In a dazzling fusion of wildlife charisma and rhythmic flair, Robert Irwin is on the cusp of claiming the coveted Mirrorball Trophy as the season finale of Dancing with the Stars unfolds live tonight on ABC. The 20-year-old Australian conservationist, son of the late Steve Irwin, has captivated audiences throughout Season 34 with his infectious energy and rapid evolution from novice dancer to frontrunner, drawing widespread predictions of victory from fans and judges alike.
Irwin’s participation in the hit ABC series has been nothing short of transformative, blending his passion for animal advocacy with the high-stakes world of competitive dance. As the live broadcast kicks off at 8 p.m. ET, millions are expected to tune in, eager to see if Robert Irwin can seal his journey with a win that honors his family’s legacy while propelling his global profile to new heights.
From Crocodile Hunter Heir to Dance Floor Dynamo
Robert Irwin‘s entry into Dancing with the Stars was as unexpected as a sudden bush storm in the Australian outback. Best known for his work at Australia Zoo and his role in continuing the Irwin family’s wildlife conservation efforts, Robert has spent much of his young life wrangling crocodiles and educating the world about endangered species. Born in 2003, he grew up in the shadow of his father’s iconic television legacy on Crocodile Hunter, stepping into the spotlight alongside his mother, Terri Irwin, and sister, Bindi Irwin, after Steve’s tragic passing in 2006.
Yet, when producers of Dancing with the Stars approached him earlier this year, Robert saw an opportunity to step beyond the zoo enclosures. “Dancing was a real leap of faith for me,” Robert shared in a pre-finale interview with ABC News. “I’ve always been comfortable in the wild, but this? This is a whole new jungle.” Paired with seasoned pro dancer Sharna Burgess, who returned to the show after a hiatus, Robert’s partnership quickly became a viewer favorite. Their chemistry was evident from Week 1, where they tackled a samba that earned praise for its “raw, untamed energy,” according to judge Derek Hough.
Throughout the season, Robert Irwin has not only honed his footwork but also woven his personal story into every performance. From a heartfelt foxtrot dedicated to his late father, scoring a near-perfect 28 out of 30, to a high-energy jive that celebrated Australian wildlife—complete with kangaroo-inspired hops—his routines have resonated deeply. Statistics from ABC show that episodes featuring Robert saw a 15% uptick in viewership among younger demographics, underscoring his appeal as a bridge between adventure and entertainment.
Irwin’s growth has been meteoric. Starting with modest scores in the low 20s, he climbed to consistent 9s and 10s from the judges by the semifinals. Bruno Tonioli, the flamboyant judge, remarked after one performance, “Robert, you’ve gone from croc spotting to spot-on dancing! This is evolution in motion.” This trajectory positions him as a strong contender in tonight’s season finale, where finalists will perform two routines: a redemption dance from earlier in the season and a freestyle showcase.
Irwin Family Rally: Terri and Bindi’s Emotional Backstage Support
No story of Robert Irwin’s Dancing with the Stars run would be complete without highlighting the unbreakable Irwin family bond. Terri Irwin, who has shouldered the family business since Steve’s death, has been a pillar of encouragement, often seen in the audience clutching custom Australia Zoo signs. “Watching Robert take on this challenge has been inspiring,” Terri told reporters outside the rehearsal studios. “Steve would be so proud—it’s all about pushing boundaries and embracing the unexpected.”
Bindi Irwin, Robert’s older sister and a Dancing with the Stars champion herself from Season 21 in 2015, has been particularly vocal. Winning the Mirrorball Trophy at age 17, Bindi knows the pressures intimately. She flew in from Australia for the finale, sharing on Instagram: “My little brother is killing it! From zoo adventures to this dance floor magic—proud doesn’t even cover it.” The siblings’ reunion has added an emotional layer to the competition, with Bindi even joining Robert for a special family-themed rehearsal segment aired during a recent episode.
The family’s presence extends beyond cheers. Terri has used her platform to tie Robert’s participation to conservation causes, launching a “Dance for Wildlife” campaign that has raised over $500,000 for Australia Zoo initiatives through viewer donations prompted by DWTS promotions. This synergy has amplified Robert’s advocacy; during one episode, he paused mid-interview to urge viewers to support anti-poaching efforts in Africa, linking it to his upcoming wildlife documentary project.
Even younger brother Chandler, at 10 years old, has gotten in on the action, creating handmade posters that read “Go Robert—Dance Like a Croc!” The Irwin clan’s united front has not only boosted Robert’s morale but also humanized the competition, turning it into a family affair that resonates with audiences worldwide. As the live broadcast approaches, expect plenty of Irwin family cameos, perhaps even a surprise guest appearance from one of their animal ambassadors.
