Maura Higgins' Irish Paso Doble Breaks Hearts After Val's Sudden Exit

# Maura Higgins Brings Irish Pride to the Ballroom in a Stunning Paso Doble Three weeks into Season 35 of Dancing With the Stars, the glittering ballroom welcomed its most heartfelt tribute yet. The cast of ten glitterati and athletes took to the floor, each partner honoring someone whose influence shaped their lives.

From former co‑stars to a nation, the night was a showcase of love and nostalgia—underpinned by an unexpected shake‑up in the pro lineup that left the judges and viewers alike holding their breath.

The decision to pivot the show this week came after pro Val Chmerkovskiy was temporarily sidelined over a controversy that began during the Super Bowl episode. Alan Bersten stepped in to lead the choreographic charge, a move that stirred debate among fans who had grown fond of Val’s style.

At the same time, former pro Kym Johnson returned as a guest judge, offering a fresh perspective that added another layer of tension to an already charged atmosphere. Yet, despite the behind‑the‑scenes drama, the studio buzzed with anticipation for the performers’ personal dedications.

It was also a milestone for the season: Week 6 marked the halfway point. The scoreboard remained tight—no contestant had cracked the coveted “9” on the judges’ panel until last week, when a historic string of straight 9s illuminated the leaderboard.

With the competition heating up, the stakes felt higher than ever as couples prepared to move beyond mere technical skill into the realm of storytelling and emotional resonance. ## Background & Context Season 35’s format—celebrity contestants paired with professional dancers—has long been a fixture of reality dance television.

Each episode blends rigorous choreography with the personal narratives that fans have grown to love. This particular week’s theme, Dedication Night, is a tradition that has become the emotional heart of the series: competitors perform dances dedicated to family members, former colleagues, or even entire communities.

The result is a unique blend of high‑energy performance and raw sentiment. The ballroom was a mosaic of stories.

The remaining ten couples—each with their own journey—were tasked with translating memory into movement. Some, like Ezra Frech, a Paralympian, carried a powerful message of resilience.

Others, such as Tatyana Ali, drew on the memories of departed co‑stars to craft deeply moving routines. Meanwhile, Maura Higgins, a reality‑TV personality, chose to channel her national pride into a spirited paso doble, making the Irish flag a silent backdrop to her performance.

Scoring remained tight. While the judges’ scores had not surpassed 9 points for most of the season, the recent string of 9s underscored a subtle shift in the competition’s intensity.

No single pair had yet demonstrated the consistency required to break the ceiling, but the night’s performances suggested that the bar was rising.

The judges, with their ever‑vigilant eyes on both technique and emotional delivery, kept their verdicts precise, making the audience’s anticipation a living, breathing tension in the studio. The pro shuffle also added an undercurrent of uncertainty.

Alan Bersten’s sudden involvement meant couples had to adapt to a new teaching style overnight—a factor that could influence both choreography and audience perception.

Meanwhile, Kym Johnson’s guest judge status meant the panel had a fresh voice, perhaps more attuned to the season’s emerging dynamics. ## What People Are Saying The heart of the night lay in the dances themselves.

Ezra Frech, with partner Daniella Karagach, opened the show with a contemporary set to Mon Rovia’s “Bloodline,” a tribute to his mother. His mother’s presence at the start, before handing the reins to his professional partner, added a palpable sense of continuity to the routine.

The judges noted the emotional depth of the performance, with Bruno praising the “brilliance” of the movement.

Tatyana Ali, known for her role in “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” slowed the pace with a Viennese waltz to Nancy Wilson’s “(You Don’t Know) How Glad I Am.” The track was recorded by Ali herself, lending an intimate quality to the performance.

The dance was dedicated to her late co‑star James Avery, and the inclusion of former host Alfonso Ribeiro added a layer of camaraderie. Carrie Ann Inaba’s teary‑eyed reaction underscored the poignancy of the tribute.

Maura Higgins turned the spotlight onto her homeland, delivering a pasodoble to Dropkick Murphys’ “I’m Shipping Up to Boston.” The performance was augmented by Irish step dancer Lochlan “Lucky” Howard, whose traditional flair complemented Higgins’ modern flair.

Derek Hough’s laughter and exclamation, “Could you be more Irish?” echoed through the room as the couple spun in sync, painting a vivid picture of national pride.

