Week 9 of “Dancing with the Stars” Season 34 also coincided with the show’s 20th anniversary. It was a special night for Robert Irwin, as he performed an emotional Foxtrot to “Footprints in the Sand” by Leona Lewis in honor of his late father, Steve Irwin. The routine had been inspired by his sister, Bindi Irwin, and her dedication dance to their father when she competed on Season 21 alongside professional dance partner Derek Hough.
But this wasn’t Robert’s only performance on the night, and his jive was so fun!
Robert Irwin’s Stunning Jive Performance
Robert also scored his first perfect score of 40 out of 40, and the first of the season. Judges and fans at home were impressed with his dance alongside professional dance partner Witney Carson. Later in the evening, the wildlife conservationist returned to the ballroom to do his relay dance. This time it wasn’t alongside Carson, but with Xochitl Gomez, who competed on and won Season 32 of DWTS.
Irwin and Gomez performed a jive, and it was an energetic, fun routine. They won the relay over Alix Earle and Season 33 Mirrorball champ Joey Graziadei. A video of their performance was shared on the official “Dancing with the Stars” Instagram account, allowing fans to rewatch it and share their thoughts.
Fans React to Robert Irwin & Xochitl Gomez’s Jive
“Robert Irwin & Xochitl Gomez and Alix Earle & Joey Graziadei dance the Jive to ‘Dance with Me Tonight’ by Olly Murs. #DWTS20 #DWTS,” the caption of the video reads. The comment section has been flooded with excited fans’ reactions.
“Ughhh i love Robert and Xochitl so much!!! I knew they were gonna win they were just perfect!!” an excited fan shared. “The chemistry between xochitl and Robert is undeniable and Soo cute. Fantastic partnership and dance!!” another person shared.
Other reactions include, “Robert and Xochitl were soooo good!!!,” “robert and xochitl KILLED IT. so cute! and so so clean and technically good, too! just plain fun and adorable, couldn’t stop smiling,” and “Go Xochitl!!! and Robert is such a natural with the Jive!”
The performance was a more playful part of the evening compared to Irwin’s beautiful but emotional Foxtrot, and he had previously shared a look into his bond with Gomez. In a video posted on Instagram on November 11, the pair shared a hilarious skit as Irwin mimed to a voiceover. The clip didn’t highlight their dance abilities, but it did show they both have a great sense of humor. “My dance knowledge has reached a new high with a mirrorball winner in the rehearsal room! @_xochitl.gomez,” the caption reads.
“So funny. I’m gonna miss all these funny videos after u win,” a fan wrote. “The perfect pair!!!” another person shared.
