Australia is now the home to two Mirrorball Trophy’s as Robert Irwin won Dancing With The Stars US.
The finale was an incredible three-hour episode featuring three rounds, where five teams performed judges’ choice, instant dance, and a freestyle routine.
The 21-year-old was a clear fan-favourite, stealing hearts of the DWTS US viewers. Since Robert first danced his way onto the screen, he was heavily favoured to win the 34th season.
Robert’s dances with partner Witney Carson included a quick step to Are You Gonna Be My Girl byJ et, the freestyle routine to Avicii’s The Nights and Sam Sparro’s Black & Gold for the instant dance challenge.
The other four finalists included podcast host and influencer Alix Earle with her partner Val Chmerkovskiy, The Parent Trap actress Elaine Hendrix with partner Alan Bersten, reality star and brother of Zac Efron, Dylan Efron with partner Danielle Karagach, and lastly, gymnast Jordan Chiles with Ezra Sosa.
But alas, only one could win! The winner was determined by the judges scores and the audience votes. It was between Alix Earle, who scored a perfect 90 points from the judges, and Robert Irwin who scored 89 points.
It was a nail-biting finale, but Robert Irwin was ultimately declared the winner!
Following his win, a shocked and emotional Robert said, “My sister said it best ‘thank you for changing my life’.”
Shortly after his win, Robert shared a touching message on Instagram.
“Where do I begin. I’ll never be able to describe what last night and these last 3 months have meant to me, but I can say THANK YOU. Thank you for letting me live out my dream. First and foremost to the person who was by my side through every twist and turn… the person who believed in me, pushed me (and made sure I always had snacks in rehearsals) – Witney… thank you ❤️” he wrote.
“This was everything I dreamed it would be and so much more, and Witney, you are the reason I could take this leap of faith and create memories that will last a lifetime. 10 years ago my sister won the mirrorball, and 11 years ago Witney won – this feels like the most special, full circle moment.
“And that brings me to my family, they moved all the way out from Australia for 3 months to support me and be there for me every step of the way. Bindi, you inspired me to embark on this adventure, and I have you to thank for setting me on the course to take this remarkable journey.
Bindi temporarily relocated to Los Angeles with her family including husband Chandler, daughter Grace, and mum Terri.
“I want to thank my fellow contestants and pros who I consider dear friends and made me feel welcome every day. We all gave 100% to this experience and I am so grateful I got to be part of a season full of such passionate, wonderful people.”
Robert continued to thank the crew working “tirelessly” on the show, before thanking his many supporters.
“Lastly, and importantly, I want to thank YOU. The love I felt from everyone around America and the world was everything to me, it kept us going week after week. Thank you for letting us tell stories through our dances and allowing us to bring you on this journey, I hope it could help you find inspiration and a sense of positivity and passion. It certainly was a healing experience for me,” Robert shared.
“Every week I represented my home at Australia Zoo, our charity – Wildlife Warriors, and a legacy that is so important to me. I lift this mirrorball trophy with a sense of gratitude that my message and everything I stand for was recognised in that ballroom. The lessons I learned and friendships that I have formed will be part of me forever.”
His dance partner, Witney responded, reflecting on his journey from zoo keeper to dancing champion.
“You were a zoo keeper with no dance experience, who did the DANG THING! You embody what Dancing With The Stars is ALL ABOUT. The passion, the courage, the strength to try something out of your comfort zone in front of millions. You showed up, trusted me, gave me everything you had, and said yes to every challenge with enthusiasm,” she commented.
“You worked to become a dancer and you did that, Robert. I hope you know how much you deserve this moment and all the praise that comes with it. I’m beyond proud my buddy. Love you always.”
His win comes ten years after his eldest sister, Bindi Irwin won the Mirrorball Trophy. She was just 17 years old at the time.
Following her brother’s win, Bindi quickly took to Instagram to share her congratulations.
“TWO MIRRORBALLS NOW CALL AUSTRALIA ZOO HOME!!!!” she wrote. “Congratulations and all the love in the world to @robertirwinphotography and @witneycarson. What. A. Night.”
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