Ciara Miller turned to Whitney Houston for one of the most personal moments of her Dancing With the Stars debut. The Summer House star performed an emotional foxtrot to Houston’s classic song “Exhale,” and the performance moved judge Carrie Ann Inaba to tears.
Miller danced with professional partner Brandon Armstrong during the September 16 episode. Together, they moved through slow walking steps and quick side steps as they performed the foxtrot.
The performance was not without criticism. The judges said Miller could improve her control and flow, giving her and Armstrong 15 out of 30. Still, the emotion behind her performance stood out, especially to Inaba.
Ciara Miller Chose Whitney Houston’s “Exhale” for a Personal Reason
Miller’s choice of “Exhale” was more than simply picking a famous Whitney Houston song. She said the music connected with what she had been experiencing during an important period in her life.
Speaking to Deadline, Miller explained why the song felt right for her debut.
“It really spoke to where I was at in this period of my life.”
The reality star also shared that she has always loved Houston and had been listening to “Exhale” throughout the year. For Miller, the song marked an important moment in her life, making it a natural choice for a performance that needed emotional depth.
Her DWTS Foxtrot Brought Carrie Ann Inaba to Tears
While the judges pointed out areas where Miller could improve, Inaba focused strongly on the emotion she saw during the performance. She became visibly emotional while watching Miller dance.
After the routine, Inaba told Miller that she could see and feel the pain behind her movements. She also described dance as a place where people can express those emotions.
“You made me cry,” Inaba told Miller.
She continued by praising Miller as a “stunning dancer” and encouraged her to continue the journey. Inaba also urged the 30-year-old reality star to believe in herself as she moves forward in the competition.
Derek Hough Encouraged Ciara Miller to Dance With Confidence
Derek Hough also praised Miller after the performance. However, his feedback focused on helping her become more confident in her movement.
Hough encouraged the Summer House star to return to rehearsal and approach her dancing with greater freedom. His comments suggested that Miller has room to grow as she becomes more comfortable on the dance floor.
“Dance like you know that you’re good, because you are,” Hough told her.
That encouragement came alongside the judges’ technical feedback. While Miller and Armstrong received 15 out of 30, the emotional response showed that the performance connected with at least one judge on a deeper level.
Ciara Miller Let Her Emotions Shape Her DWTS Debut
Miller’s performance showed how music can become part of a dancer’s personal storytelling. Rather than choosing a song only for its popularity, she selected one that had been meaningful to her throughout the year.
That connection was important to Miller because she wanted the audience to feel what she felt while performing. She said she hoped that connecting with the song herself would allow viewers to recognize that same connection.
Her comments also explain why “Exhale” became such a fitting choice for the moment. The song gave Miller a way to communicate emotions that could not necessarily be explained through words.
Whitney Houston’s “Exhale” Added More Meaning to the Performance
“Exhale” is one of Whitney Houston’s best-known songs, making it a recognizable choice for a major television performance. For Miller, however, the song carried personal meaning beyond Houston’s legacy.
She said she had been listening to the track throughout the year. As a result, performing it on Dancing With the Stars allowed her to bring something deeply personal onto the dance floor.
Miller’s debut therefore combined a familiar song with a personal story. Her foxtrot may still need technical improvement, but its emotional message was clear enough to move Inaba.
Ciara Miller’s DWTS Journey Is Just Getting Started
Miller’s first performance gave viewers an early look at her strengths and the areas she will need to develop. The judges pointed to control and flow as areas for improvement, while also recognizing the emotion and potential in her performance.
With Armstrong by her side, Miller will have more opportunities to build her confidence and strengthen her technique as the competition continues. Her first routine already established the emotional side of her journey.
For now, her decision to dance to “Exhale” has given her DWTS debut a personal identity. Miller brought a song she loves, connected it to her own experiences and allowed that emotion to come through on the dance floor.
