What happened on the October 21st episode of 'Dancing with the Stars'?

Robert Irwin, 21, and his partner Witney Carson, 32, performed a jazz routine that impressed the judges, but judge Derek Hough, 40, initially held up a 6 before flipping it to a 9, surprising the duo.

How did the 'Dancing with the Stars' judges score Robert Irwin and Witney Carson's performance?

The judges, including Derek Hough and Wicked director Jon M. Chu, gave Irwin and Carson a total score of 36 points for their jazz routine.

What are Robert Irwin and Witney Carson planning for the upcoming Halloween Week on 'Dancing with the Stars'?

Irwin said they plan to "bring it to a new level" for Halloween Week, with something "intense, something dark" and a focus on taking his technique to a new level.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / 'Dancing with the Stars' Duo Stuns Judges with Surprise Prank and Risky Routine

'Dancing with the Stars' Duo Stuns Judges with Surprise Prank and Risky Routine

22 Oct, 2025

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Summary

Dancer Robert Irwin, 21, and partner Witney Carson, 32, performed a jazz routine
Judge Derek Hough, 40, initially held up a 6 before flipping it to a 9
Pair earned a total score of 36 points despite last-minute changes to their routine

'Dancing with the Stars' Duo Stuns Judges with Surprise Prank and Risky Routine

On the October 21st episode of 'Dancing with the Stars', dancer Robert Irwin, 21, and his partner Witney Carson, 32, performed a jazz routine to the song "Dancing Through Life" that was worthy of the big screen. When it came time for the scores to be revealed, judge Derek Hough, 40, initially held up a 6 before flipping his paddle over to show a 9, surprising the duo.