‘DWTS’ Week 5: Robert Irwin’s Tear-Filled Dance for His Mom Moves Fans Worldwide

Robert Irwin DWTS dance for mom became the most emotional moment of Season 34 as the Australian conservationist honored his mother, Terri Irwin, during “Dedication Night” on October 14, 2025. The 21-year-old star and his professional partner Witney Carson performed a moving contemporary routine to Phil Collins’ “You’ll Be in My Heart,” leaving judges, fans, and fellow contestants in tears.

Irwin dedicated the heartfelt performance to his mother for her strength and love after the death of his father, Steve Irwin, nearly two decades ago. The emotional routine ended with Terri joining her son on the ballroom floor for a tearful embrace, while his sister Bindi wiped away tears in the audience.

Image: Disney/Eric McCandless

Robert Irwin’s Emotional Tribute to His Mom Terri on DWTS

Robert Irwin poured his heart into his “Dedication Night” routine, saying through tears, “To be there for us and all the while continue Dad’s legacy that they built together… It’s incredible.” He added, “I’ve never been able to capture the degree of gratitude that I’ve felt for her.”

The emotional performance resonated deeply with the judges. Bruno Tonioli praised Irwin for giving “all of your heart and soul,” while Carrie Ann Inaba called him “so honest,” adding, “If I ever had kids, I’d want them to be like Robert.” Derek Hough said, “The world needs the Irwin family,” and guest judge Kym Johnson admitted she was overcome with emotion when Terri joined her son on the dance floor.

The audience reaction was just as powerful. Social media exploded with praise and tears, with one viewer writing, “Robert Irwin dancing with his mom. I’m a wreck but I know his dad is smiling down from above.” Another fan declared, “Don’t even show us the rest of the dances, Robert Irwin — that mirrorball is yours.”

Before the scores were revealed, Robert smiled through tears and dedicated the performance to “all the moms out there that don’t get the recognition they deserve.” He and Witney earned 35 out of 40, one of the highest scores of the season, celebrating both his mom’s strength and his late father’s enduring legacy.

A Week of Love, Grief, and Strength for Robert Irwin

Before taking the stage, Irwin shared a heartfelt Instagram message with throwback photos of Terri, Bindi, and Steve Irwin. “Tonight I dance for my mum, the strongest person I know,” he wrote. “My mum and dad created a legacy that I’m proud to continue. I hope I can use this dance to share what she means to me, to our family, and to say thank you for always supporting me through life’s ups and downs.” Terri responded, “I love you forever and always. Together we are strong.”

Irwin revealed that preparing for the performance had been the hardest week of his “DWTS” journey. “I’ve been tapping into emotions I haven’t really shared before, certainly not publicly,” he said in a TikTok video. “I’ve been thinking a lot about my dad, the highs and the lows, the grief, and the way my mom has helped me navigate that.”

Steve Irwin died in 2006 after a stingray accident while filming an underwater documentary. Robert, who was just three years old at the time, said the performance was “for my mom, for anyone who’s lost someone, and for all the strong mothers of the world who deserve recognition.”

Adding to the emotional weight of the week, Robert shared that his beloved dog, Stella, was diagnosed with cancer. “She’s had surgery and is doing okay post-surgery. We’re still waiting to find out if it’s spread,” he said. Despite the challenges, he called the experience “really beautiful” and said, “This dance has helped me process so much. It reminded me how powerful love and family can be.”

Speaking to People, Irwin said that performing on “Dancing With the Stars” has helped him feel closer to his late father. “I’m doing this to make him proud,” he said. “Dad gave everything he had in life, and that’s exactly what I want to do.”

Robert Irwin DWTS dance for mom is now being hailed as one of the most powerful moments in the show’s history — a moving reminder of love, legacy, and resilience that touched millions of hearts around the world.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What song did Robert Irwin dance to on DWTS Dedication Night?

Robert Irwin performed a contemporary routine to “You’ll Be in My Heart” by Phil Collins in honor of his mom, Terri Irwin.

Q2: What score did Robert Irwin receive for his Dedication Night performance?

Robert and Witney Carson earned 35 out of 40, one of the highest scores of Season 34 so far.

Q3: Why was Robert Irwin’s DWTS performance emotional?

It honored his mother’s strength after the death of his father, Steve Irwin, and celebrated her role in continuing their family’s legacy.

Q4: How did fans react to Robert Irwin’s performance?

Fans flooded social media with emotional messages, calling him a “winner” and praising the tribute as one of the most moving moments in DWTS history.

Q5: What personal challenges did Robert face during Week 5?

In addition to revisiting memories of his late father, Robert revealed his dog Stella was diagnosed with cancer, adding emotional weight to the week.