Despite a “Wicked” night of high scores for Robert Irwin on “Dancing with the Stars,” sister Bindi Irwin and niece Grace Warrior missed the live taping due to Grace’s cold, prompting an outpouring of fan support and highlighting the family’s unwavering bond.
The latest episode of “Dancing with the Stars” saw a mix of triumph and heartfelt well wishes for the beloved Irwin family. While Robert Irwin delivered his highest-scoring performance yet, his biggest cheerleaders, sister Bindi Irwin and her 4-year-old daughter Grace Warrior, were notably absent from the audience.
Bindi Irwin, 27, took to Instagram on October 21 to explain their absence, sharing a sweet photo with Grace. She confirmed that Grace had a “little cold,” meaning they would be cheering on “Uncle Robert” from the comfort of their living room.
A Tradition of Support: Bindi’s DWTS Legacy and Family Connection
The Irwin family’s presence on “Dancing with the Stars” has been a significant narrative this season. Bindi Irwin, a former Mirrorball Trophy winner herself, has been a constant source of support for her younger brother, Robert, 21, attending previous tapings alongside Grace and husband Chandler Powell.
Their family connection to the show runs deep. Earlier in September, fans were treated to an adorable Instagram clip shared by Robert, showing him giving “dance lessons” to his niece, Grace, in their living room. Bindi herself often shares moments of her family preparing for the live shows, donning matching outfits with Grace.
This unwavering family bond resonates strongly with fans, who quickly flooded Bindi’s posts with well wishes for Grace’s “speedy recovery.” Comments like “Feel better Grace” and “Tell mom to get you extra pillows and a blanket and of course snacks and watch uncle Robert tonight” showcased the genuine affection of the fan community.
Even Bindi and Robert’s mother, Terri Irwin, joined the online chorus of support, sending “healing hugs 💕” to Grace, underscoring the tight-knit nature of the entire Irwin family.
Robert’s ‘Wicked’ Triumph: A Season-High Score
Despite the absence of his personal cheer squad, Robert Irwin and his partner Witney Carson delivered a sensational jazz routine during the “Wicked”-themed night on “Dancing with the Stars.” Their performance to the popular track “Dancing Through Life” earned them an impressive score of all nines from judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, Bruno Tonioli, and guest judge Jon M. Chu, the director of the “Wicked” film adaptation.
This marked Robert’s highest score of the season, a testament to his dedication and growth in the competition. It follows other memorable performances, including an emotional dance dedicated to his mother, Terri Irwin, to Phil Collins’ “You’ll Be in My Heart.”
Fan Reactions to the Scores
While judges praised Robert’s performance, many fans felt he deserved even higher recognition. Online discussions on platforms like Facebook expressed shock that he didn’t receive a perfect score. “What do the judges have against giving Robert a 10?” one fan questioned, with others agreeing they were “expecting at least one 10.” This sentiment highlights the strong public support and belief in Robert’s talent.
DWTS Rankings and What’s Next
Even with their record-breaking scores, Robert Irwin and Witney Carson are currently trailing behind other strong contenders. Olympic athlete Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa, along with “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” star Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas, both earned perfect 10s for their own “Wicked” performances, showcasing the high level of competition this season.
The journey on “Dancing with the Stars” continues with an exciting theme next week. The show will air its highly anticipated Halloween episode on October 28. Fans can catch “Dancing with the Stars” every Tuesday night at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+, with new episodes available to stream on Hulu the following day.
