Robert Irwin, the fan-favorite wildlife conservationist, and his professional partner Witney Carson are poised to enthrall audiences on Dancing With the Stars’ Halloween Night with an ’80s New Wave-inspired Argentine Tango. Their performance, set to a haunting string version of Eurythmics’ “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)”, promises a unique blend of spooky elegance and the undeniable charm that has made Irwin a standout contestant.
As Dancing With the Stars gears up for its eagerly awaited Halloween Night, all eyes are on Robert Irwin and his partner Witney Carson. The duo is set to infuse the ballroom with a distinctive ’80s New Wave flair, paired with a spooky twist, as they perform an Argentine Tango that could be crucial for their journey in the competition.
According to an official ABC press release, Irwin and Carson will be dancing to a unique string version of the iconic 1983 New Wave anthem, “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” by Eurythmics. This musical choice promises to deliver an eerie elegance perfectly suited for the evening’s spooky theme.
The anticipation for their performance was further fueled by a Dancing With the Stars Instagram post teasing their “ominous Argentine Tango.” The image, featuring dramatic red lighting and candles, aimed for a scary atmosphere. However, Robert Irwin’s playful self-assessment stole the show, as he commented, “The Brief was to look scary/ominous here. Kinda missed the mark.”
Fans quickly rallied, with one noting, “I think it’s just impossible for you to look scary and ominous. That Irwin aura or something!” This outpouring of support highlights Irwin’s genuine connection with the audience, making him a consistent fan favorite throughout the season.
The duo also shared a TikTok video, playfully teasing the upcoming night of spooky performances, showcasing their chemistry and lighthearted approach to the intense competition.
The Enduring Legacy of “Sweet Dreams”
The chosen track, “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)”, is a seminal work by the British duo Eurythmics, released in 1983. Written by members Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart, the song quickly became a global hit and a defining anthem of the New Wave era.
Annie Lennox once recounted the song’s creation to AXS TV, revealing, “On the day that we started to create the song, I was in a terrible mood. Dave [Stewart] started to program a drum beat and I thought ‘that’s interesting.’ Then I got on the keyboards.” She described the song as “self-deprecatory” and “a statement about ourselves and everyone else,” underscoring its thoughtful lyrical depth beneath the synth-pop veneer. The string rendition chosen for DWTS will undoubtedly amplify its inherent haunting quality.
Robert Irwin’s Journey to Ballroom Stardom
At 21 years old, Robert Irwin has seamlessly transitioned from a beloved wildlife warrior to a captivating ballroom star, continuing the family legacy on Dancing With the Stars. His sister, Bindi Irwin, famously won Season 21 of the show, a triumph that Robert himself has cited as a childhood dream to emulate.
Throughout his journey, Robert has consistently impressed judges and fans alike with his infectious energy, musicality, and genuine charisma. Here’s a look at his scores and feedback from previous weeks:
- Week One – Jive: 15/20. Performed an Australian-themed number that earned him the highest marks of the night. Judge Julianne Hough declared it “the best first dance I’ve ever seen on the show.”
- Week Two – Tango: 22/30. Dancing to “Move Your Body,” judges praised his “powerful” moves and “charisma.” Carrie Ann Inaba awarded an 8, while Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli gave 7s.
- Week Three – Salsa: 22/30. Performed to “Million Dollar Baby.” Carrie Ann gave an 8, calling it a “great performance.” Derek noted his musicality but found his movements a bit “rigid,” giving a 7, echoed by Bruno.
- Week Four – Cha-cha: 22/30. For Disney Night, their cha-cha was described by Derek Hough as “clean, it was clear, it was sweet.”
His consistent performances and heartwarming personality have solidified his position as a strong contender, drawing comparisons to his late father, Steve Irwin, in his ability to inspire and entertain.
Halloween Night: A DWTS Tradition
This special Halloween Night marks Week 7 of the competition, a long-standing tradition on Dancing With the Stars where the remaining nine couples embrace spooky makeovers and eerie music. Beyond individual performances, couples will also compete in the popular “Dance Monster-thon.”
The “Dance Monster-thon” involves couples performing a Hustle, followed by a Lindy Hop. Judges will progressively eliminate couples, with the last pair standing earning the maximum number of bonus points to be added to their scores for the evening. The esteemed panel of judges, Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli, will be joined by a special guest: mirrorball-winning pro Cheryl Burke. Burke, who competed for 26 seasons, expressed her excitement for her return, emphasizing her desire to share her knowledge and love for ballroom dancing with the new generation of contestants.
As Robert Irwin and Witney Carson take the stage for their ’80s New Wave Argentine Tango, fans will be eagerly watching to see if their blend of spooky flair and innate charisma can secure them top marks and keep their mirrorball dreams alive. Dancing With the Stars airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+, with new episodes available the next day on Hulu.
