Dancing with the Stars Official Podcast
Episode 6: Wicked Night Breakdown
Date: October 23, 2025
Host: Joey Graziadei
Theme: A Broadway-infused week, with exclusive insights into “Wicked Night” on DWTS, cast interviews, and industry insider perspectives.
Episode Overview
This week’s episode takes listeners behind the scenes of “Wicked Night” — a special theme episode that brought the magic of the musical and its movie adaptation to the Dancing with the Stars ballroom. The competition intensifies as nine couples remain, and emotions run high with special cast interviews and a deep dive into the blend of theater and ballroom dance. Key guests include Ariana Maddox (Season 32 finalist and Broadway star), Will Loftus (associate choreographer for both Wicked films), and the recently eliminated couple, Scott and Riley.
Key Highlights and Discussion Points
1. Ariana Maddox Reflects on Her DWTS Journey
[01:33–11:05]
Personal Transformation & Emotional Growth
- Ariana shares how being on DWTS was life-changing, especially as she navigated personal losses and a public breakup.
- "I always talk about to people how much Dancing with the Stars literally changed my life." – Ariana Maddox [02:06]
- She emphasizes the importance of physical expression in processing emotions:
“That connection to your body and the ability to express your feelings and emotions...there’s no other outlet for that...unless you're actively taking dance classes. And even then it's not the same.” [02:45]
Pivotal DWTS Moments
- Music Video Week:
- Ariana had only three days to rehearse her Cha Cha while juggling commitments in Vegas ("I was just running on E"). [04:13–05:20]
- “I can’t believe that it actually worked out and I didn’t just bust my ass on TV.” [05:20]
- Semifinals and the Pressure:
- The uncertainty of eliminations played on Ariana’s nerves:
“Every week when you’re standing up there and the lights are all red, you’re like, what if it’s my time?” [06:44]
- The uncertainty of eliminations played on Ariana’s nerves:
- Favorite Performance:
- The semifinals Foxtrot, which earned her partner Pasha his first perfect score.
“I have a hard time saying that I want to do things for me...something that really helped motivate me was Pasha...wanting to do things for him.” [07:44]
Transition to Broadway
- Ariana’s role as Roxie in Chicago was a lifelong dream come true.
- “I walked out of the ballroom...straight to my trailer and got on a red eye flight and had to go...announce it to the world. It was a really amazing experience.” [09:25]
- DWTS helped solidify her credentials with producers:
“Them being able to see me on Dancing with the Stars is something that really kind of solidified...she can do this, she's committed.” [09:53]
The Magic of Wicked Night
- Ariana is a massive Wicked fan, thrilled by the Broadway atmosphere in the ballroom, the presence of director Jon Chu, and the heightened level of production.
- “It was my Super Bowl. I was so excited. I was screaming for her.” [12:47] – On Elaine and Alan’s performance.
- Standout dances included Danielle and Pasha’s Argentine Tango ("It was hot. And there was pyro, so it was literally...actually hot." [13:24]), and detailed appreciation of technical challenges faced by the couples.
2. Behind the Scenes with Will Loftus – Wicked’s Associate Choreographer
[18:07–29:19]
Journey from DWTS to Hollywood and Broadway
- Will started as a dancer on DWTS, assisting Mandy Moore before moving into choreography and eventually working on the Wicked films.
- “I’ve really, like, grown up with these people.” [19:21]
Collaboration and Creative Process
- Shared experiences choreographing for Wicked, including working closely with Chris Scott (choreographer) and Jon Chu (director):
“Just to see them and their relationship evolve and see them both as individuals evolve...for us to full circle, end up back in this moment is really awesome.” [20:17]
- Insights on working with Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, and how long-term relationships on set cultivated a family-like environment:
“Sometimes I forget, like, not who they are, but kind of in a way, you know. They just feel like my friends.” [20:47]
Crossover with Ariana Grande
- Will recounts how their first collaboration was actually on DWTS during a finale performance, before later choreographing Ariana Grande’s “Yes, And?” video.
- “She FaceTimed me out of the blue...we both cried...it was a really, really beautiful experience to be able to do that with her.” [21:28]
Wicked Night Analysis and Set Behind the Scenes
- Will describes the thrill of seeing props from the film on the DWTS set, and the merging of these creative worlds.
