The only one who seemed to be surprised that Bindi Irwin won season 21 of “Dancing With the Stars” was apparently Bindi Irwin.
The young star and her pro dance partner, Derek Hough, received the Mirrorball Trophy on Tuesday night during a two-hour finale. After the announcement, Irwin looked shocked and could be seen exclaiming, “Oh, my God!”
The 17-year-old won hearts all season with her touching tributes to her late father, “Crocodile Hunter” Steve Irwin, and with her sweetness and enthusiasm.
Backstreet Boy Nick Carter and his partner, Sharna Burgess, were runners-up, and Army National Guardsman Alek Skarlatos and Lindsay Arnold came in third.
Even Carter said afterward, “Honestly, Bindi deserved it!”
The win wasn’t the only excitement of the night.
Carter performed his song “I Will Wait,” and former contestant Carlos PenaVega reprised his performance to Ginuwine’s “Pony.”
Irwin told People the experience was life-changing.
“I’m excited to get back into my khakis and be with the animals again,” she said. “I hope to make even more positive change in this world and spread that love and light.”
