Robert Irwin, 20-year-old wildlife conservationist and son of the late Steve Irwin, delivered a deeply emotional performance during Week 5 of Dancing With the Stars. The theme of the night was “Dedication,” and Robert chose to honor the most important woman in his life — his mother, Terri Irwin — with a powerful Contemporary dance performed alongside his partner, Witney Carson. Set to Phil Collins’ “You’ll Be in My Heart”, the performance wasn’t just a dance — it was a tribute to love, grief, strength, and family.
Before taking the stage, Robert shared the pain of growing up without his father, who died when he was just two years old. “At every big moment in my life when I just wished my dad was there,” he said, “my mum was there — and that was enough.” Robert spoke with raw emotion about how much Terri sacrificed to raise him and his sister Bindi. He praised her for keeping their father’s spirit alive and helping them carry his legacy forward. “She always made sure Dad was still part of our lives,” he said. “I just want to show her how much that means to me — and how proud Dad would be of her.”
Terri Irwin joined the rehearsal process and reflected on how hard life was after Steve’s passing. With tears in her eyes, she said, “After we lost Steve, it was difficult to smile again. But because of Robert and Bindi, I found the strength to wake up every day. So for Robert to say I lifted him up — truly, it was the other way around. I’m just so proud of him.” The performance moved the ballroom to tears. The judges praised Robert for his vulnerability and sincerity. The official Dancing With the Stars Instagram account shared a clip of the performance with the caption: “In our hearts forever and always ❤️ Robert and Witney delivered a beautiful Contemporary dedicated to his mom Terri ✨.”
Despite the overwhelming emotion of the dance, fans were outraged when judge Carrie Ann Inaba gave Robert an 8, while the other judges awarded higher scores. The total came to 35 out of 40. Social media quickly responded, with viewers flooding platforms like X (formerly Twitter) with comments like, “This was the most moving dance I’ve ever seen,” and, “Justice for Robert! That was not an 8!” Entertainment outlets also praised the performance. Entertainment Tonight highlighted how Robert has grown from a young conservationist into a performer who can touch hearts around the world. “From catching crocodiles to rocking rhinestones,” one article said, “Robert Irwin can do it all.”
For Robert, this wasn’t just about dancing. It was about honoring the two people who shaped his life — a mother who gave him strength and a father whose legacy continues to guide him. The dance was a message of gratitude, a memory in motion, and a reminder that love endures, even through loss.