Robert Irwin Shines in Season 34 Premiere of "Dancing with the Stars"

The 34th season of "Dancing with the Stars" premiered on September 16, 2025, marking a significant milestone as the show celebrates its 20th anniversary. Fourteen celebrities, including wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin, son of the late Steve Irwin, took to the dance floor for their first live performances. Irwin, who is following in the footsteps of his sister Bindi Irwin, who won Season 21, expressed excitement about competing, describing it as a "childhood dream" fulfilled.

CNN

Robert Irwin and his partner Witney Carson delivered a Jive to "Born To Be Wild" by Steppenwolf, earning a top score of 15 out of 20 from the judges. Derek Hough praised Irwin's performance, calling it "the best first dance I’ve ever seen on the show." Irwin's transition from wildlife conservation to dancing has been noted as a remarkable journey, with him humorously comparing the challenges of both activities.

CNN

The premiere featured a variety of performances from other contestants, including Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles, who performed a Salsa to "Break My Soul" by Beyoncé, scoring 10 out of 20. The judges, Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli, provided feedback on the performances, with Hough noting the need for more salsa content in Chiles' routine. Other notable performances included Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas, who also scored 15, tying with Irwin for the highest score of the night.

Dancing with the Stars Week 1 Recap: Jordan Chiles’ salsa + full results

Due to Carrie Ann Inaba's absence from the judges' panel, scores were based on only two judges, resulting in a maximum score of 20 instead of the usual 30. This led to a unique scoring dynamic, where the judges' scores will carry over into the next week, with a double elimination expected in Episode 2.

KABC - Los Angeles News

Fans are encouraged to participate in the voting process, with the ability to cast up to 20 votes each week for their favorite couples. Voting can be done via text or online, and the results from the premiere will influence the upcoming eliminations.

How to Vote on ‘Dancing with the Stars’ This Season

As the competition progresses, the next episode will feature "One-Hit Wonders Night," where contestants will perform to iconic songs. The stakes are high as two couples will be eliminated, intensifying the competition as the season unfolds.

KABC - Los Angeles News

• “But it was like a little childhood dream that I’ve had for 10 years. It feels pretty wild that I’m finally fulfilling it.” — Robert Irwin, on competing in "Dancing with the Stars."

CNN

The premiere of Season 34 of "Dancing with the Stars" has set the stage for an exciting competition, with Robert Irwin emerging as a strong contender. As the season progresses, audience engagement and performances will play a crucial role in determining who will ultimately take home the coveted Mirrorball Trophy.

CNN