DWTS Season 35: Ciara Miller Eliminated in Mariah Carey Tribute Week

Key points

• Ciara Miller and Brandon Armstrong were eliminated after scoring 21/30 for their Jazz routine to 'Emotions' on the Mariah Carey-themed episode.
• Maura Higgins and Mark Ballas earned the season's highest score of 25/30 for their Waltz to 'If It's Over', receiving the first 9/10 from judge Carrie Ann Inaba.
• Guillermo Rodriguez and Witney Carson scored the lowest total of 13/30 for their Samba to 'Obsessed' but survived elimination thanks to viewer votes.
• The episode marked the second consecutive week of shocking eliminations, following the previous week's departure of Taylor Hanson and Britt Stewart.
• Twelve couples competed in the Mariah Carey tribute week, with performances including Tango, Rumba, Foxtrot, and Viennese Waltz routines to Carey's hits.

Background

Season 35 of 'Dancing With the Stars' premiered in September 2026 with a star-studded cast including Ciara Miller, Maura Higgins, and Jenna Dewan. The season has featured themed weeks including Viral Hits Night and Yacht Rock Night, with eliminations of Sarah Jane Nader, Conner Leavitt, Giada De Laurentiis, and Taylor Hanson. The show airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+, streaming on Hulu the following day.

How outlets are covering it

Page Six emphasized the shock factor of Ciara Miller's elimination and highlighted reactions from her 'Summer House' co-star Kyle Cooke, who noted Miller's dedication to training. The Hollywood Reporter focused on the scoring dynamics, noting that three couples tied at 24/30 before Maura Higgins and Mark Ballas set the season high at 25/30, and detailed the voting mechanics that saved Guillermo Rodriguez and Witney Carson despite their 13/30 score. TODAY.com provided a straightforward score breakdown and noted that Mariah Carey sent a special message to the show, calling it an honor to have a night dedicated to her greatest hits. All three outlets agreed on the elimination outcome and scores but differed in emphasis: Page Six on celebrity reactions, THR on competitive scoring, and TODAY on the tribute aspect and Carey's involvement.

Why it matters

The elimination of Ciara Miller, a popular 'Summer House' star, demonstrates the unpredictable nature of 'Dancing With the Stars' and the significant influence of viewer votes on outcomes. The Mariah Carey tribute week showcased the show's ability to blend pop culture with competitive dance, while the consecutive shocking eliminations suggest heightened tension and unpredictability in Season 35. The episode also highlighted the importance of audience engagement, as Guillermo Rodriguez and Witney Carson survived despite the lowest score due to strong viewer support.

What to watch

The next episode of 'Dancing With the Stars' will air on October 13, 2026, featuring a Super Bowl-themed night with a special guest joining the judges' table. The remaining ten couples, including Tatyana Ali, Tyler Cameron, Jenna Dewan, Ezra Frech, Amber Glenn, Maura Higgins, Jackson Olson, Harry Shum Jr., Julia Stiles, and Connor Wood, will continue competing for the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy.