impressed the judges again.
- Made his place as a strong contender.
Harry Garside and Siobhan Power got 20 points.
- Did a brave thing by doing a Mad Max-themed tango.
- The judges liked how committed he was, but they thought the dance wasn’t right for him.
- Garside thought about the competition and hoped that the training would help his boxing.
19 points for Michael Usher and Natalie Lowe
- They ended the show with a lively jive to Tina Turner’s “Proud Mary.”
- The performance was full of energy, but it got some technical criticism.
- Craig Revel Horwood said it was “beyond his capabilities.”
Before the results were announced, Judge Sharna Burgess did a solo routine that reminded everyone of the skill and grace of the panel.
So far, the confirmed finalists for the Grand Finale 2025 are
These three contestants are now guaranteed a spot in the Grand Finale:
- Brittany Hockley
- Trent Cotchin
- Michael Usher
The semi-final on Monday night will fill three more spots. Contestants will fight for their place in the final showdown.
When is the Grand Finale?
- Monday, August 4, 2025
- 7:30 PM AEST
- Where: 7 and 7plus
The finale was supposed to air on Sunday, but it was moved so that it wouldn’t conflict with the TV WEEK Logie Awards, which are on Sunday, August 3.
Kyle Shilling – From Summer Bay to the DWTS stage
Home & Away star Kyle Shilling, who is only 31, has drawn attention with his charm and ability to dance in many styles.
- Plays Mali Hudson on the show Home & Away
- First First Nations actor to be a regular on the show
- He is known for being laid-back and cheeky, which has worked well for him in the competition.
- Paired with a professional dancer Lily Cornish
- Bookmakers think Kyle is the best chance to win the DWTS 2025 crown.
Dance roots and a history of performing Kyle isn’t new to the stage:
- Danced before with the Bangarra Dance Theatre
- Goes by the name Blacx and raps
- Had difficulties at first getting rid of modern muscle memory to fit ballroom routines
Rumours about relationships
Fans think Kyle might be dating co-star Hailey Pinto, but he keeps his personal life private. Both deny the rumours, although they have great chemistry on screen.
Trent Cotchin’s change from the football field to the ballroom
Trent Cotchin, a former captain of the Richmond Tigers, has taken on an unexpected challenge by joining DWTS after retiring from the AFL in 2023.
- Captain who has won three championships
- Winner of the Brownlow
- He joined the show to motivate his kids, Harper (11), Mackenzie (9), and Parker (6).
Worked with Jess Raffa
Trent says that his business partner Jess Raffa helped him stay grounded during the process. Even though things were awkward at first, especially when he was forced to dance closely with someone other than his wife, Brooke, he has done well.
Growth as a person
- Admitted that it was hard to play characters and move around on stage
- Had trouble being creative but gained new confidence
- Ben Cousins, who danced in DWTS 2024, was an inspiration.
Life outside of football
Trent’s life after the AFL is already busy:
- With his wife Brooke, he runs a Pilates studio.
- Speaks to and mentors the leadership teams of the AFL and NRL as part of his job
- Still a present and involved dad even though the show schedule is busy
Family and being a dad are at the heart of Cotchin’s emotions
Trent has said numerous times during the season how much his family pushes him to do better.
- He missed his family while filming in Sydney, but surprise visits made him feel better.
- From the front row, Brooke and the kids have cheered him on.
- He is proud to teach his kids that it’s okay to try new things.
Brooke said some inappropriate things, like, “Can you stop being so f—ing awkward?”—Trent’s honesty and passion have won over the crowd.
Will Trent continue to dance?
Trent says he won’t go back to the dance floor after the show, but he jokes that he might come back for a father-daughter dance someday.
“At least I know I can now!”
What will happen in the semi-final on Monday
Four famous people will fight for the last three spots in the Grand Finale:
- Kyle Shilling
- Mia Fevola
- Felicity Ward
- Shaun Micallef
Kyle is a front-runner because he has done so well and has so many fans. But there are always surprises on DWTS.
Final thoughts and predictions
DWTS 2025 is going to have a thrilling ending with a wide range of finalists and one of the most fun casts in recent seasons. Every finalist has brought their own story, style, and growth as a person to the stage.
- Will Brittany Hockley’s emotional stories help her win?
- Could Kyle Shilling be the first star of Home & Away to win?
- Or will Trent Cotchin, an AFL legend, finish his unlikely change?
- One thing is for sure: this night will be one to remember.
