Robert Irwin and Witney Carson closed out the “Dancing with the Stars” finale with three dynamic routines to bookend their time on DWTS as fan favorites. For the Judges’ Choice Round, the pair performed a crisp and buoyant quickstep to “Are You Gonna Be My Girl” by Jet. Robert attacked the choreography with speed, stamina, and clean footwork, keeping tight frame control as Witney powered the ballroom with sharp spins and synchronized runs. Their connection stayed locked in from the opening drive to the final pass, earning enthusiastic cheers from the crowd and high praise from the judges, who commended their technical growth and vibrant energy.
Irwin receives criticism from Carrie-Ann on his quickstep about a technicality and gives him a nine. Bruno and Derek give them a perfect 10. Their first total score of the night is a 29.
They returned to the floor in the Freestyle Round with a genre-blending routine set to Sam Sparro’s “Black & Gold” and Avicii’s “The Nights.” The number opened with sleek, contemporary-inspired movements before exploding into lifts, musicality breaks, and fearless athletic tricks. Robert matched Witney beat-for-beat as the choreography evolved from smooth golden silhouettes to high-octane festival momentum. The judges celebrated their creativity, adaptability, and emotional presence, awarding them strong final-night scores that reflected their season-long evolution. The routine left the ballroom buzzing and cemented their place as one of the season’s standout partnerships.
Ahead of finale night, Robert Irwin and Witney Carson released a heartfelt farewell message that resonated deeply with fans. In the clip, Robert expressed genuine gratitude for Witney’s guidance and support, admitting that he felt “safe and protected” from the moment he learned she would be his partner. He credited her with helping him grow not only as a dancer but as a person, saying she became not just a mentor, but a true friend who believed in him even when he struggled.
Witney responded with her own emotional tribute, telling Robert that he uplifted everyone around him and brought joy into every rehearsal. She called their season together “special and memorable,” emphasizing that their bond extended far beyond the ballroom. She joked that Robert had gained “another older sister,” cementing the affectionate, almost familial connection that developed between them over the season. The video highlighted the trust, respect, and warmth that defined their partnership, giving fans a deeper look at the journey behind their polished performances.
Just before finale night, Witney revealed that Robert had been battling significant rib pain during the final days of rehearsal. In a behind-the-scenes update, she explained that his ribs “had been killing him,” forcing them to adjust lifts and choreography while still preparing for two of their most demanding dances of the season. Despite the discomfort, Robert remained determined to push forward, committed to delivering a strong finish on the ballroom floor.
Robert later shared his own reflections, admitting the injury added pressure but also deepened his appreciation for the journey. He said that he entered the competition hoping to live out a dream but was leaving with something much greater — a lifelong friend and a transformative experience. His resilience, paired with Witney’s steady encouragement, gave their finale performances an added layer of grit, demonstrating their dedication and emotional strength as they closed out the season.
