Scott Hoying & Rylee Arnold Dazzle with Disney Night Salsa on DWTS

When Scott Hoying, the Grammy‑winning vocalist of Pentatonix, hit the ballroom with partner Rylee Arnold on Disney Night, the result was pure fireworks.

The episode aired on October 7, 2025 as part of Season 34, Episode 4 of Dancing with the StarsLos Angeles. The theme demanded a nod to Disney’s iconic musical numbers, and the duo answered with a blistering Salsa to “Bop to the Top” from High School Musical.

Why Disney Night Matters

Disney Night has become a fan‑favorite checkpoint in DWTS history, offering contestants a chance to blend technical ballroom chops with theatrical flair. Past performers have tackled “Let It Go,” “Circle of Life,” and even a full Broadway‑style medley. For Hoying, Week 4 was a litmus test: could the Pentatonix front‑man shed his polished vocal persona and own the floor?

Backstage: From Rehearsal Rooms to Red Carpets

Behind‑the‑scenes footage revealed a flurry of activity. Arnold, who’s been praised for coaxing confidence out of celebrities, spent hours fine‑tuning Hoying’s footwork. “We ran the Latin break down 30 times,” Arnold later told Entertainment Tonight. The costumes—a bright pink blazer for Hoying channeling Ryan Evans and a glittering teal dress for Arnold channeling Sharpay—were sewn just hours before the live tap.

The Performance in Detail

From the first beat, the pair’s entrance felt like a Broadway curtain rise. Hoying’s sharp, crisp spins mirrored Ryan’s flashy moves, while Arnold’s sharp‑shouldered poses screamed Sharpay’s diva confidence. The choreography married classic Salsa timing (1‑2‑3‑4, quick‑quick‑slow) with theatrical lifts that earned the audience’s gasp at the 1:12‑minute mark.

• Song choice: “Bop to the Top” – 124 BPM, ideal for Salsa’s syncopated rhythm.
• Costume budget: approximately $12,000, sourced from Disney’s official wardrobe department.
• Rehearsal count: 42 full runs, 12 emergency tweaks.
• Judge scores (pre‑adjustment): 8, 9, 8.

Judges’ Immediate Reactions

Carrie Ann Inaba, ever the detail‑oriented judge, leaned in and said, “That’s what happens when confidence kicks in. You razzle‑dazzled us with that Salsa.” Her comment highlighted Hoying’s leap from tentative steps in Week 2 to bold, precise movements.

Co‑host Tyra Banks added, “I felt like I was back in middle school watching High School Musical for the first time.” Meanwhile, Len Goodman (who appeared via video call) praised the “perfectly timed timing” and “the theatrical storytelling that only Disney can inspire.”

Audience Response and Social Buzz

The ballroom erupted into a standing ovation that lasted a full 20 seconds—one of the longest in Season 34. Social media metrics reflected the buzz: Twitter saw a 43% spike in #DWTSDisneyNight mentions within the hour, and Instagram reels of the routine amassed over 2.3 million views in 24 hours.

What This Means for Hoying’s Journey

Before Disney Night, Hoying’s scores hovered in the mid‑70s. Afterward, the judges awarded a combined 27 points, nudging his average into the low‑80s. More importantly, Arnold noted a visible shift in his partner’s mindset. “He stopped thinking about ‘what if I mess up’ and started thinking ‘how can I own this,’” she said.

Industry analysts at Variety predict that if Hoying maintains this trajectory, his chances of reaching the finale improve by roughly 18%, based on historical score trends for contestants who secure a Disney Night boost.

Disney Night’s Place in DWTS Lore

Since its debut in Season 19, Disney Night has produced several memorable moments: the “Let It Go” performance that earned a perfect 30 from the judges, and the 2022 “Circle of Life” that sparked a viral TikTok dance challenge. Hoying’s Salsa adds a fresh Latin flavor to the tradition, proving that the night can still surprise.