Wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin took on his second challenge in the ballroom during Dancing with the Stars One Hit Wonder Night. Steve Irwin’s 20-year-old son hit the ballroom floor with pro dancer Witney Carson, taking on the tango during a nerve-racking night that came with the threat of a double elimination.
The reality show pairs celebrities with seasoned dancers, tossing them into weekly battles of ballroom and Latin styles; judges’ scores get mixed with fan votes, and the lowest scorers get the boot. This season’s lineup is a colorful mix of entertainers from all corners of the industry, which makes the dance floor even more unpredictable. After their sharp tango routine, Irwin and Carson chatted backstage with Extra’s Sadie Murray. They were grinning, still catching their breath, and clearly relieved to have survived the night.
The duo discussed the increased pressure of Dancing with the Stars Week 2 and the challenges that came with reduced preparation time. Their conversation revealed insights into the intense training process and growing partnership between the celebrity contestant and his professional coach.
What happened during Week 2 of Dancing with the Stars with Robert Irwin?
Robert Irwin found the second week significantly more demanding than his debut performance. The reduced rehearsal schedule created additional pressure for the pair.
"I found it so much more challenging than week 1," Irwin explained to Murray.
Elaborating:
"We had so little time."
The looming double elimination added extra tension to an already intense week. Irwin described the entire experience as an "adrenaline rush" that kept both dancers focused throughout their preparation.
Despite the time constraints, Irwin praised his professional partner's guidance during the challenging period. Carson's coaching helped channel his enthusiasm into precise technique. The tango marked Irwin's first serious ballroom dance on the competition show. This transition from his Week 1 performance brought both excitement and nerves.
"I think I was honestly even more nervous, because this is serious ballroom for the first time," Irwin admitted.
However, the intimidating nature of the dance style didn't diminish his enjoyment. Irwin described waking up each morning eager for rehearsals with a "lock in" mentality. The professional ballroom technique required different skills from his previous performance. Carson worked to transform Irwin's natural passion into the controlled precision that ballroom dancing demands. Witney Carson expressed satisfaction with their Dancing with the Stars Week 2 performance and preparation process. She highlighted their intense work ethic throughout the rehearsal period.
"I feel so good about today," Carson stated after the show.
Elaborating:
"We just worked insanely hard."
The professional dancer has focused on directing Irwin's enthusiasm into technical accuracy. Their partnership appears to be developing strong communication and trust on Dancing with the Stars. Carson also revealed some behind-the-scenes details about Irwin's growing popularity. She mentioned that famous people have been reaching out through direct messages.
"He doesn't check his DMs. There's a few big, famous people and I was like, 'Robert, you have to reply." Carson laughed.
Irwin remained tight-lipped about the identity of these celebrity admirers.
What’s up next on the show?
The successful completion of Dancing with the Stars Week 2 demonstrates Irwin's growing confidence in the ballroom. His positive attitude toward the increased difficulty suggests strong potential for future performances.
The partnership with Carson on Dancing with the Stars continues to strengthen as they navigate the show's demands. Their hard work and dedication have positioned them well for upcoming challenges. With the double elimination threat behind them, the duo can focus on refining their technique and building on their early success in the competition.
You can watch Dancing with the Stars on Mondays at 8/7c on ABC, with next-day streaming on Hulu.