5 Shocking Secrets And Sweetest Moments Of Derek Hough And Bindi Irwin’s Unbreakable Bond (Updated 2025)

The enduring partnership between Bindi Irwin and Derek Hough remains one of the most beloved and successful in Dancing with the Stars history, a bond that has transcended the Mirrorball trophy and continues to evolve. Their connection, forged during the intense competition of Season 21, was recently highlighted by a touching reunion in October 2024 at the prestigious 2025 Dancers Against Cancer Gala of the Stars in Los Angeles. This gathering proved that their friendship is as strong as ever, with Bindi presenting Derek with a major honor and sharing heartfelt words about his next big role: fatherhood.

This article dives deep into the latest updates on the iconic duo, from their recent public appearance and Derek’s personal news to the five most surprising and defining moments of their journey, including the hilarious and often painful realities of their championship run. We explore the full biographies of both the wildlife warrior and the dance pro, detailing their current professional lives and why their friendship remains a fan favorite almost a decade later.

The Champions' Circle: Bindi Irwin and Derek Hough Full Profile

The foundation of their partnership was built on mutual respect and an intense work ethic, combining Bindi’s natural effervescence and commitment to her late father’s legacy with Derek’s unparalleled choreography and coaching expertise. Understanding their individual journeys provides context for the powerhouse team they became.

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Bindi Irwin: The Wildlife Warrior

• Full Name: Bindi Sue Irwin
• Born: July 24, 1998, in Queensland, Australia
• Best Known For: Daughter of the late "Crocodile Hunter," Steve Irwin; television personality; conservationist; zookeeper; actress.
• Current Role: CEO of Australia Zoo and a passionate spokesperson for the family’s conservation organization, Wildlife Warriors Worldwide.
• Family Life: Married to Chandler Powell; mother to daughter Grace Warrior Irwin Powell.
• DWTS Achievement: Winner of Dancing with the Stars Season 21 (2015) with partner Derek Hough.

Derek Hough: The Six-Time Champion

• Full Name: Derek Bruce Hough
• Born: May 17, 1985, in Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.
• Best Known For: Professional Latin and Ballroom dancer, choreographer, actor, and television personality. The only six-time champion of Dancing with the Stars.
• Current Role: Permanent judge on Dancing with the Stars (since Season 29); touring performer with his "Symphony of Dance" show.
• Family Life: Married to professional dancer Hayley Erbert; expecting his first child.
• DWTS Achievement: Record-breaking six-time Mirrorball champion and multiple Emmy Award-winning choreographer.

The Latest Reunion: Fatherhood, Awards, and Lasting Friendship (2024-2025)

The most recent and significant update on the duo came in late 2024, proving their connection is far from a temporary television pairing. In October 2024, Bindi Irwin took the stage at the 2025 Dancers Against Cancer Gala of the Stars to present Derek Hough with the prestigious Innovator Award.

During her presentation, Bindi spoke glowingly about the man who helped her navigate one of the most transformative periods of her life. The moment was especially poignant as it coincided with Derek’s exciting personal news: he and his wife, Hayley Erbert, are expecting their first child. Bindi, a mother herself, publicly gushed that Derek is going to be "the most wonderful dad," a sentiment that underscored the depth of their enduring friendship.

This reunion also highlighted the family’s ongoing connection to the show. Derek has previously expressed appreciation for Bindi’s younger brother, Robert Irwin, who has also been a contestant on DWTS, noting how Robert honored one of the dances Derek and Bindi performed. This cross-generational support solidifies the Irwin-Hough relationship as a true "DWTS family" bond.

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5 Defining Moments from Their Championship Season 21 Journey

Their journey on Dancing with the Stars Season 21 was marked by perfect scores, emotional tributes, and an unparalleled chemistry that captivated millions. Here are the five most defining and surprising moments from the partnership that led them to lift the Mirrorball Trophy.

