DWTS fans witnessed a remarkable moment during the semifinals on Monday night, as Robert and his professional partner, Witney Carson, delivered what the judges described as their most impressive performance of the season, leaving Alix Earle disappointed.
The duo, having consistently progressed on the leaderboard recently, achieved the first perfect score of 30 of the night with an impressive Argentine tango that captivated the ballroom audience.
As they approached the important double-elimination week, Robert and Witney encountered significant pressure to earn a place in the Dancing with the Stars finale.
The selection of the Argentine tango was skilfully executed, as Witney’s detailed choreography showcased Robert’s significant advancements in frame, footwork, and emotional depth.
Judge Carrie Ann Inaba stood to applaud, declaring it “the most authentic tango I’ve seen from a non-dancer all season.” The couple’s journey on DWTS has been one of the biggest surprises this year.
Robert, previously known more for his off-screen persona than dance ability, admitted early in the competition that ballroom dancing terrified him. Witney, making her professional debut on the show, has received praise for transforming the nervous beginner into a confident performer capable of leading complex routines.
Monday’s performance featured lightning-fast flicks, dramatic lifts, and a chemistry that had host Alfonso Ribeiro joking about needing a fan.
Bruno Tonioli described their connection as “dangerously good”, while Derek Hough noted Robert’s leg action had finally caught up with his natural musicality.
The perfect score marked only the second time this season that any couple achieved straight 10s across the board. Social media exploded immediately after the dance, with the duo trending nationwide within minutes.
Fans flooded comment sections calling it the best celebrity tango since the show’s early seasons. Many pointed out how far Robert has come from his awkward Week 1 cha-cha that scored just 15 points.
Their second routine of the night, a modern work devoted to Robert’s late grandmother, got another near-perfect score of 29, which kept them at the top of the scoreboard.
The passionate performance made many cry, and Whitney herself cried throughout the package clip. Robert and Alix are now the clear favourites going into next week’s finale since they were the only pair to get more than one perfect or almost perfect score this week.
Their development has become a major plot point in Season 33, with fans choosing to keep them safe even though they were expected to be eliminated in the middle of the season.
Backstage, professional dancers have expressed strong opinions regarding Witney’s teaching skills, with numerous experienced individuals highlighting her swift identification and correction of Robert’s particular weaknesses.
The success of the partnership has initiated discussions regarding Witney’s potential return as a professional next season, independent of the results of this year.
As the finale approaches, Robert and Alix encounter significant competition from Olympic medallists and seasoned Broadway veterans who remain in the running.
Nonetheless, their current momentum indicates the possibility of them emerging as one of the most unexpected champions in DWTS history. Enthusiasts anticipating the conclusion of the underdog narrative are in the process of arranging voting gatherings for the finale on Monday.
Regardless of the outcome next week, Robert and Witney have demonstrated that commitment, synergy, and outstanding instruction can prevail over early challenges on Dancing with the Stars. Their advancement to the semifinals has established them as the standout performers of this season.
