Robert Irwin has his sights set firmly on the coveted Mirrorball Trophy as he competes in the Dancing With The Stars USA finale, marking a poignant full-circle moment exactly ten years after his sister Bindi first claimed the prize.
A Decade-Long Dream Realised
The young Australian conservationist has been a standout performer since the competition began, but his journey to the dance floor actually started back in 2015. In a heartfelt TikTok video shared this week, Robert took fans on a nostalgic trip down memory lane to season 21 of the show, when his sister Bindi Irwin first won the Mirrorball Trophy.
The throwback footage shows a young Robert, dressed in a brown shirt and blazer, excitedly stepping in to help with hosting duties. When questioned about whether he'd ever consider competing as a celebrity contestant himself, his response was immediate and enthusiastic. "Definitely, I would love to, that would be so much fun," the younger Irwin declared in the vintage clip.
Family Support Every Step of the Way
The Irwin family has been Robert's unwavering support system throughout the competition, with the entire clan relocating to the United States to cheer him on live in the audience at every single performance. Their involvement extended beyond mere spectatorship, with several family members actually joining Robert on the dance floor during key moments of the season.
During dedication week, when contestants could invite a loved one to participate in their routine, Robert chose his mother Terri Irwin to share the spotlight. Later, for the birthday celebration performance that earned the season's first perfect score, his sister Bindi joined him on the dance floor, recreating the magic of her own 2015 victory.
Emotional Tribute to Steve Irwin
One of the most moving moments of Robert's journey came when he and professional partner Witney Carson performed a heartfelt foxtrot to Leona Lewis's "Footprints in the Sand" as a tribute to his late father, Steve Irwin. The emotional performance left judges and audience members captivated, particularly when Bindi joined in to help secure that perfect score of 40.
The emotional impact reached its peak when a surprise projection of the Crocodile Hunter appeared on the ballroom floor, bringing Robert to tears as both Witney and Bindi embraced him. Inspired by Bindi's own DWTS victory nearly a decade earlier, the routine resonated deeply with everyone watching, cementing Robert's journey as one to remember.
For his first performance in the finale, Robert delivered an energetic quickstep to "Are You Gonna Be My Girl" by Australian band Jet. The dance style was selected by judge Derek Hough, who coincidentally was Bindi Irwin's dance partner during her 2015 winning season. The couple received an impressive score of 29 out of 30 points for their efforts.
The road to the finale hasn't been without its challenges. During rehearsals, Robert required medical attention for muscle issues between his ribs that were "progressively getting worse." His professional partner Witney revealed that after eleven weeks of intense dance practice, both she and Robert were "falling apart" physically, demonstrating the tremendous effort required to reach the competition's climax.
Robert Irwin's Dancing With The Stars Performance History
Week 1: Premiere
Dance style: Jive
Song: Born to Be Wild by Steppenwolf
Score: 15/20
Week 2: 'One-Hit Wonders' Night
Dance style: Tango
Song: Move Your Feet by Junior Senior
Score: 22/30
Week 3: TikTok Night
Dance style: Salsa
Song: MILLION DOLLAR BABY by Tommy Richman
Score: 22/30
Week 4: Disney Night
Dance style: Cha Cha
Song: Try Everything by Shakira
Score: 22/30
Week 5: Dedication Night
Dance style: Contemporary
Song: You'll be In My Heart by Phil Collins
Score: 35/40
Week 6: Wicked Night
Dance style: Jazz
Song: Dancing Through Life from Wicked
Score: 36/40
Week 7: Halloween Night
Dance style: Tangle
Song: Sweet Dreams are Made of This by The Hampton String Quartet
Score: 38/40
Week 8: Rock Hall Of Fame Night
Dance style: Paso Doble
Song: Icky Thump by The White Stripes
Score: 38/40
Week 9: DWTS 20th Birthday Party
Dance style: Foxtrot
Song: Footprints In The Sand by Leona Lewis
Score: 40/40
Week 10: Prince Night (semi-final)
Dance style: Jive
Song: Baby I'm a Star by Prince & The Revolution
Score: 30/30
As Robert Irwin stands on the cusp of potentially claiming the Mirrorball Trophy that his sister won nearly a decade ago, his journey represents not just a personal achievement but a beautiful continuation of the Irwin family legacy, demonstrating the same passion and dedication that made his father a beloved global figure.
