Rylee Arnold

Overview[]

Scott Hoying is a contestant on the thirty-fourth season of the American television series Dancing with the Stars. He is best known as a founding member and baritone singer of the a cappella group Pentatonix. Hoying was paired with professional dancer Rylee Arnold for the season, which premiered on September 16, 2025 on ABC and Disney+, with live voting determining weekly eliminations.

Background[]

Scott Hoying is a singer, songwriter, producer, arranger, and artist who has won three GRAMMY® Awards and an Emmy®. While studying music at the University of Southern California, he discovered his passion for a cappella and formed the group Pentatonix. Hoying is known for his powerful lead vocals and innovative arrangements, which have been pivotal in shaping Pentatonix's signature sound. As a member of this acclaimed vocal quintet, Hoying has played a key role in their international recognition and has collaborated with artists like Kelly Clarkson, Dolly Parton, Maren Morris, Jennifer Hudson, Stevie Wonder, and Andrea Bocelli. With Pentatonix, he has earned three GRAMMY Awards, sold over 13 million albums, and earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Hoying's creative vision has led Pentatonix to break new ground in contemporary a cappella music. Prior to joining DWTS, Hoying had limited dance experience. His participation marks the first time a Pentatonix member has competed as a celebrity contestant.

Dancing with the Stars[]

Pre-season promotion[]

Hoying was announced as part of the Season 34 cast on September 3, 2025, during Good Morning America. Paired with Rylee Arnold, the duo has performed a variety of dances, showcasing Hoying's growth from a novice dancer.

Gallery[]

Scott on being invited to join DWTS.	Scott on his previous dance experience.	Scott on the advantages of being a singer on DWTS.
Scott on dealing with high pressure moments.	Scott on what he wants to convey to audiences.	Scott on celebrating 20 years of DWTS.

* Source: ABC Press

Week 1 - Premiere Night | Dance style: Tango[]

On the premiere night of Season 34, each couple performed a dance to a song that the celebrity considers a personal anthem in their life. Scott Hoying made his debut with professional partner, Rylee Arnold, performing a Tango to Lady Gaga's "Abracadabra." Due to judge Carrie Ann Inaba's absence from illness, the dance was scored on a 20-point scale by Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli. Hoying, a novice dancer, showcased impressive posture and musicality influenced by his background as a singer in Pentatonix, but struggled with footwork precision in the intense routine. The judges praised his commitment and stage presence, with Hough noting, "Scott, first of all, it's good to see you on the ballroom floor. I mean you have the singing chops, man. Impressive. I see the potential there... But listen, for a week one dance, amazing." Tonioli added, "By the way, you stole my suit, get it back to me right now... Nevertheless, this is a little bit what you did before where a little messy, yeah? Refine what you do because a little but messy, that's the truth." They received a score of 10 (5, 5). Fans took to social media to express outrage over the low score, feeling it undervalued Hoying's effort, especially considering his scoliosis condition which he managed throughout rehearsals. There was no elimination this week.

Gallery[]

DWTS - WEEK ONE PERFORMANCE - SCOTT & RYLEE[]

Week 2 - One Hit Wonders Night | Dance style: Cha-Cha-Cha[]

In Week 2, themed around one-hit wonders, Hoying and Arnold delivered a playful Cha-cha-cha to "Blue (Da Ba Dee)" by Eiffel 65. Hoying displayed noticeable improvement in his hip action and rhythm, incorporating fun elements that highlighted his personality. The judges commended his energy and growth, with Inaba saying, "Last week, there's definitely growth, you seem more confident out there, you're taking up space. I would love to see you take up more space. You are a big guy, if you just take it over, it's going to be over!" Derek kept it playful with a single word: "Blue." Tonioli praised, "Scott better! Well done! Focused, intent, your timing was better, your consistency through the routine was better. Keep this way, my love!" However, they pointed out areas for better synchronization. The pair earned 18 (6, 6, 6) and were declared safe via viewer votes.

Gallery[]

DWTS - WEEK TWO PERFORMANCE - SCOTT & RYLEE[]

Week 3 - TikTok Night | Dance style: Jazz[]

For TikTok Night in Week 3, the duo performed a high-energy Jazz routine to "Like JENNIE" by JENNIE. Hoying embraced the funky style, drawing on his vocal performance experience to add flair and expression. Despite some timing issues in the faster sections, his charisma shone through. Inaba enthusiastically remarked, "Okay WHAT! You just owned that floor! You were like this is my ballroom. Back off. I have taken the space. I own the whole place! You were the king of TikTok night. That was your element. You were in your element! Thank you so much. I got so excited when you take a note and it." Tonioli added, "Oh yeah, Scott, you were on fire tonight in your comfort zone. To Arnold, Tonioli praised her by saying "The routine, choreography, my darling, was delicious. I loved it, because he had lots of sense of humor on it. And you used his personality to create something that suited him. That's the way you do it, my love." The performance scored 22 (8, 7, 7), their highest yet, and they advanced safely. Hoying later shared that Stephen Nedoroscik, Arnold's partner from a previous season, served as a "good luck charm" during preparations.

