Emotional Robert Irwin Breaks Down During ‘DWTS’ Performance Honoring Sister Bindi
The Australian conservationist's performance has also stirred up emotions in online viewers, who raved and swooned over the sentimental moment.
On the recent "Dancing with the Stars" ("DWTS") episode, released on November 11, 2025, contestant Robert Irwin and his professional dance partner Witney Carson left their hearts on the stage.
The duo performed a breathtaking Foxtrot that honored Robert's sister, Bindi Irwin, and their late father, Steve Irwin. Adding another special layer to the evening was a surprise phone call Robert received from royalty.
Fan comment about Robert Irwin and Witney Carson's Foxtrot, posted on November 12, 2025. | Source: Instagram/dancingwiththestars
As the lights dimmed and the melodic first notes of Leona Lewis' "Footprints in the Sand" filled the air, a solemn hush fell over the ballroom. Against a backdrop of golden lighting and a trail of solitary footprints etched across the dance floor, Robert and Witney stepped into a moment suspended in time.
Clad in elegant cream-toned attire, the pair moved with a quiet intensity — Witney slipping beneath Robert's arm to gently guide him forward, their synchronized steps echoing the theme of support and remembrance.
Witney Carson guiding Robert Irwin at the start of their Foxtrot on "DWTS," posted on November 12, 2025. | Source: YouTube/Dancing With The Stars
What followed was a poetic sequence of flowing arm extensions, soft spins, and intimate footwork that felt less like choreography and more like an open letter to loved ones lost and those still holding on.
Midway through the performance, Witney dropped low to the ground as Robert spun her with effortless grace — an emotional crescendo that drew audible cheers from the audience. But it was the closing moments that left the deepest imprint. Bindi joined them onstage, her presence grounding the tribute in shared history.
Bindi and Robert Irwin joining hands on stage as Witney Carson looks on. | Source: YouTube/Dancing With The Stars
Hand-in-hand, the siblings turned toward a floor projection that bloomed with archival footage of their dad and family. As the final notes echoed, Robert crumbled to the floor, overtaken by emotions, while Bindi and Witney knelt beside him, rubbing his back and hugging him in a poignant show of unity and love.
Bindi Irwin and Witney Carson comforting Robert Irwin as he breaks down emotionally while watching archival footage of his dad and family. | Source: YouTube/Dancing With The Stars
Shortly after the broadcast, the official "DWTS" Instagram account paid homage to the heartfelt routine with a carousel of striking performance stills. The snapshots captured Robert and Witney mid-movement — poised in graceful holds, eyes lifted in unspoken emotion, their matching ivory costumes glowing under the soft golden lights.
Robert Irwin and Witney Carson sharing a moment while smiling on stage, posted on November 12, 2025. | Source: Instagram/dancingwiththestars
Accompanying the post is a caption that reads, "Robert and Witney have left footprints in our heart with their beautiful Foxtrot tribute to his father 🫶 #DWTS20 #DWTS." Within minutes, the comment section filled with heartfelt messages from viewers who were still reeling from the emotion of the night.
"IM SOBBING. ABSOLUTELY IN SHAMBLES. SO WELL DESERVED ROBERT. WE ALL LOVE YOU [sic]," exclaimed one passionate viewer, while another echoed the sentiment, "I will never emotionally recover from this." A separate comment read, "No dry eyes watching this!!"
Witney Carson and Robert Irwin dancing their Foxtrot. | Source: Instagram/dancingwiththestars
Praise for the performance's technical brilliance and heartfelt execution poured in across the board. One supporter declared, "no [sic] one more deserving of the first perfect score of the season," while another simply stated, "The obvious winner of the season." Adding to the chorus of support, someone else wrote, "MY MIRRORBALL WINNER."
Some fans tied their emotions to the Irwin family's legacy, drawing parallels between the siblings' journeys. "I cried when I watched Bindi's dance 10 years ago, and I cried again watching Robert's. Every movement was perfectly woven into every one of our hearts. Two of the most humble and beautiful souls.🥹🥹🥹👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻✨✨✨✨👣👣👣," shared one commenter.
The performance was also hailed as a standout moment of the season. "BEST DANCE OF THE SEASON!!!!" swooned a fan, while another gushed, "JUST WOW!!!!!!! PHENOMENAL 🤍."
