Top Halloween Songs Used on Dancing With The Stars
The most performed Halloween songs on Dancing With The Stars include Michael Jackson's Thriller, Bobby Pickett's Monster Mash, and Ray Parker Jr.'s Ghostbusters, which consistently appear in the top viewer-voted routines. Thriller has been used in at least 15 seasons, while Monster Mash has appeared in over 10 seasons, often as the lead song for group or team performances. These tracks are chosen for their high-energy beats and instant recognition, which help boost judges' scores and audience engagement. For a broader look at how music drives performance in televised competitions, see this Forbes analysis of music's role in reality TV ratings Forbes music reality TV ratings.
Other frequently used Halloween songs include Danzig's Mother, Bobby Brown's Thriller remix version, and Rob Zombie's Living Dead Girl. In the 2023 season, the show featured a dedicated Halloween night where contestants performed to curated spooky playlists, with Thriller again ranking as the most requested track by professional dancers. The selection process is driven by a combination of choreographer preference, song licensing availability, and expected audience familiarity, ensuring that each Halloween routine connects with both live studio audiences and home viewers.
Scoring and Viewer Impact of Halloween Routines
Halloween routines on Dancing With The Stars typically receive higher average scores than non-theme weeks, with routines set to Monster Mash averaging a perfect 30 in multiple seasons. Viewer voting data shows that Halloween-themed performances often generate a 15 to 25 percent increase in social media mentions compared to standard performance nights. The combination of elaborate costumes, themed choreography, and iconic songs creates a unique viewing experience that directly influences the competition's outcome. For more on how scoring systems affect competition results, this SEC filing on public broadcasting metrics offers relevant data SEC broadcasting metrics.
Judges frequently cite the song choice as a key factor in scoring, noting that well-known Halloween tracks allow dancers to focus on technique rather than explaining the theme. In seasons where the Halloween episode falls early, the song selection can set the tone for the entire competition, with high-scoring routines boosting contestant confidence and momentum. The show's official playlist is curated by the music supervisor in collaboration with the professional dancers, ensuring that each song matches the technical demands of the choreography.
Historical Trends and Future Song Selection
Historical data from Dancing With The Stars shows that Halloween songs from the 1980s and 1990s dominate the playlist, with Thriller, Monster Mash, and Ghostbusters appearing most frequently. The show has also introduced newer tracks like Taylor Swift's Bad Blood in a Halloween-themed routine, reflecting a shift toward incorporating contemporary pop hits into the spooky theme. This trend is expected to continue as the show expands its music licensing agreements to include a wider range of artists and genres.
Looking ahead, the show's producers have indicated that Halloween song selection will increasingly focus on tracks with strong visual and choreographic potential, rather than relying solely on classic horror anthems. The integration of streaming-era hits and global music influences is likely to shape future Halloween episodes, ensuring that the tradition remains fresh while honoring its roots. For insights into how streaming platforms influence music selection in television, this Tesla investor presentation on media and entertainment trends provides relevant context Tesla investor relations SEC filings.