Bindi Irwin's tearful tribute to her father on DWTS

Bindi Irwin breaks down during her dance. Photo / ABC

Bindi Irwin moved many to tears in an emotional tribute to her late father, Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin on the latest episode of the US version of Dancing With the Stars.

When Irwin was asked to perform a dance inspired by her most memorable year, the choice was obvious for the 17-year-old, CNN reported.

In 2006 Steve Irwin was killed by a stingray during a television shoot when Bindi was only eight years old.

"What shaped me the most would probably be when my dad passed away," Irwin said in a segment that aired just before her dance.

"It's been nine years, and I've never really dwelt on that point when he did pass away. I think I'm ready to kind of tell that story.

"It took a really long time to understand what actually happened," she said through tears. "For the rest of my life, I'll kind of feel like he's going to come home."

Irwin wasn't the only one in tears; a cut away after the pre-recorded message showed many in the audience were crying as well.

I don't think there's a dry eye after that performance by @BindiIrwin and @derekhough. Thank you for that @DancingABC #DWTS

— Roxanne✰ (@shininstars) October 6, 2015

Irwin and professional dance partner Derek Hough chose to perform a contemporary dance set to a cover of the Police's "Every Breath You Take."

For their efforts they were awarded near perfect scores, gaining 28 out of a possible 30 points which put them at the top of the leaderboard.

Fellow contestant Gary Busey, a veteran Hollywood actor, was eliminated after the judges said they failed to see improvements in his dancing.

- nzherald.co.nz