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. Ten years after sister Bindi lifted the Mirrorball Trophy, the 21-year-old wildlife conservationist claimed victory of her own 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 suffered severe rib pain but insisted on rehearsing “until the last second”.

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

In the high-energy finale on November 25, Robert and Carson delivered a trio of confident performances that marked the title race. Their final routines included a quickstep to Jet’s “Are You Gonna Be My Girl” with Jury’s Choice, a dynamic Freestyle set to Sam Sparro’s “Black & Gold” and Avicii’s “The Nights” and Cha Cha to “Cake by the Ocean” for the Instant Dance round.
The pair’s win moved them ahead of fellow finalists Alix Earle, Jordan Chiles, Elaine Hendrix and Dylan Efron.

Momentarily stunned after the champions were announced, Robert echoed a sentiment his sister had once shared. “My sister said it best: Thank you for changing my life!” he said on stage. Witney responded with a heartfelt tribute to Robert, saying: “I already feel like I’ve won with him as a friend and I can’t thank you enough.”

The finale also reunited the season’s eliminated couples, who performed “Sugar on My Tongue” by Tyler and The Creator, “Applause” by Lady Gaga, and “I Don’t Dance” by Alexander Jean. Season 33 champions Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson also returned to the stage with a performance of Fabio Hager Sexteto’s song “Tanguera”.