Robert Irwin is continuing the family legacy as the new winner of the Dancing with the Stars Mirrorball Trophy! Ten years after his older sister Bindi won the competition, the wildlife conservationist, 21, and his pro partner Witney Carson, 32, were crowned the champions of season 34 during the finale on Tuesday, Nov. 25. For their last dances of the competition, Robert and Witney performed a Quickstep to “Are You Gonna Be My Girl” by Jet for the Judges’ Choice round, as well as a Freestyle to “Black & Gold” by Sam Sparro and “The Nights” by Avicii. They also performed a Cha Cha to “Cake by the Ocean” during the Instant Dance round. With his win, Robert triumphed over fellow finalists Alix Earle, Jordan Chiles, Elaine Hendrix and Dylan Efron. “My sister said it best: Thank you for changing my life!” Robert said upon winning. “I’m so grateful for Robert, honestly I already feel like I won with him as my friend and I can’t thank you enough,” Witney added. Ahead of the finale, Carson revealed that Robert’s ribs had been “killing him,” but she knew that he would want to “rehearse until the very last second.” She added that getting to dance with Robert this season has been “the biggest gift.” Throughout the show, Robert has made efforts to keep his late father Steve Irwin’s memory alive. On Nov. 17, he shared on Instagram that he has two “good luck charms” that he keeps on him during rehearsals: a ring made of keys to his childhood home and his dad’s shirt. Robert has worn the shirt for every rehearsal, he shared, even though it features a few holes and tears (many of which he has gotten repaired). Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. “Each one of the tears and holes and missing buttons tells another story and this shirt definitely saw a lot,” he said in a video. “I guess it’s a good example for how dad lived his life: At 100%. Before you guys see my dance in costume, I’ve always done that dance at least once in dad’s shirt,” he added. “It just keeps me close to home, keeps me close to him. It just feels like a big hug every time I put it on.” Over the course of the season, Robert consistently impressed the judges, nabbing a number of 10s for his moves.
https://people.com/dancing-with-the-stars-season-34-winner-11857022
“Dancing with the Stars” Crowns a New Champion! Find Out Who Won Season 34
