Tonight on “Dancing with the Stars” (Season 34, Week 4), Robert Irwin and his professional partner Witney Carson will hit the dance floor with a Cha-Cha to “Try Everything” from “Zootopia,” embracing the show’s Disney Night theme. The stakes feel higher than ever for Irwin, who has charmed fans and judges alike in recent weeks. But as he takes on what’s being billed as his “most challenging yet” routine, he also carries a deeper mission: to honor the legacy of his late father, Steve Irwin. The couple has impressed fans with their previous performances and aim to impress again tonight.
VIDEO: Irwin & Carson’s Performance with Scoring
Irwin candidly talks about his VoiceOver work on “Zootopia 2” with his character called Robert Furwin. Judges criticized Irwin for lacking fluidity and sometimes posing for a shot. The couple receives a score of 22 out of 30.
Nick and Judy Hopps from the movie appeared to celebrate the performance.
The Challenge of Cha-Cha & Their Song Selection
For Disney Night, Irwin and Carson selected “Try Everything,” the optimistic anthem from “Zootopia,” aiming to fuse the lighthearted energy of Disney with the technical precision required in ballroom. The pair have teased fans with rehearsal footage—one clip shows Irwin stumbling mid-spin, labeled by Carson as his “worst nightmare.” That vulnerability signals how seriously they’re treating tonight’s routine, especially since Irwin admits he views it as his biggest test yet.
Throughout the season, the duo have leaned into playful moments and genuine chemistry. In an Instagram Q&A, fans asked which dance genres Irwin most looked forward to—he cited Argentine Tango and Contemporary as future goals. Carson also revealed that Irwin’s favorite Disney film is “Zootopia,” making the song choice feel particularly personal. With today’s performance taking place during Disneyland Resort’s 70th Celebration week, the emotional and thematic resonance is clear.
Judges and fans will be watching closely to see if Irwin can maintain poise and precision under pressure. After all, he has already stirred talk by tearing off his shirt during a viral salsa performance in Week 3, drawing attention (and critiques) from judges and audiences alike. The risk with tonight’s number is balancing showmanship with technique—particularly in a dance as exacting as the Cha-Cha.
Honoring Steve Irwin: Legacy in Motion
Beyond the glitz of sequins and musical accompaniment, Robert Irwin is intent on delivering something much more meaningful tonight. From the beginning, he has expressed that his “Dancing with the Stars” journey is an implicit tribute to his father, “The Crocodile Hunter,” whose passion for life and wildlife shaped the Irwin family’s identity. He told People, “If I can bring that kind of energy into the ballroom and honor him and his legacy, then I’ve done my job.”
In a recent Parade interview, Carson revealed how she and Irwin plan subtle nods to Steve in tonight’s performance, though she stopped short of giving full details. The pair aim to weave tribute into movement rather than overt symbolism, letting fans interpret the homage. Carson described the opportunity as both a privilege and a responsibility—to carry forward a legacy that extends far beyond dance.
Likewise, Irwin acknowledges the weight of expectations. His sister Bindi Irwin, who won “Dancing with the Stars” in 2015, remains deeply involved in his journey. He leans on her counsel and the example she set, remembering her advice to “make it your own and enjoy it.” As much as he competes for the Mirrorball Trophy, Irwin competes for a sense of connection to his father and to the message Steve left behind.
