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Bindi Irwin makes a touching tribute to her late father Steve as she performs Crocodile Rock on DWTS before removing her zoo keeper's uniform to reveal glitzy dress

Published: 23:44 EST, 14 September 2015 | Updated: 05:14 EST, 15 September 2015

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Aussie star Bindi Irwin paid tribute to her late father Steve and vowed to make him proud on America's Dancing with the Stars - and wasted no time proving that.

The teenager put in one of the strongest performances of the night and topped the scores on the show's season premiere on Monday.

Bindi, 17, wowed the judges and the studio audience with her sensational jive dance with partner Derek Hough as she was branded 'The Wonder from Down Under.'

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Bindi Irwin makes a touching tribute her late father Steve as she performs Crocodile Rock on DWTS before removing her zoo keeper's uniform to reveal glitzy dress

'My dad liked that song, my mum likes that song. We are taking it on and bringing the fight,' said Bindi of her choice of Crocodile Rock

And she could not contain her glee, with a huge smile on her face at the end of the polished performance.

Taking to Instagram after the show, the affable teen thanked partner Derek, writing: 'This experience. I am grateful beyond words for tonight. Thank you all and especially my life coach & dance partner #TeamCrikey.'

Meanwhile, Derek was equally gushing writing of his young protege: 'So proud of this incredible Angel! She continuously reminds me of the magic in this life with her infectious genuine powerful energy. Love you @bindisueirwin #teamCrikey #dwts .'

Winners are grinners! The teenager put in one of the strongest performances of Monday night and topped the scores on the show's season premiere, alongside Backstreet Boy Nick Carter

Lets jive! The 17-year-old wowed the judges with her energetic performance

Bindi first appeared in the show's opening credits with a snake around her shoulders as the contestants get the star treatment on Hollywood Boulevard.

'I am Bindi Irwin, I am 17-years-old and my dad is the amazing Steve Irwin - my hero,' said Bindi dressed in jungle wear.

'I am used to khakis and gorgeous animals like Sweet Cheeks here so this is completely different for me,' she said holding a huge reptile at a zoo.

She then met up with Derek - and introduced the dancer to a young alligator she was cradling in her arms.

The big reveal! At one point the Australian wildlife warrior removed her zoo keeper's uniform to reveal her tasseled green dress

Going wild! Bindi and her dance partner Derek Hough showed the world what they were made of

'Bindi just fills the room with this amazing energy, it is just contagious,' said Derek during their practise sessions as they worked on their moves together

In the practice sessions the chemistry between the two dancers was obvious, as Derek practiced his Aussie accent and perfected his 'G'Day.'

'Bindi just fills the room with this amazing energy, it is just contagious,' said Derek as they worked on their moves together.

And Bindi was soon doing impressions of her energetic late father in the dance studio.

'Dad was like that, he was like 'Oh, crikey' she said doing her best impression.

The Wonder From Down Under! The daughter of Steve Irwin even earned herself a nickname for her skilled moves

Top dollar! The judges called Bindi's performance the best of the night

'You know, I think everyone is going to see a whole new side to Bindi,' she told the cameras as she prepared to dance

'Having a traumatic experience when she was younger and losing her father, she has kind of turned that into a positive thing,' said Derek.

'My mum always said that anytime dad would watch me dance around the zoo he would cry. I think the real reason I am doing this is to make him proud and everyone back at home in Australia proud,' she said.

'You know, I think everyone is going to see a whole new side to Bindi,' she told the cameras.

Bindi and Derek took to the stage for their jive - with Derek quickly tearing off Bindi's drab dress to reveal a sparking emerald green number.

Proud as punch: With mum Terri Irwin and brother Robert watching on Bindi was thrilled with her performance - done to Crocodile Rock

Pleased as punch! After finishing the routine she gave Derek a huge hug to deafening cheers from the crowd

One for everyone! The lovable star even and bestowed a hug upon host host Tom Bergeron

With mum Terri Irwin and brother Robert watching on Bindi was thrilled with her performance - done to Crocodile Rock.

After finishing the routine she gave Derek and even host Tom Bergeron a huge hug to deafening cheers from the crowd.

'I've got to tell you that is the loudest response all night so far,' said Bergeron.

'From the Bush to the ballroom, I mean the flicks, the kicks, the face, the fun, that is what this competition is about,' said judge Julianne Hough.

'I've got to tell you that is the loudest response all night so far,' said Bergeron as Bindi and Derek finished their jive

'From the Bush to the ballroom, I mean the flicks, the kicks, the face, the fun, that is what this competition is about,' said judge Julianne Hough of Bindi and Derek's performance

'You are a superstar. When I was watching you I thought that 30 years ago I would have wanted to be your best friend. Your energy is so contagious,' said judge Carrie Ann Inaba

'It is about all of it as a combination as a whole and you brought it. That was the best performance of the night.'

'You really are the Wonder from Down Under. Clean, precise, it had a finish that was so wonderful to see in week one. Plus what you have is adorable charm that translates. People love you,' said judge Bruno Tonioli.

'You are a superstar. When I was watching you I thought that 30 years ago I would have wanted to be your best friend. Your energy is so contagious,' said judge Carrie Ann Inaba.

Partners in crime: Derek told host Erin Andrews that just before their performance he could hear Bindi humming 'Eye of the Tiger' to herself

'The way you attacked, every pointed toe was beautiful.'

Derek told host Erin Andrews that just before their performance he could hear Bindi humming 'Eye of the Tiger' to herself.

'It is my theme song other than Crocodile Rock,' she told Erin.

Out of her comfort zone! The talented teen is better known for her conservation work at Australia Zoo

'I don't know it just felt natural to get into the groove. My dad liked that song, my mum likes that song. We are taking it on and bringing the fight,' said Bindi.

Carrie Ann gave Bindi and eight, Juliane gave her and eight as did Bruno for the high score of 24 out of 30.

The score tied her with Backstreet Boy Nick Carter for the highest of the evening.