Daniella Karagach Compares Robert Irwin to This Previous DWTS Contestant Who 'Won Everyone's Hearts' (Exclusive)

   

Robert Irwin is going to steal the people's hearts on Dancing with the Stars this season. At least, that's what Daniella Karagach is predicting.

Daniella Karagach attends the 32nd annual Race To Erase MS Gala at Fairmont Century Plaza on May 16, 2025 in Los Angeles, California., Robert Irwin attends the Steve Irwin gala to support the Wildlife Warriors conservationist organization at Bellagio Resort & Casino on May 10, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The 21-year-old Aussie, who was the first celebrity contestant confirmed for DWTS season 34, is "very sweet," Karagach tells PEOPLE, so much so that he reminds her of another young sweetheart contestant from last season.

"I think he's great. I think he's exactly like Stephen [Nedoroscik]," she says. "He's America's sweetheart. People loved Stephen — he just won everyone's hearts, [he's] so, so kind. And I feel like Robert gives that same energy."

Calling Irwin "very family-oriented" and "humble," Karagach, 32, says he's "just a good guy," which is why he reminded her of Nedoroscik, 26.

Sasha Farber, Daniella Karagach, Britt Stewart, Emma Slater, Jenna Johnson, Robert Irwin, Alan Bersten

Robert Irwin with the cast of DWTS.

Robert Irwin/Instagram

"I think people are going to fall in love with him," she says of Irwin, who she predicts will make it to the championships this season.

 

"He's going to do [well]. I mean, I'm sure he's going to be in the finals," she says.

What gives her such faith in the conservationist? "I just feel like personality and popularity plays such a big part, so even if you're not the best dancer, I feel like if you're popular enough and people support you, you'll go really far," she says.

Robert is following in his older sister Bindi's footsteps six years later as he joins this season of DWTS. Bindi competed with Derek Hough in 2015 and took home the mirrorball trophy, but Robert told PEOPLE there's "no sibling rivalry" between them.

"It's actually really nice. She has just said, ‘Go into this and make it your own.’ She said it's going to be a completely different experience."

"I'm definitely going to be leaning on her a lot, as I have throughout my entire life, to be honest,” he said. “I think loss brings a family together like nothing else, and for us, for Bindi and myself, we've always had each other's backs through everything, and this is going to be no different. I feel very lucky that I've got her in my corner.”

Robert Irwin and Bindi Irwin attend the 12th Annual Endometriosis Foundation of America's Blossom Ball at Gotham Hall on May 03, 2024 in New York City.

Robert Irwin and Bindi Irwin attend the 12th Annual Endometriosis Foundation of America's Blossom Ball at Gotham Hall on May 03, 2024.

Dia Dipasupil/Getty

He also recalled cheering his older sister on in the ballroom as a "little 11-year-old kid with my little blonde bowl cut" when she competed a decade ago.

“Now Bindi is going to be there supporting me, and she'll have a lot more dance wisdom than 11-year-old Robert," he said. "I didn't have much to bring to the table, but she does. She's done it. She's won it!"

Other than Robert, influencer Alix Earle is the only other confirmed celebrity contestant for season 34.