In a move that feels as emotionally resonant as it is wildly entertaining, Dancing With the Stars has unveiled its first contestant for Season 34 — and it’s none other than Robert Irwin. The 21-year-old Australian conservationist, TV host, and son of the legendary Steve Irwin, is not only stepping into the ballroom floor but into a legacy left twirling in sequins by his sister, Bindi Irwin.
From Wildlife to Waltz: Robert Irwin’s Entrance Connects Past and Present
ABC’s announcement of Robert Irwin’s casting doubled as the official renewal reveal for DWTS Season 34. And what a revelation it was. With only Robert confirmed so far, the show is already building momentum off the sheer emotional gravity and star power of the Irwin family name. Fans who watched Season 21 won’t soon forget Bindi Irwin’s triumphant journey to the Mirrorball Trophy alongside Derek Hough — a journey fueled by love, loss, and legacy. Now, a decade later, Robert is stepping into the spotlight, not just as a contestant, but as a brother continuing the family’s dance with destiny.
“It’s been 10 years since that little guy was on that front row rooting for [his sister] Bindi,” Hough said while unveiling Robert’s participation. “And to see the man that he’s become in short 10 years is pretty amazing. We’re really lucky to have him.”
Derek Hough Believes Robert Irwin Could Mirror — Or Surpass — Bindi’s Success
Now a judge on the show he once competed on, Derek Hough isn’t just reminiscing about his time with Bindi — he’s genuinely excited about Robert’s potential. And not just on a personal level. Hough sees in Robert the kind of authentic energy that Dancing With the Stars thrives on.
“He’s coming with them abs!” Hough joked, referencing Robert’s memorable shirtless reveal with a snake around his neck at the Disney Entertainment Television’s Get Real Event. But beneath the playful comment is a deeper recognition: Robert Irwin isn’t just eye candy for the ballroom — he’s got presence, personality, and purpose.
“What you see is what you get with them as a family,” Hough said. “They’re really that kind, they’re really that positive, they really do have that energy. When you’re truly authentic in that way, it really pierces through. So I think he’s going to go far just based off of the person he is.”
More Than a Mirrorball: Robert Irwin’s Participation Is a Testament to Resilience and Legacy
There’s an almost cinematic symmetry to Robert Irwin’s inclusion in DWTS. It’s not just about the dancing (though one can’t help but wonder what style he’ll bring to the floor). It’s about the storytelling. About how a family that’s been through public grief, love, and unwavering dedication to a cause — wildlife conservation — continues to show up, shine, and spin in the face of it all.
When Bindi danced, she did so in honor of her father, Steve Irwin. “Even though the sun will never shine as brightly, it will shine again,” she said during her season. Now Robert is giving that sun a second chance to shine on the DWTS stage.
“I cannot tell you what a privilege, what an honor it is to be joining this season,” Robert said upon the announcement. “I said, ‘One day, that’s gonna be me.’ And now, that dream is a reality and I am over the moon. Let’s do this!”
DWTS Season 34 Is More Than a Competition — It’s Becoming a Cultural Continuum
With only Robert Irwin’s name on the cast list, speculation runs wild about who else will join the mix. But the truth is, DWTS doesn’t need a full roster to deliver a knockout season. Sometimes, all it takes is one contestant with a powerful backstory, genuine charisma, and a connection to the show's past. Robert Irwin is that contestant.
His presence ties together years of DWTS history, fan emotion, and cultural relevance. It bridges the gap between seasons and audience generations. And it does so in a way that’s purely reflective of what Dancing With the Stars has always been — not just a dance competition, but a platform for transformation, tribute, and triumph.
As the show continues to dominate network ratings and draw millions of viewers, now streaming on Disney+ and Hulu, it’s clear that DWTS is more than alive—it’s evolving. And with Robert Irwin in the mix, that evolution feels as natural and electrifying as a perfectly executed tango.
One day, it was his sister in the spotlight. Now, it’s Robert’s turn to take center stage. And honestly, we can’t wait to see him twirl, stomp, and glide his way into our hearts.