In the first of a two-part finale to the US version of Dancing With The Stars, the 17-year-old pulled out her best moves of the season.
With proud mum Terri watching on from the studio audience in Los Angeles, Bindi and partner Derek Hough again wowed the judges with perfect 10s.
Her first routine, a redo quickstep, was praised by the judges as was their flawless freestyle dance to Leona Lewis’ song Footprints in the Sand, a routine dedicated to her late father Steve.
As she and Derek completed their slow, skilful contemporary performance, a digitally enhanced pair of footprints appeared on the floor for home viewers – showing ‘Steve’ quite literally walking alongside the pair.
“Sometimes in rehearsals it feels like there’s three people in the room…like dad is with me every day,” says Bindi, who was overcome with emotion after the breathtaking performance.
Judge Julianne Hough told the teen afterward, “You are so special”, while Bruno Tonioli said she “showed us the power of dance”.
“When I watch you dance I feel like I’m a better person,” gushed colleague Carrie Ann Inaba.
Before the finals kicked off, Bindi again took to Instagram to thank fans.
“I can’t believe that I have been blessed enough to make it to the finals of Dancing With The Stars,” she wrote.
“Living here in LA for the last 3 months, dancing every day, has been such an experience. Tonight will be extraordinary night, I would like to thank you all for your amazing support and love.
“I have dedicated this entire journey to all of you and my beautiful family. My mum, my brother and my dad. Thank you @derekhough for everything you have created over these last few months and for helping me to share so much of my life.”
Bindi and fellow finalists, military hero Alek Skarlatos and former Backstreet Boy Nick Carter compete for the Mirrorball trophy the following night.
