His first number — a dazzling jive — earned BIG praise from judge Derek Hough, who said that Irwin had just delivered “the best first dance” in the show’s history.
And in the second episode for “One-Hit Wonders” night, Robert pump, pumped it up with an another electrifying turn on the dance floor, this time with a tango to “Move Your Feet.”
The dance earworm— by one-hit wonder Danish pop duo Junior Senior — came out in 2002, before Irwin was even born. Brb, crying in millennial.
Robert not only brought the technicality to his tango, but he also he treated the audience to some playful showmanship, breaking into a pop-and-lock inspired dance break.
He and his pro partner Witney Carson are two for two now with unforgettable performances this season and have quickly become the frontrunners to take the entire thing.
Bruno gushed that Irwin is absolutely “in leading man mode.” The crowd was on their feet in a resounding ovation, which isn’t easy to get so early in a season.
Carrie Ann Inaba, who was back at the judge’s table after being ill for last week’s premiere, praised his masterfully-executed tango and his charisma, which is the ballroom superpower you just can’t teach.
Hough’s feedback was a one word mic-drop: “Crikey!”
The DWTS internet judges at home also had some big praise for Irwin from their couches, declaring him the king of the dancefloor, 10 out of 10 with no notes.
You can watch Robert’s full tango performance here:
I agree with the internet consensus: It might be time to just go ahead and etch Robert Irwin’s name on this season’s Mirrorball Trophy.
But that said, it definitely won’t be a cake walk for the People’s Choice. The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives Whitney Leavitt also put up some solid numbers with a fiery and funky cha cha, tying at the top of the leader board with Robert.
Olympic champion Jordan Chiles also received high praise from Carrie Ann Inaba, who said she reminded her of her favorite performer: Tina Turner. Those are accolades of the highest order for Chiles’ jive.
And of course, we can’t forget about hip-swiveling Dylan Efron. I think we can all agree he’s a little iffy on his feet, with love. But still, that doesn’t take away from him having the lust vote locked down with that hip action. As Inaba says, “there is motion in the ocean!”
Which couple are you rooting for? Let me know in the comments.
Can’t get enough of Dancing with the Stars this season? Keep tabs on the glitz, the glam, and those sizzling hips on Hulu.
