🚨EXCLUSIVE: Robert Irwin set DWTS ablaze with a dazzling victory — but skeptics still cried “RIGGED?” An official statement has just been released…👇👇
From jaw-dropping lifts that left jaws on the floor to footwork sharper than a croc’s teeth and that unbreakable determination etched on his face… the Wildlife Warrior PROVED he deserved every vote in epic victory
Crikey! Robert Irwin has done it again – proving the Irwin family are unbeatable when it comes to conquering the dancefloor.
The 21-year-old wildlife warrior was crowned champion of Dancing With The Stars US Season 34 last month, lifting the coveted Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy alongside pro partner Witney Carson in a finale that smashed voting records with a staggering 72 million ballots cast.
It was a full-circle moment for the Irwins: exactly ten years after big sister Bindi won the same glittering prize with Derek Hough in 2015, Robert followed in her footsteps – making them the first siblings in DWTS history to both claim the crown.
But no sooner had confetti fallen and tears flowed than the inevitable online backlash kicked in. Sour grapes from disappointed fans of runner-up Alix Earle sparked wild ‘rigged’ claims, with keyboard warriors insisting Robert’s win was ‘decided from the start’ thanks to his global fame, emotional family tributes and that irresistible Aussie charm.
One TikTok rant fumed: ‘It was Rob from day one – rigged!’ Another moaned about ‘constant emotional stories of his dad’ tipping the scales. Even a blind item on gossip site Deuxmoi whispered the winner was pre-ordained.
Yet scroll through Robert’s own Instagram – packed with behind-the-scenes rehearsal snaps, sweaty training sessions and raw vulnerability – and it’s crystal clear: this win was earned the hard way, through relentless hard graft, blistering dedication and dances that improved week after week.
No smoke and mirrors here, folks – just pure talent, heart and a whole lot of blood, sweat and tears poured into perfecting every step. So let’s silence the haters once and for all as we celebrate Robert’s triumph with 20 of our absolute FAVE moments from his DWTS journey. From gravity-defying lifts to pinpoint footwork and that fierce determination lighting up his face… tell us YOUR top pick in the comments!
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The Rumours That Refuse To Die – But Why Robert’s Win Was Anything But Fixed
Let’s address the elephant (or should we say crocodile?) in the room. The ‘rigged’ whispers started bubbling even before the finale, with some claiming producers ‘pushed’ Robert for ratings gold thanks to his famous family name.
Fans of TikTok sensation Alix Earle – who scored perfect 90s across her three finale dances – were particularly vocal, insisting the New Jersey influencer was ‘robbed’ despite Robert trailing on the judges’ leaderboard with 89 points.
But DWTS insiders hit back hard: the show is a combination of judges’ scores AND public votes – and Robert dominated the latter, racking up more votes than any contestant in the show’s 34-season history.
And those conspiracy theories about Aussie voters flooding the lines? Total myth – voting is strictly limited to US and Canadian residents only. No VPN tricks could swing it Down Under.
As one source close to production told us: ‘Robert was the people’s choice because he connected with viewers on an emotional level while delivering knockout performances. He started with zero dance experience and ended with two perfect scores. That’s growth you can’t fake.’
Even fellow finalists rallied around him. Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles posted: ‘Congrats Robert – you earned it!’ While Alix herself graciously said: ‘What an incredible season. Robert and Witney were unstoppable.’
Robert, ever the gentleman, brushed off the drama in post-win interviews: ‘I’m just grateful for the support. This journey changed my life.’
From Zero Experience To Mirrorball Magic: Robert’s Epic Transformation
Robert’s Instagram is a goldmine of proof that this win was no handout. Reel after reel shows the gruelling hours in the rehearsal studio – bruised feet, endless repetitions and that signature Irwin grin even through exhaustion.
He even competed through a painful rib injury in the final weeks, admitting: ‘It hurt, but I wasn’t going to let it stop me.’
Week by week, the improvement was undeniable. From his debut Jive to Steppenwolf’s Born To Be Wild – ripping off his khaki shirt in true Croc Hunter style – to the emotional Foxtrot tribute to dad Steve that had the entire studio in tears.
Bindi joined him for a heart-wrenching contemporary to Footprints In The Sand, while mum Terri got her own dedication night routine to You’ll Be In My Heart.
And who can forget the shirtless Salsa that sent fans into meltdown? Or the Halloween horror with blood-splattered face?
Judges raved throughout: Derek Hough called his premiere ‘the best first dance I’ve ever seen’. Carrie Ann Inaba gushed over his ‘raw emotion’. Bruno Tonioli leaped up multiple times.
By finale night, Robert and Witney nailed a high-energy Quickstep to Jet’s Are You Gonna Be My Girl (an Aussie anthem from his birth year 2003), a shimmering Freestyle blending Sam Sparro and Avicii, and an impromptu Cha Cha that earned perfect 30s.
That’s not rigging – that’s relentless hard work paying off.
Our 20 Favourite Robert Irwin DWTS Moments That Prove He Earned Every Glittering Inch
- Debut Explosion: Leaping from a 4WD in khaki, ripping off his shirt for that wild Jive – instant icon status.
- First Perfect Score: The electric Salsa that had him winking at the camera while earning straight 10s.
- Emotional Dad Tribute: Foxtrot to Footprints In The Sand – tears everywhere as Steve’s footage played.
- Bindi Reunion: Sibling contemporary that healed hearts a decade after her win.
- Mum’s Dedication: Contemporary to You’ll Be In My Heart – Terri watching proudly from the audience.
- Shirtless Shock: That racy Salsa sending social media wild – abs for days!
- Halloween Horror: Blood-covered face for a terrifyingly brilliant routine.
- Gravity-Defying Lifts: Witney soaring through the air with Robert’s unbreakable strength.
- Footwork Fire: Close-ups of those razor-sharp steps in Quickstep – pure precision.
- Determination Face: That intense focus during tough trials – you could see the fire in his eyes.
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- Prince William Shoutout: Royals congratulating him mid-season – global love!
- Rib Injury Grit: Dancing through pain in the finale – true warrior spirit.
- Aussie Quickstep: Jet track nod to home – high-energy perfection.
- Freestyle Flair: Shimmering silver shirt and epic tricks.
- Instant Cha Cha Win: Nailing the surprise dance for another perfect 30.
- Tearful Win: Hugging Witney as the trophy is handed over.
- Family Celebration: Bindi, Terri and the clan cheering from the front row.
- Mirrorball Double: Posing with Bindi’s trophy too – two at Australia Zoo!
- Post-Win Glow: Robert’s Instagram thanks – humble as ever.
- Legacy Quote: ‘My sister said it best: Thank you for changing my life.’
The Verdict: A Win For The Ages
Haters gonna hate, but the evidence is overwhelming: Robert Irwin’s Mirrorball was forged in the fire of hard work, heartfelt storytelling and undeniable talent.
He’s already back home in Australia, diving into conservation work and teasing Witney’s visit Down Under. But this DWTS chapter? Pure magic.
As Bindi posted: ‘Two Mirrorballs now call Australia Zoo home!’
We couldn’t agree more. Robert, you absolute legend – you earned every sparkle.
What was YOUR favourite Robert moment? Sound off below – and let’s keep the positivity flowing!
MailOnline has reached out to DWTS producers for comment on rigging claims.