In a candid new interview, Robert Irwin revealed a side of himself rarely seen by the public as he prepared for his upcoming Dancing With the Stars audition. Known for his infectious grin, boundless energy, and passion for wildlife, Robert admitted that stepping into the ballroom comes with a heavy burden — one cast by the legacy of his sister, Bindi Irwin.
“Bindi set the bar so high,” Robert confessed softly, pausing as though the weight of the truth had only just landed. “She’s also expecting me to bring that same spirit, that same heart. And honestly… sometimes I wonder if I can live up to it.”
Nearly a decade ago, Bindi Irwin captured the nation’s heart during Season 21, dancing her way to the mirrorball trophy with Derek Hough in one of the show’s most beloved partnerships. Her journey was marked by raw emotion, stunning performances, and a poignant tribute to her late father, Steve Irwin. For Robert, following that act is both a blessing and a challenge.
“She was extraordinary,” Robert admitted. “I watched her put everything she had out there — her joy, her grief, her love for Dad — and people felt it. That’s what made her so special on the show. And now, people are looking at me like, ‘Okay, your turn.’ That’s a lot to carry.”
Despite the pressure, Robert insists his journey will not be about comparison, but about authenticity. “I can’t be Bindi. I can only be me,” he said with a determined smile. “What I can promise is that I’ll give everything I have, not just for the competition, but for the people I love — and for Dad. If I can share even a fraction of that with the world, I’ll be proud.”
Producers have already hinted that Robert’s audition could be one of the season’s most anticipated moments. Fans, many of whom still remember Bindi’s legendary routines, are eager to see how her younger brother carves out his own place on the dance floor.
As Robert prepares for his first steps in the ballroom, one thing is certain: he carries with him not only the memory of his father, but also the light of a family whose legacy has always been about love, courage, and connection.
