As Dancing With the Stars marks its 20th anniversary, Robert Irwin is reflecting on his journey with the beloved ABC competition series. Fans will recall that Robert’s sister, Bindi Irwin, won Season 21 of the show in 2015 alongside pro partner Derek Hough. Now, a decade later, Robert is eager to capture the Season 34 mirrorball trophy, partnering with Witney Carson.
In celebration of the show’s milestone, Robert shared nostalgic throwback photos on his Instagram Story, showcasing moments from Bindi’s win. He shared, “Baby Robert cheering on @bindisueirwin in the crowd!” along with a screengrab of himself in the audience from Season 21, flanked by his mother, Terri Irwin, and Bindi’s husband, Chandler Powell.
In another heartfelt post, Robert expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to compete. “This show has meant so much to us for so many years, as it has with the whole country and around the world,” he said in a video, deepening his connection with fans.
During the anniversary episode, Robert will perform a Foxtrot to “Footprints in the Sand” by Leona Lewis, dedicating it to his sister and in memory of their late father, Steve Irwin. “My family is everything to me, and I can’t wait for this special night,” he added, showcasing the familial bonds that shape his life.
Amidst the celebrations, Bindi and her daughter, Grace, recently visited Robert and Carson during their rehearsals. Bindi noted the joy of introducing her daughter to the world of dance, captioning her post, “Her favorite part? ‘Dance Class’ with Witney and Uncle Robert.” Robert echoed this sentiment, reminiscing about watching Bindi during her own rehearsals as he taught Grace new dance moves.
In addition to his solo performances, Robert will also participate in the Relay Dance round alongside Season 32 champion Xochitl Gómez, with several former winners returning to the ballroom for this momentous occasion. The anniversary episode will feature appearances from original pros and a special appearance from former host Tom Bergeron as a guest judge.
Dancing With the Stars continues to celebrate its rich legacy, and as it embarks on this new season, it is clear that the Irwin family’s connection to the show is as strong as ever. The excitement and sentiment surrounding this season promise to make it a memorable tribute to two decades of unforgettable performances. The show airs Tuesdays at 8/7c on ABC and Disney+, with episodes available for streaming the following day on Hulu.