ROBERT IWIN’S THANK-YOU SPEECH SHOCKS EVERYONE WHEN HE MENTIONS CHER AT THE DANCING WITH THE STARS SEASON 34 FINALE

In a finale filled with glitter, roaring cheers, and unforgettable performances, Season 34 of Dancing With the Stars closed with a moment no one saw coming. After weeks of intense competition, breathtaking routines, and emotional highs and lows, Robert Iwin stood center stage as the newly crowned champion—but it was his unexpected, deeply personal thank-you speech that left the entire ballroom stunned.

As confetti rained from above and his partner embraced him, Iwin was handed the microphone for what viewers assumed would be a short, traditional closing statement. Instead, he delivered a heartfelt five-minute message that instantly became one of the most talked-about moments of the season. While he thanked his family, his fans, and the show’s professional dancers, it was a single name that made the crowd fall silent: Cher.

“I wouldn’t be standing here without her,” Iwin said, his voice trembling slightly as the audience reacted with surprise. “Cher helped me through some of the hardest moments of my life, long before this season began. She believed in me when I couldn’t fully believe in myself.”

For a moment, even the judges appeared taken aback. Derek Hough exchanged a glance with Carrie Ann Inaba, both visibly moved. Bruno Tonioli, as expressive as ever, pressed a hand to his chest as the ballroom murmured in astonishment.

Iwin continued, explaining that his connection to Cher wasn’t something he had ever expected to talk about publicly. “I don’t think she ever meant to impact me the way she did,” he said. “Sometimes someone says one thing at just the right time, and it changes everything. She reminded me that strength isn’t about pretending everything is okay—it’s about showing up anyway.”

According to sources close to the show, Iwin and Cher met months before filming began, during a charity event focused on wildlife preservation. Iwin, known for his conservation work and for carrying forward his father Steve Irwin’s legacy, reportedly had a long conversation with the music icon, who shared stories about loss, resilience, and finding courage in unexpected places. That conversation, Iwin hinted in his speech, stayed with him throughout the competition.

“When rehearsals got overwhelming, when I doubted myself, when the pressure felt like too much… her words came back to me,” he said, looking out at the cheering crowd. “I never forgot them.”

He then turned toward the camera, addressing Cher directly: “Thank you for lifting me up without even realizing you were doing it. This mirrorball trophy—part of it belongs to you.”

The ballroom erupted. Fans in the audience jumped to their feet. Some shouted “Cher!” while others wiped away tears. Within minutes, hashtags like #RobertThanksCher and #DWTSCherMoment began trending across social media platforms.

Cher, although not present at the finale, quickly responded online. In a brief but affectionate message posted just after the episode aired, she wrote, “Robert, you did this. YOU. But I’m honored my words stayed with you. Congratulations, sweetheart.” The post went viral instantly, gathering hundreds of thousands of likes within hours.

Back in the ballroom, Iwin closed his speech by acknowledging the emotional journey of the past several months. “This show brought me joy when I needed it most,” he said. “It challenged me, humbled me, and gave me a family I’ll love for the rest of my life. To everyone who believed in me—from the judges to the viewers at home—thank you. You helped me dance my way out of the darkest corners.”

As the lights dimmed and the cast flooded the stage for their final group celebration, one thing was clear: Robert Iwin hadn’t just won a season of Dancing With the Stars—he had won the hearts of millions with his vulnerability, grace, and sincerity.

And with a single, powerful mention of Cher, he delivered a finale moment that will be remembered long after the mirrorball trophy stops shining.