Robert Irwin has been crowned the winner of US Dancing with the Stars, alongside his professional dance partner, Witney Carson. But the big question everyone is wondering is what he wins? Is there prize money involved, or do they donate winnings to a charity, as the Australian franchise of Dancing with the Stars does?
Unlike Australia, which, in addition to winning a trophy and the title, also nominates a charity to receive a generous donation, the US don’t follow the same structure.
There are no donations in the US DWTS; the celebrities just receive a mirrorball trophy and the title of winner. The stars are instead paid for their appearance. The longer they stay in the comp, the more they earn. Multiple sources and Variety stated they receive an initial payment of $125,000 USD during the rehearsal period and their first two weeks on the show.
If they make it to the third week, they will then earn bonuses and additional fees every week they remain in the competition. Some sources revealed that in past seasons, celebrities have earned $345,000 USD, with Bindi earning a whopping $350,000 USD for her winning appearance in season 21 alongside professional dancer Derek Hough.
How much did Robert Irwin make on Dancing with the Stars?
We did some digging, and according to Real Estate, Robert reportedly earned a base salary of $US125,000 ($A188,000) for the first two weeks of Dancing With The Stars, with potential to reach a total of $US295,000 ($A447,000) to $US400,000 ($A606,000) by the end of the season. Wild, right?
In his Instagram winning announcement, he said, “Every week I represented my home at Australia Zoo, our charity – Wildlife Warriors, and a legacy that is so important to me. I lift this mirrorball trophy with a sense of gratitude that my message and everything I stand for were recognised in that ballroom. The lessons I learned and friendships that I have formed will be part of me forever.”
While there is no donation to a charity from the show, we know that the Irwin family’s Wildlife Warrior organisation is close to his heart.
In case you need a reminder on all the incredible things they do, visit their website or keep reading below for just a few of our favourite projects.
3 conservation projects by Wildlife Warriors
01
Wildlife rescues
In today’s society, our wildlife face threats every day. In order to survive – find food, new habitat, or mate – many animals need to cross roads, encounter domestic animals or escape unfailiar areas. Australia Zoo are on the road 7 days a week responding to wildlife emergencies. From rescuing sea turtles in the ocean to koalas in the trees, they’re always ready to help.
02
Wildlife hospital
Wildlife are victims to injury and devastation daily, from road traffic to domestic animal attacks and land clearing. Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital gives injured wildlife a second chance. Over a 12 month period, between 9,000 and 10,000 animals are brought to the hospital for lifesaving treatment.
03
Crocodile research
Crocodiles are one of the oldest living species on the planet, having outlived dinosaurs and thrived through some of the harshest conditions imaginable, but there is still so much to learn about them. Steve Irwin joined forces with the University of Queensland and together, they began tracking crocodiles to learn about their movements and more.
What happened during the DWTS finale?
For the finale, Robert and Witney performed a quickstep to the hit song by the Jets, Are You Gonna Be My Girl for the Judges’ Choice Round. Then they performed a freestyle routine to Sam Sparro’s Black & Gold and Avicii’s The Nights.
During the practice for the Judges Round, Robert was heard speaking about his earlier rib injury, telling judge Derek Hough, “I’ve been dealing with rib pain… It’s been getting worse progressively.”
But he didn’t let that stop him, earning 29/30 in his first dance. Then he received a perfect score for his two freestyle dances, finishing up with 89/90 behind another team’s perfect score. Audience votes were tallied, and Robert took the win.
We have reached out to Robert Irwin for comment, but have yet to hear back.
