Dancing With the Stars has officially revealed its first celebrity contestant for Season 34, and it’s none other than Robert Irwin.
The 21-year-old conservationist and son of the late “Crocodile Hunter” Steve Irwin made an unforgettable entrance at Hulu’s Get Real House reality TV preview event on Tuesday, 22 April — showing up shirtless, with a snake draped around his neck.
‘Dancing With The Stars’ is about to get wild! 😏🐍 Robert Irwin is following in older sister Bindi Irwin’s footsteps by joining the show’s Season 34 lineup! pic.twitter.com/KCaEGZG8sT
— Entertainment Tonight (@etnow) April 23, 2025
Irwin’s bold look paid tribute to pop culture icons in true camp fashion: part Britney Spears’ 2001 VMAs moment, part homage to the beloved 1994 Australian queer film The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. The snake, cheekily named Priscilla, completed the nod.
Hosted by Hulu, the event featured DWTS co-hosts Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro, alongside long-time judge Derek Hough, who introduced Irwin as the first official cast member of the upcoming season.
In behind-the-scenes Instagram stories, Julianne was seen wearing the snake while playfully recreating Britney’s “I’m a Slave 4 U” fantasy, with Robert close by to keep Priscilla in check. The moment wasn’t just viral bait; it was theatrical flair, symbolic references, and a proper DWTS-level entrance all rolled into one.
Derek Hough took the opportunity to reflect on his past DWTS journey with Robert’s sister, Bindi Irwin, who won the Mirrorball Trophy in Season 21 back in 2015 with Derek as her partner. “10 years in the making,” he captioned a throwback clip on Instagram, celebrating the family’s return to the ballroom spotlight.
From viral underwear campaigns to wrangling snakes, Robert Irwin is clearly ready to conquer the dance floor — with charisma, wildlife charm, and a touch of fabulous.