Jackson Olson, the “Savannah Bananas” midfielder, stepped onto the floor with Emma Slater in a Quickstep set to Nat King Cole’s “L‑O‑V‑E.” He dedicated the dance to his mother, who had always seen the extraordinary in him. Carrie Ann’s comments highlighted how the routine reflected his newfound confidence.

His partner’s nods mirrored the joy he sought to capture. Amber Glenn, a former Olympian, brought a contemporary to Sia’s “Breathe Me,” a tribute to her sister Brooke.

Her performance, marked by both athleticism and vulnerability, reminded the judges that dance can be both fierce and tender. Kym Johnson lauded the raw emotion and the way the routine told a story of support and gratitude.

Jenna Dewan, stepping into the role of partner for Alan Bersten after Val’s suspension, performed a Viennese waltz to “Unchained Melody.” She honored her mother, capturing the grace and lyricism that the song demanded. Bruno’s reaction—“I love when you get lyrical”—spoke to the effectiveness of the pairing.

Harry Shum Jr. and Jenna Johnson delivered a foxtrot to John Mayer’s “Stop This Train,” a dedication to his wife. Their routine included a surprise appearance by his parents and daughter, turning the performance into a family celebration.

Alfonso’s comment that “they can all dance” added an extra layer of humor and affection. Connor Wood, a comedian and podcaster, chose a Viennese waltz to Billy Joel’s “Piano Man” for his dad.

His previous placement at the bottom of the leaderboard made this performance an underdog story. Derek’s acknowledgment of his progress and Carrie Ann’s award of “most improved” highlighted the emotional arc of his journey.

Tyler Cameron dedicated a contemporary to “Supermarket Flowers” by Ed Sheeran, honoring his late mother. The routine featured a cameo from his fiancée, adding a tender twist to his tribute.

His performance underscored the theme of loss and remembrance.

Julia Stiles concluded the night with a contemporary to Frankie Valli’s “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.” She dedicated the dance to her late co‑star Heath Ledger, and the performance included a reunion of the “10 Things I Hate About You” cast, creating a nostalgic crescendo that left the studio buzzing.

Carrie Ann’s words about opening hearts captured the essence of the night. Throughout the performances, judges’ scores reflected the blend of technical skill and emotional storytelling.

While no score topped the 9s bar yet, the night’s raw honesty and the willingness of contestants to expose personal grief and love added depth to every routine. ## What Happens Next With no one eliminated this episode—a rare occurrence in the series—Season 35’s trajectory takes on a new complexion.

The halfway point has revealed a tightly packed leaderboard, and the absence of a departure gives the remaining couples a chance to regroup and strategize. Viewers have been quick to speculate: Will the judges’ score ceiling finally break, or will the competition remain a nail‑biter of near‑perfect performances?

The next week promises a shift in mood. The studio will transform into a Halloween Horror Movie Night, an intriguing juxtaposition to the heartfelt dedication theme.

Couples will have to balance the eerie theatrics with their technical prowess. The anticipation builds not just for the horror costumes but for the potential first elimination that will cut the season’s momentum.

The pro lineup will remain in flux. With Alan Bersten stepping into a temporary role, couples may still feel the tremors of change.

Will Val Chmerkovskiy’s temporary absence become permanent, or will he return to the fold? The uncertainty adds another layer of drama that keeps fans glued to their screens.

Audience reaction has been largely supportive of the night’s emotional depth. Social media threads filled with fans sharing their own stories of dedication, from honoring parents to paying homage to lost friends.

The show’s ability to serve as a communal space for grief and celebration has amplified its cultural relevance, turning a weekly television program into a shared ritual. From an industry standpoint, the show’s mid‑season shift toward more personal storytelling could signal a broader trend.

Other dance competitions might emulate this model, blending technical instruction with emotional narrative to retain viewer engagement. Whether or not the judges’ scores break the 9s threshold remains to be seen, but the stakes are undeniably higher.

The next episodes will test the couples’ resilience, creativity, and adaptability.

With the stakes rising and the drama of the pro shuffle still simmering, audiences can expect a roller‑coaster of high‑energy routines, tear‑jerking dedications, and the ever‑present possibility of a groundbreaking score that could redefine the season’s climax.

In the meantime, viewers will keep a close eye on the ballroom’s transformation into a haunted set, hoping that the next night’s choreography will be as emotionally charged—and as technically impressive—as the dedication performances that ended a week of heartfelt tribute.