Dancing With the Stars returned to ABC for its 34th season this week, celebrating 20 years of ballroom competition. The premiere featured celebrities from entertainment, sports, and reality television, but Robert Irwin quickly stole the spotlight. According to The Hollywood Reporter, he closed the night with a performance Derek Hough called “the best first dance I’ve ever seen on the show.”
Seeing Robert Irwin on Dancing with the Stars reminded fans of his family’s enduring legacy. Ten years earlier, his sister Bindi Irwin, DWTS champion of season 21, had made history with Hough as her partner. Robert’s debut carried that memory into the present, blending nostalgia with fresh excitement.
Robert Irwin Earns Top Score On Premiere Night
Best night ever! Our first dance was such a blast… and I’m so grateful to get to live out a childhood dream. We’ll see you next week! pic.twitter.com/oUxPJprWRi
— Robert Irwin (@RobertIrwin) September 17, 2025
Robert Irwin delivered one of the evening’s strongest routines, earning 15 out of 20 points with professional partner Witney Carson. He tied with fellow contestant Whitney Leavitt for the highest score under the night’s adjusted system. Only Bruno Tonioli and Derek Hough judged the premiere because Carrie Ann Inaba missed the show due to illness.
Irwin’s routine drew a standing ovation, with Hough declaring it a historic first performance. Other contestants included gymnast Jordan Chiles, actor Corey Feldman, and comedian Andy Richter, but Robert’s dance stood out. Robert Irwin‘s Dancing with the Stars became the highlight of the season opener, raising the bar for everyone else.
Carrying On The Irwin Family Legacy
Robert Irwin’s journey echoes that of his sister Bindi Irwin, DWTS champion, who won the Mirrorball Trophy with Hough in 2015. Her season remains a fan favorite, and Robert’s presence brings new energy to the same stage. The Irwin family continues to connect with audiences through courage, warmth, and an adventurous spirit.
The siblings also share a tribute to their late father, Steve Irwin, whose influence still inspires millions. By stepping into the ballroom, Robert shows that his family’s legacy extends beyond wildlife conservation. As season 34 unfolds, viewers will watch to see if Robert Irwin can match his sister’s triumph and carve his own chapter in the show’s history.