Bindi Irwin has been doing a marvelous job as a "Dancing with the Stars" contestant but she's not actually earning anything from the stint until she proves to a judge that her dad, "The Crocodile Hunter" Steve Irwin, is indeed dead.
Lawyers for the show brought Irwin's contract before an L.A. Superior Court judge to be approved, but since she is a minor, the judge required parental consent to prove that the 17-year-old is being given all rights to her earnings. Bindi's mom, Terri, had already signed the necessary forms, waiving any claim on her daughter's money from the show, but the judge is not satisfied.
Without Steve Irwin's signature, showing proof that he too is waiving his rights over his daughter's earnings, "the court is unable to find that it is in the best interest of the minor to be bound by the terms of the contract."
Irwin will probably just need to provide the court a copy of her father's death certificate but it is still surprising to find out that someone is unaware of Steve's death. The wildlife expert died in 2006 while filming his show.
Once the judge signs Irwin's contract, the dancer and former "jungle girl" is looking to get a total of $230,000 so far.
How did she come to earn so much?
Just by signing on to become a contestant in "Dancing with the Stars," Irwin was guaranteed to get $125,000. She gets an additional $5,000 per week for making it to week 3 and 4. By getting to week 5, she earned $15,000. For week six and seven, she received a $20,000 prize, while week 8 and 9 will give her $30,000 for each week.
Irwin had now made it through week 8.
If she makes it through the finals, she's looking at taking home another $50,000 for every appearance.
Hopefully Irwin gets over her legal troubles soon because she's rightfully earned that money. Being on the show is not easy, after all! Aside from the usual aches and pains associated with dancing, Irwin had also started losing her toe nails.
Fortunately, it's not all gloom and doom for Steve's little girl, who has said that being partnered with Derek Hough is healing.
"You feel good being around Derek," Irwin said.
Be sure to follow T-Lounge on Twitter and visit our Facebook page.
