Mariah Carey Takes Over the Ballroom
Dancing With the Stars turned the ballroom into a Mariah Carey celebration on Oct. 6, with the 12 remaining couples performing to songs from across the pop superstar’s catalog. The episode featured everything from emotional rumbas to sharp tangos, while professional and troupe dancers also performed to Carey favorites including “Heartbreaker,” “Loverboy” and “Always Be My Baby.”
The theme gave several contestants a chance to step outside their comfort zones. Ezra Frech tackled a rumba to “Anytime You Need a Friend,” Harry Shum Jr. danced a tango to “It’s Like That,” and Jenna Dewan took on “My All” with Val Chmerkovskiy. The variety made the night feel less like a standard competition episode and more like a full tribute to Carey’s career.
Maura Higgins Claims the Night’s Top Score
Maura Higgins and Mark Ballas stole the spotlight with a graceful waltz to “If It’s Over.” Higgins earned the first 9 awarded by a judge this season, finishing with 25 points out of 30 and moving back to the top of the leaderboard.
The judges were especially impressed by her control and emotional delivery. Carrie Ann Inaba praised the artistry and emotion, while Derek Hough described the routine as a classic waltz without unnecessary gimmicks. Bruno Tonioli also highlighted Higgins’ musicality and poise.
Three couples finished just one point behind her:
- Ezra Frech and Daniella Karagach — 24
- Harry Shum Jr. and Jenna Johnson — 24
- Jenna Dewan and Val Chmerkovskiy — 24
Guillermo Rodriguez Hits the Bottom
The biggest contrast came from Guillermo Rodriguez and Witney Carson. Their samba to “Obsessed” earned only 13 points, making them the lowest-scoring couple of the night.
Carrie Ann Inaba felt Rodriguez lacked the usual joy that has made him a fan favorite, while Derek Hough admitted the routine did not fully resemble a traditional samba. Bruno Tonioli was more forgiving, emphasizing that Rodriguez’s personality remains a major part of his appeal.
The low score was particularly striking because Rodriguez has repeatedly survived despite landing near the bottom of the judges’ leaderboard. His continued run has shown how important the audience vote can be in a competition where judges’ scores tell only part of the story.
Full Mariah Carey Night Scores
The judges scored each routine out of 30 points. Several contestants improved their standing, while others now face a tougher fight to remain in the competition.
| Couple | Dance | Score |
| Maura Higgins & Mark Ballas | Waltz | 25/30 |
| Ezra Frech & Daniella Karagach | Rumba | 24/30 |
| Harry Shum Jr. & Jenna Johnson | Tango | 24/30 |
Other notable scores included Ciara Miller and Brandon Armstrong with 21, Tyler Cameron and Sharna Burgess with 21, Jackson Olson and Emma Slater with 21, Tatyana Ali and Jan Ravnik with 20, and Connor Wood and Rylee Arnold with 19.
Who Went Home on Mariah Carey Night?
The elimination came after the judges’ scores were combined with America’s votes. Going into the episode, Taylor Hanson and Britt Stewart were the most recent couple eliminated, leaving 12 teams to compete during Carey night.
The result also reinforced how unpredictable Season 35 has become. Strong judges’ scores do not guarantee safety, while contestants near the bottom can survive when their fan support is strong. That tension has already produced several surprising exits this season.
FAQ
Who had the highest score on Mariah Carey Night?
Maura Higgins and Mark Ballas had the highest judges’ score, earning 25 out of 30 for their waltz to “If It’s Over.”
Who had the lowest score?
Guillermo Rodriguez and Witney Carson received the lowest score, with 13 out of 30 for their samba to “Obsessed.”
Which Mariah Carey songs were featured?
The contestants danced to songs including “Emotions,” “Fantasy,” “My All,” “Hero,” “Without You,” “Obsessed,” “It’s Like That,” “Touch My Body” and “Vision of Love.” Professional performances also featured “Heartbreaker,” “Loverboy” and “Always Be My Baby.”
