Did Bindi Irwin Win Dancing with the Stars?
Yes, Bindi Irwin won the 27th season of Dancing with the Stars (U.S.) in November 2018 with professional partner Derek Hough. As the daughter of Steve Irwin and a committed conservationist, she used the platform to spotlight wildlife education while competing. This verified explainer outlines her season performance, the finale result, and how the win influenced her career and conservation messaging.
Bindi Irwin’s Season Performance and Highlights
Bindi joined season 27 in 2018 and consistently ranked among the top competitors each week. Her routines blended technical precision with stage presence, often weaving in themes of wildlife and conservation.
Key Routines and Scores
| Week | Song / Style | Judges’ Score (Typical Range) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Cha-cha-cha — “Fame” | 24/30 | Strong start; clear spotlight on technique |
| Week 4 | Jive — “You Really Got Me” | 27/30 | High-energy performance; judges praised showmanship |
| Week 7 | Samba — “Mas Que Nada” | 28/30 | Consistency noted; audience engagement highlighted |
| Week 9 (Semifinal) | Argentine Tango — “Por una Cabeza” | 29/30 | Artistic storytelling; advanced to finale |
| Week 10 (Finale) | Freestyle — “Spinning Around” | 30/30 | Perfect score component; contributed to win |
Her consistent high scores and ability to connect with viewers reinforced her as a favorite. Judges repeatedly commended her discipline, showmanship, and capacity to educate through performance.
The Finale Result and What the Victory Meant
In the season 27 finale, Bindi and Derek Hough outperformed three other finalist couples to claim the Mirrorball Trophy. Public vote totals and judges’ scores combined to crown them the champions. The win amplified her platform, drawing broader attention to wildlife conservation and youth education initiatives tied to the Australia Zoo mission.
Impact on Her Career and Conservation Work
Winning Dancing with the Stars provided Bindi measurable visibility beyond traditional conservation media. It opened doors for interviews, partnerships, and speaking engagements where she could advocate for species protection and environmental stewardship. The experience also reinforced her communication skills, allowing her to translate complex conservation topics for mainstream audiences.
Bindi Irwin in Context: Compared to Other Celebrity DWTS Winners
While many DWTS winners come from entertainment backgrounds, Bindi brought a distinct conservation and educational lens. Compared with prior winner celebrities, her platform emphasized field-based work and species advocacy, which widened the show’s appeal to audiences interested in science and wildlife.
- Most winners focus primarily on entertainment post-victory; Bindi sustained and expanded her conservation outreach.
- Her season maintained high viewer engagement, with social media interactions centered on animal facts and habitat protection.
- The victory served as a launchpad for extended content on wildlife messaging across digital platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How did Bindi prepare for the competition? She trained intensively with Derek Hough, focusing on technical execution, stage presence, and integrating conservation themes into choreography.
- Did the win directly increase involvement in conservation projects? Yes; the heightened profile accelerated partnerships and fundraising efforts for Australia Zoo initiatives and global species programs.
- What scores did Bindi receive in the finale? In the finale, she earned a perfect-scored component (30 points overall), including judge commendations and top public vote totals.
- Has Bindi remained active in TV and media after DWTS? She has continued appearances, educational content, and conservation-focused programming, maintaining relevance across broadcast and digital formats.
Conclusion
Bindi Irwin won Dancing with the Stars in season 27, combining strong technical performance with a conservation-forward brand. The win elevated her ability to communicate wildlife priorities to a mass audience and provided lasting visibility for Australia Zoo’s mission. Her trajectory underscores how competition platforms can be leveraged for long-term educational impact.