November 25, 2025, will go down as one of the most emotional nights in Dancing With The Stars history. 21-year-old Robert Irwin, the wildlife conservationist and son of Steve Irwin, walked into the finale with a cracked rib and walked out as the Season 34 champion.
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He and pro partner Witney Carson lifted the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy after delivering three near-perfect performances and receiving over 72 million fan votes — the highest total ever recorded on the show.
The Three Dances That Won America
- Judges’ Choice Quickstep – “Are You Gonna Be My Girl” by Jet Score: 29/30 Judges praised his frame and energy but noted one tiny timing slip.
- Instant Cha-Cha – “Cake by the Ocean” by DNCE Score: 30/30 – his first perfect score of the night Bruno Tonioli called it “pure sunshine in sequins.”
- Freestyle – “Black & Gold” (Sam Sparro) + “The Nights” (Avicii) mashup Score: 30/30 Carrie Ann Inaba stood up and declared it “one of the best freestyles in 20 years.” The routine mixed contemporary elegance with explosive lifts, flips, and athletic tricks — all while Robert was in visible pain from his rib injury.
Total finale score: 89/90 — the highest of the night.
The Rib Injury Reveal
Just six hours before the live show, Witney Carson posted a TikTok showing Robert wincing in rehearsal. “It’s hard to breathe,” he admitted. They had to remove several big lifts at the last second, yet the performance never felt compromised. Derek Hough later said, “I had no idea he was hurt — that’s champion mentality.”
The Mirrorball Moment
When Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough announced the winners, Robert dropped to his knees in tears. He ran straight to his mom Terri and sister Bindi in the front row, hugging them as confetti fell. Speaking through tears, he said: “This is for my dad. I hope you’re proud.”
Bindi posted immediately: “Two Mirrorballs. Ten years apart. Full circle.”
Why the Finale Felt Different
- Record-breaking votes (72 million+)
- Most-watched DWTS finale since 2016
- First time a wildlife conservationist has ever won the show
- Youngest male winner in 15 years
Robert Irwin entered the competition saying he had “no rhythm whatsoever.” Eleven weeks later, he left as the undisputed champion — proving that kindness, hard work, and a little Crocodile Hunter spirit can win anything.
“From the zoo to the ballroom — champion forever — Dkolla Team”
