Bindi Irwin's emotional Dancing With the Stars performance has been years in the making. Bindi and partner Derek Hough did a contemporary dance to a version of "Every Breath You Take" as a tribute to Bindi's late father, The Crocodile Hunter star Steve Irwin. Steve died in a tragic accident when Bindi was 8 years old. His death and departure from her life was something she said she struggled to get through. Now, nine years later, she shared her feelings with the world on the dance floor as part of Most Memorable Year night.
"I think that for all of us tonight has meant so much because each and every one of us has been through such a lot. To be able to share your journey and experiences with so many others, it means the world. For me tonight—it's been a challenging week, but I was so ready to be able to share that side of my story with more people and hopefully inspire others," Bindi told E! News in the video above. "It was tough, but I had Derek's support, which meant the world, and we got there."
Derek praised his 17-year-old dance partner, calling her authentic and extraordinary. "You really don't meet that many people like that. They're very rare, so when you do it's something to be very grateful for...To be able to work with her and create pieces like tonight that mean so much to her, it just reminds me why I do what I do. I love it. It's just so special to do something like that for somebody," he said.
Before their big performance, a package aired featuring the duo rehearsing, an emotional interview with Bindi's mom Terri Irwin and footage from Steve's memorial service. They didn't let each other watch the pre-dance package and took steps to avoid it, Derek said. "If it gets too emotional, than the emotions start to run you," he said. "End of the dance you let it go, let the emotions take over."
Next week the duo are split up, but they're not too worried about it. Click play on the video up top for more thoughts on their big switch and to find out who Bindi's favorite boy band is. The answer will surprise you!
Dancing With the Stars airs Mondays at 8 p.m. on ABC.