The glittering ballroom of Dancing with the Stars was alive with anticipation, the air thick with the combined scents of stage lights, makeup, and the faint tang of excitement from a cheering live audience.
The night had already delivered a series of electrifying performances, each contestant pushing their limits, showcasing weeks of grueling rehearsals, sweat, and determination.
Cameras captured every twirl, dip, and high kick, while judges leaned forward in anticipation, ready to dissect technique, artistry, and storytelling.
Yet amid the spectacle, behind the sequined costumes and sparkling stage lights, one performer faced a terrifying, almost fatal moment—one that no one saw, yet could have changed everything in an instant.
21-year-old wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin, widely recognized for his role in continuing the legacy of his late father, Steve Irwin, was on the cusp of delivering what many would later call one of the most dramatic evenings in Dancing with the Stars history.
Known for his infectious smile, unshakable optimism, and boundless energy, Irwin had already captured the hearts of millions with his commitment to wildlife conservation and his earnest presence on the dance floor.
Yet this week, his charm would be overshadowed by a near-death experience that occurred off-camera but during one of the show’s most celebrated routines.
The episode, themed “Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Night,” featured high-energy performances inspired by some of the most iconic music in history.
Irwin and his professional partner, Witney Carson, took the stage with a bold and theatrical Paso Doble set to The White Stripes’ “Icky Thump.”
Their performance was designed to captivate the audience: dramatic poses, intense footwork, and moments of storytelling that echoed the raw passion of rock and roll itself.
Derek Hough praised Irwin as a matador commanding the stage, while Flavor Flav called him “the brand new Fred Astaire,” and Bruno Tonioli erupted with excitement over his theatrical delivery.
Carrie Ann Inaba, noting a few small missteps, acknowledged the pair’s momentum and energy, awarding them 9s, while the other judges gave them near-perfect or perfect scores, culminating in a remarkable 38 out of 40.
But the spectacle of the Paso Doble masked a hidden danger. Moments after their performance, as cameras cut to commercial breaks and the audience cheered, Irwin experienced a life-threatening incident that could have ended tragically.
In a candid interview with Entertainment Tonight, he revealed the terrifying truth: “I almost died tonight,” he confessed, his voice steady but tinged with lingering shock.
The cause of the near-fatal incident? A small piece of confetti had lodged in his airway, cutting off his ability to breathe.
“I inhaled a piece of confetti during the team dance,” Irwin explained. “It happened so fast, no one even noticed. I couldn’t breathe.
Legit, I went over to Witney, and I think they cut away, and I inhaled a piece of confetti.” Demonstrating the gagging motions he experienced, Irwin made it clear how terrifying the moment had been.
Carson, visibly shaken by the revelation, stated that had she known he was in danger, she would have acted immediately to protect him. “To lose you would be beyond tragic,” she said.
Social media erupted with a mix of shock, concern, and relief. Fans shared messages like, “OMG, thank goodness you’re okay!!!” and “Your angel was watching over you.”
Others warned about the hidden dangers of confetti, noting that small particles could suddenly obstruct the airway.
Many expressed both worry and affection, highlighting how Irwin’s near-death experience underscored the vulnerability of even the most talented and prepared performers.
Despite the backstage chaos, the night continued with an array of standout performances.
Olympic gold medalist Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa delivered a flawless jazz routine to Ike & Tina Turner’s “River Deep — Mountain High,” earning 38 out of 40.
Social media influencer Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy brought intensity and flair to a Paso Doble set to Jon Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ On a Prayer,” achieving 39 out of 40.
Reality star Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach dazzled with a lively jive to Elton John’s “I’m Still Standing,” scoring 36 out of 40, while actress Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten performed a graceful Viennese waltz to Dionne Warwick’s “What the World Needs Now Is Love,” earning 37 out of 40.
Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas captivated with a commanding Paso Doble to Ozzy Osbourne’s “No More Tears,” tying for the night’s highest score of 39 out of 40.
Comedian Andy Richter and Emma Slater offered an emotionally charged contemporary performance to The Beach Boys’ “God Only Knows,” scoring 30 out of 40—the lowest of the night—but earning praise for their heartfelt interpretation.
Danielle Fishel, best known for Boy Meets World, and Pasha Pashkov danced a contemporary number to Aerosmith’s “Dream On,” scoring 34 out of 40, but unfortunately becoming the seventh couple eliminated from Season 34.
Fishel reflected on the experience, stating, “It’s meant everything. Every single moment, including this one, has been joyous,” while Pashkov added, “You are now my friend for life.”
The evening culminated with high-stakes team dances. Team Chicago, led by Fishel and joined by Leavitt, Ballas, Sosa, Chiles, Efron, and Karagach, performed to Chicago’s “25 or 6 to 4,” earning a perfect 40 out of 40.
Team Kool, led by Andy Richter and Julianne Hough and including Irwin, Carson, Earle, Chmerkovskiy, Hendrix, and Bersten, danced to Kool & the Gang’s “Celebration,” achieving an impressive 38 out of 40.
These team routines emphasized the importance of collaboration, storytelling, and precise synchronization, and the stakes were higher than ever, as immunity from elimination hung in the balance for the season’s top-performing couples.
Even as the scores were tallied and the celebrations continued, the memory of Irwin’s near-fatal moment remained a sobering reminder: no amount of preparation, skill, or experience can entirely prevent the unexpected.
In a studio filled with bright lights, talented performers, and a highly trained production team, a simple, seemingly harmless piece of confetti had the potential to cut a night short—or even worse, a life.
Thanks to a combination of instinct, quick reactions, and an element of luck, Irwin survived.
His resilience, coupled with Carson’s unwavering support and professionalism, turned what could have been a tragedy into a testament to human courage and the unpredictability of live television.
Fans continue to celebrate not only his dance abilities but also his calmness under pressure, making the story of his near-death experience one of the most compelling moments of the season so far.
As the audience files out, judges finalize their scores, and cameras turn off for the night, the story lingers.
Robert Irwin’s journey on Dancing with the Stars is not just a story of rhythm, skill, and artistry—it is also one of survival, courage, and the extraordinary challenges that can appear in the blink of an eye.
This week, the world was reminded that even in the glamorous, glittering world of live television, life is fragile, and the moments that take our breath away are not always scripted.
Yet, thanks to determination, support, and a touch of luck, Robert Irwin lived to dance another day, ready to continue his journey both on the ballroom floor and in the conservation work that has defined his remarkable life.