As if the evening hadn't already overflowed with emotion, viewers were treated to a royal surprise that left both Robert and Witney visibly stunned. During the episode, Robert was informed of a mysterious incoming video call. "Apparently, we have a special call. I don't know who it is. Let's see," he said, curiosity flickering across his face.
Robert Irwin explaining to Witney Carson (off-camera) that they have received a mysterious video call, posted on November 12, 2025. | Source: Instagram/accesshollywood
That curiosity quickly turned to astonishment as none other than Prince William appeared onscreen. "Hey, Robert, how are you doing?" the Prince greeted warmly, prompting an overwhelmed, "Oh my goodness. How are you?" from Robert.
The royal called in from Rio, where he attended the Earthshot Prize awards on November 5. "Going really well," Prince William responded when asked about the event. "The finalists this year, we're really going to go on and save the world." Then, with a playful grin, he added, "We're missing you, Robert. Whilst your twinkle toes are going off elsewhere, I need you down here."
Prince William appearing on screen during the video call. | Source: Instagram/accesshollywood
Witney, seated beside Robert, laughed along as the Prince turned his attention to her. "Witney, you need to get him in as much gear as you can," he teased. "Listen, I have tried," she replied with a smile.
Wrapping up the heartfelt exchange, Prince William offered a sincere vote of confidence, "Guys, you've got a seriously good chance of winning it, so just the best of luck on the show."
Robert Irwin and Witney Carson reacting with pure joy to Prince William's video call. | Source: Instagram/accesshollywood
Touched by the gesture, Robert responded, "It means the absolute world. Thank you so much." After a few final words — "See you soon." "Bye-bye." "Thanks, mate." — the call ended, but the moment lingered.
Following the royal surprise and before his performance, Robert took to Instagram to further underscore the personal weight behind his performance. "Tonight, my foxtrot dance is inspired by my sister and [sic] it's in memory of my dad. My family is everything to me, and I can't wait for this special night ❤️," he penned alongside a touching throwback video.
The clip features Bindi as a little girl, lighting up as Steve tells her she has a new baby brother. In a heart-melting sequence, she gently cradles infant Robert in her lap, cheekily insisting on calling him "Brian," much to Steve's amused correction.
Bindi Irwin holding her baby brother Robert Irwin after he was born, posted on November 11, 2025. | Source: Instagram/robertirwinphotography
The video closes with Steve beaming as he holds his newborn son, encapsulating a moment of pure paternal pride — and the very legacy Robert honored under the ballroom lights.
Capping off an already unforgettable night, this week's "DWTS" episode also served as a grand celebration of the show's 20th anniversary.
The ballroom shimmered with nostalgia as six professional dancers from Season One returned to the floor, and longtime fans were thrilled to see former host Tom Bergeron back in action — this time serving as a guest judge for the first time since his controversial departure in 2020.
On the scoring front, it was a competitive night across the board. Robert and Witney received a perfect 40 out of 40. Also earning top marks were Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy, who performed a Foxtrot to "Singin' in the Rain," and Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach, whose Argentine tango to "Ain't No Sunshine" also scored 40.
Joining the aforementioned couples with another flawless score were Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas, dancing a dramatic Argentine tango to "Cell Block Tango."
Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa earned an impressive 37 for their cha cha to "Get Up" by Ciara, while Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten scored 36 with a lively salsa to "It Takes Two." Unfortunately, Andy Richter and Emma Slater landed at the bottom of the leaderboard with a 29 for their quickstep to "Puttin' on the Ritz."
The competition heated up further during the Relay Dance Round, where current contestants teamed up with former Mirrorball champions.
Robert and Xochitl Gomez (Season 32 winner) triumphed in the jive relay, Dylan and Rumer Willis (Season 20 winner) won the Viennese waltz, and Jordan and Apolo Ohno (Season 4 winner) claimed the quickstep relay — each pair earning two bonus points.
Meanwhile, Whitney and Mark, having won immunity the previous week, were awarded two bonus points without competing.
In the end, Robert, Dylan, and Whitney shared the top of the leaderboard, while Andy remained in last place. After combining the judges' scores with the audience vote, Andy and Emma were officially eliminated, closing the curtain on a "DWTS" night filled with legacy, tears, and triumph.