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Both finalist couples earned record-breaking viewer votes, and Julianne Hough noted that the difference between them was “one of the tightest” in the show’s history. Ultimately, Irwin and Carson came out on top.
But the reaction from fans was far from unanimous. Social media lit up with frustration from those who believed their favorites deserved better. One viewer wrote, “I witnessed a robbery and I am reporting it,” while another echoed the sentiment, insisting that Jordan Chiles had the strongest Freestyle of the night. Others argued Alix Earle should have taken the title instead
Still, plenty of fans defended Irwin’s win. Supporters noted that he began the season with zero dance background and improved at a remarkable pace, praising him for working hard, embracing the challenge, and consistently performing from the heart. One fan wrote, “America got it right. Robert came from zero dance experience and was crowned the winner rightfully so.”
Behind the scenes, the journey had not been easy for Irwin or Carson. Eleven weeks of intense choreography left both dancers physically exhausted, and Carson revealed that Irwin had been pushing through rib pain leading up to the finale. Still, they kept going, determined to finish strong. After the win, Carson became emotional, expressing her gratitude for their partnership, while Irwin credited her for helping him grow. “My sister said it best: Thank you for changing my life,” he shared.
For Irwin, the experience carried deep personal meaning. Throughout the season, he found quiet ways to honor his late father, Steve Irwin. He often rehearsed in one of his dad’s shirts, worn and frayed but filled with memories. He described it as feeling “like a big hug,” something that kept him grounded and connected to home during the grueling competition.
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