Wicked Night & LGBTQ+ Stars

Dancing With the Stars is heading to Oz. Season 34’s “Wicked Night” brings Broadway hits — and stars like Scott Hoying, Lauren Jauregui, and Jordan Chiles — to the ballroom floor.

What happens when you mix a green-skinned witch with a glitter ball? This fall on Dancing with the Stars (DWTS), we’re about to find out. The show kicked off its 34th season in September and is saving a very special treat for fans: Wicked Night. For one week, every routine will be set to songs from the Broadway smash, just ahead of the upcoming film sequel. For a musical long cherished by queer audiences, this is more than just a theme—it’s a celebration.

Dancing With the Stars Season 34 Cast List

The current lineup is wonderfully varied. You’ll see Olympic champ Jordan Chiles, The Traitors winner Dylan Efron, Boy Meets World star Danielle Fishel, and Pentatonix’s Scott Hoying, each matched with a professional partner. There’s also ‘90s film icon Elaine Hendrix, NBA legend Baron Davis, actor-musician Corey Feldman, Fifth Harmony singer Lauren Jauregui, and comedian Andy Richter. Reality-TV moms Jen Affleck and Whitney Leavitt bring some family-friendly drama, TikTok star Alix Earle adds Gen-Z flair, animal-lover Robert Irwin follows in his sister Bindi’s footsteps, and wellness influencer Hilaria Baldwin rounds out the roster. Hosts Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro are back to guide the chaos, while judges Derek Hough, Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli are on hand with paddles.

Among the celebrities, two are proudly queer: Scott Hoying and Lauren Jauregui. Both say they’re on the show not only to vie for the Mirrorball trophy, but to tell their stories and bring more LGBTQ+ visibility to prime time. That representation makes every samba and waltz feel extra meaningful.

DWTS 2025 Weekly Theme Nights Schedule

DWTS rolls out a different theme each week, and this season has something for everyone:

• One Hit Wonder Night – Nostalgic songs you forgot you loved.
• TikTok Night – New dances and viral hits, perfect for the show’s social-media savvy contestants.
• Disney Night – Always a fan favorite with classic film tunes.
• Dedication Night – Stars dance in honor of someone or something close to their hearts.
• Wicked Night – Emerald lights and songs like “Defying Gravity” and “Popular.” It’s expected to be a showstopper.
• Halloween Night – Spooky costumes and thrilling routines.
• Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Night – Big hair and guitar solos.
• DWTS Birthday Party – A special episode celebrating the show’s 20 years on air.
• Prince Night – A purple-tinted tribute to the music legend.
• Grand Finale – A three-hour spectacle to close the season.

Dancing with the Stars Wicked Night: Full Song and Dance List

• Scott Hoying & Rylee Arnold: Contemporary to “The Wizard and I”
• Alix Earle & Val Chmerkovskiy: Jazz to “What Is This Feeling?”
• Robert Irwin & Witney Carson: Jazz to “Dancing Through Life”
• Whitney Leavitt & Mark Ballas: Quickstep to “Popular”
• Dylan Efron & Daniella Karagach: Rumba to “I’m Not That Girl”
• Andy Richter & Emma Slater: Jazz to “One Short Day”
• Elaine Hendrix & Alan Bersten: Contemporary to “Defying Gravity”
• Jen Affleck & Jan Ravnik: Foxtrot to “As Long as You’re Mine”
• Danielle Fishel & Pasha Pashkov: Argentine Tango to “No Good Deed”
• Jordan Chiles & Ezra Sosa: Rumba to “For Good”

Why Wicked Is a Queer Broadway Favorite

Wicked isn’t explicitly queer, but many fans read it that way. The story centers on the bond between Glinda and Elphaba; even when a love interest appears, the focus stays on their relationship. Themes of being an outsider, choosing your own path, and “defying gravity” speak to LGBTQ+ experiences. The duet “For Good” at the end often feels like a love song. That’s why you hear Wicked numbers at drag shows and queer karaoke nights—it’s more than a Broadway hit; it’s a cultural touchstone.

LGBTQ+ Stars on Dancing With the Stars 2025

Both Scott and Lauren hope to channel that spirit. Scott, a three-time Grammy winner, brings his a cappella precision to the ballroom. Lauren, fresh off a Fifth Harmony reunion, brings her sultry vocals and outspoken activism. In previous seasons, contestants like JoJo Siwa and drag queen Shangela broke barriers by dancing with same-sex partners. This year, Scott and Lauren aim to continue that tradition by infusing their routines with stories of authenticity and self-expression.

What Fans Can Expect on DWTS Wicked Night

Will someone do a foxtrot to “Dancing Through Life”? Could a Viennese waltz capture the soaring power of “Defying Gravity”? And who will tackle “Popular” with enough camp to satisfy the gays and the Glindas? Expect emerald-green lighting, pointy hats and maybe even a broomstick lift. With Scott’s musicality and Lauren’s stage presence, the queer contestants are poised to shine. Veteran pros like Mark Ballas and newbie Jan Ravnik may also surprise us with Oz-inspired choreography.

Wicked Night and Its Impact on Queer Pop Culture

DWTS is a glittery reality show, but its embrace of Wicked shows how mainstream TV can celebrate queer-coded stories. When you add openly queer competitors and an audience eager for inclusive narratives, “Wicked Night” feels like more than a gimmick—it’s a moment.

So grab your broomstick (or just your remote) on Oct. 21 and watch the ballroom turn emerald. The season may crown one champion, but everyone wins when queer stories take center stage.