“I Wish My Dad Could See Me Right Now”: Robert Irwin’s Tearful DWTS Season 34 Victory Honors Late Father Steve Irwin
The stage lights dimmed, confetti swirled like a whirlwind of emotions, and in that electric hush of the Dancing with the Stars Season 34 finale, Robert Irwin’s voice shattered the silence.
“I wish my dad could see me right now…” The 21-year-old conservationist’s words cracked like thunder in a storm, tears glistening under the spotlights as he clutched the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy.
For a fleeting, heart-wrenching moment, the world saw beyond the croc-wrestling charisma—the raw grief of a son who lost his hero, Steve Irwin, at just three years old. This wasn’t just a win; it was a dance with destiny, a tribute to a legacy that refuses to fade.
Aired live on ABC and streamed on Disney+ on November 25, 2025, the three-hour spectacle capped a season that redefined DWTS with record-breaking viewership and viral moments.
Irwin, paired with the effervescent Witney Carson, outshone a powerhouse field: TikTok queen Alix Earle with Val Chmerkovskiy (runners-up), Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles with Ezra Sosa (third), actor Dylan Efron with Daniella Karagach (fourth), and Hacks star Elaine Hendrix with Alan Bersten (fifth).
Through judges’ choice routines, the nail-biting Instant Dance Challenge, and show-stopping freestyles, Irwin’s blend of athletic prowess and emotional depth earned perfect 10s from Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli—culminating in an unbeatable 89/90 score.
A Victory Forged in Fire: Overcoming Injury and Honoring Steve’s Spirit
As the announcement rang out—”Your Season 34 champions: Robert Irwin and Witney Carson!”—Irwin’s composure crumbled. Pressing a trembling hand to his chest, he whispered, “Every time I dance, I feel him beside me… guiding me.
I’m doing this for him.” The confession, amplified by close-up cameras, rippled through the ballroom, drawing sobs from contestants and pros alike. Carson, a two-time Mirrorball winner (now three-time with this triumph), enveloped him in a hug, her voice steady: “Robert’s strength is my daily inspiration.
This feels like fate—for him, for Steve, for all who’ve turned loss into light.”
Their freestyle—a high-octane mashup of Sam Sparro’s “Black & Gold” and Avicii’s “The Nights”—evoked Steve’s untamed adventures, with Irwin’s powerful lifts and Carson’s seamless spins symbolizing rebirth from tragedy. But victory came at a cost.
Just days prior, Irwin battled a rib injury from “11 weeks of crazy, vigorous training,” as Carson shared in a TikTok. “His health is my No. 1 priority—we adapted the choreo so he could breathe through the pain,” she revealed on Good Morning America.
Undeterred, Irwin powered through a Quickstep to Jet’s “Are You Gonna Be My Girl?” (judges’ choice, 29/30) and a Cha Cha Instant Dance to DNCE’s “Cake by the Ocean” (30/30), proving his wildlife-honed grit translates flawlessly to the floor.
This marks the Irwin family’s second DWTS conquest: Bindi Irwin claimed the trophy in Season 21 (2015) with Derek Hough. “Crikey, it’s a family tradition now!” Robert joked pre-finale, but his post-win vulnerability peeled back the layers.
Fans flooded social media, propelling #IrwinLegacy to global trends: “Steve’s beaming from above—Robert’s speech wrecked me,” one X user posted, while another gushed, “From crocs to cha-chas, the Irwins dance through the darkness.” Even royalty chimed in—Prince William shared an Instagram shoutout: “Incredible job, Robert! Your dad would be bursting with pride.”
Season 34’s Stellar Spectacle: Records, Reunions, and Relays
Premiering September 16, 2025, Season 34 smashed records as the most-watched fall unscripted series in over a decade, with five weeks of climbing ratings—fueled by Gen Z hooks like “TikTok Night” and “Wicked Night.”variety.comusatoday.com Celebrating the show’s 20th anniversary, it reunited all six original pros (including Alec Mazo) for a nostalgic opener that had viewers reminiscing.
Guest stars elevated the energy: Olympic speed skater Apolo Ohno relayed with Chiles against Hendrix and NFL vet Rashad Jennings.
Eliminated celebs regrouped for group numbers to Tyler, The Creator’s “Sugar on My Tongue” and Lady Gaga’s “Applause.” Season 33 champs Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson slayed a tango to “Tanguera,” while Normani surprised during Irwin’s freestyle.
Relay highlights included Xochitl Gomez (Season 32 winner) teaming with Irwin against Earle and Graziadei, and Rumer Willis (Season 20 champ) with Efron versus Andy Richter and Kaitlyn Bristowe (Season 29)
Irwin’s arc was pure inspiration. From a Season 1-esque Quickstep to a playful Samba, his growth wowed: “You’ve evolved from croc wrangler to dance dynamo,” Hough raved. Polls crowned him fan favorite at 57%, edging Earle’s viral flair and Chiles’ precision.
Why Robert’s Triumph Echoes: Grief, Grace, and Global Impact
In a sea of sequins and scores, Irwin’s win shone brightest for its humanity. “This show showed me grief isn’t a burden—it’s a beat to move with,” he told ABC exclusively.
For Carson, balancing mom duties with pro life, it was her first post-maternity Mirrorball: “Robert’s got that Irwin spark, but his heart makes you cheer louder.” Their bond, forged in sweat and stories, turned underdogs into icons.
As DWTS gears for Season 35, whispers of bolder themes and live tours (featuring Irwin, Chiles, Earle, Efron, Hendrix, and more) hint at endless sparkle Stream full episodes on Disney+ and relive #DWTS34 magic.
Ultimately, Robert Irwin’s championship transcends the trophy—it’s a beacon for healing through movement.
As he exited stage right, Mirrorball aloft, Steve’s echo seemed to linger in the cheers: “Crikey, son—you’ve done us proud.” For anyone who’s danced with shadows, Irwin’s whisper endures: Feel the guidance, honor the absence, and let the rhythm heal. Shine on.
