Robert Irwin Claims Dancing with the Stars Crown

Published: 26 November 2025 Wednesday. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

Robert Irwin has been crowned the winner of this year’s Dancing with the Stars, completing an extraordinary family legacy exactly ten years after his older sister Bindi Irwin lifted the same trophy. For viewers in the United States and fans around the world, the 21-year-old Australian’s victory marked not only a personal triumph but also a deeply emotional chapter in the Irwin family story, bringing a multi-generational journey of courage, loss and resilience into the spotlight.

Irwin, the son of the late wildlife conservationist Steve Irwin, had been the favourite to win throughout much of the competition’s eleven-week season. His natural stage presence, athletic ability and ability to connect emotionally with audiences made him one of the show’s most compelling contestants. Yet his success was not only because of talent; the emotional depth he brought to his performances consistently captured the hearts of both judges and viewers. Long before the finale, many fans felt they were watching more than a dance journey—they were witnessing a tribute to a father whose love for animals and life continues to inspire millions.

The finale, broadcast live on Tuesday evening local time, stretched across three dramatic hours. Irwin and his professional dance partner, Witney Carson, delivered three major performances, each one pushing the young Australian to his limits. One dance paid tribute to his late father, while another featured a surprise guest appearance from his sister Bindi, who won the show in 2015. The sibling reunion drew an eruption of applause from the live audience as Bindi embraced her brother, telling him she was proud to see him carry their father’s legacy with such courage and joy.

The final episode included a mix of high-energy routines and emotional set pieces, with Irwin performing to songs by Avicii, Australian rock band Jet and Sydney-born singer Sam Sparro. His Australian roots were unmistakable in the choreography, and his storytelling stood out against the competition. Even as other finalists earned perfect scores early in the evening, Irwin quickly caught up with his own flawless routine, proving his versatility and command of the dance floor.

One of the night’s most challenging segments was the “instant dance challenge”, during which contestants learned a new style and were given their music only minutes before stepping on stage. The high-pressure moment is designed to test spontaneity, rhythm and mental stamina. Irwin and Carson executed their routine with precision, energy and charisma, earning enthusiastic praise from the judges and cheers from the crowd.

Despite sustaining a rib injury before the finale, Irwin chose to push forward and compete. He acknowledged the pain but said he felt driven to honour not only his dance partner and fans but also his father, whose memory has guided much of his career and public life. When the final results were announced and Irwin was declared the champion, he broke down in tears on stage. Through sobs, he told viewers and the judges that he wished his father could have witnessed the milestone moment.

“I wish he could see it, I really wish he could be here,” he said. “Everything I do is for him. I just hope I’ve made him proud.”

The emotional weight of those words resonated deeply with audiences. Steve Irwin, known around the world as the “Crocodile Hunter”, was one of the most beloved wildlife figures of his generation. His untimely death in 2006, caused by a stingray injury during a filming expedition on the Great Barrier Reef, left his family devastated and millions of fans grieving. Robert, who was just a baby when his father died, grew up under the public eye, sharing his family’s passion for wildlife conservation and continuing the work his father began.

In the years leading up to his Dancing with the Stars victory, Robert Irwin carved out his own identity through photography, environmental advocacy and work at Australia Zoo. More recently, he became an Earthshot ambassador, focusing on global conservation efforts. His public image has shifted from “Steve Irwin’s son” to a respected young environmental leader with his own voice and mission.

The Dancing with the Stars win now marks another major milestone in his evolving public life. Fans and commentators have been quick to point out the heartwarming symmetry between Robert and Bindi’s victories, calling it one of the most moving family achievements in the show’s long history.

Bindi Irwin’s surprise appearance during the finale was a highlight of the night. She joined the audience early in the show before walking on stage after one of Robert’s dances. The siblings hugged as the crowd erupted in applause, and Bindi wiped tears from her eyes as she told viewers how proud she was of her younger brother.

“To watch Robert embrace this challenge and give his heart to every performance has been incredible,” she said. “I know Dad would be smiling so big tonight.”

Throughout the season, Irwin’s fan base grew rapidly, particularly in the United States, where his family has remained popular since Steve Irwin’s television legacy first aired on Animal Planet. His enthusiasm, humility and positivity helped him connect with audiences far beyond Australia, gaining him a dedicated following that voted in overwhelming numbers during the finale.

His win came despite strong competition from fellow finalists, including social media personality Alix Earle and Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles. Three contestants, not including Irwin, earned perfect scores of 30 earlier in the evening. But Irwin’s performances, especially his emotional tribute dance, tipped the scales in his favour and secured his victory.

After the show, social media platforms lit up with congratulatory messages from viewers around the world, as well as public figures and fellow conservationists. Many posted videos of Steve Irwin holding Robert as a baby, expressing how meaningful the family’s legacy remains nearly two decades after Steve’s passing.

Robert Irwin’s Dancing with the Stars journey has not only celebrated dance but also brought global attention once again to the values his family represents: love for nature, compassion, resilience and the enduring power of storytelling. It also showed the world a new chapter in Robert’s life, one filled with possibilities beyond conservation alone.

As the confetti fell on stage and the cast members gathered around him, Irwin lifted the trophy high above his head, smiling through tears. His victory symbolised more than just a competition win—it marked the continuation of a legacy built on passion, kindness and the unbreakable bonds of family.

For fans across Australia and beyond, the moment offered a reminder that the spirit of Steve Irwin lives on through his children and through every effort they make to inspire positivity and environmental stewardship in the world. Robert’s next steps remain open, but after this victory, his global influence seems certain to grow even stronger.

His story on Dancing with the Stars now stands as one of the most memorable and heartfelt in the show’s history, a celebration of talent, family and the enduring power of love passed from one generation to the next.