During the third week of Dancing With The Stars, Maura Higgins and professional partner Mark Ballas delivered a high-scoring Quickstep that has propelled Higgins into the conversation for the show's finale. While the Love Islander secured a top-tier leaderboard position, the episode also saw the elimination of Hanson frontman Taylor Hanson.
The 22-point Quickstep that shook the leaderboard
Maura Higgins, the 35-year-old television personality, delivered a performance that has fans predicting a trip to the grand finale. performing a Quickstep to George Benson's "Turn Your Love Around" for the show's Yacht Rock Night, Higgins and her professional partner Mark Ballas, 40, earned a total of 22 points out of 30. This score placed her second on the leaderboard, trailing only a tie at the very top.
As the report states, Higgins' aesthetic was central to the impact of the dance. She wore a plunging white dress embellished with silver sparkles and paired it with long evening gloves. The judges were equally captivated; Derek Hough described the performance as a "masterclass in elegance," while Bruno Tonioli noted that she successfully channeled classic Hollywood glamour.
A Hollywood glamour revival on Yacht Rock Night
The performance marks a significant moment in the competition, as Higgins has transitioned from reality TV notoriety to a disciplined dance competitor. The "international treasure" label, as used by viewers on social media, reflects a broader trend where reality stars use platforms like Dancing With The Stars to rebrand themselves through technical skill and poise.
By leaning into the sophisticated themes of Yacht Rock Night, Higgins and Ballas managed to distance themselves from the more chaotic energy of earlier contestants... This strategic move toward elegance seems to be resonating with both the judging panel and the viewing audience, who have already begun labeling her a "phenomenal" star to watch this season.
Taylor Hanson's exit and the three-way bottom tie
While Higgins climbed the ranks,the competition saw its fourth departure with the elimination of 43-year-old Taylor Hanson and his professional partner Britt Stewart. According to the source,Hanson's exit followed a high-pressure night where he found himself in a three-way tie for the lowest position on the leaderboard.
Hanson was tied at the bottom alongside the duo of Guillermo Rodriguez and Witney Carson, as well as Jackson Olson and Emma Slater. This elimination follows the recent departure of celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis, signaling that the mid-season cull is beginning to claim established names from the celebrity roster.
The battle for the top spot against Amber Glenn and Harry Shum Jr
Despite Higgins' impressive climb to second place, significant hurdles remain if she intends to secure the mirror ball. The current leaderboard is being dominated by a tie at the top between Amber Glenn and Harry Shum Jr, setting a high technical bar for the remaining contestants.
One question remains for the upcoming weeks: can Higgins maintain this level of "exquisite" elegance as the dance styles become more physically demanding? While her popularity is evident in the fan reaction on X, the technical gap between the current leaders and the rest of the pack remains the primary obstacle for the Love Islander.
Comments 0