Gallery[]

DWTS - WEEK THREE PERFORMANCE - SCOTT & RYLEE[]

Week 4 - Disney Night | Dance style: Salsa[]

Week 4's Disney Night saw Hoying and Arnold channeling ''High School Musical'' with a Salsa to "Bop to the Top." Supported by guest Lucas Grabeel from the original film, Hoying brought enthusiasm and sharp movements, though the judges noted minor hesitations in the lifts. Inaba commented, "Okay, that's what happens when the confidence kicks in, you razzle dazzled us... Choreography was great. You two together, wonderful." Hough said, "I mean, I always feel like Julianne and I are like comparable, but what the way the Sharpay and Ryan are like fantastic. That was like the way better version of us. You know, the show, you're finding that confidence. Your team work was great, the pro partner salsa routine. We love to see that. Um, the character, the whole dance from start to finish, well done." Tonioli noted, " I love to see your showmanship coming out a bit. I love what you did. Content wise, it was all there. Of course a little thing went wrong but you should be proud of yourself." They received 21 (7, 7, 7) and remained safe.

Gallery[]

DWTS - WEEK FOUR PERFORMANCE - SCOTT & RYLEE[]

Week 5 - Dedication Night | Dance style: Foxtrot[]

For week 5's Dedication Night, Hoying and Arnold performed an emotional Foxtrot to Hoying's own song "Parallel," dedicated to his husband, Mark Hoying (also known as Mark Manio). The couple revealed during rehearsals that they are expecting a child via surrogate. Hoying demonstrated improved frame and ease, though some noted posture issues and disjointed moments. Derek Hough praised, "What a beautiful way to just have — dedicate this to the love of your life... I saw the effort. I saw the commitment... Also, I’m downloading that song right now — I love that song." Guest judge Kym Johnson-Herjavec said, "With the Foxtrot, I can really see improvement. Your frame was great... I think I can give you one tip moving forward with your head. If you think about getting a ruler behind your back and then putting your head to the ruler; it just crept in a little bit to Rylee. And then a little more drive action off your standing leg, which will get you gliding across the floor a little more" Bruno Tonioli added, "It really was a true love Foxtrot... You were getting on those drives much better... Sometimes you tend to lean forward, which you shouldn’t do, as the man should lead. But I’m telling you, you’re getting there. Well done." Carrie Ann Inaba critiqued, "It felt disjointed to me... watch Rylee a little bit more carefully in rehearsals, and match the lines." They earned their highest score of 30 (7, 8, 7, 8) and advanced safely, as no couples were eliminated.

Gallery[]

DWTS - WEEK FIVE PERFORMANCE - SCOTT & RYLEE[]

Week 6 - Wicked Night | Dance style: Contemporary[]

Gallery[]

DWTS - WEEK SIX PERFORMANCE - SCOTT & RYLEE[]

Week 11 - Finale[]

Gallery[]

DWTS - WEEK ELEVEM PREFORMANCE[]

Special - Dancing with the Holidays[]

Holly Joy Christmas with Pentatonix at Rylee

Scores[]

Individual judges' scores are given unless otherwise noted. Note: Week 1 (Premiere Night) used a 20-point scale due to Carrie Ann Inaba's absence. Week 5 (Dedication Night) used a 40-point scale due to use of guest judge, Kym Johnson-Herjavec. Week 6 (Wicked Night) used a 40-point scale due to use of guest judge, Jon M. Chu, the director of the films, Wicked and Wicked: For Good.

**WEEKLY SCORES**
Week	Air Date	Theme	Dance	Song	Judges' Scores (Carrie Ann Inaba \| Derek Hough \| Bruno Tonioli)	Total	Result
1	September 16, 2025	Premiere Night	Tango	"Abracadabra" — Lady Gaga	5 \| 5 *	10*	No Elimination
2	September 23, 2025	One-Hit Wonders Night	Cha-Cha-Cha	"Blue (Da Ba Dee)" — Eiffel 65	6 \| 6 \| 6	18	Safe
3	September 30, 2025	TikTok Night	Jazz	"Like Jennie" — JENNIE	8 \| 7 \| 7	22	Safe
4	October 7, 2025	Disney Night	Salsa	"Bop to the Top" — "High School Musical"	7 \| 7 \| 7	21	Safe
5	October 14, 2025	Dedication Night	Foxtrot	"Parallel" — Scott Hoying	7 \| 8 \| 7 \| 8	30*	No Elimination
6	October 21, 2025	Wicked Night	Contemporary	"The Wizard And I" — Cynthia Erivo & Michelle Yeoh from the motion picture, "Wicked"	7 \| 7 \| 7 \| 7	28*	Eliminated \| 10th place
Average							21.5

*Note: Week 1 used a 20-point scale due to Carrie Ann Inaba's absence.

* Note: Week 5 used a 40-point scale due to the appearance of guest judge, Kym Johnson.

*Note: Week 6 used a 40-point scale due to the appearance of guest judge, Jon M. Chu.