'DWTS' Winner Bindi Irwin to be Paid Disputed $350,000 Salary

TMZ reports that recent Dancing with the Stars winner Bindi Irwin will be paid her salary from the popular ABC reality show. According to court papers, her previously disputed contract has now been approved. Irwin of course won the coveted mirror ball trophy with her partner, now six-time winner Derek Hough, when they defeated Nick Carter and Sharna Burgess on the DWTS November 24 finale.

The 17-year-old conservationist's legal dispute began over a month ago when, due to her minor status, lawyers for the competitive dance program were forced to submit her contract to the Los Angeles Superior Court. However, despite Bindi's mother, Terri Irwin, signing the form, a judge rejected it because it also required a signature from her father claiming he had no interest in her money. 

This was of course impossible as Bindi is the offspring of the late Steve Irwin. The famed Crocodile Hunter was tragically killed at the age of 44 back in 2006 by a stingray attack. It has still not been determined if the judge was that far out of the loop or just loves the details of legal red tape. In any event, after Irwin provided a death certificate the judge signed off on the contract and awarded Irwin her paycheck. 

It seems the pint-sized Australian ambassador was guaranteed $125,000 with increases as long as she remained in the competition. As she lasted to the final week her grand total was estimated at $350,000. Of course by following in the footsteps on her deceased dad's work, Irwin already has an estimated net worth of $3 million.

In the meantime, two weeks after winning, Hough recently joined his partner at an Australian Zoo where he met the Koala bear Irwin named after him. "It's one of the coolest things that's ever happened." said the 30-year old dancing pro who added "To have an animal named after you is amazing."