Robert Irwin and Witney Carson Win Dancing With The Stars Season 34, Claiming Mirrorball Trophy

On a glittering Tuesday night in November, Robert Clarence Irwin and his professional dance partner Witney Carson lifted the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy after winning Dancing With The Stars Season 34 — the first Australian to ever claim the crown in the American version of the show. The live finale aired at 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time on ABC from its studios in Burbank, California, drawing millions of viewers as Irwin, a wildlife conservationist best known for Crikey! It's the Irwins, outshone four other celebrity-pro pairs in a nail-biting final night of dance. The win wasn’t just about points — it was about heart, legacy, and proving that a man who spends his days handling crocodiles and kangaroos could also command a ballroom floor.

How a Wildlife Warrior Took the Crown

Robert Irwin, 26, is the son of the late Australian icon Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter. Since childhood, he’s been in front of cameras — but never on a dance floor. Yet here he was, just weeks after his mother Terri Irwin publicly tearfully cheered him on from the audience, delivering a flawless Instant Dance Challenge to a 30/30 score — the only perfect score of the night. His Judges’ Choice routine — a passionate Argentine tango to "La Cumparsita" — earned 29/30, with judge Derek Hough saying, "You didn’t just dance. You told a story. And it was beautiful." Bruno Tonioli added, "You moved with the soul of your father. That’s rare." Even Carrie Ann Inaba, known for her tough critiques, wiped away tears. The trophy, renamed in 2023 after the late judge Len Goodman, who died at age 78, carries emotional weight. Executive producer Conrad Green told USA TODAY: "This isn’t just a trophy. It’s the Lombardi Trophy of dance. You don’t just win it — you earn it." And Irwin did.

The Competition Was Fierce — And Emotional

The other finalists brought star power and polished technique. Alix Earle, the TikTok sensation with 8.9 million followers, danced with Valentin Chmerkovskiy, a two-time winner. Their cha-cha to "Levitating" had the crowd on its feet — but judges noted her footwork lacked precision. Dylan Efron, younger brother of Zac Efron, and Daniella Karagach earned 28/30 in their jive — but Inaba’s critique about his "flat hands" drew boos from the live audience. Jordan Chiles, Olympic gold medalist gymnast, and Ezra Sosa dazzled with aerial lifts and tumbling moves — but the judges said it wasn’t quite ballroom. Then came Elaine Hendrix, the 1998 Parent Trap star, and Alan Bersten. Their rumba to "Take My Breath Away" was flawless — a 30/30. The crowd rose. Even the judges were speechless. But in the end, Irwin’s emotional journey — from grieving son to global TV personality to dancing champion — tipped the scales.

Witney Carson: The Pro Who Made History Again

Witney Carson, 31, is no stranger to victory. This was her second Mirrorball Trophy — her first came in Season 19 with NFL star Josh Norman. But this one felt different. "I’ve danced with Olympians, actors, singers," she said backstage. "But Robert? He didn’t have a dance bone in his body when we started. He just showed up. Every day. With courage. That’s what won this." She posted on Instagram after the win: "Well I’m crying again… love you so much. This is YOUR TIME! Take hold of it, and enjoy every moment!" Carson has now danced in 17 seasons of the show — longer than most contestants have been alive. She’s seen trends come and go, but says Irwin’s authenticity was unmatched. "People don’t vote for perfection," she added. "They vote for truth. And Robert? He was raw. Real. And that’s why he won."

What This Means for the Show — and for Fans

Irwin’s win breaks the mold. Previous winners have been actors, athletes, singers — but never a conservationist. His victory signals a shift: audiences aren’t just drawn to fame anymore. They’re drawn to purpose. He’s the face of Australia Zoo, a global ambassador for wildlife preservation, and a young man who lost his father in 2006 and turned grief into global advocacy. The finale’s group number to "Never Can Say Goodbye" — choreographed by Joey Pizzi — featured all nine eliminated contestants, including Lauren Jauregui, who danced with the same energy she brought to Fifth Harmony. The emotional crescendo came when the eliminated stars joined Irwin and Carson for a final group bow. The episode drew 7.1 million live viewers — a 12% increase from last season’s finale. Streaming numbers on Hulu and Disney+ were equally strong, especially in Australia, where the show aired simultaneously via Disney+.

What’s Next?

Irwin has already hinted he’ll return to Australia Zoo full-time — but he’s also open to a national dance tour with Carson. "I don’t know if I’ll ever dance like this again," he said in his victory speech. "But if this inspires one kid to care about animals, or one adult to try something terrifying… then it was worth every blistered toe." Carson, meanwhile, is rumored to be stepping back from the show after 17 seasons — making this her emotional farewell. "I’ve danced with legends," she said. "Now I’m dancing with a hero."

Behind the Scenes: The Judges and the Rules

The judging panel — Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli — remained unchanged from Season 33. Each couple performed three routines: Judges’ Choice, Instant Dance Challenge (a surprise style revealed 15 minutes before going on stage), and Freestyle. Irwin’s freestyle — a fusion of tango, contemporary, and a nod to his father’s crocodile stomps — earned a 30/30 from Hough and Tonioli, and 29 from Inaba. Total: 59/60. The scoring system remains weighted 50% judge’s score, 50% public vote — and the public clearly chose the story over the spectacle.