Los Angeles, September 15, 2015 — (UPI) — Australian television personality Bindi Irwin earned top scores on her rock-infused debut on the Monday night premier of Dancing With The Stars.
The 17-year-old daughter of the late Steve Irwin wowed judges and spectators alike with her transition from what Julianne Hough called “the bush to the ballroom,” earning her and professional dance partner Derek Hough the highest score of the night alongside competitor Nick Carter.
Irwin’s first performance on the popular USA star-studded competition show started with the two in her father’s signature khaki. The wildlife warrior then stripped down to a bright green sequined dress to finish off the number.
After her performance, Irwin took to social media to recount her feelings alongside a loving photo of herself and Hough. “This experience,” she wrote. “I am grateful beyond words for tonight. Thank you all and especially my life coach and dance partner.”
“My mom always said that anytime my dad would watch me dance around the zoo, he would cry,” the young actress said in an interview before the show’s airing. “I think that the real reason I’m doing this is to make him proud, and everyone back at home in Australia proud.”
DWTS returns Tuesday for the new cast’s “first dances.”
