The Dancing with the Stars fandom was shaken last night when Mark Ballas — one of the most iconic pros in the show’s history — broke his silence about Robert Irwin’s record-breaking Mirrorball victory. Fans expected praise, maybe a congratulatory message… but nobody expected this level of honesty.
“If I was at the judge table, I would’ve also picked Robert over myself,” Mark said, without hesitation. The room reportedly fell silent. The legendary dancer, a man who has coached champions and performed some of DWTS’s most unforgettable routines, openly admitting he’d choose Robert instead of himself? It was a moment that stunned both fans and fellow pros.
Mark continued, and his words carried the weight of someone who meant every bit of what he said. “Just like his sister, he is wonderful,” he added. “There’s something about Robert — the heart, the effort, the purity. Even I would choose him to be the champion. All day. All night.” The sincerity of his tone left fans emotional.
According to backstage insiders, Mark had been following Robert and Witney’s journey closely all season. He was impressed not only by the technique Robert built week after week, but by the storytelling, the emotion, and the connection he brought to each dance — something Mark has always been known for himself.
Those close to Mark say he even teared up during Robert’s final dance, whispering to another pro, “That kid is dancing with his soul.” For a performer like Mark, who has spent decades bringing emotion to the ballroom, the comment meant more than any scoring paddle ever could.
After the finale, Mark explained exactly why Robert’s win felt so deserved. “That wasn’t a popularity victory,” he insisted. “That was hard work. That was dedication. And that was a young man stepping into his own legacy. You can’t teach that.” His words instantly went viral, with fans praising him for his humility and sportsmanship
Even Witney Carson reacted to Mark’s message, saying, “Coming from him? That means the world. Mark is a legend.” She also revealed that Robert watched the clip and was speechless afterward, calling it “the biggest compliment of his career.”
Fans online are calling Mark’s confession one of the most wholesome post-finale moments in DWTS history. Many wrote that this kind of honesty is why Mark Ballas is considered ballroom royalty — not just for his talent, but for his character.
In the end, the moment wasn’t just about Robert’s victory — it was about legacy meeting legacy. A champion of the past acknowledging a champion of the present. A torch passed not by force, but by admiration.
And perhaps that’s why Mark’s final words have already become iconic: “Robert didn’t win by chance… he won because he earned it. And I’d choose him again tomorrow.”
