In a show-stopping moment on “Dancing With the Stars” Season 34, wildlife conservationist and TV personality Robert Irwin blew the ballroom stage apart with a bold, Broadway-style performance during “Wicked Night.” Partnered with professional dancer Witney Carson, Irwin stepped into the spotlight, donning the role of Prince Fiyero in their jazz routine to the song “Dancing Through Life,” as the ballroom transformed into a glimmering Emerald City. Parade+3entertainmentnow.com+3Parade+3

A Performance Built for the Moment

From the moment the music began, Irwin and Carson radiated confidence. The set embraced the theme of the musical “Wicked” — dramatic lighting, emerald green hues and theatrical choreography that married showy flair with technical polish. According to reviews, the routine featured ambitious lifts, seamless transitions and an undeniable energy that swept the audience off their feet. entertainmentnow.com+1

Judges were publicly effusive in their praise. Carrie Ann Inaba declared that “Dancing Through Life needs to be your theme song,” highlighting the boldness Irwin embraced. entertainmentnow.com Bruno Tonioli called the performance a “joyful, theatrical treat,” while Derek Hough told Irwin: “We need to change out your hiking boots for dancing shoes. You were meant to be on stage.” meaww.com+1 Even with this, the scoring stopped just shy of perfection — the pair earned 36 out of 40, four 9s from the judging panel. Parade+1

Why It Mattered

For Robert Irwin, this routine marked his highest score of the season so far and many consider it his breakout performance. entertainmentnow.com Earlier in the season, he dedicated a deeply emotional dance to his mother Terri Irwin for “Dedication Night,” earning 35 points and his first set of three 9s. New York Post+1 But this week, the combination of storytelling, showmanship and pure entertainment value helped him leave a lasting mark.

The competitive stakes are rising too. With only nine couples remaining, the competition is heating up — the judges and audience alike are looking for standout moments. Though some other couples earned perfect 10s on Wicked Night, Robert’s performance nonetheless dominated conversations online and across social media. EW.com+1

The Fan Perspective: Triumph & Frustration

Fans were unequivocal — they felt Robert’s performance deserved a perfect score. Numerous comments across social platforms questioned how the routine could earn anything less than a 10.

“What does Robert have to do to get at least one 10?!” meaww.com+1
“He deserved a 10. Like, what does Robert have to do?” Parade

One fan remarked emotionally: “He’s got that natural performer energy — you can’t take your eyes off him!” entertainmentnow.com The outpouring on social media signalled not only admiration for the routine but a broader sense that Irwin is resonating on a visceral level with viewers.

Still, some critics argued that while the performance was outstanding, the judges are reserving perfect scores for something more technically flawless — hence the 36 instead of a 40. News.com.au+1

What the Judges Saw — and What They Might Have Held Back On

From an insider perspective: why did the judges stop at nines? In their comments, they congratulated Irwin’s storytelling, his stage presence and his rapid growth as a performer. But implicit in their tone was a suggestion that while the routine was excellent, perfection requires something extra — perhaps a flawless connection in every moment, zero hesitation in lifts or transitions, or a performance that raises the technical bar yet again.

In other words: they were acknowledging a milestone but leaving room for further escalation. Given the competition’s intensity and what’s still to come, that makes strategic sense.

What Comes Next for Robert Irwin

With this performance, Robert Irwin has firmly planted himself into the conversation as a frontrunner. If he continues this momentum, the finish line could very well be in view. Here are key questions heading forward:

• Can he sustain the energy and creativity for the next themes and routines?

• Will he finally break through and earn his first 10s from the judges — addressing the fan conversation directly?

• How will the voting public continue to respond? His growing popularity suggests strong viewer support, which can be decisive.

Given the judges’ words, his performance trajectory, and the emotional connection he’s building with the audience, the stage is set for an exciting few weeks ahead.

Final Take

On the night that the ballroom became the Emerald City, Robert Irwin delivered a performance that felt both epic and deeply personal. With his partner Witney Carson, he merged theatrical flair with heartfelt sincerity, winning the applause of the judges — and sparking a social-media firestorm of admiration. Yes, the 36/40 left fans hungry for more — but it also signalled: Robert Irwin is here. He’s not just dancing through life anymore — he’s owning the floor.

If you haven’t seen the full routine yet, it’s one of those moments in this season of Dancing With the Stars that deserves a front-row seat.