**Ciara Miller Pays Tribute to Whitney Houston at 2026 Emmys**
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During the live pre-show for the 2026 Emmy Awards, reality television star Ciara Miller brought a touch of nostalgia and elegance by wearing a dress that once belonged to legendary singer Whitney Houston. The 30-year-old, known for her role on the reality series ‘Summer House,’ described the gown as “so special” due to its profound connection to the late music icon.
As she appeared on the E! network during the “Live From E!: Countdown to the 2026 Emmys,” Miller revealed that her beige collared gown was designed by Mark Bouwer and originally worn by Houston in the early 1990s. “This was Whitney Houston’s dress,” she explained. “She wore this in 1993, 1994. It was a gift to me, and it’s so special because in a couple of days on Dancing With the Stars, my first dance is to Whitney Houston’s ‘Exhale,’ so I thought, ‘what better event to wear it than now?’”
The custom-made velvet tuxedo-style gown reflects the close relationship Houston had with Bouwer, the South African-born designer. Houston, who sadly passed away in 2011, often collaborated with Bouwer on stage outfits and red carpet looks, including her iconic wedding dress and costumes from her tours such as “I’m Your Baby Tonight” and “The Bodyguard.”
In a recent auction at Julien’s, the dress was sold for an impressive $5,120, with all proceeds benefiting The Whitney E. Houston Legacy Foundation, an organisation committed to preserving Houston’s legacy while supporting educational initiatives.
Miller will be competing in the 35th season of “Dancing With the Stars,” partnered with professional dancer Brandon Armstrong. Ahead of her debut, she shared her plans to enhance her preparation by increasing her fitness regimen. “I’m going to more yoga classes, more Pilates classes,” she stated. “I might start running again because I need to get my stamina up and have some type of endurance. I’m gonna get in the gym.”
Excitement is palpable for Miller as she embarks on this new chapter, particularly as she anticipates relocating to Los Angeles for the competition. “It’ll be nice to have my own schedule, have a very solid routine,” she said. “I’m looking forward to having that dance schedule; I feel like I used to have that when I was growing up.” The move offers a contrasting lifestyle to her current residence in New York City, where she usually walks everywhere.
Miller’s ‘Summer House’ castmate, Carl Radke, expressed his support for her upcoming performance on Dancing With the Stars during a recent event. “I think she’s going to win. I’m going to manifest it, put the energy out there,” he told PEOPLE. Radke elaborated on why he believes Miller has the potential to stand out. “First of all, she’s a good dancer. She’s got such a fun vibe on the dance floor. Secondly, she works really hard when she puts her mind to something.”
As the Emmy Awards unfold and anticipation builds for Miller’s debut on the dance floor, her tribute to Whitney Houston stands as a poignant reminder of the impact the late singer had on her life. The intersection of their journeys celebrates not only Houston’s remarkable legacy but also Miller’s exciting new path in the world of dance.
Viewers can catch more of Ciara Miller and the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards as they are broadcast live on NBC and Peacock, showcasing the best of television, creativity, and the glamour of Hollywood.