Emotional Robert Irwin Breaks Down During ‘DWTS’ Performance Honoring Sister Bindi
Online viewers were similarly moved by the Australian conservationist’s performance, raving and swooning over the touching moment.
Contestants Robert Irwin and his professional dance partner Witney Carson placed their hearts on the stage on the most recent episode of “Dancing with the Stars” (“DWTS”), which aired on November 11, 2025.
The pair honored their late father, Steve Irwin, and Robert’s sister, Bindi Irwin, with a stunning Foxtrot. A surprise phone call from royalty gave the evening an additional unique dimension.
Graceful Grief, Ghostly Footprints, and Golden Light
A melancholy silence descended upon the ballroom as the lights went down and the opening notes of Leona Lewis’ “Footprints in the Sand” began to play. Robert and Witney entered a time-stamped moment against a golden lighting backdrop and a trail of lone footprints carved across the dance floor.
The couple, dressed in tasteful cream-colored clothing, walked with a subdued intensity,
Witney sliding under Robert’s elbow to gently lead him forward, their coordinated strides reiterating the motif of support and remembering.
Intimate footwork, gentle spins, and flowing arm extensions made up the next poetic passage, which felt less like choreography and more like an open letter to loved ones who had passed away and those who were still hanging on.
Robert whirled Witney with effortless elegance halfway through the performance, causing her to tumble low to the ground. This emotional crescendo elicited shouts from the audience.
However, the final minutes made the biggest impression. By joining them onstage, Bindi helped to anchor the tribute in their common past.
The siblings turned toward a floor projection that bloomed with old film of their father and family, holding hands.
Robert collapsed to the ground as the last notes rang out, overcome with emotion, and Bindi and Witney knelt next to him, embracing and massaging his back in a heartfelt display of love and solidarity.
The official “DWTS” Instagram account honored the touching routine with a rotating collection of eye-catching performance stills shortly after the show.
The photographs showed Robert and Witney in the middle of their movements, their ivory costumes shining in the gentle golden light, their hands poised in elegant holds, their eyes raised in silent emotion.
The caption that goes with the photo says, “Robert and Witney have left footprints in our heart with their beautiful Foxtrot tribute to his father 🫶 #DWTS20 #DWTS.” Heartfelt remarks from viewers still in shock by the night’s intensity flooded the comment section within minutes.
‘I Will Never Emotionally Recover from This’: A Social Media Meltdown
“I’m crying. Definitely in a shamble. ROBERT, YOU ARE SO DESERVED. One fervent fan cried, “WE ALL LOVE YOU [sic],” and another added, “I will never emotionally recover from this.” The comment “No dry eyes watching this!!” was another.
Everyone was praising the act for its sincere execution and technical mastery. Another fan said, “The obvious winner of the season,” while another said, “no [sic] one more deserving of the first perfect score of the season.” To the chorus of support, another person added, “MY MIRRORBALL WINNER.”
By comparing the siblings’ adventures, some fans connected their feelings to the legacy of the Irwin family. Ten years ago,
I cried when I saw Bindi’s dance, and I cried again when I saw Robert’s. Each and every movement was expertly weaved into our hearts. Two of the sweetest, most modest souls.🥹🥹🥹👏🏻👏🏻👏✨✨✨✨👣👣👣,” one reader wrote.
The performance was likewise praised as one of the season’s highlights. One admirer said, “BEST DANCE OF THE SEASON!!!!” while another exclaimed, “JUST WOW!!!!!!! PHENOMENAL 🤍.”
A Royal Video Call That’s Exciting
Viewers were treated to a regal surprise that left Robert and Witney obviously surprised, as if the evening hadn’t already been bursting with emotion.
Robert was notified of an enigmatic incoming video call during the program. We have a special call, it seems. I have no idea who it is. With a hint of intrigue on his face, he said, “Let’s see.”
That interest soon gave way to surprise as Prince William himself showed up on screen. “Hey, Robert, how are you doing?” A heartfelt “Oh my goodness” was prompted by the Prince’s cordial greeting. “How are you?” Robert asked.
The king called in from Rio on November 5, when he was present at the Earthshot Prize ceremony. “Going really well,” Prince William said in response to a question concerning the event. “The finalists this year, we’re really going to go on and save the world.”
“We’re missing you, Robert,” he said, grinning playfully. I need you down here while you’re off having fun somewhere else.”
The Prince looked at her, and Witney, sitting next to Robert, chuckled with him. “Witney, you need to get him in as much gear as you can,” he said. She smiled and said, “Listen, I have tried,”
Prince William concluded the emotional conversation with a passionate vote of confidence, saying, “Guys, you’ve got a seriously good chance of winning it, so just the best of luck on the show.”
“It means the absolute world,” Robert said, touched by the gesture. Thank you very much. Following a few closing remarks, “See you soon.” “Bye-bye.” The call ended with the words “Thanks, mate.” but the moment persisted.
Robert Posts an Uncommon Irwin Family Video on Instagram
Robert used Instagram to emphasize the personal significance of his performance both before and after the royal surprise. “My foxtrot dance tonight is in honor of my dad and was inspired by my sister. Alongside a heartwarming old video, he said, “My family is everything to me, and I can’t wait for this special night ❤️.”
In the video, Bindi is shown as a little child who beams when Steve informs her that she has a new baby brother. She tenderly holds baby Robert in her lap in a heartwarming scene, cheekily insisting on calling him “Brian,” much to Steve’s amused rebuke.
Steve’s beaming embrace of his newborn kid at the end of the movie captures a moment of unadulterated parental pride and the same legacy Robert honored in the ballroom.
A Sparkling Anniversary of the Show and Perfect Scores
This week’s “DWTS” broadcast was a lavish celebration of the show’s 20th anniversary, capping off an already remarkable evening.
Longtime fans were ecstatic to see former host Tom Bergeron back in action, this time as a guest judge for the first time since his contentious departure in 2020, and the ballroom glistened with memories as six professional dancers from Season One on to the dance floor.
It was a competitive night overall in terms of scoring. Witney and Robert scored a flawless 40 out of 40. Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach, whose Argentine tango to “Ain’t No Sunshine” also received 40 points, while Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy, who did a Foxtrot to “Singin’ in the Rain,” also received high ratings.
Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas joined the previously listed couples with another perfect score, performing a dramatic Argentine tango to “Cell Block Tango.”
Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten got 36 for a spirited salsa to “It Takes Two,” while Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa earned an outstanding 37 for their cha cha to Ciara’s “Get Up.” Regretfully, Andy Richter and Emma Slater’s quickstep to “Puttin’ on the Ritz” earned them a score of 29, placing them at the bottom of the scoreboard.
The Relay Dancing Round, in which current competitors paired up with past Mirrorball champions, intensified the battle even further.
Each pair received two additional points: Jordan and Apolo Ohno (Season 4 winner) won the quickstep relay,
Dylan and Rumer Willis (Season 20 winner) won the Viennese waltz, and Robert and Xochitl Gomez (Season 32 winner) won the jive relay.
After winning immunity the week before, Whitney and Mark received two bonus points without having to compete.
Ultimately, Andy finished last on the list, while Robert, Dylan, and Whitney shared the first spot.
Andy and Emma were formally eliminated when the public vote and judges’ scores were combined, bringing an end to a “DWTS” night full of triumph, tears, and legacy.
