Dancing With the Stars celebrated Mariah Carey during its fourth week of competition. The episode featured several of her biggest songs. Carey has 19 songs that reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Her music provided the soundtrack for the night’s performances. Carey also appeared through a video message before the dances began. She encouraged the remaining contestants ahead of their performances. The episode delivered several strong performances across the ballroom. Some contestants also received praise for showing clear improvement.
Maura Higgins delivered the highest-scoring performance of the night. She and Mark Ballas performed a waltz to “If It’s Over.” The routine earned 25 points from the judges. Derek Hough praised the performance as pure ballroom dancing.
Bruno Tonioli called the routine “exquisite” and praised Higgins’ royal poise. Carrie Ann Inaba also gave the pair the season’s first nine. Jenna Dewan also made an impact during the episode. She and Val Chmerkovskiy performed a rumba to “My All.” The slower routine required Dewan to show a more vulnerable side. The judges praised her for bringing more emotion to the performance. Dewan became emotional after Inaba praised her performance. The judge said the routine allowed viewers to see more of her personality.
Harry Shum Jr. continued his strong run with a tango to “It’s Like That.” He performed alongside Jenna Johnson during the routine. Shum Jr. also had a connection to the song. He appeared in the original music video for “It’s Like That.”
The pair scored 24 points from the judges. Amber Riley also joined the performance, adding another connection to Shum Jr.’s Glee background. Ezra Frech delivered another notable routine during the episode. He and Daniella Karagach performed a rumba to “Anytime You Need a Friend.” Frech impressed the judges with a promenade turn on his prosthetic leg. The judges praised his timing and smooth transitions. Other contestants also performed Carey’s songs throughout the night. Tatyana Ali danced to “Fantasy,” while Julia Stiles performed “Vision of Love.”
Amber Glenn closed the competition with a rumba to “My Hero.” The routine highlighted her flexibility and growing connection with Pasha Pashkov. The night ended with a difficult elimination. Ciara Miller and Brandon Armstrong received the lowest combined judges’ scores and audience votes. The pair performed a jazz routine to “Emotions.” The judges praised Miller’s progress and called it her strongest dance of the competition. However, their scores and votes were not enough to continue. Miller and Armstrong became the latest pair eliminated from the competition. The Week 4 results left Maura Higgins and Mark Ballas at the top. Guillermo Rodriguez and Witney Carson had the lowest judges’ score with 13 points.
The competition will continue next week with a different musical theme. The celebrities will perform routines inspired by iconic Super Bowl halftime moments.
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