Robert Irwin triumphs in DWTS finale with a rib injury, wins mirrorball with Witney Carson

Robert Irwin has officially added a new chapter to the Irwin family legacy, this time, on the dance floor. A decade after his sister Bindi lifted the Mirrorball Trophy, the 21-year-old wildlife conservationist claimed his own victory on Tuesday night, winning Season 34 of Dancing with the Stars alongside pro partner Witney Carson. Their victory came despite a late-season setback. Ahead of the finale, Carson revealed that Robert had been pushing through significant rib pain but insisted on rehearsing “until the very last second.”

Also Read: What exactly happened to Robert Irwin before the DWTS finale? Here’s what we know

The high-energy finale on Nov. 25 saw Robert and Carson deliver a trio of confident performances that sealed their championship run. Their final routines included a Judge’s Choice Quickstep to Jet’s “Are You Gonna Be My Girl,” a dynamic Freestyle set to Sam Sparro’s “Black & Gold” and Avicii’s “The Nights,” and a Cha Cha to “Cake by the Ocean” for the Instant Dance round.


The pair’s win placed them ahead of fellow finalists Alix Earle, Jordan Chiles, Elaine Hendrix, and Dylan Efron.

Momentarily overwhelmed after being announced the champions, Robert echoed a sentiment once shared by his sister. “My sister said it best: Thank you for changing my life!” he said onstage. Witney responded with her own heartfelt tribute, telling Robert, “I already feel like I won with him as my friend and I can't thank you enough.”


The finale also reunited the season’s eliminated couples, who performed to “Sugar on My Tongue” by Tyler, The Creator, “Applause” by Lady Gaga and “I Don’t Dance” by Alexander Jean. Season 33 champions Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson made a return appearance as well, performing a routine to “Tanguera” by Fabio Hager Sexteto.