Xochitl Gomez captivates with energetic jive alongside Robert Irwin, showcasing remarkable chemistry and winning the relay round during DWTS 20th-anniversary celebration.
Xochitl Gomez helped make the 20th anniversary of “Dancing With the Stars” a night to remember in Los Angeles, featuring past champions and thrilling relay dances pairing Mirrorball winners with current contestants.
Robert Irwin, the wildlife conservationist following in his father’s footsteps, has achieved a major milestone. His slow and heartfelt foxtrot tribute to honour his father, Steve Irwin, earned the season’s very first perfect score of 40. All the judges, including guest Tom Bergeron, gave him perfect marks for the emotional performance.
The judges were captivated by the obvious chemistry between Irwin and former champion Xochitl Gomez as they performed an energetic jive together. Their impressive teamwork won them the relay round and earned glowing feedback, showcasing the energy and fun that DWTS is known for.
Vice President Harris speaks with Xochitl Gomez.15 April 2024
Photo credit: The White House, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Tuesday night’s DWTS 20th-anniversary episode in Los Angeles went all out. The show welcomed back fan-favorite alumni and highlighted the skills of the nine contestants still in the competition, featuring a variety of distinct dances throughout the night.
The anniversary episode began with an amazing performance by six original professional dancers from 2005, choreographed by judge Derek Hough. One of the standout moments of the night was seeing nine former Mirrorball trophy champions team up as guest partners with current contestants for some exciting relay dances. Former host Tom Bergeron joined as a guest judge, bringing a lot of energy to the stage. He cheered on his friend Elaine Hendrix after her salsa routine, even bouncing on stage and saying, “That was good!”
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“Tonight feels amazing,” Bergeron said as the show began. His appearance stood out since he had hosted DWTS for several years before leaving due to issues with production. These issues were related to the 2019 casting of former White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer. “This is such an adrenaline rush.”
Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro handled the night’s hosting duties, and Bergeron concentrated on announcing the performers’ scores.
Prince William made an unexpected virtual appearance through a video call to support Robert Irwin as he prepared for his foxtrot during a training session and mentioned why Robert couldn’t attend the EarthShot Prize ceremony. Robert had planned to be with the Prince at the event in Rio de Janeiro but skipped it due to his busy schedule with DWTS. The Prince gave him a bit of a lighthearted pass on the schedule clash.
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“Robert, we’re missing you here while you’re busy showing off those dance moves elsewhere. We could use you right now,” the future British king remarked from Brazil. He was there for a five-day solo trip without Catherine, the Princess of Wales.
During the show, Robert welcomed a touching visit from his sister Bindi, who had once won the Mirrorball trophy, along with her little daughter Grace. The moment carried extra significance since one of Robert’s performances honored their late father, Steve Irwin. Steve, known worldwide as the “Crocodile Hunter” and a dedicated wildlife conservationist, died in 2006 after a stingray incident. Bergeron shared memories of the last time he saw Robert, which was ten years earlier when 11-year-old Robert had been cheering on his sister during her competition.
“Every single moment I step onto that dance floor is my way of celebrating my dad’s memory and everything he stood for,” Robert shared on Tuesday. “All I ever want is to make him proud. He continues to be my biggest inspiration.”
The night’s energy peaked when Irwin, along with his professional partner Witney Carson, earned the first perfect score of the season, receiving four 10s from the judges for their slow and heartfelt performance. Later, other pairs reached this milestone too, including Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach, Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy, and Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas.
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Later during the show, Irwin took to the stage again to dance a jive with Season 32 winner Xochitl Gomez. Gomez, the teenage Marvel star who won the Mirrorball trophy in December 2023 at the age of 17, proved to be a perfect guest partner. The duo delivered an energetic performance, stealing the spotlight from Earle and Joey Graziadei, the Season 33 champ from “The Bachelor,” during the relay round.
Judge Derek Hough remarked, “What you two accomplished was remarkable. And Robert and Xochitl – that obvious chemistry? It was brilliant.”
Irwin reflected on the moment with Gomez as they awaited the results. “The whole experience feels unreal,” he said. “Dance practice was so much fun – maybe even too much fun! Witney, you had to manage our crazy vibes.”
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At the same time, Bergeron urged network heads, asking them to “bring back the results show” and “allow voting across the country.”
For the first time in DWTS history, the anniversary episode featured a heartfelt In Memoriam tribute. It honored beloved contestants and a cherished judge who had passed away since the series began on June 1, 2005, marking this special occasion of its 20 years and impressive 34 seasons on air.
- Kirstie Alley joined during Season 12.
- Aaron Carter competed in Season 9.
- Shannen Doherty appeared in Season 10.
- Valerie Harper participated in Season 17.
- Anne Heche was part of Season 29.
- Florence Henderson took part in Season 11.
- Jacoby Jones performed in Season 16.
- Suzanne Somers showed up in Season 20.
- Jerry Springer competed in Season 3.
- Cloris Leachman made an appearance in Season 7.
- Mary Wilson participated during Season 28.
- Len Goodman, who retired before passing away in 2023.
The tribute had a special part honoring Goodman, who was known as the strictest judge on the panel, and it brought fellow judge Bruno Tonioli to tears.
Source:
Christie D’Zurilla (Nov. 12, 2025). Sparks fly between Xochitl Gomez and Robert ‘Twinkle Toes’ Irwin as ‘DWTS’ turns 20. https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/tv/story/2025-11-12/dwts-xochitl-gomez-robert-irwin-prince-william-tom-bergeron
Header Image: Vice President Harris speaks with Xochitl Gomez.15 April 2024 Photo credit: The White House, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
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