Robert Irwin Tipped as Dancing With the Stars Season 34 Frontrunner
Dancing With the Stars pros Jenna Johnson and Val Chmerkovskiy have tipped Robert Irwin as the early fan favorite for season 34, during an exclusive E! News interview at Variety’s Power of Young Hollywood gala on August 7.
Hey, I’m Riley Carter, keeping it casual but intrigued. Let’s unpack this DWTS chatter without fuss.
Fans might be scrolling past reality TV updates, but Jenna and Val aren’t shy about their pick. Jenna told E! News correspondent Will Marfuggi that Robert’s upbeat vibe is simply irresistible. “There’s something about positivity and energy, and his is contagious,” she said, alluding to his natural charisma. Observers at Variety confirmed the genuine admiration for Robert’s family legacy and magnetic presence.
Robert Irwin isn’t new to the ballroom spotlight. His older sister Bindi claimed the Mirrorball Trophy back in season 21 of DWTS in 2015, a win that set the bar high. Jenna reminisced about the days when a young Robert tagged along on set to cheer Bindi on. That history, she believes, adds a heartwarming layer to his season 34 journey on ABC, which kicks off September 16.
While Robert might seem like the safe bet, Jenna reminds us that every celebrity contestant brings something fresh to the floor. From digital influencer Alix Earle to The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives stars Jen Affleck and Whitney Leavitt, season 34 boasts an eclectic mix of personalities. Jenna, who won season 33 alongside Joey Graziadei, is keenly aware that audience response can shift at any moment as live voting heats up.
Val Chmerkovskiy, who danced through to week five last season with Phaedra Parks before bowing out, added a cautionary note. He pointed out that pre-season frontrunners can change fast once live shows start. Injuries, on-screen chemistry, growth curves and the partnership dynamic all play major roles. “I hate to mention it, injury, but also just the chemistry, the vibe, the growth, the partnership,” Val explained. Then he quipped that if anyone can claim “I’m the front runner,” it might just be him.
Looking back, DWTS is no stranger to surprises. Last fall’s cast included Anna Delvey, the so-called Inventing Anna inspiration, who tapped out in week one after a famed one-word goodbye that echoed across social feeds. An Olympic rugby player sprinted to the runner-up spot with pro Alan Bersten, showcasing athletic grace on the dance floor. A Disney Channel alum placed third while partnering with Brandon Armstrong and winning over younger fans. A top model shined early with Gleb Savchenko before bowing out mid-season despite high expectations. A Family Matters actor joined Emma Slater but exited in week two, quickly followed by The Dark Knight star dancing with Britt Stewart in a surprising double elimination. Season 33 concluded with Bachelor alum Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson lifting the Mirrorball Trophy, while a Beverly Hills, 90210 alum, an NFL pro, an NBA standout and an Olympic athlete teamed with Rylee Arnold to round out the competition and deliver memorable performances.
Season 34 might just rewrite the pattern. With Robert Irwin’s contagious optimism and a lineup that mixes influencers, actors and athletes, the ballroom could get more unpredictable than ever. Stay tuned for the premiere on September 16 to see if the early buzz holds up under those iconic studio lights.
Alright, so that’s how it looks on paper. Decide for yourself when the music starts.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and E! News, Variety
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
