Remember when we thought Robert Irwin couldn’t possibly top his shirtless salsa moment? Well, Australia’s favorite wildlife warrior just proved us wrong – and this time, he brought vampires, eyeliner, and his bad-boy look to the party.
The 21-year-old conservationist and son of the late Steve Irwin has been serving looks and skills all season on Dancing with the Stars Season 34, but his Halloween Night performance on October 28 officially cemented his status as a frontrunner for the Mirrorball Trophy.
And honestly? We’re not mad about it.
Going Dark for Halloween
For Week 7’s spooky spectacular, Robert and his pro partner Witney Carson transformed into vampires for an Argentine Tango set to The Hampton String Quartet’s haunting instrumental version of “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This).”
But here’s where things got exciting. Robert – typically known for his wholesome, khaki-wearing crocodile-wrangling persona – showed up in full Prince of Darkness mode.
We’re talking deep red suit with black accents, pale makeup, and most importantly, that eyeliner.
The internet collectively lost its mind over the guyliner before the dance even started. “He really should wear the eyeshadow more often,” one fan wrote. Another chimed in with “I love men in eyeliner,” which – same, honestly.
“I’m sorry I remember when you were born sir…this can’t be real…but lord you are testing me!!” a third fan confessed, perfectly capturing the mood.
The Performance That Changed Everything
The dance itself was absolutely captivating. Robert and Witney tangoed across a fog-filled stage with an intensity we hadn’t quite seen from him before.
The routine was packed with sharp footwork, dramatic lifts, and enough smoldering energy to make even the most composed viewer need a moment.
And then came the finale. In a move that will live rent-free in our collective memory, Robert was literally dragged off stage by “dark forces” (read: crew members in black), only to return to face the judges with his face completely splattered in fake blood.
Watch it here:
“Imagine turning the channel and seeing Australia’s sweetheart Robert Irwin covered in blood with no context,” one viewer remarked, and honestly, what a sentence.
The Scores That Mattered
After weeks of fans screaming that Robert was being “robbed” of perfect scores, the judges finally delivered. Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli both awarded him his first 10s of the season, bringing his total to an impressive 38 out of 40 – his highest score yet.
“Your footwork was phenomenal,” Carrie Ann told him. “You’ve completely transformed into a leading man.”
Bruno praised the performance as “deadly hot. It really had that tension… enticement, entrapment that you remember in the ’40s it used to feel noir. You could not take your eyes off the stars.”
Guest judge Cheryl Burke, a former DWTS pro herself, couldn’t believe what she was watching. “I cannot believe you don’t have any dance experience. You are a natural showman. You should be so proud.”
Robert’s sister Bindi had actually predicted this would be his moment. She won Season 21 back in 2015 with an Argentine Tango herself, so clearly, it runs in the family.
While Robert and Witney came in second for the night (Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy edged them out with 39/40), the real victory was watching Australia’s wholesome wildlife ambassador fully embrace his dark side.
The transformation from crocodile wrangler to gothic heartthrob has been something to witness.
The Emotional Dance That Had Everyone Crying
But Halloween Night wasn’t the first time Robert left audiences in tears this month. Just two weeks earlier, on October 14’s Dedication Night, Robert delivered what might be the most emotional performance of the entire season.
Robert and Witney danced a contemporary routine to Phil Collins’ “You’ll Be In My Heart,” dedicating it to his mother, Terri Irwin. And if you managed to get through it without crying, you’re stronger than the rest of us.
“I’ve been thinking a lot about my mum and her strength, I’ve been reminiscing on the times we’ve spent as a family and how she has kept my dad part of my life,” Robert shared ahead of the performance.
The dance was beautiful and heartbreaking in equal measure. But the real moment came at the end, when Witney stepped aside and Terri – wearing a yellow dress – appeared on the dance floor.
Robert took his mother’s hand, twirled her, and they finished with an embrace that had everyone absolutely sobbing.
“She’s an absolute hero to me, because I was 2 when I lost Dad,” Robert said during rehearsal. “As I got older, I started to realize just how hard it would have been for her to be there for us and all the while continue Dad’s legacy that she and Dad built together.”
Judge Bruno was visibly emotional. “Steve is looking at you, kid, and he’s smiling. All I can say is this was the true expression of everlasting love.”
Derek Hough, who partnered with Bindi for her winning season, struggled to hold back tears. “The love I have for your family. Thank you. I just have so much love for you guys. Man, I’m so proud of you. I really am. You’ve become such an amazing man, and the world needs the Irwin family.”
And in a moment that wasn’t planned, Bindi ran from the audience to join her brother and mother on the dance floor, embracing them both. “It’s been the three of us for so long,” Robert explained afterward. “It’s been our core little family, my sister, my mom, and I, through thick and thin.”
They scored 35 out of 40 for the performance, but honestly, the numbers didn’t matter. This was about family, love, and honoring the woman who held them all together.
When Fiyero Noticed
Just when we thought Robert’s DWTS journey couldn’t get any sweeter, Wicked happened.
For Week 6’s “Wicked Night” on October 21, Robert and Witney performed a jazz routine to “Dancing Through Life” – yes, that song, sung by Fiyero in the movie.
Robert went full prince mode with the costume and everything, and while they scored a solid 36 out of 40 (four 9s), fans were once again convinced he deserved 10s.
But the real magic happened three days later.
On October 24, Robert posted a video to Instagram that instantly went viral. In it, Witney surprises him in the rehearsal studio with a massive bouquet of flowers.
“Who are these from?” Robert asks, admiring the arrangement. “Oh my goodness, that’s gorgeous.”
Witney teases him: “Do you have a secret admirer that I don’t know about?”
Robert opens the card and absolutely loses it. “It’s from Jonathan Bailey!”
The note read: “You are the shiz, Robert. You’ve done all the Fiyeros proud. Cheering you on from afar. Big love, JB.”
Robert’s reaction was adorably genuine. “This has made my day. Thank you so much, Jonathan!” he gushed, refusing to put the flowers down even when Witney tried to get him to rehearse.
Before the performance, Robert had told reporters, “If Jonathan Bailey saw that, oh my gosh, my life is complete.” Well, mission accomplished.
And honestly, the crossover of Jonathan Bailey – Bridgerton heartthrob and Wicked star – sending flowers to Robert Irwin – Australia’s wholesome wildlife conservationist turned dance sensation – is the kind of content the internet was made for.
What’s Next
With only nine couples remaining in the competition, Robert and Witney are positioned as serious contenders for the Mirrorball Trophy.
They’ve consistently delivered performances that balance technical skill with genuine emotion, and Robert’s natural charisma and willingness to push himself out of his comfort zone have made him a fan favorite.
Plus, after that Halloween performance, we’re all a little bit obsessed with Dark Robert. The kid who grew up holding baby alligators on talk shows has officially evolved into a full-fledged performer who can dance, act, and yes – absolutely rock eyeliner.
Dancing with the Stars airs Tuesdays at 8/7c on ABC and streams on Disney+ and Hulu. The finale is set for November 25, and if Robert keeps delivering performances like this, he just might be taking home that trophy.
Just remember to hydrate before watching – between the shirtless salsas, emotional family moments, and now blood-soaked tangos, you’re definitely going to need it.