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(CNN) — Bindi Irwin and professional partner Derek Hough danced their way into America’s hearts Monday night on “Dancing with the Stars’ ” Season 21 premiere.

Dancing to “Crocodile Rock,” Irwin dedicated her jive performance to her late father, wildlife conservationist and “Crocodile Hunter” Steve Irwin. Steve Irwin was killed by a stingray on a television shoot in 2006, when his daughter was 8 years old.

Bindi Irwin and singer Nick Carter, who danced the cha-cha with pro partner Sharna Burgess, tied for first place with 24 points each (out of a possible 30 points).

Reality TV star Kim Zolciak-Biermann and pro partner Tony Dovolani were at the bottom of the list, earning just 12 points for their salsa.

The 13 celebrity dancers and their pro partners compete for the show’s Mirrorball trophy. They are judged by the audience and two-time Mirrorball champion Julianne Hough, and dancer/choreographers Bruno Tonioli and Carrie Ann Inaba.

The first elimination won’t be until Tuesday, September 22. The couples with the lowest combined scores are eliminated throughout the season, leading to a final competition between the top three couples.