Bindi Irwin and professional partner Derek Hough danced their way into America’s hearts Monday night on the Season 21 premiere of the Emmy-winning “Dancing with the Stars.”
Dancing to “Crocodile Rock,” Irwin dedicated her jive performance to her late father, wildlife conservationist and “Crocodile Hunter” Steve Irwin. Steve Irwin was killed by a stingray on a television shoot in 2006, when his daughter was 8 years old.
Bindi Irwin and singer Nick Carter, who danced the cha-cha with pro partner Sharna Burgess, tied for first place with 24 points each (out of a possible 30 points).
Reality TV star Kim Zolciak-Biermann and pro partner Tony Dovolani were at the bottom of the list, earning just 12 points for their salsa.
Days before the Season 21 premiere, the reality show received some good news: a 2015 Emmy for outstanding choreography at Saturday’s creative arts Emmy Awards. Derek and Julianne Hough and Tessandra Chavez won for their “Elastic Heart” routine choreography on the Season 20 finale.
The show, which racked up a total of eight nominations, is also up for best reality competition. That will be announced at the Primetime Emmy Awards, which air 8 p.m. ET Sunday night on Fox.
The 13 celebrity dancers and their pro partners compete for the show’s Mirrorball trophy. They are judged by the audience and two-time Mirrorball champion Julianne Hough, and dancer/choreographers Bruno Tonioli and Carrie Ann Inaba.
The first elimination won’t be until Tuesday, September 22. The couples with the lowest combined scores are eliminated throughout the season, leading to a final competition between the top three couples.