This week, on the glittering 20th anniversary celebration episode of Dancing with the Stars (DWTS), seasoned pro Witney Carson and wildlife-champion-turned-ballroom-competitor Robert Irwin lit up the dance floor with a birthday-party themed routine that perfectly married flair, emotion and showmanship. As the show marked two decades of sequins and mirrorballs, Carson and Irwin brought a fresh, fun and heartfelt energy—proving that even in the spotlight of a milestone episode, they managed to keep the rhythm authentic and their partnership compelling.

Irwin broke down in tears multiple times immediately after his performance. The couple received tens from all four judges to create a perfect score of 40 out of 40.

For the show’s landmark 20th-birthday episode, DWTS pulled out all the stops—returning pros, a relay round twist, and routines steeped in nostalgia. With stakes high and celebration in the air, Carson admitted to The Hollywood Reporter that this was a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” to dance with Robert on such a pivotal episode.

Their performance opened with vibrant party vibes—balloons, flash lighting, and a nod to the show’s past, with Carson guiding Irwin through the chart-topping medley of moves. She emphasized how the milestone context gave them a chance to stretch creatively. Meanwhile, Irwin embraced the moment with characteristic positivity, making it clear that for him this dance was more than competition: it was tribute. As a wildlife advocate whose family has long championed conservation, competing amid this celebratory atmosphere added emotional layers.

Witney Carson, now well-established on DWTS, is guided by experience; Robert Irwin, though less polished as a dancer, brings raw energy and authenticity. According to their interview, their dynamic relies on trust and playfulness—Carson guiding, Irwin soaking it in. For their birthday-night routine, Carson let Irwin’s personality shine: bits of theatrical flair, a moment of surprise, and a wink to his conservation roots.

Beyond the ballroom, Robert Irwin and Witney Carson shared a charming off-stage moment that captured hearts. At his home base, the Australia Zoo, Irwin introduced a newborn wallaby named “Witney the Wallaby,” in honor of Carson. He presented the gift during a surprise reveal People reports, calling out the “uncanny” resemblance between the wallaby’s energetic hops and Carson’s dynamic presence. That sweet gesture echoed the spirit of their performance: grounded, genuine, and joyfully unexpected.

Carson’s reaction—genuine surprise and delight—added a humanizing moment amid the glitz of DWTS. For Irwin, the move highlighted that his appearance on the show is part of a broader mission: leveraging his platform for wildlife awareness and meaningful connections. For Carson, it reinforced her role beyond choreography—the mentor, the collaborator, the one who helps the story shine. Together in this episode they proved that celebrations, when done with heart, can transcend spectacle.