Bindi Irwin was a standout during Monday night’s Dancing with the Stars premiere. The 17-year-old tied with Nick Carter for the highest score of the night, earning straight 8’s from the judges.
After the show, Bindi told People that she dedicated the dance to her father, the late Steve Irwin. Irwin was also known as the Crocodile Hunter, and his daughter danced a jive to “Crocodile Rock.”
But it was the other animal-themed anthem she hummed to herself as she got set for the stage that was her real tribute. She got in step by singing “Eye of the Tiger.”
“It’s my theme song. My dad liked that song. My mum liked that song.”
Irwin was out of her element, dressed up in heels and a flashy outfit.
“I’m in a sequin dress and I’m kicking my legs! I was quite nervous. So I was singing ‘Eye of the Tiger.’”
Derek Hough, Irwin’s partner, told Us Weekly that the teenager has already improved when it comes to dancing.
“Honestly, from day one to now, people wouldn’t even believe how far she’s come. The transformation is miraculous, literally. We’ve got her in little training heels right now.”
Steve Irwin, who co-owned the Australia Zoo with his wife, Terri, was known for getting up close and personal with dangerous animals. He was also an advocate for wildlife conservation. He died as the result of a stingray attack while filming a documentary, Time reported. The incident happened in September of 2006, when Bindi was still a little girl.
Bindi told Us it was challenging to pick up where her dad left off, but she is doing her best.
“I’m trying to carry on my dad’s legacy, and it is tough. I think that people always say when people pass away that time heals all wounds. And that’s probably the biggest lie, it’s not true. I think we all need to remember that it is always still tough and it’s like losing a piece of your heart.”
Terri and Bindi’s 11-year-old brother, Bob, were in the audience cheering her on. Hough told Us that he was impressed with Bindi’s family as much as his dance partner.
“Y’all are like the coolest human beings and I’m so thankful you’re in my life right now!”
Dancing with the Stars airs a recap of the premiere night performances Tuesday night. The show returns for all-new dances next Monday night on ABC.
[Left photo Bindi Irwin, February 3, 2014: Matt Roberts / Getty Images Sports; Right photo Steve and Bindi Irwin, October 2, 2005: Australia Zoo Handout / Getty Images Entertainment]
