The 20th anniversary celebration of Dancing with the Stars saw an emotional and stunning moment when not one, not two, but three couples received perfect 40s on Tuesday night. Wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin, social media personality Dylan Efron, influencer Alix Earle, and Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Whitney Leavitt all shined with stellar performances, setting the stage for a thrilling lead-up to the season finale.
After weeks of near-misses, Robert Irwin finally broke the “curse” by scoring a perfect 40 with his partner Witney Carson, dancing the foxtrot to Leona Lewis’ “Footprints in the Sand” — a touching homage to the number his sister, Bindi Irwin, performed when she won season 21 of the show.
The performance became even more poignant when Bindi, along with their father Steve Irwin’s memory, joined Robert and Witney on stage. The emotional moment brought the Irwin siblings and Witney to tears, prompting a heartfelt reaction from the judges.
Bruno Tonioli praised Robert, saying, “That was so beautiful. It was a poetic, touching tribute that really touched all of us. I could not take my eyes off of you.” Derek Hough, who led Bindi to victory a decade ago, got emotional as he shared, “One thing I loved about your father is that he lived life with so much enthusiasm, and you, my friend, are this generation’s beacon of joy and enthusiasm. And you’re not just walking the path that he set, you are dancing it. And you’re dancing it beautifully.”
O.G. host Tom Bergeron, returning for the 20th anniversary, shared his admiration: “Last time we saw each other, you were 11. You have grown into a star, Robert. You really have.”
The emotional moment continued as Robert and Witney celebrated their perfect 40, only to find themselves in a fierce competition as Earle, Leavitt, and Efron also earned top marks, each with their perfect scores.
As the season approaches its finale, with just two weeks remaining, the race is heating up, and the remaining contestants, including actress Elaine Hendrix, Olympian Jordan Chiles, and comedian Andy Richter, still have a chance to make their mark in the competition.
With the stakes high and the energy in the ballroom electrifying, Dancing with the Stars continues to captivate audiences. Tune in on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC and Disney+, or catch the action the next day on Hulu.
The post Perfect Score Parade on Dancing With the Stars: Robert Irwin, Dylan Efron, Alix Earle, and Whitney Leavitt Shine in 20th Anniversary Celebration” first appeared on Trusted and Verified USA News.