1. The Hilarious Near-Mishap in the Iconic ‘Dirty Dancing’ Lift

While Bindi’s performances were nearly flawless, the pressure of live television almost led to disaster. One of their most talked-about routines was the recreation of the iconic lift from the movie Dirty Dancing. Derek later revealed that the lift, which required incredible precision, almost went wrong. The sheer intensity of the choreography and the danger of the high-stakes move meant that a small slip could have been a major—and hilarious—live TV mishap. The fact that they pulled it off under immense pressure is a testament to their dedication.

2. The Emotional ‘Footprints in the Sand’ Freestyle

The most memorable and emotionally resonant dance of their entire run was their Freestyle. Set to "Footprints in the Sand," the performance was a beautiful, contemporary tribute to Bindi’s late father, Steve Irwin. The dance ended with a projected image of Bindi and her dad, leaving the judges and the audience in tears. This performance was not just about technical merit; it was a raw, honest expression of Bindi's heart, which cemented her place as a champion and showcased Derek's mastery of emotional choreography.

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3. The Shocking Reality of Bindi’s Gruesome Injuries

Behind the glittering costumes and perfect scores lay a painful reality. Bindi’s dedication was so intense that she developed severe foot injuries. Derek Hough himself spoke about the gruesome nature of her feet, which had "literal holes" in them, comparing the sight to a "flesh-eating disease" during one rehearsal. Bindi's ability to push through the pain, often dancing with massive bruises and torn skin, highlighted her incredible mental toughness and commitment to the competition.

4. The Legal Battle Over Bindi’s Minor Status

A surprising off-stage drama occurred when Bindi’s contract required legal approval because she was only 17 years old at the time of the competition. A Los Angeles Superior Court judge initially rejected the contract because Bindi’s father, Steve Irwin, was deceased, and the court required proof of her father’s death and a signature from her mother, Terri Irwin, to ensure Bindi received her earnings. This legal hurdle was a brief but significant distraction, underscoring the complexities of her young career and the unique circumstances of her family.

5. The Energetic Jive to ‘Crocodile Rock’

From the start, Bindi’s energy was infectious. Their Week 1 Jive, set to Elton John’s "Crocodile Rock," immediately signaled that Bindi was a serious contender. The dance was a perfect blend of her wildlife persona and Derek’s sharp, energetic choreography, earning them a high score of 24 (8, 8, 8) and setting the tone for a season defined by high-scoring, memorable performances. It was the first glimpse of the "Crocodile Hunter's" daughter embracing the ballroom.

Life After the Mirrorball: Conservation, Choreography, and Family

While their time on the dance floor together is over, both Bindi Irwin and Derek Hough continue to dominate their respective fields, using their celebrity platforms to champion causes they believe in. Their professional paths have diverged, yet both are focused on legacy and impact.

Bindi’s Ongoing Conservation Efforts and Family Life

The Mirrorball win provided Bindi with a massive American platform, which she has consistently used to promote her family’s mission. Today, she is the active CEO of the Australia Zoo, overseeing the massive operation and continuing her father’s work with the Wildlife Warriors Worldwide organization. Her life is dedicated to wildlife conservation, animal rescue, and education. Bindi’s marriage to Chandler Powell and the birth of their daughter, Grace Warrior, has only deepened her commitment to protecting the planet for future generations.

Derek’s Judging Role and New Touring Experience

Derek Hough’s career has soared since his record-breaking run as a pro. He transitioned seamlessly into a permanent judging role on Dancing with the Stars, where he brings his champion's perspective and technical expertise to the panel alongside Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli. Beyond television, Derek is a multi-hyphenate talent, a choreographer, and a performer, currently promoting his own massive touring production, the "Symphony of Dance," with new dates and experiences planned for 2026. This move demonstrates his continued dedication to bringing live dance to audiences across the country.

The story of Bindi Irwin and Derek Hough is a powerful reminder that the best partnerships on DWTS are about more than just dancing; they are about forging a lifelong friendship. Their recent reunion in late 2024, celebrating Derek’s achievements and impending fatherhood, confirms that the bond between the wildlife warrior and the dance pro is one of the most genuine and heartwarming legacies of the show.