Robert Irwin celebrates 'Dancing with the Stars' victory
Steve Irwin's son, Robert, is the latest winner of 'Dancing with the Stars'.
Ten years after Bindi Irwin won the mirrorball, her younger brother, Robert Irwin, was crowned the winner of 'Dancing with the Stars' 2025.
The siblings are the children of late Australian zookeeper and conservationist Steve Irwin.
Robert and his dancing partner, Witney Carson, were favourites going into this week's final, and did not disappoint. He impressed judges and viewers with an energetic quickstep, which he danced to Jet's 'Are You Gonna Be My Girl'.
"This is such a special song to me. It’s from an iconic Aussie band - ‘Jet’, from my fav album of all time ‘Get Born’ and was released in 2003…. The year I was born!" Irwin said about his song selection.
The 21-year-old's win was a full circle for the moment. Bindi's win in 2015 inspired Robert, who was 11 at the time, to one day take to the dance floor.
Bindi, her husband Chandler Powell and their daughter, Grace Warrior Irwin Powell, moved to America to support Robert during the competition. Their mother, Terri, also joined them in the US.
"They moved all the way out from Australia for 3 months to support me and be there for me every step of the way. Bindi, you inspired me to embark on this adventure, and I have you to thank for setting me on the course to take this remarkable journey," he said.
His big sister couldn't be prouder. You are INCREDIBLE," Bindi wrote on Instagram.
"You earned that mirrorball, and I’m so proud of you. Will be here cheering you on in life always. Love you.
Robert says he can't describe what the last three months have meant to him. He thanked his fans for letting him live out his dreams.
"The love I felt from everyone around America and the world was everything to me, it kept us going week after week. Thank you for letting us tell stories through our dances and allowing us to bring you on this journey, I hope it could help you find inspiration and a sense of positivity and passion. It certainly was a healing experience for me.
The wildlife photographer also praised Carson for being by his side "through every twist and turn".
"The person who believed in me, pushed me (and made sure I always had snacks in rehearsals) - Witney… thank you. This was everything I dreamed it would be and so much more, and Witney, you are the reason I could take this leap of faith and create memories that will last a lifetime."
Robert is proud to have represented Australia Zoo and the family's charity Wildlife Warriors.
"I lift this mirrorball trophy with a sense of gratitude that my message and everything I stand for was recognised in that ballroom. The lessons I learned and friendships that I have formed will be part of me forever."
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Image credit: Instagram/@robertirwinphotography