Robert Irwin has danced his way to victory on the American version of Dancing with the Stars, claiming the coveted Mirror Ball trophy a decade after his sister, Bindi Irwin, won the same title. Paired with professional dancer Witney Carson, the 21-year-old wildlife conservationist captivated international audiences with his impressive routines throughout the season.
Irwin faced stiff competition in the finale, battling against influencer Alix Earle, Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles, actor Elaine Hendrix, and Dylan Efron, brother of Zac Efron. The three-hour finale featured five couples performing three dances each, with the winner determined by a combination of judges’ scores and audience votes.
Despite entering the final with a rib injury, Irwin and Carson adapted their choreography, earning 29 out of 30 points for their first dance and perfect scores for the remaining two. Irwin ended the night tied for second place with Chiles, scoring 89 out of 90, just behind Earle’s perfect 90. However, audience votes propelled Irwin to victory.
The Irwin Legacy
Robert Irwin’s journey on Dancing with the Stars was not only about dance but also about honoring his family’s legacy. His emotional performances often paid tribute to his late father, Steve Irwin, and his mother, Terri Irwin. During “dedication night,” Robert performed a contemporary routine to Phil Collins’ You’ll Be In My Heart, with a poignant moment featuring his mother joining him on stage.
“My mum and dad were just … the ultimate team,” Irwin shared with Entertainment Tonight. “They created something so much bigger than themselves. In their love and passion, they created a legacy that I get to continue.”
“I truly feel in some way, I don’t know how, but I really feel in some way … that he’s here in some way. And I hope he’s proud.”
Weeks later, Irwin honored his father with a foxtrot to Leona Lewis’s Footprints in the Sand, the same song Bindi used for a tribute during her season. The performance earned Irwin perfect scores from the judges and was described by him as “healing.”
A Meteoric Rise
Winning Dancing with the Stars is another milestone in Robert Irwin’s rapidly growing career. In 2024, he was announced as the new co-host of I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out of Here!, replacing Dr. Chris Brown and joining Julia Morris. This was followed by a Gold Logie nomination, making him the youngest male nominee for the prestigious Australian television award.
Earlier this year, Irwin made headlines with a viral campaign for Bonds, where he posed in his underwear with Australian reptiles. “The defining moment I think for me when people kind of had an optical shift in the view of ‘Robert Irwin’ was when I got my kit off,” he told People magazine.
“All of a sudden, people kind of didn’t know how to react. I had people coming up to be like, ‘that’s … good for you!?’ Mostly my family!”
Looking Ahead
Robert Irwin’s victory on Dancing with the Stars not only cements his place in the entertainment industry but also highlights the enduring legacy of the Irwin family. As he continues to embrace new opportunities, Irwin remains committed to his roots in wildlife conservation, ensuring that his family’s mission lives on.
The win is a testament to Irwin’s versatility and ability to connect with audiences worldwide, whether through conservation efforts or captivating performances on the dance floor. As he steps into this new era, Robert Irwin is poised to continue making an impact, both in entertainment and beyond.
