Ariana Grande on Dancing With the Stars
Ariana Grande appeared as a guest performer on Dancing With the Stars during Season 21 in 2015. She performed her single "Focus" and later returned for a musical performance during Season 22. The show, produced by BBC Studios and distributed by Disney+, features celebrity contestants paired with professional ballroom dancers to compete in weekly dance challenges.
Her appearances contributed to high viewership for the season, with the show averaging over 10 million viewers per episode that year, according to Nielsen ratings. Grande's participation aligned with the series' strategy of booking high-profile pop artists to boost engagement and social media conversation.
Performances and Judging
Season 21 Guest Performance
During her Season 21 appearance, Grande performed "Focus" live on the show, which featured choreography tailored to the song's minimalist beat. The performance was not part of the competitive scoring but was used to promote her then-upcoming album "Dangerous Woman." The episode aired shortly after the single's release, driving a measurable increase in streaming numbers.
Professional dancers on the show, such as Witney Carson and Brandon Armstrong, have noted that Grande's stage presence translates well to live television choreography. Her performances are cited in behind-the-scenes featurettes as examples of integrating pop concert energy into the show's studio format.
Impact on Career and Show Format
Cross-Promotion and Audience Reach
Dancing With the Stars serves as a cross-promotional platform for artists, with past participants including athletes, actors, and musicians. Grande's involvement helped the show reach younger demographics, particularly fans of her music who follow her on platforms like Instagram and YouTube. The show's format relies on these high-profile guest spots to maintain relevance across multiple audience segments.
The series has evolved to include themed nights and ensemble performances, with guest artists like Grande often appearing during special result shows. Her participation reflects a broader industry trend where live television dance competitions function as marketing tools for album cycles and concert tours, as noted in industry analyses from sources like Forbes.