Australian wildlife royalty Robert Irwin waltzed into the hearts of Americans following his Dancing With The Stars debut, and he even won the 2025 season.
Cheering him on from the crowd was his family including Bindi Irwin, Chandler Powell, their daughter Grace, and of course, mum Terri Irwin.
Robert’s win came 10 years after his eldest sister’s DWTS US win. But will these two be the only Irwin’s to compete in the US iteration?
Those who have been closely watching Robert’s dancing journey will remember Terri’s shock appearance mid-season. The 61-year-old impressed the crowd so much, fans are hoping she’ll compete on DWTS.
“Listen, the petition to have my mum on Dancing With the Stars has begun, and I started it,” Robert joked with The Hollywood Reporter.
“I started this season, and she is firmly like, ‘Nope, I’m not doing it. That’s not for me.’ And I’m like, ‘well, I’m gonna wear you down,’ so let’s wear her down and get her on there, because I think she would be great.”
We also think littlest Irwin, Grace could be a future DWTS contender! The little Wildlife Warrior took some dancing lessons with Robert and his partner Witney, and absolutely stole the show.
“I love when Grace stops by rehearsals and we can teach her some new dance moves. I’m so lucky to be her uncle,” he wrote on Instagram video (below). “Makes me think about when I was a little kid watching my sister in rehearsals on her season of DWTS, it really is a full circle moment ❤️”
Robert receives an abundance of support
We weren’t the only ones who thought Robert was a front-runner for the DWTS US trophy, but Prince William is also backing the young Irwin!
The Prince of Wales video called Robert from Brazil, wishing him luck.
“I need you down here!” the Prince said, after calling him “twinkle toes.”
Robert’s friendship with Prince William began in September 2024, when the conservationist was one of the celebrity ambassadors for the Earthshot Prize. He had the intention of rejoining this year, but cancelled due to DWTS.
“You guys have got a serious good chance of winning … best of luck on the show.”
Even Australian actor and friend of Steve Irwin, Russell Crowe has something to say of Rob’s dancing.
“Although Steve could read the rhythms of the seasons and every living creature, he was absolutely not gifted with a sense of musical rhythm,” Russell joked to The New York Times. “In his hands, a tambourine became a deadly weapon.”
“I think he would watch Robert dancing and how he uses his body, the strength and poise, and he would be in awe of his son.”
Robert Irwin’s best DWTS performances
Robert’s very special performance dedicated to his mum, Terri, left both the audience and judges in tears. The 21-year-old danced to You’ll Be in My Heart by Phil Collins.
“I’ve never been able to capture the feeling of gratitude I feel for her,” Robert said prior to going on stage. “At every milestone, when I just wish, when I just wish that my dad was there, she was she was there, and that was enough.”
During the confessionals, Robert confessed: “I struggled a lot with losing dad.”
“She always made sure my dad was present in our lives. I wanted to know how proud my dad would be of her.”
As the dance number came to a close, Bindi ran embrace her brother.
Robert and Witney performed the Cha Cha to Shakira’s Try Everything from the Disney film Zootopia, a nod to Robert’s participation in the sequel. The Wildlife Warrior is voicing none other than a koala named Robert Furwin in Zootopia 2.
Movies aside, the pair scored 22 points.
Robert was set on kicking the competition up a notch, and he certainly did! His family sitting in the crowd must have been shocked when Robert ripped off his T-shirt during the salsa.
They scored 22 points out of 30.
Second Performance
Dancing their way to the top of the leader board once again! While he was tied with fellow contestant Whitney Leavitt, it is an incredible result for someone who has never danced.
Robert performed the tango to Junior Senior’s Move Your Feet, scoring 22 out of 30.
Judge Carrie Ann said the young Irwin’s charisma was “off the charts.”
First Performance
Robert made his debut in the 34th season of DWTS by dancing a very energetic jive to Steppenwolf’s Born to Be Wild.
Judge Derek Hough said it was “the best first dance I have seen on the show.”
His and Witney’s performance scored 15 out of 20, the highest score of the night.
Did Bindi Irwin win Dancing with the Stars?
Yes, Bindi did indeed win the mirrorball trophy!
She won the 21st season of the US Dancing with the Stars in 2015, when she was just 17 years old.
Her partner was Derek, who, as aforementioned, now works as a judge on the show.
Bindi was ecstatic upon hearing the news that her brother would soon compete.
“Robert, you are going to absolutely shine in the ballroom… Can’t wait to cheer you on each week as you inspire so many with your strength, kindness and determination,” she wrote on Instagram before adding:
“Ps. Can’t believe it’s been 10 years since I won…”
