Copyright WJLA
Robert Irwin says he had quite a scare on “Dancing With the Stars” this week during his group dance performance that left him gasping for air. The 21-year-old wildlife conservationist revealed he “almost died” onstage after choking on a piece of confetti during Tuesday night’s (Nov. 5) episode. “I almost died tonight!” Irwin told Entertainment Tonight following the broadcast. “I choked on a piece of confetti after the team dance!” Irwin and his pro partner, Witney Carson, joined Julianne Hough’s “Team Kool” for a lively group number set to Kool & the Gang’s 1980 hit “Celebration.” Dressed in playful school uniforms, the group ended their routine with Irwin sliding dramatically across the dance floor, just as confetti rained down from the ceiling. That’s when things took a turn. “I went over to Witney, and I think they cut away,” Irwin recalled. “And I inhaled a piece of confetti.” Carson asked, “Were you actually choking?” to which Irwin replied, “No, I wasI couldn’t breathe.” He managed to cough up the confetti himself. “I went over to you [Carson] and I’m like” he said, miming a choking motion. “And I just went, ‘Ugh!’ And it just popped out! I’m not even kidding!” When the outlet expressed relief that Irwin survived the incident, he joked, “I nearly wasn’t!” Carson added with a laugh, “I didn’t even know that was happening! I would’ve been a shield like this with the confetti.” Despite the scare, the pair returned to the stage later that night, performing to The White Stripes’ “Icky Thump” for Rock & Roll Hall of Fame night. Judges praised their energy, with Bruno Tonioli and guest judge Flavor Flav awarding perfect 10s.
