Mariah Carey takes centre stage as “Dancing with the Stars” celebrates her legendary music in its fourth week of season 35. The show, which airs on ABC, will feature an array of performances set to some of Carey’s most beloved tracks, with 12 celebrity contestants vying for the coveted Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy. The themed week, known as “Mariah Carey Night,” will premiere on 6th October.
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This special episode comes after a series of exciting musical genres showcased over previous weeks. The most recent theme, yacht rock, resulted in the elimination of Taylor Hanson and his partner Britt Stewart. Earlier in the competition, “Viral Hits Night” led to the departure of culinary star Giada De Laurentiis and her partner Alan Bersten. Contestants faced high stakes right from the premiere, where couples danced to number-one hits from the year each participant was born, resulting in the exit of Conner Leavitt and Adele Zaikman as well as Sarah Jane Nader and Hailey Bills.
The choreography for the upcoming episode promises varied styles and energetic performances, as each couple interprets a different Mariah Carey song. For instance, baseball player Jackson Olson and Emma Slater are prepared to perform a waltz to Carey’s emotional ballad “Without You.” Slater has expressed excitement, claiming the dance will be “epic” and feature a blend of gracefulness and elegance.
In another pairing, Guillermo Rodriguez, known for his role on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”, will take the floor with Witney Carson performing a samba to “Obsessed.” Rodriguez aims to embrace his inner diva, while Carson anticipates a captivating display, describing it as bringing “sexy back.”
Figure skater Amber Glenn and her partner Pasha Pashkov will tackle a rumba inspired by Carey’s empowering track “Hero.” Glenn, sharing insights from rehearsals, referred to it as a particularly challenging routine. Meanwhile, actress Tatyana Ali, alongside her partner Jan Ravnik, is ready to dazzle audiences with a jazz performance to “Fantasy,” hinting at the inclusion of some playful jazz hands.
Fellow contestant Maura Higgins and Mark Ballas have also choreographed a waltz to “If It’s Over.” Higgins recently shared a glimpse of their practice sessions, excited to complete her first double turn, showcasing the hard work the competitors are putting in.
On the tango front, actor Harry Shum Jr. paired with Jenna Johnson will present a rhythmic routine to “It’s Like That.” Shum Jr. has mentioned how surprisingly enjoyable he finds the tango, while Johnson noted that his performance is already impressive.
Comedian Connor Wood and Rylee Arnold, on the other hand, are set to perform a rumba to “Touch My Body.” Arnold praised Wood’s substantial progress during rehearsals, teasing an exciting reveal for viewers. Paralympian Ezra Frech and his partner Daniella Karagach will also deliver a rumba, this time to “Anytime You Need a Friend,” with Frech eager to showcase their hard work.
The upcoming themed night will also feature a foxtrot from Tyler Cameron and Sharna Burgess, dancing to Carey’s “#Beautiful.” The duo has been focusing on the intricacies of their movements to ensure a polished performance.
Summer House star Ciara Miller will showcase a jazz routine to “Emotions,” sharing her determination to nail the choreography even at the expense of her usual glamorous appearance. Julia Stiles is set to impress with a Viennese waltz to “Vision of Love,” which includes a potential flip move that they practiced during rehearsals.
Lastly, Jenna Dewan and Val Chmerkovskiy will perform a rumba to “My All,” with Dewan describing it as one of Carey’s most incredible works. Chmerkovskiy teased that their performance would truly highlight their skills and dedication.
With each couple bringing their unique style and flair to the dance floor, “Mariah Carey Night” on “Dancing with the Stars” is anticipated to be an evening full of grace, creativity, and passion. As viewers get ready to tune in, the focus will undoubtedly be on the contestants’ abilities to connect with Carey’s iconic music while captivating the judges and fans alike.