- “The second you pulled up to the studio today...you see like a bunch of green and a bunch of pink...it really transforms the world.” [23:41]
- Specific praise for Alex and Val’s jazz to “What Is This Feeling?”:
“She really embodied Glinda in such a fun, beautiful way.” [24:20]
- Highlights the technical challenge of adapting “Popular” for a Quickstep and commends the in-house musicians and singers for their talent and adaptability. [25:39–26:22]
- “To sing ‘Popular’ at that speed...was really impressive.” [26:22]
- On Andy and Emma’s group number:
“The joy in my heart watching that number. You have no idea what that did for my spirit.” [27:04]
3. Scott & Riley’s Exit Interview: Heart, Humor, and Vulnerability
[29:23–43:30]
Gratitude, Friendship & Overcoming Fear
- Scott faces elimination with humility and perspective:
- “Honestly, the first feeling really is gratitude. Like, I love this show, and I wanted to be on it. It’s such a big season, and Riley and I got along instantly...” [30:14]
- Discussing the anxiety and pressure of performing live and how it led to mistakes (“I blacked out and just didn’t kill it...I feel bad for Riley. She worked so hard.” [30:54]), but also the joy and connection they found together.
- Riley on their bond: “Scott, like, seriously was so kind from the start... I became best friends with Scott and obviously his husband Mark...I just feel lucky.” [32:49]
The Magic of Announcing Family News
- The couple reflects on announcing Scott and Mark’s pregnancy live:
- “I’m really honored I got to do it on the show and in such a fun way. It’s such a big moment...that was, like, such a cool way to...go, I guess.” [33:37]
Reminiscing Favorite Moments & Fun Anecdotes
- Highlights include their foxtrot to “Parallel,” “Jenny,” and the “Bop to the Top” performance with the infamous hat changes during commercial breaks.
- “I had more hats to come...but I got stopped.” [35:49]
Growth through Vulnerability
- Scott opens up about the challenge of ballroom, even as a seasoned performer:
“This was so different. It felt vulnerable in a way that I have not been in years.” [38:53]
- Riley describes Scott’s week-over-week progression in confidence and technique:
“It’s interesting...it’s a different style each week...but you still apply the critiques that you’d got on the dance and applied it to the new style...it was really cool to see...” [39:57]
Looking Ahead and Saying Goodbye
- Both share that rehearsal room camaraderie, laughter, and friendship are what they’ll miss most.
“Even if we had the hardest rehearsal ever...we still had so much fun, and I laughed so much. You’re like, genuinely the funniest person ever.” – Riley [41:58]
- “I’m gonna miss it all. Like, every detail of it. From saying hi to security, walking into rehearsal, laughing with Riley, the tiktoks we always would make...” – Scott [42:48]
Memorable Manifestation
- Scott, a self-proclaimed Wicked and Jon M. Chu superfan, makes a playful plea for a cameo in a future film:
“If there is a third installment of Wicked...I will play extra number seven that you see in the background waving. That’s how bad I want to be in the movie.” [36:50]
Noteworthy Quotes & Moments
- Ariana Maddox:
- “You come out and you’re like...it’s an experience.” [01:49]
- "My heart was in my butt." [07:10] – On waiting for elimination results.
- Will Loftus:
- “I feel very grateful to have had that time with [Ariana Grande].” [21:28]
- “They just feel like my friends.” [20:47] – On working with Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo.
- Scott:
- “... I just, like, blacked out and just didn’t kill it.” [30:54]
- “This was so different. It felt, like, vulnerable in a way that I have not been in years.” [38:53]
- Riley:
- “Just the best. Scott, like, seriously was so kind from the start.” [32:49]
- “You are a performer. You were so lit up on the dance floor.” [32:29]
- Podcast Host (Joey Graziadei):
- “It was an experience. You got to see the performance of Wicked in an atmosphere of a ballroom that you love.” [16:24]
Key Timestamps for Reference
- [01:33–11:05] – Ariana Maddox interview: DWTS impact, pivotal moments, Broadway transition, Wicked night reactions.
- [18:07–29:19] – Will Loftus interview: Career origins on DWTS, transition to film, “Wicked Night” creative insights.
- [29:23–43:30] – Scott & Riley exit interview: Emotional reflections, favorite memories, lessons learned, heartfelt goodbyes.
Conclusion & Takeaways
This episode captures the blending of Broadway and ballroom, exploring personal journeys, artistry, and the intense emotional stakes of Dance Night. Listeners get rare, honest insights into what it means to compete, collaborate, and create unforgettable performance magic—on and off the stage.
Fans are left inspired by the vulnerability, growth, and community that make DWTS much more than a dance show.