How Russell Crowe Became Robert Irwin’s Secret Weapon on Dancing With the Stars

Robert Irwin is not just dancing for Bruno Tonioli and Carrie Ann Inaba. He has a secret (well, not-so-secret now) VIP viewer who gives him notes after every routine: Russell Crowe. Yes, that Russell Crowe. And apparently, the Oscar winner is a tougher critic than the judges some weeks.

Russell Crowe is watching every week — and sending notes

At the premiere of Crowe's new film, 'Nuremberg', Robert said the actor has been texting him detailed critiques after each Dancing With the Stars performance. Not generic thumbs-up stuff either — actual breakdowns of steps, lines, and storytelling. Robert clearly values it more than your average celebrity pat-on-the-back.

"I am incredibly grateful for his support on this dancing journey. It has actually been really cool because Russell will message after each performance. Instead of going, 'this was a really great dance,' he will really delve into the detail of, 'Okay, these steps were great, love the lines, love the clarity in the storytelling.' To really get that very in-depth feedback is amazing, and it means a lot."

Why Crowe's opinion hits different for Robert

The Irwins and Crowe go way back. Crowe was close with Steve Irwin long before Robert was born, and that connection never went away. Robert has said he has known Crowe his entire life, and some of his earliest memories with his dad include Russell in the picture. After Steve passed in 2006, Terri Irwin told Hello Magazine that Crowe stepped in as a real support system — he checked on them, helped where he could, and offered advice about the kids. So when Crowe sends notes now, it is not just a famous acquaintance chiming in; it is family.

DWTS as a comfort-zone stretch — with a heavyweight mentor

Robert is the first to admit he is not a trained dancer. He is a 21-year-old wildlife conservationist trying something wildly different, and using it to tell his story and put some positivity into the world. Having Crowe as a steady, thoughtful sounding board clearly helps. Sure, he is still bracing for Bruno and Carrie Ann every Monday, but it sounds like Russell's texts are the ones he re-reads.

• Season 34 premiere: Robert and partner Witney opened with a high-energy jive in safari outfits — and snagged some of the night's top scores.
• Dedication Night: They delivered a heartfelt tribute to Robert's mom, Terri Irwin, who kept the family together after Steve's death.

So if you are watching Robert glide across the floor, just know there is probably a message from Russell Crowe waiting in his phone with a mini masterclass on what just happened. Honestly, that is one heck of a coach to have.