Robert Irwin experienced a significant health scare while participating in the latest episode of Dancing With the Stars. The 21-year-old wildlife conservationist revealed that he had a frightening moment when he nearly choked on confetti during his team’s performance.
In a candid interview with Entertainment Tonight after the show, Irwin recounted the incident, stating, “I almost died tonight!” As he performed alongside his partner Witney Carson in a group dance led by Julianne Hough, the team dressed in school uniforms to groove to Kool & the Gang’s classic hit “Celebration.” It was at the end of the number that the choking incident occurred when confetti fell from above. Irwin shared that he was sliding under fellow dancer Elaine Hendrix during the celebration when he accidentally inhaled a piece of confetti.
“I went over to Whitney and I think they cut away, and I inhaled a piece of confetti,” he explained. “I couldn’t breathe.” Fortunately, Carson was quick to assist, and after mimicking the choking motion, Irwin was able to dislodge the confetti, bringing relief to both him and his audience.
Expressing his gratitude for being able to continue dancing, Irwin humorously remarked, “I nearly wasn’t!” Carson assured him that moving forward, she would protect him from any more confetti-related mishaps by acting as a shield.
Later in the evening, Irwin and Carson impressively performed the paso doble to “Icky Thump” by the White Stripes, during which they received high praise from the judges, including perfect scores of 10 from Bruno Tonioli and special guest Flavor Flav. Judge Carrie Ann Inaba noted that Irwin was in a zone, hinting at a strong momentum that could push him toward the finale.
Irwin’s experience on the dance floor resonates with the stories of other contestants who have faced challenges while pursuing their dreams. For instance, Dylan Efron recently overcame a broken nose during rehearsal, showcasing the resilience often required in such high-stakes environments. Likewise, Kaitlyn Bristowe has opened up about the physical toll that competing on the show took on her body, reminding viewers of the intense demands placed on contestants.
Irwin’s health scare serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of live performances, but his determination to continue dancing is a hopeful testament to the strength of spirit found among the competitors. With excitement surrounding the ongoing competition on Dancing With the Stars, both Irwin and his fans are eager for more thrilling performances in the upcoming weeks.