Judges’ High Hopes: Why Robert Leads the Pack in Season 34
The judges on Dancing with the Stars have been unanimous in their admiration for Robert Irwin, positioning him as the season’s breakout star. With a panel featuring veterans like Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli, alongside guest spots from dance legends, the feedback has consistently elevated Robert’s standing. In the semifinals, he received the first perfect 30 of the season for a contemporary routine that blended graceful lifts with storytelling elements about his family’s conservation legacy.
“Robert, you’ve transformed before our eyes,” Inaba said, her voice emotional. “This isn’t just dancing; it’s a testament to resilience.” Hough, a former champion, added technical praise: “Your lines are improving weekly, and that partnering with Sharna? Seamless.” Such endorsements have fueled betting odds, with sportsbooks like DraftKings listing Robert as the favorite at -150, ahead of other finalists by a significant margin.
Season 34 has been marked by stiff competition, including a Broadway actress and a pro athlete, but Robert’s authenticity sets him apart. Viewership data from Nielsen indicates that DWTS episodes averaged 7.2 million viewers this season, with Robert’s performances spiking numbers by up to 20%. Fan polls on the official ABC app show 62% predicting an Irwin win, citing his “relatable underdog story” and “pure joy on the floor.”
Critics have noted how Robert’s inclusion diversifies the cast, bringing international flair to the American staple. As one entertainment analyst for Variety put it, “Irwin represents the global appeal of DWTS, turning a dance contest into a cultural exchange.” Tonight’s finale will test this further, with judges’ scores weighted heavily alongside viewer votes tallied during the live broadcast.
Fan Frenzy Builds Ahead of the ABC Live Broadcast
Social media is ablaze with excitement for Robert Irwin’s Dancing with the Stars moment, as hashtags like #RobertIrwinDWTS and #FinaleFever trend worldwide. Fans from Australia to the U.S. have flooded platforms with memes, fan art, and predictions, turning the 20-year-old into an overnight sensation beyond his wildlife circles. One viral TikTok video recreating Robert’s jive has garnered over 5 million views, showcasing the grassroots momentum.
Organized watch parties are popping up in key cities, including a massive gathering at Australia Zoo where hundreds will stream the live broadcast on ABC. “We’re turning the reptile house into a dance hall tonight,” joked a zoo spokesperson. Online forums buzz with speculation: Will Robert incorporate wildlife elements into his freestyle? How will the family react if he wins?
The buzz extends to celebrity endorsements. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese tweeted support: “Go Robert—show the world Aussie grit on the dance floor!” Meanwhile, fellow DWTS alums like Val Chmerkovskiy have praised Robert’s work ethic in interviews, calling him “the most improved dancer since my brother Maksim’s era.” This fan-driven energy has not only boosted ratings but also positioned the finale as a potential record-breaker, with ABC projecting 10 million viewers.
Challenges haven’t been absent; Robert has spoken openly about overcoming nerves and physical demands, especially with his active lifestyle clashing against dance rehearsals. Yet, this vulnerability has endeared him further, with support groups forming on Reddit to share tips and encouragement. As the clock ticks toward showtime, the collective anticipation underscores why Robert Irwin has become the heart of Season 34.
Freestyle Fireworks and Mirrorball Dreams in the Finale Spotlight
Tonight’s season finale of Dancing with the Stars promises spectacle, with Robert Irwin’s freestyle routine rumored to be a high-octane tribute to his roots. Drawing from his Australia Zoo experiences, expect elements like tribal drums, animal-inspired movements, and perhaps even a nod to his father’s famous khaki uniform through costume design. Sharna Burgess teased in a rehearsal clip, “This one’s going to be wild—literally.”
The format is intense: Each couple performs their redemption dance, critiqued but not scored anew, followed by the freestyle, which carries the bulk of the points. Past winners like Bindi Irwin have used freestyles to seal victories with personal flair, and Robert aims to follow suit. Judges will deliberate post-performances, revealing scores live, while viewer votes from the season’s entirety factor into the final tally.
ABC’s production team has amped up the drama with pyrotechnics, celebrity guest performers—including a possible appearance by a chart-topping pop star—and emotional recaps. For Robert, the stakes are personal: A win would make him the second Irwin family member to claim the trophy, cementing their DWTS dynasty. Beyond the glitter, it opens doors; Robert has hinted at using any platform to launch a new conservation series, potentially partnering with National Geographic.
Looking ahead, a victory for Robert Irwin could redefine his career trajectory. At 20, he’s already a UN Youth Ambassador, but DWTS exposure might attract Hollywood offers, from hosting gigs to acting roles that blend adventure and entertainment. Even without the win, his participation has elevated wildlife awareness—donations to Irwin causes surged 40% this season, per zoo reports. As the live broadcast lights up screens tonight, Robert’s story reminds us that true stars shine brightest when they dance to their own rhythm, paving the way for more global adventures in conservation and beyond.
