When Robert Irwin, wildlife conservationist and son of the late Steve Irwin, tied for first place with Whitney Leavitt on the season‑34 premiere of Dancing With The Stars, the ballroom buzzed with excitement – and a missing judge added a curious twist.
The episode aired on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT on ABC, with the full show streaming the next day on Hulu and Disney+. Filmed before a live audience at the iconic studio lot in Burbank, California, fourteen celebrity‑pro pairs kicked off the competition for the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy.
Premiere Overview
The two‑hour special opened with a high‑energy jive that paid homage to Steve Irwin’s wildlife legacy. Irwin’s routine, set to a thumping tribal beat, featured a safari‑themed backdrop and even a cameo from his four‑year‑old niece, Grace, sitting in the front row. After the performance he told his partner, Bindy Irwin, “This will feel like flying… and now I know that feeling.”
Leavitt, best known from the reality series The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, matched Irwin’s score with a sleek Latin number that blended contemporary choreography with classic ballroom flair. Both celebrities earned 15 out of a possible 20 points, the highest marks awarded by the judges that night.
Star Performances and Scores
Other headline acts included:
- Hilaria Baldwin (wife of Alec Baldwin) – a cha‑cha to Jennifer Lopez’s “Let’s Get Loud,” landing a solid 14 points. Alec’s reaction, captured by Entertainment Tonight, was a mix of amused awe and a cheeky comment that he "kinda looked like he wanted to punch Gleb."
- Dylan Efron – brother of Zac Efron – tackled Kelis’s “Milkshake.” Critics noted his charm but flagged technical slip‑ups, giving him a modest 12 points.
Scoring this season follows a familiar 10‑point per judge format, but the total out of 20 reflects the reduced panel: Derek Hough, Bruno Tonioli, and the absent Carrie Ann Inaba would normally make up a trio of 30 points.
New Pro Dancer Jan Ravnik Takes the Stage
Season 34 introduced a fresh face among the pros: Jan Ravnik, a 29‑year‑old who spent the past year on Taylor Swift’s record‑breaking Eras Tour. Announced on August 28, 2025, during an appearance on Good Morning America, Ravnik promised, “The Mirrorball never goes out of style and we are ready to win it.” His debut routine, a modern street‑dance infusion, earned a respectable 13 points, suggesting he’ll be a contender to watch.
Judge Panel Shifts and Reactions
While Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli were on hand, longtime judge Carrie Ann Inaba missed the premiere due to an undisclosed illness, a fact confirmed by ET’s Denny Directo during post‑tap interviews. Inaba’s absence sparked a flurry of speculation on social media, with fans wondering how the scoring dynamics might shift when she returns.
“I’m just hoping she feels better soon,” said veteran contestant Joey Graziadei, the season‑33 champion, when asked about the missing judge. The panel’s chemistry, however, remained lively; Hough’s enthusiasm and Tonioli’s flamboyant critiques kept the energy high.
What This Means for the Season
The tie at the top sets an intriguing precedent. Historically, only a handful of seasons have begun with a dead‑heat, and those years often produced nail‑biting eliminations later on. If Irwin and Leavitt maintain their momentum, they could become the first duo to clinch the Mirrorball without ever falling into the bottom three.
Meanwhile, the inclusion of a pro with pop‑concert experience hints at a potential shift toward more contemporary, high‑octane numbers – a trend that could attract younger viewers while risking alienation of traditional ballroom purists.
Looking Ahead: Schedule and Stakes
DWTS will continue its Tuesday‑night run on ABC at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT, with each episode hitting Hulu and Disney+ the following morning. The competition proceeds through weekly eliminations, culminating in a live finale projected for late November 2025. The ultimate prize, the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy, remains a coveted symbol of dance excellence, honoring the beloved head judge who passed away in April 2023.
Fans can expect surprise guest performances, themed weeks ranging from “Hollywood Icons” to “World Cultures,” and the inevitable drama of judges’ scores versus audience votes. As the season unfolds, the question on everyone’s lips is simple: will the early leaders stay on top, or will a dark horse emerge from the ballroom’s shadows?
Key Facts
- Premiere date: September 16, 2025 (8 p.m. ET/PT)
- Location: Burbank, California studio ballroom
- Top scores: Robert Irwin & Whitney Leavitt – 15/20 each
- Judge panel: Derek Hough, Bruno Tonioli (Carrie Ann Inaba absent)
- New pro: Jan Ravnik – former Eras Tour backup dancer
- Streaming: Episodes available next day on Hulu & Disney+
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the tie between Irwin and Leavitt affect the competition?
A tie on opening night signals a fierce scoreboard battle. Historically, early ties often lead to tighter eliminations, meaning both contestants will need to up their technical scores quickly to avoid landing in the bottom three.
Why was Carrie Ann Inaba missing from the premiere?
Inaba missed the episode due to an undisclosed illness, as reported by Entertainment Tonight correspondent Denny Directo. Her absence sparked online speculation, but the network confirmed she’ll return as soon as she’s cleared to work.
What makes Jan Ravnik’s background unique for DWTS?
Ravnik spent the prior year touring with Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, mastering high‑energy pop choreography. His crossover experience brings a fresh, movement‑focused style that could reshape the show’s aesthetic.
When can viewers watch each episode after it airs?
Episodes air Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC. The full uncensored version becomes available the next morning on both Hulu and Disney+ for on‑demand streaming.
What is the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy?
The Mirrorball Trophy honors the late head judge Len Goodman, who passed in April 2023. It’s the competition’s ultimate prize, symbolizing mastery of ballroom technique and showmanship.
