Robert Irwin gave fans a real scare this week on Dancing With the Stars when a performance that wowed the judges almost turned into a medical emergency. The 21-year-old Australian wildlife conservationist and son of the late Steve Irwin was performing with partner Witney Carson when things went wrong in a way no one saw coming.
It all happened on Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Night, where Robert and Witney danced a fiery Paso Doble to Icky Thump by The White Stripes. The performance was intense, full of energy, and earned them two 9s and two 10s from the judges. The audience loved every second, cheering through the routine and clearly having no idea how close Robert came to disaster.
After the show, Robert told Entertainment Tonight that he had a terrifying moment right after the team dance when confetti started falling from above.
“I almost died tonight,” he said. “I choked on a piece of confetti after the team dance.”
He explained that he’d walked over to Witney as the cameras cut away and accidentally inhaled a piece of confetti.
“Legit, I went over to Witney and I think they cut away and I inhaled a piece of confetti,” he said, laughing a little as he recalled it.
Robert described how he suddenly couldn’t breathe, acting out his struggle to get air before he finally managed to cough the piece out.
The show’s host joked that everyone was glad Robert was “still here with us,” to which he replied, “I almost wasn’t.”
Witney Carson, who had no idea what was happening at the time, said she would have jumped in to protect him if she’d known. “I would have shielded him,” she said, shaking her head.
Despite the scare, the pair’s performance stood out as one of the night’s best. Fans online praised Robert’s charisma and improvement throughout the season, while others joked about how he “survived confetti” like a true Irwin.
It’s just the latest memorable moment for the young conservationist, who has been charming both viewers and judges with his enthusiasm and positivity. Even when recounting his near-death moment, Robert kept his trademark humor and humility, telling the outlet that he’s just “glad to still be standing.”
The internet, of course, ran with the story. Many fans called it “the most Robert Irwin thing ever,” saying it’s somehow fitting that the son of a man who handled crocodiles would nearly be taken down by confetti.
For now, Robert’s fine and already preparing for the next round of competition. Let’s hope the only thing flying during his next performance is the applause.
