Bindi Irwin is the new "Dancing With the Stars" champion. The teen daughter of late "Crocodile Hunter" Steve Irwin and professional partner Derek Hough capped a near-perfect Season 21 in Tuesday's finals.
Irwin and Hough, who has won the title with his partner now six times, according to
USA Today, beat out Nick Carter and his dance partner Sharna Burgess, who finished second. Alek Skarlatos and his pro partner Lindsay Arnold, were third.
"I never knew I would learn so much about rhinestones and glitter and high heels," said Irwin. "The most special part of this experience is to really be able to grow and touch on parts of my life that I never thought I would really go to and be able to share my journey and story with so many others."
"And to be able to gain another brother who's been so special. I feel really blessed," added Irwin, referring to Hough.
Entertainment Weekly said Irwin's last dance with Hough, a cha cha and Argentine tango combo, earned a perfect 30 score from the show's judges.
"I can't think of a more perfect way to end this season," said Carrie Ann Inaba, one of the judges. "It's been because of you, Bindi Irwin."
Lynette Rice of Entertainment Weekly said the title appeared to be Irwin's to win from the start of the show.
"Her personal story of triumph over tragedy was an inspiration to viewers and even served as a sentimental narrative to some of her performances," said Rice. "On Monday, Irwin and Hough danced to 'Footprints in the Sand' in memory of her dad, whose picture was projected on the big screen behind her."
Kerry Grace Benn said on the Wall Street Journal's
Speakeasy blog that the show's finals were competitive and she was pleased with the results.
"I've been Team Bindi all season," said Benn. "I've just been so impressed by her poise and grace and genuineness – but I thought we had one of the show's stronger finals this time around."
Lisa Reynolds said on the blog that Nick Carter, of the Backstreet Boys, handled his second place finish with class.
"Nick is an extremely gracious runner-up, shouting more than once, 'Bindi deserved it,'" said Reynolds. "He nodded his head and smiled when she was named the winner. Nick Carter, you have impressed me greatly this season not just as a dancer, but as a man."
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