Ciara Miller was eliminated from Dancing with the Stars on Mariah Carey night, leaving the competition despite earning her strongest judges’ score of the season. The Summer House star and professional partner Brandon Armstrong went home after the October 6 episode, which celebrated Carey’s music.
Miller delivered her highest-scoring dance of the season before going home. The jazz routine to Emotions earned 21 out of 30, with all three judges awarding sevens.
Carrie Ann Inaba called it Miller’s «best dance of the season so far,» according to a recap from TV Insider. But that improvement was not enough to keep the pair in season 35.
Miller’s departure leaves 11 couples competing for the Mirrorball Trophy.
Read more: Harry Shum Jr tops his Dancing with the Stars debut
Why did Ciara Miller go home?
The result combines judges’ scores with viewer votes, so finishing above other contestants on the leaderboard does not guarantee survival. Miller and Armstrong were eliminated despite outscoring Guillermo Rodriguez and Witney Carson, who advanced after their samba to Obsessed.
At the other end of the leaderboard, Maura Higgins and Mark Ballas led with 25 out of 30 for their waltz to If It’s Over. Jenna Dewan, Ezra Frech and Harry Shum Jr followed on 24 each, keeping the competition tight among the leading couples.
Read more: Mariah Carey honoured at the MTV Video Music Awards
Carey’s influence extended beyond the soundtrack. Co-host Julianne Hough wore a silver Roberto Cavalli minidress previously worn by the singer in 2008, pairing it with long blonde extensions. Hough said stylist Brad Goreski found the vintage dress on resale platform The RealReal, People reported.
For US viewers catching up, the October 6 episode is available to stream on Hulu from October 7. Dancing with the Stars airs on ABC and Disney+ on Tuesdays at 8pm Eastern/Pacific and 7pm Central, according to ABC.
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