Dancing With The Stars US viewers have lashed out at the show after Robert Irwin’s spellbinding performance this week.
The latest episode was themed around the hit musical-turned-blockbuster Wicked, with Robert and his dance partner Witney Carson performing a jazz routine to the hit track Dancing Through Life.
Robert did his best Fiyero impression for the upbeat routine, while Witney transformed into Glinda.
The Australian wildlife warrior, 21, who admitted he is a huge Wicked fan, thrilled the audience with his rendition of the beloved showtune.
All four judges gave Robert a nine out of ten, which was the highest score of the season and landed him at the top of this week’s leaderboard.
However the result left many fans bristling, with some arguing online that he should have scored at least one perfect 10.
Dancing With The Stars US viewers have lashed out at the show after Robert Irwin’s spellbinding performance this week. (Pictured: Robert with dance partner Witney Carson)
‘Robert deserved the first 10 of the season,’ one user wrote, as someone added: ‘Disappointed, that was the most deserving dance of a 10 mixed with that choreo… like what was even missing?!’
‘Robert Irwin robbed AGAIN – like that was literally Jonathan Bailey,’ another agreed.
Another user commented: ‘How did he not get at least 1 ten??? He got no corrections or negative feedback? Like what does it take for a ten this season?’
Viewers were even more frustrated when The Secret Lives Of Mormon Wives’ Whitney Leavitt received three 10s for her performance of the song Popular.
It was the first time a contestant had scored a 10 this season.
‘[Robert Irwin and Witney Carson] did so good! They needed at least one 10! How did Whitney [Leavitt] get three 10s and you could barely see her footwork?’ one wrote.
‘Uh what?? This dance was far better than Whitney and Mark’s,’ another said of Robert’s performance.
Next week’s dances will be themed around Halloween.
All four judges gave Robert a 9 out of ten, which was the highest score of the season and landed him at the top of this week’s leaderboard. However the result left many fans bristling, with many arguing online that he should have scored at least one perfect 10
‘Robert deserved the first 10 of the season,’ one user wrote, as someone added: ‘Disappointed, that was the most deserving dance of a 10 mixed w that choreo… like what was even missing?!’
Last week, there was barely a dry eye in the house when Robert took to the stage for an emotional routine on the show.
The theme of the evening was Dedications, and Robert and Witney chose an emotional dance to the Phil Collins track You’ll Be In My Heart, which he dedicated to his mum, Terri, 61.
Before taking to the stage with Witney, Robert was already overcome with emotion, speaking about his mother to camera.
‘She’s an absolute hero to me, because I was two when I lost dad [wildlife warrior Steve Irwin],’ Robert said, struggling to contain his emotion.
‘As I got older, [I] started to realise just how hard it would have been for her to be there for us, and all the while continue dad’s legacy that her and dad built together.’
Robert added: ‘I’ve never been able to capture the feeling of gratitude I feel for her.’ ‘At every milestone, when I just wish that my dad was there, she was there, and that was enough.’
The routine went off without a hitch before Robert surprised everyone with a cameo from Terri in the final moments of the routine.
As they concluded their dance, Robert broke down in tears as he lovingly hugged Terri in front of an adoring crowd.
Terri, overcome with emotion herself, also fought back tears following the performance.
‘I love him so much, and I’m so blessed to be his mum,’ she said, to which Robert replied: ‘This dance is for my mum, and for all the mums who don’t get the recognition they deserve. If you can, call your mum and tell her you love her.’
The routine also received resounding praise from the judges, earning a total score of 35 out of 40.
