17-year old Bindi Irwin, daughter of Australia's famous Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin, is all grown up and ready to come into her own as an actress and celebrity.
Bindi made an appearance on Good Morning America, Monday, August 24, to make the announcement that she is the first contestant selected to participate in the 21st season of Dancing With The Stars.
"I am really, really excited and so honored to be a part of this new journey and chapter in my life," said Bindi.
Dancing With The Stars is a US television series that launched in 2005. It is a dance competition featuring celebrities paired with professional dancers. Past celebrity contestants include supermodels, athletes, singers and even astronauts.
Of the most famous who have joined the show are figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi, pound-for-pound boxer Floyd "Money" Mayweather Jr., Pussycat Dolls lead Nicole Scherzinger and TV host Brooke Burke, among others.
Bindi's father, Steve, as fans recall, was tragically killed by a stingray barb in September of 2006 when Bindi was just 8 years old. Since then, she has taken her father's place as the Crocodile princess from down under.
"It's so different than anything I've ever done," said Bindi, referring to her upcoming stint on the popular dance competition. "I am used to wrangling crocodiles."
"I just returned from our annual crocodile research trip in far north Queensland catching crocs and now I am in New York and then LA," she added.
Now, all grown up, Bindi Irwin is ready to hit the mainstream. Her stint on Dancing With The Stars will only push her further into the spotlight. She certainly has the charisma and charm that her father had.
As for dancing, well, let's just say Bindi is more afraid of the judges than any of the crocodiles she has wrestled.
"I have to say, the judges scare me more than crocodiles!" Bindi said.
"This will be a completely new adventure for me and I'm excited to share my journey."
The 21st season of Dancing With The Stars premieres on September 14.