LOS ANGELES, CA – Robert Irwin may be famed for wrestling crocodiles and cuddling kangaroos, but this week he proved his true home might just be the dancefloor. The 21-year-old Australian wildlife conservationist, alongside his professional partner Witney Carson, delivered a show-stopping Jazz routine on “Dancing with the Stars” that left the judges and millions of fans spellbound, earning him his highest score of the season and putting him squarely at the top of the leaderboard.
The sensational performance, set to the tune of “Dancing Through Life” from the Broadway and upcoming film sensation Wicked, was the undisputed highlight of the show’s special themed night. Irwin, fully embracing the role of the charming and carefree Fiyero, brought a vibrant, theatrical flair to his movements that many believed was simply beyond the reach of a celebrity contestant with no professional dance experience.
From the Outback to the Ozdust Ballroom
Stepping out in a costume inspired by the beloved Wicked character, Irwin was unrecognizable from the khaki-clad zookeeper the world knows and loves. His effortless energy and impressive technical skill perfectly encapsulated the song’s joyous spirit, as he effortlessly executed a series of complex leaps, kicks, and a jaw-dropping sequence that even included The Worm.
The dance was a masterful piece of choreography by Carson, blending classic jazz with a modern, high-octane performance style. But it was Irwin’s natural charisma and stage presence that truly sold the routine. He danced with a confidence that defied his background, transitioning from the careful, methodical movements required when handling a venomous snake to the explosive, dynamic leaps of a Broadway star.
“It was like watching a completely different person from the one we see in rehearsal,” remarked one production insider. “He just lights up when the music starts. He was born for the stage.”
Judges Declare: Robert is ‘Born to be a Performer’
The judging panel—Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, Bruno Tonioli, and special guest judge Jon M. Chu, director of the upcoming Wicked films—were unanimous in their praise.
Derek Hough, the former pro dancer and now veteran judge, was particularly effusive. Visibly impressed by the routine, Hough paused before delivering his critique, then declared: “Robert, I said it before and I’ll say it again: You were born to be a performer. To see your range, from the emotional depth of last week’s dance for your mum to this week’s sheer joy—it’s phenomenal. You need to be on that stage.”
Special guest judge Jon M. Chu echoed the sentiment, praising the routine’s emotional impact. “To see your range from last week to this week, from honesty to pure joy, we need it more than ever,” Chu said, giving his stamp of approval to the Fiyero-inspired routine.
Ultimately, the couple received a massive score of 36 out of 40, their highest score of the competition so far, and a mark that placed them at the very top of the leader board for the week. All four judges awarded them a 9, a phenomenal achievement for the young conservationist.
Fan Fury: Social Media Backlash Over ‘Underscoring’
Despite the spectacular score, the dance was not without its controversy. Within minutes of the marks being announced, social media erupted with fans arguing that the judges had, quite simply, “underscored” the couple.
“Nah this DESERVED at least one 10,” one commenter wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “WHY ARE WE WITHHOLDING THE 10s? ROBBED OF A 10!” another viewer exclaimed, a sentiment that quickly became a trending topic.
Viewers pointed out the flawless execution of challenging lifts, the impeccable timing, and the sheer entertainment value of the routine, arguing that it met all the criteria for a perfect score. The uproar intensified just moments later when a rival couple received multiple 10s for their performance, adding fuel to the fire that the judges are consistently “underscoring Robert” to build up suspense later in the season.
However, the Australian Wildlife Warrior took the score and the fan support in stride. Speaking backstage after the performance, Irwin was all smiles, dedicating the dance to the power of pure happiness. “Witney is an absolute legend for that choreography,” he said. “It was just so much fun. I get to play with alligators and kangaroos for a living, but honestly, this feeling on the dancefloor… it’s totally different. I think the joy of the song just took over!”
Continuing the Family Legacy
Robert Irwin is, of course, following in the very successful footsteps of his older sister, Bindi Irwin, who famously won the Mirrorball trophy in Season 21. Bindi’s emotional journey on the show cemented the Irwin family’s place in the hearts of American viewers, and Robert’s own meteoric rise in the competition is proving that the Irwins are not only wildlife royalty but dancefloor dynamos, too.
His continued success in such a diverse range of dance styles—from the passionate Salsa to the powerful Tango, and now the complex Jazz—suggests that Robert is a serious contender for the coveted Mirrorball. He has consistently sat near the top of the leaderboard, proving that his charisma and enthusiasm translate perfectly from the jungles of Australia to the glitter of Hollywood.
As the competition heats up, the question remains: Can the man who handles the world’s most dangerous animals continue to tame the rigorous demands of ballroom dancing and claim the Mirrorball trophy for the Irwin family once more? If his “Wicked Night” Jazz routine is anything to go by, the answer is a resounding yes.
(This spectacular Jazz routine was performed on ‘Wicked Night’ during Week 6 of ‘Dancing with the Stars’ Season 34.)
