Los Angeles, October 26, 2025 – It begins with a snap—a flick of rhythm, a burst of laughter, and Robert Irwin stepping into frame with the confidence of someone born to move. 😍💖 Beside him, Witney Carson matches every beat with effortless grace, their energy so electric it feels like the studio itself is breathing in tempo. Theirs isn’t just a rehearsal; it’s a spark, the kind that turns choreography into storytelling and steps into emotion. Every glance, every turn, every syncopated move seems to whisper—they’re not just competing, they’re creating magic. The full jazz rehearsal for Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) Season 34’s Wicked Night has fans buzzing, declaring this duo might just dance their way into the show’s storied history.

Just days ago, on October 21, the DWTS ballroom transformed into a glittering homage to the Emerald City, paying tribute to the Broadway sensation Wicked and its star-studded 2024 film adaptation. As couples recreated scenes from the Ozdust Ballroom, Irwin and Carson delivered a jazz routine to “Dancing Through Life,” performed by Jonathan Bailey in the movie. What started as grueling rehearsals amid surprise celebrity visits evolved into a performance that earned unanimous nines from judges Derek Hough, Carrie Ann Inaba, and Bruno Tonioli—totaling a stellar 36 out of 40. But beyond the scores, it’s the undeniable alchemy between the 21-year-old Australian wildlife conservationist and the 32-year-old dance veteran that’s captivating audiences worldwide.

Irwin, son of the late “Crocodile Hunter” Steve Irwin and brother to Bindi Irwin, burst onto the DWTS scene as an unlikely celebrity contestant. Known for his fearless encounters with venomous snakes and orphaned koalas at Australia’s Australia Zoo, Robert joined Season 34 to step far outside his comfort zone. “I’ve spent my life wrangling crocs and rehabbing rhinos,” Irwin shared in a pre-season interview with E! News. “Dancing? That’s the real wild kingdom for me.” Paired with Carson, a DWTS alumna who’s won the Mirrorball Trophy and juggles motherhood with two young children, the duo dubbed themselves “Team IrWINit”—a playful nod to their unbreakable synergy.

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Their journey hasn’t been without hurdles. From Week 1’s elegant rumba to Dedication Night’s emotional tribute to Irwin’s mother Terri, who’s been a pillar since Steve’s tragic 2006 death by stingray barb, the pair has climbed to the top three. Fans have rallied online, with #TeamIrWINit trending weekly. Yet, it’s this week’s Wicked-themed jazz that feels like a turning point. The routine, choreographed by Carson to capture the carefree swagger of Prince Fiyero—Irwin’s character embodiment—blended high-energy lifts, playful flips, and precise footwork against a backdrop of emerald lights and swirling fog.

Rehearsals, leaked in behind-the-scenes clips on DWTS’s official Instagram, reveal the magic’s origins. In one viral video, Irwin cracks a joke mid-spin, prompting Carson’s infectious laugh that echoes through the studio. “Witney’s not just teaching me steps; she’s teaching me to feel the music,” Irwin told Parade magazine last week. Carson, returning after maternity leave, echoed the sentiment: “Robert’s got this raw, joyful energy—like a croc charging through the outback. We couldn’t rehearse the full flips until dress day, but his trust? That’s what makes it sing.”parade.com

The performance itself was pure theater. As the opening notes of “Dancing Through Life” pulsed—a tune about defying expectations and embracing the thrill—Irwin strutted onstage in Fiyero’s signature vest and boots, exuding princely mischief. Carson, radiant in a shimmering green gown evoking Glinda’s whimsy, led with sassy isolations and sharp syncopations. Their chemistry peaked in a daring lift where Irwin hoisted Carson overhead, her legs kicking in perfect jazz flair, before a seamless drop into a partnered turn. The crowd erupted; judges raved. “You didn’t just dance Fiyero—you became him,” Hough declared, nearly awarding a 10 before settling on nine. Inaba praised the “electric storytelling,” while Tonioli quipped, “Darling, you’ve turned the ballroom into Oz—bewitching!”

Offstage, the surprises kept coming. During rehearsals, content creator Simji ambushed Irwin with a handmade crocodile rug—a nod to his zoo roots—leaving him teary-eyed and hugging her on the spot.parade.com Post-performance, Bailey himself sent flowers, a gesture that had Irwin beaming: “This has made my day! Thank you so much, Jonathan!”people.com Even Hough pranked the duo with fake low scores, only to reveal the nines, capturing their relieved high-fives in a moment that’s already meme gold.usmagazine.com

Fan reactions? A tidal wave of adoration, tempered by passionate pleas for perfection. Social media exploded with clips from the YouTube highlight reel, amassing millions of views overnight.youtube.com “Team IrWINit just slayed Oz! Those lifts? Chef’s kiss,” tweeted one devotee, while another gushed, “Robert’s growth is everything— from awkward cha-cha to this jazz fire. Witney’s a genius.”entertainmentnow.com The hashtag #IrwinCarsonMagic trended globally, with edits syncing their routine to Wicked film scenes. Yet, not all feedback was unanimous praise. Some viewers vented frustration on forums like Reddit and Daily Mail comments, arguing the scores undervalued the routine’s innovation. “They needed at least one 10! That flip was flawless,” one fan fumed, sparking debates on judging bias toward veteran dancers.dailymail.co.uk Carson addressed the chatter lightheartedly in a Us Weekly sit-down: “We’re chasing those 10s, but the joy? That’s our perfect score.”usmagazine.com

What elevates Irwin and Carson beyond technical prowess is their profound friendship—a bond that’s as much the story as the steps. Carson, often called a “boss mom” by peers, has become an “adopted Irwin,” screening fan DMs with mock seriousness and forwarding “tourist applications” to Bindi for laughs.eonline.com Irwin credits her for his emotional breakthroughs, especially after a shirtless freestyle that had Carson quipping, “Did I make the right choice taking his shirt off?” Their off-duty hangs—zoo tours via Zoom, shared playlists of Wicked anthems—fuel the authenticity fans crave. “Witney’s family now,” Irwin affirmed. “She’s got that fierce love, like Mum or Bindi. Dancing with her feels like home.”eonline.com

As DWTS barrels toward semifinals, this jazz triumph positions Team IrWINit as frontrunners. With viewer votes surging and judges hinting at 10s on the horizon, their trajectory mirrors Wicked‘s own underdog arc—from misunderstood outcast to beloved icon. Irwin, ever the adventurer, reflects on the ride: “Dad taught me to embrace the wild unknown. This? It’s the best chaos yet.” Carson adds, “We’re not just dancing; we’re defying gravity—together.”

In a season blending Hollywood glamour with heartfelt vulnerability, Robert Irwin and Witney Carson aren’t merely competing—they’re redefining DWTS magic. One snap, one laugh, one electric beat at a time. Will they waltz into the finale? History, it seems, is already snapping along.

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