Mariah Carey Honors ‘Dancing With the Stars’ Contestants on MC Night

Mariah Carey has a shelf full of Grammys, American Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards, an MTV Video Vanguard moonperson and a place in the Songwriter Hall of Fame. But before the hoofers on Dancing With the Stars hit their steps on Tuesday night (Oct. 6), MC had a very special, inspirational message for them.

“Hi everyone, it’s Mariah,” she said in a video message played at the beginning of the episode in which she sat in her living room in front of a white baby grand piano, her flowing blonde-highlighted hair cascading onto a shimmery silver dress. “What an honor to have an entire evening dedicated to my music. I can’t wait to see how these fabulous couples bring my songs to life. I wish I could be there tonight, but I’ll be watching and cheering you on from afar. Have fun!”

Her inspiring message came right before the 12 remaining season 35 couples hit the stage for an opening group number set to her 1999 Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hit “Heartbreaker” on a night when the pairs danced to such other MC classics as “It’s Like That,” “Obsessed,” “Without You,” “Fantasy,” “Touch My Body,” “Vision of Love” and “Hero.”

By night’s end, Summer House cast member Ciara Miller was sent packing after she and partner Brandon Armstrong washed out following their routine to Mariah’s 1991 Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hit “Emotions.”

DWTS will return next Tuesday (Oct. 13) on ABC with Super Bowl night, during which the contestants will dance to songs performed during a variety of Super Bowl halftime shows; the show streams the next day on Hulu.

Watch Carey’s message for the DWTS contestants below.

_Originally reported by [Billboard](https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/mariah-carey-video-message-dancing-with-the-stars-mc-night-1236356065/)._