Bindi Irwin honors late father in 'Dancing With The Stars' finale, receives perfect score

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 24 (UPI) -- Bindi Irwin's performance on ABC's Dancing With The Stars prompted tears from judges and audience members as she honored her late father, Steve Irwin.

The heartfelt performance by Irwin and her dance partner, Derek Hough to Leona Lewis' "Footprints In The Sand," incorporated the illusion of a third member on the stage representing Irwin's famous father.

The dance earned a perfect score by judges Julianne Hough, Bruno Tonioli and Carrie Ann Inaba.

"For me, this whole experience has meant the world, for my whole family," Irwin said to Entertainment Tonight after leaving the stage. "And it's changed my life."

The duo's emotional performance ended with a projected photo of a young Irwin kissing her father Steve on the cheek. The contestant, 17, reportedly did not expect the photo, and proceeded to cry onto her partner's shoulder upon seeing it.

Irwin shared a photo of her family, including Steve Irwin, on Instagram following the performance. "The last photo ever taken of us as a family," she wrote in the caption. "The day before I had to wave goodbye to my hero, without knowing it would be the last time. But Dad, I know you walk beside me always and your strength lives within me. I love you."