Robert Irwin successfully traded his khakis for dance shoes in a major way on “Dancing With the Stars.” For the show’s “TikTok Night,” Irwin and pro partner Witney Carson crafted a salsa that was perfectly engineered for the digital age. The climax of their routine, which saw Irwin tear off his shirt with confident flair, instantly became a viral moment, with clips spreading rapidly across social platforms.
Fans were quick to express their shock and admiration online, with one user joking, “I’m pretty sure people 20 miles away heard me screaming when he took his shirt off.” The performance sparked a widespread debate about the judges’ scores, as many viewers believed the thrilling and crowd-pleasing dance deserved higher than the 22 out of 30 it received.
The moment showcased a new side of the young Irwin, transforming his wholesome image into that of a budding heartthrob and demonstrating his understanding of how to create a memorable, share-worthy television moment.