Wed Sep 24 00:50:00 UTC 2025: **NEWS ARTICLE:**
**Robert Irwin Charms America on ‘Dancing With the Stars’ as Show Continues Reputation Rehab Trend**
LOS ANGELES – “Dancing With the Stars,” the long-running reality TV competition, is known for providing celebrities a platform for reputation rehabilitation. But the success of 21-year-old Australian wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin on the show is being hailed as a welcome dose of wholesome entertainment.
The show has a history of casting controversial figures, including Paula Deen, Floyd Mayweather Jr., and Olivia Jade Giannulli, offering them a chance to sway public perception through dance. Even political figures like Sean Spicer and Pauline Hanson have attempted to use the show to their advantage.
Irwin, the son of the late Steve Irwin and a beloved figure in his own right, made his DWTS debut on September 16th. His energetic jive to Steppenwolf’s “Born to Be Wild” earned him high praise from judges, with Derek Hough calling it “the best first dance I have ever seen on the show.” Irwin tied for the top of the leaderboard with a score of 15/20.
The performance, complete with a sparkly jungle outfit, showcased Irwin’s natural charisma and surprising dance skills, despite his claim of having “never moved to music in my life” before.
After the performance, Irwin was seen embracing his sister, Bindi Irwin, a former “Dancing With the Stars” champion. “Bindi said, ‘this will feel like flying’ – and now I know that feeling … it meant a lot. It was super cool,” Irwin told Entertainment Tonight.
Irwin’s charming nature extends beyond the dance floor. He recently shared a video of himself practicing his routine with his four-year-old niece, further endearing himself to audiences. His recent underwear campaign has also garnered attention.
While “Dancing With the Stars” often thrives on narratives of redemption, Irwin is embracing a different storyline: being genuinely likable and surprisingly talented. He is “Australia’s good boy.”
“Dancing With the Stars” airs on ABC and Disney+ on Tuesday evenings in the US.
First Piper 