In a moment that left both the audience and judges visibly moved, Robert Irwin, the teenage son of the late wildlife conservationist Steve Irwin, has honoured his father's memory with a deeply emotional performance on the US version of Dancing with the Stars.
The 19-year-old conservationist and television personality, paired with professional dancer Rylee Arnold, chose a Viennese Waltz for his poignant Week 2 performance. The dance was set to a hauntingly beautiful rendition of "What a Wonderful World," a song famously associated with his father's documentaries.
A Legacy Remembered
Speaking in a pre-recorded package before his performance, Robert reflected on the immense legacy his father left behind. "My dad was the original Wildlife Warrior. He was just this incredible force of nature, and he was the best dad," he shared, his voice filled with emotion.
He went on to explain the deeper meaning behind his dance, stating, "This dance is for my dad. It's about making sure that his message and his legacy continues."
Judges and Audience Reaction
The performance was met with a standing ovation and high praise from the judging panel. Judge Carrie Ann Inaba was brought to tears, calling the dance "beautiful" and commending Robert for his heartfelt tribute.
Fellow judge Bruno Tonioli added, "You did your father proud. It was so moving, so heartfelt. You could feel the emotion."
Following in His Sister's Footsteps
Robert's appearance on the show mirrors that of his sister, Bindi Irwin, who won the competition's mirrorball trophy in 2015 with her partner Derek Hough. During her own season, Bindi also paid tribute to their father, creating a powerful parallel between the siblings' experiences on the show.
The Irwin family continues to be a powerful force in wildlife conservation, running the Australia Zoo and engaging in numerous environmental initiatives, ensuring that Steve Irwin's passion for protecting animals continues to inspire new generations.
