Robert Irwin made history overnight, taking out the mirrorball trophy on the US edition of Dancing With The Stars in a record-breaking finale that drew an extraordinary 72 million votes. It should have been a moment of unfiltered celebration. Instead, a small but vocal pocket of internet sceptics has attempted to cast doubt over his win.
After weeks as a clear frontrunner, the 21-year-old wildlife conservationist triumphed over fellow finalists Alix Earle, Jordan Chiles, Dylan Efron and Elaine Hendrix in the season 34 finale. The staggering voting figure was more than double last year’s turnout, underscoring just how invested audiences had become in the Australian star’s journey.
Following his final performance, an emotional Irwin dedicated the win to his late father, Steve Irwin, and his sister, Bindi Irwin, who won the same competition in 2015.
“I wish he could see it. I really wish he could be here,” Rob said, visibly holding back tears. Lifting the trophy, he echoed his sister’s famous words: “Thank you for changing my life.”
Yet within hours of his victory, conspiracy theories began circulating online. Some viewers suggested Irwin benefitted from votes cast by Australian fans, despite DWTS rules limiting voting to US and Canadian residents.
“It was Rob from day 1. It’s rigged” one disgruntled TikTok user wrote.
On November 21, celebrity gossip account Deuxmoi shared a blind item on Instagram following the elimination of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Whitney Leavitt.
The anonymous submission, titled “Crikey Mate,” claimed that the winner of the dance competition had allegedly been decided before the season even began, adding that next week’s result would come as “no surprise, no matter how many times you vote.”
Others questioned the judges’ perfect scores on the night, pointing to Irwin’s rib injury sustained earlier in the competition. His final routine received a clean sweep of tens from the panel, but sceptics argued the choreography had been softened to accommodate the injury.
Still, the backlash has been overwhelmingly drowned out by support. Fans and fellow contestants alike rushed to defend Irwin, highlighting his consistency across the season and the undeniable growth he demonstrated on the ballroom floor.
“It was a great season. With well deserved finalists. They all did a great job. Congratulations team Robert and Whitney! You were my mirror ball winners!! A well deserved win!” read one Instagram comment.
From viral shirtless routines that sent the internet into a spin, to heartfelt tributes honouring both his parents, Irwin’s run on the show was marked by technical improvement, emotional resonance and a degree of public goodwill few contestants achieve.
Even Prince William sent his congratulations during the season, and Irwin’s routine dedicated to his mother, Terri Irwin, became one of the most shared moments of the competition.
At its core, Dancing With The Stars is a popularity contest as much as a technical one, and by that measure, Irwin’s win was never unexpected. He brought global recognition, personal storytelling and a genuine warmth that resonated with audiences far beyond the ballroom. The mirrorball trophy could hardly have landed in steadier hands.
