Dancing with the Stars fans have accused the judges of bias after Maura Higgins received a score of 35 for her Ireland-inspired Paso Doble, with many arguing that Tatyana Ali deserved equal or higher marks.
The US version of Strictly Come Dancing returned for Dedication Night, with the remaining 10 couples performing routines dedicated to important people in their lives. Judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli, alongside guest Kym Johnson, offered their assessments as emotions ran high.
Score Discrepancy Sparks Backlash
Maura and her professional partner Mark Ballas performed a Paso Doble celebrating her native Ireland. While some viewers were moved, many took to Instagram to voice their opinion that Tatyana Ali warranted equivalent, if not superior, scores, as Maura received 35 points while Tatyana secured 32.
Judge Carrie remarked she "loved the attack", while Kym observed: "You made me want to go to an Irish pub with you or something. It was so good." Bruno and Carrie both advised her to focus on her shoulders, with Carrie additionally deducting a point for an unauthorised lift. Carrie awarded a score of eight while the remaining three judges gave nines.
Viewers React on Instagram
One viewer wrote on Instagram: "Maybe it's just me, but she seemed a beat behind almost the whole dance. Idk.. she seemed uncertain. This should have been all 8's." Another remarked: "Love Maura, but think Tatyana's scores should have been the same if not higher."
A further viewer fumed: "All talked abt her frame but then gave her 9's? ? ? Already starting w the voting bias." A fourth commented: "Maura gets multiple critiques about her shoulders and gets 9s but Tatyana gets no criticism and gets all 8s? I'm so mad rn."
Fans Rally Behind Higgins
Despite the controversy, numerous fans rallied behind Maura, praising what they considered to be a stunning performance. One enthused: "This was more than just a dance, this was the Irish spirit coming to life." Another declared: "Favorite dance of the night!" A third fan noted: "That was different for dedication and really refreshing."
While a fourth proclaimed: "She doesn't need the luck of the Irish, she was FABULOUS!" Prior to her performance, Maura turned to Instagram to share a touching tribute to her homeland, writing: "Tonight, I'm dancing for home. I've been lucky enough to chase my dreams across the world, but no matter how far I go, I'll never forget where I came from."
She continued: "I'm so proud to come from a little country with such a big heart. The kindness, the humour, the strength of our people and the way we always show up for one another is something I'll never take for granted. To be able to celebrate my roots on a stage like @dancingwiththestars is something my younger self could only have dreamed of!"
"And to every little country girl out there with big dreams, never let where you come from make you feel like there's a limit to where you can go. If anything, let it be the reason you dream even bigger. This one's for every single person back home who has cheered me on, believed in me and supported me along the way! I'll always be your Irish girl, and I really hope I make you proud."
Dancing with the Stars airs live on ABC and can be streamed on Disney+ and Hulu.
