Image Source: Yahoo
Maura Higgins is addressing viral speculation surrounding her run on Dancing With the Stars after online rumors suggested the competition was being fixed to ensure she wins. Rather than dismissing the chatter angrily, the reality star responded with humor, admitting she almost wished the claim were true.
Higgins, 35, discussed the rumor during a recent appearance on season 34 finalist Alix Earle’s YouTube series. According to the conversation, the allegation had spread widely across the press and social media, with some viewers questioning whether her strong early performances were receiving special treatment.
Maura Higgins Delivers a Surprising Response to DWTS Claims
“There was a rumor … seemingly ‘Dancing with the Stars is fixed for me to win,’” Higgins said while recalling the speculation. She joked that she had been tempted to respond publicly by asking whether she still needed to learn the dances if victory had already been guaranteed.
Ultimately, Higgins decided not to fuel the discussion. She said she told herself not to “feed into it,” recognizing that a public reaction might only encourage further debate. Still, she added a playful twist to her answer: “I wish that rumor is true!”
Her lighthearted response reflects the unusual position she now occupies in the ballroom competition. Higgins entered the season with doubts about her abilities, yet she has consistently performed near the top of the leaderboard during the first four weeks.
Powerful Performances Put Higgins in the Spotlight
Higgins is competing alongside professional dancer Mark Ballas, her costar from The Traitors season 4. The pair’s partnership has quickly become one of the season’s talking points, particularly as Higgins continues to improve from week to week.
During the Tuesday, October 6, live broadcast, the duo earned the season’s first score of 9. Their waltz to Mariah Carey’s “If It’s Over” received a total of 25 out of 30 from the judges, giving Higgins another major confidence boost.
For Higgins, the result was especially meaningful because she has never considered dancing one of her natural strengths. She said she sometimes feels stiff while performing and believes she must work harder than some of the other contestants to appear comfortable in the ballroom.
“The 9 means everything to me because I have to work extra hard,” Higgins explained in comments reported by Us Weekly. She credited Ballas with helping her remain focused and described him as a patient partner who understands how to guide her through difficult choreography.
- Higgins has remained near the top of the leaderboard during the opening weeks.
- She and Mark Ballas earned a 25 out of 30 for their Mariah Carey waltz.
- The performance included a difficult double turn that Higgins once feared she could not complete.
- Positive self-talk has become an important part of her rehearsal process.
Mark Ballas Helps Build Her Confidence
Before joining Dancing With the Stars, Higgins acknowledged that self-doubt could affect her performance. Ballas has reportedly encouraged her to replace negative thoughts with positive self-talk, reminding her that repetition and persistence can produce results.
Higgins said Ballas often urges her to try again whenever she becomes frustrated. That approach proved valuable during rehearsals for the double turn in her latest routine. After one rehearsal failed to go smoothly, Ballas reportedly considered removing the move from the choreography.
Instead, Higgins successfully completed the turn during the live performance. She described the moment as a personal breakthrough and said she was shocked to realize she had managed the difficult step under the pressure of a televised competition.
Her comments suggest that the debate over whether Maura Higgins is receiving favorable treatment overlooks the amount of work taking place behind the scenes. While leaderboard scores remain subjective, Higgins has repeatedly emphasized that she is putting in long hours and learning each routine through perseverance.
What the DWTS Rumors Mean for the Competition
Rumors about reality television competitions being manipulated often spread when one contestant improves quickly or attracts significant public attention. Higgins’ profile, previous television appearances, and growing fan base may have contributed to the speculation surrounding her progress.
However, the available comments from Higgins focus on effort rather than certainty. She has not claimed that victory is guaranteed, and her remarks about wishing the rumor were true were clearly delivered as a joke. Her continued surprise at high scores also suggests that she does not view success as automatic.
For now, Higgins remains focused on learning, performing, and maintaining her partnership with Ballas. The competition is still underway, and future routines will determine whether her momentum continues. Fans can watch Dancing With the Stars on ABC and Disney+ Tuesdays at 8 p.m. Eastern Time.
FAQs About Maura Higgins and Dancing With the Stars
What rumor did Maura Higgins address?
Maura Higgins addressed speculation that Dancing With the Stars was fixed to help her win the season. She responded jokingly and said she wished the rumor were true.
Who is Maura Higgins’ dance partner?
Higgins is partnered with professional dancer Mark Ballas, who has helped her build confidence and improve her ballroom technique.
What score did Maura Higgins receive for her waltz?
Her waltz to Mariah Carey’s “If It’s Over” earned a total score of 25 out of 30 from the judges, including the season’s first 9.
When does Dancing With the Stars air?
Dancing With the Stars airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. Eastern Time on ABC and Disney+.
