'Dancing With the Stars': How Bindi Irwin's Life Has Changed
— -- Just hours after winning season 21 of "Dancing With the Stars," Bindi Irwin was on "Good Morning America" on Wednesday to chat about the big win and how her life has changed since she's been on the show.
"It truly has changed my life and I feel like I've grown as a person," said the conservationist, 17, who usually wears khakis out in the wild.
"Not only have I learned about the world of sequins and sparkles and high heels, but to be blessed with this beautiful family, I feel like my family has just been extended, even more than animals!" she joked about her co-stars. "This experience will forever be a art of my life and forever live in my heart."
Even Bindi's mother was surprised and elated on what her daughter accomplished in the ballroom.
"Bindi is the most optimistic person on planet Earth...but we never knew she could dance," she said.
After the win last night, Irwin posted a pic to Instagram, holding up the trophy.
"I am speechless. This is a gift and I can't tell you how much love I have for all of your support throughout this beautiful journey. My life has been changed," she wrote.
Irwin won "Dancing" by beating fellow finalists Nick Carter and Alek Skarlatos in a two-hour finale.
Backstage, Irwin was quick to remember her father Steve Irwin, the man she lost years ago and whom she dedicated this season to.
"I couldn't even imagine if [he] was here right now," she told reporters, according to People magazine. "Honestly, I hope that he'd be proud of me. And I hope that I am able to carry-on in his footsteps and make sure that his legacy lives on."
She added, "His strength is what keeps me going."
