Derek Hough admits winning Dancing with the Stars with Bindi Irwin can't be compared to his five other mirrorball-trophy victories.
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Derek's sixth DWTS win was different because "this show has evolved so much," the pro dancer said during his Wednesday The View appearance with his partner Bindi.
"This is a completely different show than the first time I won. To win at this level, at the standard the show has been raised to, has been incredible. More importantly, it's just been so special with Bindi. She is just a champion of life."
Derek previously won mirrorball trophies with Brooke Burke, Nicole Scherzinger, Jennifer Grey, Kellie Pickler and Amber Riley.
Bindi, daughter of the late Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin, traveled to Hollywood and joined the DWTS cast shortly after wrapping up some crocodile research at home in Australia.
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"I never knew I would learn so much about rhinestones and glitter and high heels," Bindi joked on The View. "The most special part of this experience is to really be able to grow and touch on parts of my life that I never thought I would really go to and be able to share my journey and story with so many others."
"And to be able to gain another brother who's been so special," she added. "I feel really blessed."
Once all the hype of ABC's reality dancing competition dies down, Bindi plans to return to the Australia Zoo and "carry on in" her "father's footsteps." She also revealed Derek will be paying her family a visit in two weeks.
"I feel like I am ready the kind of switch roles," Bindi told People. "So, I'm going to teach Derek how to be with crocodiles and cuddle tigers and kiss koalas."
Bindi and Derek finished Dancing with the Stars' 21st season in first place. They defeated runner-up Nick Carter and partner Sharna Burgess as well as third-place finishers Alek Skarlatos and partner Lindsay Arnold in Tuesday night's finale.
About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski