One of the most talked-about contestants on Season 34 of Dancing with the Stars is 21-year-old Australian wildlife warrior Robert Irwin. Irwin and partner Witney Carson performed a jazz dance to Wicked's "Dancing Through Life" this week, earning them four 9s and their highest score to date (36 out of 40). It was another show-stopping act. The eternal optimist Irwin said that even with the high scores, he is still plagued by the elusive perfect 10.His response has spurred discussion about scoring ceilings, judging criteria, and the emotional toll of scoring in a competition where perfection is still elusive. Online fans are split: some believe he should receive perfect scores, while others claim that the 9-point limit just makes him more irate. However, for Irwin, the journey is about more than simply numbers; it's about legacy, progress, and realizing a childhood ambition. Robert's intense concentration on the first ten holds personal significance because his sister, Bindi Irwin, won Dancing with the Stars Season 21 ten years ago. Now, the issue is: will he make his breakthrough next week? This story is about what occurs when ambition and expectation collide, not simply about one score.Robert Irwin’s quest for the first 10 on Dancing with the StarsThe bar has been raised by Robert Irwin's recent performances on Dancing with the Stars, but the perfect ten is still out of reach. He claimed that even after receiving his best score to date, he was still overcome by the significance of it and the amount more he still desired. Not only is there pressure to have a fantastic routine next week, but there is also pressure to reach a milestone that might completely change his season. Here are the factors influencing Robert's competitive advantage and his current position.Raising the performance levelRobert's latest jazz performance on "Wicked Night" demonstrated that he is not a novelty act. The show had a lot of dramatic flair, deft footwork, and obvious synergy with Witney, the pro partner. His development and maturity caught the attention of both judges and supporters. He confidently performed lifts and synchronization routines, indicating a transition from potential rookie to contender.“It still feels surreal to post my highest score yet—and yet the 10 is still out there,” Robert admitted ahead of rehearsals.Robert admitted that more work needs to be done, even with the excellent comments and top-tier score of 36/40. He understands that perfection is about catching a moment, not just technique. The Dancing with the Stars routine showed that he can compete at a finalist level with two weeks remaining. He did clarify, though, that scoring isn't everything. It’s about making it count.The emotional layer and legacy factor View this post on Instagram Instagram PostRobert's athletic prowess belies a deeper story of human development and familial legacy. Even while he received acclaim and tears for his prior tribute routine to his mother, Terri Irwin, it fell short of the perfect score threshold. Robert's goal was more nuanced this time. Not only is he dancing for himself, but also for the Irwin name, his history, and the present.“My sister did it ten years ago—I’m not trying to copy her, I’m trying to colour outside the lines,” Robert remarked in a candid backstage interview.Although it increases strain, that sense of heritage also strengthens his fortitude. Robert continues to aim higher and endures the 9-ceiling week after week. As a result, he performs better, focuses better, and has a devoted following as he aims for a flawless score. Although he may not have finished the first ten yet, his current trajectory indicates that it will happen soon.Watch Dancing with the Stars on ABC.