Maura Higgins weeps, snags 19‑point shock to stay in DWTS

**Maura Higgins, 35, posted a heartfelt Instagram message with her partner Mark Ballas after making it into the second week of DWTS.** The pair had rehearsed hard, but the Irish‑American reality star found herself in tears during practice when the Cha Cha Cha proved difficult to master.

Despite that emotional moment, she and Ballas delivered a solid performance to “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire on live TV, earning a 19‑point score from the judges and securing her place in the next round.

### What Happened

During rehearsal footage that circulated online, Higgins’ tears were visible as she struggled to lock in the Cha Cha Cha’s footwork. “I was so annoyed at myself because I’m more of a ‘suffer in silence’ [type], and I couldn’t hold it in, like, I had a lump in my throat,” she told **.

She added, “I was hormonal, I was tired, I was mentally, physically exhausted … I couldn’t get the dance in my brain, like, it wouldn’t go in.” Higgins also noted the pressure of having topped the leaderboard in the debut episode and her desire to relax and enjoy the show.

She thanked Ballas for his support: “I don’t know how he put up with me this week, honestly.”

The sweet Instagram post that followed showed Higgins and Ballas in rehearsal gear, heading into their glamorous outfits for the live show.

The caption read “I tink I can’t” (sic), while a story added a playful note: “This dance has killed me.” These posts underscored the emotional rollercoaster of the week, even as the judges rewarded her with 19 points out of 30, enough to keep her in the competition.

### Background & Context

The season’s first episode set a high bar, with many contestants battling to impress three judges: Derek Hough, Bruno Tonioli and Carrie Ann Inaba. Higgins’ debut had earned her the top spot on the leaderboard, a feat that intensified expectations for her next performance.

Meanwhile, other stars such as chef Giada De Laurentiis (partnered with Alan Bersten) and Step‑Up star Jenna Dewan were also contending for the top position; Dewan ultimately tied for first place.

In the weeks that followed, the show introduced “Viral Hits Night,” a themed episode where contestants danced to chart‑topping songs. Giada performed a salsa to “CHULA” by Becky G, delivering flips and lifts on stage, yet her score fell short of expectations.

The competition continues to feature a diverse lineup of celebrities, including Julia Stiles, Tatyana Ali, Amber Glenn, Ciara Miller, Tyler Cameron, Ezra Frech, Taylor Hanson, Jackson Olson, Guillermo Rodriguez, Harry Shum Jr. and Connor Wood.

### What Happens Next

With a 19‑point score, Higgins moves forward into the second week of the show. The next episode will bring more pressure as contestants tackle new dance styles and face tighter judging criteria. Ballas will continue to guide her through choreography and stage presence, hoping to build on the confidence gained from last week’s performance.

Meanwhile, Giada De Laurentiis has been sent home as the third celebrity eliminated this season, leaving the remaining competitors to vie for the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy.

As DWTS progresses, fans will be watching closely to see if Higgins can maintain her momentum and avoid another emotionally charged rehearsal. The journey ahead promises more dance battles, judge critiques and perhaps more tears—though hopefully less than last week’s emotional rehearsal.