UPDATED, 8:35 p.m.: Emma Ciereszynski was eliminated from the finals of the Scripps National Spelling Bee in the first round.

Ciereszynski mispelled the word, "ridotto," which is "an arrangement or abridgement of a musical composition from the the full score."

After incorrectly spelling it, "R-E-D-A-T-T-O," she graciously said, "Thank you very much!" to the judges.

An earlier story follows:

New Hampshire's spelling bee champion, Emma Ciereszynski of Dover, has made it into the final championship round of the Scripps National Spelling Bee.

Ciereszynski, a 14-year-old 8th grader at Dover Middle School, correctly spelled “ouabain” to advance to the final round of the competition, held at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Md.

A total of 278 spellers competed in this year's contest; only nine, including Emma, have made it to the championship round. The finals will be broadcast live on ESPN starting at 8 p.m. tonight.

Ciereszynski charmed the audience and judges with her expressive personality when she competed in the state bee in March, held for the first time on stage at the Capitol Center for the Arts in Concord.The state spelling bee is sponsored by the New Hampshire Union Leader.

The daughter of Edward and Donna Ciereszynski, Emma has competed in the state spelling bee since fourth grade. This was the last year she was eligible to compete.