Top 5 moments on Season 21 of ‘Dancing With the Stars’

Originally published on Nov. 20, 2015.

The season comes down to four finalists. (Good Morning America)

A champion will be announced at the end of Tuesday night’s Dancing With the Stars finale, but for now the Mirror Ball Trophy is still up for grabs. Will the winner be Australian conservationist Bindi Irwin, American hero Alek Skarlatos, former Backstreet Boy Nick Carter, or actor/singer Carlos VegaPena?  

Before tuning into the finale, check out some of this season’s highlights.

5. Tamar Braxton re-creates “Rhythm Nation”
The singer and TV host did a spot-on rendition of Janet Jackson’s iconic music video, right down to the black-and-white filter. Despite her obvious talent, though, Braxton won’t be in the finale — she had to drop out due to blood clots in both her lungs.

4. Alek Skarlatos dances after tragedy
The National Guardsman shot to prominence after helping to take down a shooter on a Paris-bound train, but in the middle of the season, tragedy struck — a mass shooting at his school, Umpqua Community College, left 10 dead. Skarlatos flew home to be with his family and friends, and then returned to the show and performed a paso doble that he dedicated to the grieving Roseburg, Ore., community.

3. Bindi Irwin performs blindfolded
The 17-year-old has routinely wowed the judges, and this flawless Viennese waltz earned her and pro partner Derek Hough a series of perfect 10s.

2. An emotional husband-and-wife elimination
This season featured DWTS’ first-ever married couple, Carlos and Alexa PenaVega. On the Week 9 episode, the duo found themselves in the bottom two, and the tears flowed freely when it was announced that Alexa was eliminated. “I wish it had been me,” Carlos sobbed.

1. Bindi Irwin pays tribute to her dad
Irwin’s father, beloved wildlife expert Steve Irwin, died in 2006 at age 44 of a stingray attack. Here, Bindi discusses his legacy and its impact on her.

Her contemporary dance in her father’s honor had the judges holding back tears.

Honorable Mentions

Nick Carter announces wife’s pregnancy
The former Backstreet Boy announced on the show that his wife Lauren was expecting the couple’s first child, and then performed a moving contemporary dance dedicated to her.

Paula Deen flashes the audience
Well, not really. But her jive got a little frisky.

—By Pauline Vu