Robert Irwin in Dancing With The Stars finale: US actress Tori Spelling claims he has unfair advantage
Robert Irwin may be the favourite heading into Tuesday night’s Dancing With The Stars finale but one American actress is not convinced his path to the top has been entirely fair.
US actress Tori Spelling has questioned whether the wildlife warrior received an unfair advantage during his highest-scoring performance.
The Beverly Hills, 90210 star raised the issue on her podcast while discussing Robert and partner Witney Carson’s week-nine performance, which celebrated the show’s 20th birthday.
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The pair delivered a moving foxtrot to Footprints in the Sand by Leona Lewis, a tribute to Robert’s late father, Steve Irwin.
The routine captivated the judges, especially when Robert’s sister Bindi joined the performance at the end and secured the season’s first perfect score of 40.
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The emotional impact intensified when a surprise projection of Steve Irwin appeared on the ballroom floor, bringing Robert to tears as Witney and Bindi embraced him.
Inspired by Bindi’s own 2015 DWTS win, the performance drew praise from viewers and judges alike.
But during the November 13 episode of her podcast misSPELLING, Spelling questioned whether the added elements gave Robert an advantage over the other contestants.
“You know, I’m a stickler for fairness,” the actress said.
“So like, Dedication Night, you got to have someone come out with your partner and dance with you.”
During dedication week, contestants were allowed to invite someone close to them to join their performance — Robert chose his mother, Terri.
But for the birthday celebration routine that earned a perfect score, Robert was the only contestant to bring someone else onto the dance floor.
Robert Irwin and his partner Witney Carson during the emotional performance. Credit: InstagramRobert Irwin paid tribute to Steve Irwin during his performance. Credit: InstagramTori Spelling has spoken out about Robert Irwin’s performance on her podcast. Credit: AP
“This was reminiscent a bit at the end, Bindi got to come out with Robert and Witney,” Spelling said.
“Is that fair to the rest? You know, I don’t think so.”
Despite her concerns, Spelling admitted Robert and Witney likely earned their score on skill alone.
“It was flawless. It was fluid. It was everything they have asked him to work on, to do,” she admitted.
“He was connected. It was gorgeous.
“Of course, I loved the video of him and his dad and family coming up and then Bindi joining him.”
But also pointed out: “You know, they got the package with the alligator. Like, no one else got that.”
Robert Irwin’s family have been in the US supporting him through out the DWTS competition. Credit: Instagram Robert Irwin proudly continues his late father’s legacy and conservation work. Credit: Instagram
Following the performance, Robert shared a heartfelt message on Instagram about how meaningful the dance had been.
“Tonight was healing. This dance was emotional, beautiful and so deeply meaningful,” he wrote.
“I carry Dad’s legacy with me in everything I do and it was a privilege to dedicate our foxtrot to him.
“Thank you @bindisueirwin for inspiring us with your freestyle to this song and thank you @witneycarson for once again choreographing such a beautiful story through dance and for creating a space for me to convey raw emotions that I’ve never gotten to share before.
“I’m a proud Wildlife Warrior and I’ll always carry on my dad’s mission. I’m so grateful that I can do that in the ballroom.”
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