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Robert Irwin Breaks Down In Tears As He Makes Heartbreaking Confession
Robert Irwin broke down in tears as he shared an emotional confession on Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro.
The 22-year-old hosts the DWTS spin off after winning the main show alongside professional Witney Carson in 2025.
Born into a wildlife legacy
As the son of Steve and Terri Irwin, Robert Irwin always appeared destined for a life surrounded by wildlife.
He was raised at Australia Zoo, where close encounters with animals formed a major part of his childhood.
Whether he was handling dangerous crocodiles or caring for much smaller reptiles, wildlife was never simply something Robert studied – it was woven into his daily life.
He also entered the spotlight at a remarkably young age.
Audiences watched Robert grow up through television appearances alongside his family and a string of wildlife programs, with his enthusiasm for the natural world often drawing comparisons to his famous father.
However, Robert’s life changed forever when he was just two years old.
Steve Irwin’s unexpected death stunned people around the globe and left a lasting impact on the entire Irwin family.
In the years after the tragedy, Robert joined his mom Terri and sister Bindi in committing to preserve Steve’s legacy and continue his vital conservation work.
Robert has since established a career of his own, using documentaries, educational projects, and international advocacy to promote wildlife conservation.
Robert Irwin becomes a Dancing With the Stars favorite
Although Robert had spent his entire life working with animals, few people predicted that he would emerge as one of the biggest stars of Dancing With the Stars.
Yet he continued to impress audiences each week with his dedication, warm personality, and growing confidence as a performer.
Robert was partnered with professional dancer Witney Carson, and the pair soon became firm favorites among viewers.
Their popularity ultimately took them to the finale, where Robert achieved another milestone for the Irwin family.
After lifting the Mirrorball Trophy, he became the second member of the family to win the competition. His sister Bindi previously claimed the title in 2015.
The victory was particularly emotional because Terri, Bindi, and Bindi’s husband Chandler Powell were watching from the audience and celebrating as Robert’s name was announced.
For a family that has experienced both devastating loss and worldwide admiration in the public eye, it represented a poignant full-circle moment.
Robert brings his wildlife warrior spirit to the dance floor
During an appearance on Good Morning America following the finale, Robert explained that he had wanted to bring some of his trademark ‘khaki, wildlife warrior’ personality into the ballroom.
He also joked that his passion for wildlife may have started influencing his professional dance partner.
“I tell you what, Witney’s gonna be catching crocs with me in a minute,” he teased, adding: “Honestly, she’s onboard, mate!”
The playful exchange delighted fans, but the rest of the interview revealed that Robert’s road to the finale had been considerably more difficult than viewers initially knew.
Dancing With the Stars fans question Robert Irwin’s perfect score
Robert’s victory did more than attract attention – it also helped break records for the long-running competition.
The DWTS finale reportedly received 72 million votes, more than twice the previous year’s figure and a number greater than Australia’s entire population.
More than half a billion votes were reportedly cast throughout the season as a whole.
However, Robert’s historic victory also divided some viewers online.
After finale footage went viral on TikTok, several fans questioned whether one of Robert’s routines genuinely merited a perfect score, according to News.com.au.
Some viewers claimed they had spotted an apparent error that the judging panel failed to acknowledge.
“I felt something was off, I don’t think this was a legit 30/30,” one viewer commented.
Another added: “I love Robert and Witney, but I agree that the two dances looked a bit flat.
“Robert was reported to have a rib injury just hours before performing, so I guess they had to modify the chorey and tone it down a bit.
“You don’t see any of Robert’s amazing lifts and tricks like in the past weeks.”
Meanwhile, one person wrote on X: “The concept of the judges not mentioning Robert’s OBVIOUS mistake AND giving him all 10s?!?!?!”
Robert Irwin’s heartbreaking confession
Despite two decades having passed since Robert lost his father, he recently made a heartbreaking confession about his grief, while speaking about his DWTS performance that he dedicated to his mom,
“I was two when I lost Dad, and as I got older, I started to realize just how hard it would have been for her to be there for us, and all the while, continue Dad’s legacy that her and Dad built together,” he shared.
“I struggle a lot with losing Dad, a lot, and she always made sure my dad was present in our lives. I wanted to know how proud my dad would be of her.”
During that performance, Robert’s mom Terri actually joined him on stage, prompting him to ‘completely break down’.
“It’s like you’re facing something for the first time in your life that you’ve never had the strength to face,” he said, adding: “But movement and dance, that is the thing that gives you the ability to face that.”
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