Robert Irwin has charmed the “Dancing With the Stars” judges and fans alike this season. However, his latest performance has sparked a heated debate online.
During Disney Night on “Dancing With the Stars” 2025, the 21-year-old wildlife conservationist and his pro partner Witney Carson performed a Cha-Cha to Shakira’s “Try Everything” from “Zootopia.” While the judges loved it, fans are convinced that one small detail could cost him the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy on “Dancing With the Stars” season 34.
‘Dancing With the Stars’ Fans Upset With Music Choices
After the couple’s latest performance on “Dancing With the Stars” 2025, many fans went to X to voice their concerns about Robert and Witney possibly winning this season. The reason why they are getting worried they won’t: his choice of music.
Yes, the song choice did fit the theme for the week. However, many thought the song was part of Robert’s promotion of the movie and his voice role in “Zootopia 2” as koala Robert Furwin. They did get a score of 22 from the judges. However, fans were not happy with the music choice on “Dancing With the Stars” season 34.
One user wrote, “Is it too much to ask for Robert & Witney to get a song that actually suits the style they’re dancing??? That’s now 3 weeks in a row where the song has been so off 😭 #DWTS.”
Another fan wrote, “they really be doing Robert dirty with these song choices, like how did that give cha cha? #dwts,” while another person said, “I feel like Robert’s timing and angles tonight suffered from the slower pace and start-stop of this song. #DWTS”
One user didn’t mess around, saying, “Honestly this was nothing more than an advertisement for the movie because of him being in it. This is at least the 2nd week where he’s had music that doesn’t go with the dance style. You can only do so much with what you’re given.”
It’s not that they are questioning Robert and his talents, but the songs are not helping him. One person wrote, “I’m unhappy with the song choices for Robert which I think leads to questionable choreo from Witney,’ while another said, “Give Robert better music PLEASE! That man eats but he can’t eat if you don’t give him utensils!”
Harsher Critiques From the Judges
The “Dancing With the Stars” fans seem to be upset about the song choices for Robert & Witney. The judges were also a little harsher on the actual performance.
After the routine, Derek Hough commented about how Robert had that “Irwin aura.” He said he couldn’t help but smile when watching him perform. However, he did also comment on Robert’s weird arm movements during the routine. Adding that he needed to open his hips more.
Bruno Tonioli did say the “Dancing With the Stars” performance was “clean, clear, and sweet.”
Meanwhile, Carrie Ann Inaba said he seems to stop his movements, like he is “posing for a straight-on camera shot.” She wants him to flow more through the movements and relax more, and to stop flexing his muscles.
Do you think Robert and Witney could win “Dancing With the Stars” season 34?
I think the judges, except Bruno, are full of crap! The dance was great. Now, give him better MUSIC, producers!
I think that Robert has the potential and Whitney is a good choreographer. However, All their dances have seemed to be very similar and not pushing the envelope any so show improvement over time. Even his costumes are very similar. She needs to challenge him a bit more, and the music needs to be more varied to make an impression.
Robert’s first dance was his absolute best because it was the most surprising and it reflected his Australian heritage through the music. Perhaps if some of his dances reflected his Australian background through the music, not in a sickly way, but in a way that reflects him and how he has grown up, the dancing would feel more authentic. From a fellow Aussie