Bindi Irwin was a fan favorite from the very start of Dancing With The Stars US, so it came as no surprise when she secured a spot in the finale at the top of the leaderboard.
The 17-year-old, accompanied by her dance partner Derek Hough, delivered a high-energy salsa performance to Sia’s You’re Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile. Dressed in a glittering silver flapper dress with vibrant fluorescent pink fringing, Bindi wowed the judges and earned an impressive score of 27 out of 30.
After the performance, Bindi’s energy was so infectious that she fell backward into the audience, allowing her adoring fans to catch her.
The only criticism came from judge Julianne Hough, who remarked, “I wish I could’ve seen a bit more down and dirty, because that’s what salsa is all about,” perhaps forgetting Bindi’s age, as she is still a minor.
In addition to their salsa, Bindi and Derek also won a samba dance-off against Backstreet Boy Nick Carter and Sharna Burgess, earning three extra points for their efforts.
With this performance, Team Crikey—Bindi and Derek—entered the final week with the highest total points of the season.
Earlier that day, Bindi was spotted leaving rehearsals in her favorite black maxi dress, pausing to take a group photo with fans after a Sunday spray tan session.
The duo had previously scored a perfect 30 for their Chicago-inspired Charleston, where Bindi dazzled in a sparkling bodice, fishnet stockings, and a shimmering tassel skirt.
Meanwhile, a source close to Bindi revealed that her boyfriend, Chandler Powell, has been feeling insecure about their relationship, as he worries he might lose her to the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. Despite supporting her at rehearsals and nursing her injuries, Chandler reportedly feels unable to compete with someone like Derek, and Bindi seems to be caught in the middle of this insecurity.