Robert Irwin and Witney Carson captivated audiences with their electrifying jive during the premiere of “Dancing with the Stars” on Tuesday night, marking the kickoff of the show’s 34th season. Irwin’s performance not only showcased his talent but earned high praise from the judges, with Derek Hough declaring it “probably the best first dance I’ve ever seen on this show.”
The pair taped an energetic rendition of Steppenwolf’s iconic anthem “Born to Be Wild.” They captivated the in-person audience with their dynamism and panache. Irwin performed an incredible jump over Carson as part of their routine, showing off even more of his impressive agility and dedication to the performance. Witney Carson couldn’t hide her pride in Irwin’s accomplishment saying, “He crushed it, like I am just so proud.”
In addition to Irwin’s standout performance, Danielle Fishel and Pasha Pashkov delivered an emotional tango to Kelly Clarkson’s “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You).” Fishel’s performance was particularly meaningful because it was more than a year after she announced her breast cancer diagnosis. She reflected on her experience, sharing, “Nothing will make you realize you’re not living life the way you want to live it like a cancer diagnosis.” Fishel emphasized that joining “Dancing with the Stars” was part of her “year of yes,” embracing joy and new challenges.
Needless to say, when the day-to-day of Irwin and Carson wrapped up, the judges were stunned. Hough’s exhilarating praise underscored how powerful their standout performance was, and Irwin went on to give credit to Carson for their success. “Every success on the dance floor is her fault,” he remarked, showcasing his appreciation for his partner’s guidance.
Other performances during the premiere included Jordan Chiles, who impressed with flips set to Beyoncé’s “Break My Soul,” and Baron Davis, who teamed up with Britt Stewart for a lively cha cha to MC Hammer’s “U Can’t Touch This.” The variety of talent on display all night created an electric atmosphere that bodes well for the season to come.
