Robert Irwin Honors His Father’s Legacy with Show-Stopping DWTS Premiere

Los Angeles, CA — Robert Irwin, wildlife conservationist and son of the late Steve Irwin, made a powerful debut on Dancing With the Stars Season 34 with a high-energy jive that doubled as a tribute to his family’s legacy.

Dancing alongside professional partner Witney Carson, the 20-year-old entertainer stepped onto the stage in khaki, the iconic uniform his father made famous, arriving atop a safari-themed Jeep as jungle sounds echoed through the studio. What followed was a spirited routine filled with lifts, spins, and impeccable timing that earned loud cheers from the audience.

The performance resonated beyond the dance floor. Robert explained before the show that his goal was not only to honor his father, known worldwide as “The Crocodile Hunter,” but also to follow in the footsteps of his sister, Bindi Irwin, who won Season 21 of DWTS. “My life has really centered around my mission to be an advocate for the natural world,” he said. “Not only continuing a legacy that my dad started, but also creating my own. I want to inspire people.”

The judges were quick to praise the number. Bruno Tonioli described it as “great… wonderful in the best possible way,” while Derek Hough told Irwin, “You didn’t just fill [big shoes], you owned those shoes!” Their scores placed Robert and Witney near the top of the leaderboard, tying for first place on premiere night.

Backstage, Robert’s excitement was obvious. “We just did that!” he exclaimed, beaming with pride. His family, including mother Terri and sister Bindi, shared their joy on social media, calling the performance “incredible” and expressing how proud they felt.

The strong debut positions Robert as one of the season’s most talked-about contestants, with fans and viewers eager to see how he blends his love for wildlife advocacy with the world of dance in the weeks ahead.