Jaw-dropping pic as Aussie star wows America

This young Aussie star is blitzing the US – and amid the headlines, one jaw-dropping photo is going viral online.

Robert Irwin on Dancing with the Stars.

As Robert Irwin’s American Dancing with the Stars blitz continues, one jaw-dropping image sums up just how well the young Aussie star is doing this season.

This week’s episode of the dance competition show was ‘Dedication night,’ where each celeb would perform a dance dedicated to an important figure in their lives.

Irwin dedicated his dance to his mother Terri, and was overcome with emotion several times through the episode as he expressed his gratitude to his mum for holding their family together after the death of Robert’s father Steve almost 20 years ago, when Robert was only two years old.

Irwin’s tears made headlines yesterday – but another moment from the episode is going viral on social media.

It’s a moment from his dance, to the Phil Collins ballad You’ll Be In My Heart. Irwin’s professional dance partner Witney Carson is standing on the ground holding his hand, while Irwin is in flight: Toes pointed, arms outstretched, seemingly hovering a full metre or so off the ground.

Robert Irwin takes flight.

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One viral tweet sharing the moment summed it up: “No dance experience, no TikToks, no gymnastics … THIS MAN WORKS AT A ZOO.”

Robert and Witney’s dance earned a score of 35 from the judges, placing them joint second for the night, but he was a clear favourite among viewers. One called the performance a “beautiful ode to the strength of single parents” on social media.

Others dubbed it “the best dance of the season” and a “must-see performance.”

The most emotional moment came in the dance’s final seconds, when Carson stepped off the stage, with Robert’s beloved mum Terri replacing her to finish the dance together.

Irwin finished this week’s dance with mum Terri. Picture: DWTS

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Robert appeared overcome with emotion as he pulled Terri in for a hug.

And footage from inside the rehearsal room as Irwin talked about the meaning behind his “dedication dance” showed it had been an emotional week for the young star, who broke down in tears as he spoke about his father’s death.

“I was two when I lost dad, and as I got older, I started to realise how hard it must be for her. I’ve never really been able to capture what it-” Irwin said, bursting into tears.

Irwin broke down speaking about his father's passing.

“I’ve never been able to capture the feeling of gratitude that I feel for her. At every milestone, I just wished that my dad was there. She was there, and that was enough.”

“I struggled a lot with losing my dad – a lot. And she always made sure my dad was present in our lives.

“I want her to know how proud my dad would be of her.”

Robert is now five episodes into the season of Dancing with the Stars, with another five episodes to go before the finale.

His stint on the show comes a decade after his big sister Bindi competed on the same program, eventually winning her season alongside dance partner Derek Hough.