UPDATE: In a dramatic turn of events, Australian conservationist Robert Irwin has been crowned the winner of Dancing With the Stars (DWTS) Season 34 despite battling severe injuries leading up to the finale. Irwin revealed that he faced escalating rib pain just before his final performance on November 25, 2025.
Irwin’s intense journey on the show took a toll on his body, as he admitted to experiencing significant discomfort. “I’ve been dealing with rib pain because the intercostal muscles of the ribs are under a lot of tension,” he stated. “It’s been getting worse progressively,” he added, highlighting the urgency of his condition just hours before the live finale.
In a separate TikTok update, Irwin’s dance partner, Witney Carson, echoed his sentiments, revealing that both of them were feeling the physical strain after “11 weeks of crazy, vigorous, and hard dancing.” Carson noted, “Robert’s ribs have been killing him,” emphasizing the need to adjust their routine due to his injuries.
Despite these challenges, Irwin and Carson delivered an exhilarating performance that earned them perfect scores from the judges. They showcased their talents in three distinct segments, starting with the Judge’s Choice round where they danced to “Are You Gonna Be My Girl” by Jet, followed by a cha-cha to “Cake by the Ocean” by DNCE in the Instance Dance segment. To cap it off, they performed a breathtaking freestyle routine to “Black & Gold” by Sam Sparro and “The Nights” by Avicii.
The finale not only marked a significant achievement for Irwin but also highlighted the resilience and dedication of both dancers in the face of adversity. As the excitement continues to build around DWTS, fans are left in awe of Irwin’s ability to push through his injuries to claim the coveted title.
What’s next for the dancing duo? With this victory, Irwin is set to become a household name in the world of dance, and fans are eager to see what projects he will take on next. In the meantime, viewers can look forward to more behind-the-scenes revelations from Irwin and Carson, as they share their journey and the challenges that tested their limits during this remarkable competition.
Stay tuned for further updates as Irwin and Carson reflect on their incredible experience on DWTS and reveal more about their upcoming endeavors!
