Robert Irwin’s Emotional Tribute Earns First Perfect Score on Dancing with the Stars

Robert Irwin and pro partner Witney Carson earned the first perfect score of the season on a milestone night for Dancing with the Stars. The show celebrated its 20th anniversary with a special episode filled with nostalgia and standout performances. The emotional highlight was Robert’s tribute to his late father, Steve Irwin.The moving dance brought judges and the audience to tears. It was one of four perfect scores awarded during the competitive evening. The celebration also featured a special opening number reuniting original cast members.

Judges Overwhelmed by Poetic Tribute Performance

Robert and Witney performed a Foxtrot to Leona Lewis’s “Footprints in the Sand.” The routine paid homage to Steve Irwin. It mirrored the dance his sister, Bindi Irwin, performed during her own Mirrorball-winning season.As the dance concluded, Bindi joined them on stage. Childhood photos of the Irwin family with their father were displayed on the ballroom screens. The powerful moment created an unforgettable television event.Judge Bruno Tonioli called the performance “poetic and touching.” Derek Hough became emotional, connecting the dance to the family’s legacy. According to Reuters coverage of the event, the performance was a defining moment of the season.

Multiple Perfect Scores Mark Competitive Night

Following Robert’s 40, three other couples quickly matched the perfect score. Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach achieved a flawless mark. Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy also earned a 40.Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas joined the perfect score club. This surge of top marks intensified the competition heading into the semi-finals. Several other celebrities scored highly but fell just short of perfection.The episode’s competitive energy was balanced by its celebratory tone. The 20th-anniversary special honored the show’s long history. It also remembered former cast and crew members no longer with us.With only two weeks remaining, the race for the Mirrorball Trophy is tighter than ever. The semi-finals will feature a Prince-themed night. The season concludes with a three-hour finale on November 25.

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Robert Irwin’s perfect score on Dancing with the Stars not only showcased his technical skill but also honored a global conservation legend. This emotional moment has set a new high bar for the competition’s remaining episodes.

Thought you’d like to know-

Who else got a perfect score besides Robert Irwin?

Dylan Efron, Alix Earle, and Whitney Leavitt also earned perfect 40s. Their performances came immediately after Robert’s emotional tribute. The night featured an unprecedented cluster of top scores.

What was the theme of the DWTS anniversary episode?

The episode celebrated 20 years of the show. It featured a special opening number with original season one dancers. The night balanced competition with nostalgia and remembrance.

How did the judges react to Robert’s dance?

The judges were visibly moved by the performance. Derek Hough struggled to speak through tears. Bruno Tonioli called it poetic and touching.

When is the DWTS season finale?

The three-hour season finale airs on November 25. The semi-finals feature Prince Night next week. Only a few episodes remain in the competition.

Why was Robert’s dance so significant?

The routine honored his late father, Steve Irwin. It mirrored his sister Bindi’s winning dance from her season. The performance connected family legacy with personal growth.