Robert Irwin Dances to Perfection for ‘DWTS’ 20th Birthday Party
The celebration of Dancing With The Stars' 20th Birthday Party on October 11 turned into a night of standout performances and emotional moments. Robert Irwin led the way, presenting the audience with a gift of talent and heart.
Competition Highlights
The event featured two dance rounds. First, couples showcased routines inspired by freestyle performances from previous DWTS seasons. Later, each celebrity danced with a former Mirrorball champion in a relay round, competing side by side.
Robert Irwin’s Perfect Performance
Australian conservationist Robert Irwin, dancing with Witney Carson, earned the season’s first perfect score — 40 out of 40. Their number was set to the same song used by his sister, season 20 winner Bindi Irwin, in a heartfelt tribute to their late father, Steve “Crocodile Hunter” Irwin.
“It was a dance filled with emotion and precision, honoring their father’s lasting influence.”
Other Perfect Scores
They were not the only pair to achieve perfection. Dylan Efron with Daniella Karagach, Alix Earle with Val Chmerkovskiy, and Whitney Leavitt with Mark Ballas also secured flawless scores.
Relay Jive Showdown
In the Relay Jive round, Irwin teamed up with season 33 champion Xochitl Gomez to face Alix Earle and Joey Graziadei. Dancing to Olly Murs’ hit “Dance with Me Tonight,” Irwin dazzled the audience in a baby blue outfit with his effortless slides, jumps, and sharp footwork, while Earle and Graziadei, dressed in red, brought fiery energy to their turn on the ballroom floor.
Unexpected Farewell
The night concluded with the elimination of Andy Richter and Emma Slater, marking a bittersweet finish to an otherwise electric evening.
Author’s summary: Robert Irwin’s flawless DWTS performance, paying tribute to his family legacy, made him the highlight of the show’s milestone 20th birthday celebration.