"Dancing with the Stars" ended with a spectacular crescendo, as wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin and his pro partner Witney Carson laid claim to the Mirrorball trophy.
Their victory on Tuesday, Nov. 25, marked the end of a particularly competitive (and closely watched) season, as stars like Olympian Jordan Chiles and influencer Alix Earle duked it own on the dance floor. But Irwin, 21, won the hearts of viewers early on, charming the audience with his touching family story and seemingly relentless positivity.
Irwin, the son of late conservationist Steve Irwin, took home the trophy exactly 10 years after sister Bindi Irwin won Season 21 of the ballroom dancing competition show. His win also came after he suffered a rib injury just before the finale.
Before he was a Mirrorball champ, headed out on tour to promote his win, USA TODAY visited Irwin in the "Dancing with the Stars" rehearsal studio, where he was learning a Paso Doble alongside Carson.
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