There was not a dry eye in the house, and after you see this dancing duet, you will understand why. Derek Hough and Bindi Irwin relished in their hard work over season 21 after being crowned the Mirror Ball winners. The two closed out the season with the most heartfelt tribute to Bindi’s father, the late Steve Irwin.

The 17-year-old daughter of Irwin delighted the crowd and judges with her performances week after week. She said, “It’s been life-changing for me and I’ve had the support of my family and Derek and so many other people.” Hough, who now has six Mirror Ball Trophies, chimed in to say, “To win at this level, at the standard the show has been raised to, has been incredible.”

Entertainment Weekly reported that Bindi’s last dance with Hough, a cha-cha and Argentine tango combo, earned an ideal score of 30 from the show’s judges.

This emotional performance, however, ended with a projected photo of a young Bindi kissing her father on the cheek. The theme for the dancers that evening was “Most Memorable Year” and Bindi chose 2006, the year she lost her father in a tragic, deadly encounter with a stingray.

Many may remember the pint-size, but courageous young girl after her father’s terrible death. The compelling number culminates an abiding journey throughout the competition. With her determination, resilience and talent, she gloriously prevailed, and won!

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