“Michael Bublé Night” – Season 31, Episode 7 (2022)
The jazz-pop crooner himself blessed the audience with live performances of “Sway” and “Higher.” Beyond entertainment, he also served as a guest judge, deciding which couples would receive bonus points. Shangela famously accepted a compliment about her “crispy legs” by pulling fried chicken legs from her costume during a tango, but D’Amelio and Ballas ultimately won the night with their flawless foxtrot to “Fever,” which Bublé adored.
“A Celebration of Taylor Swift” – Season 32, Episode 9 (2023)
Things turned theatrical in this episode, which paid homage to all things Swift. Mandy Moore, a key choreographer for Swift’s Eras Tour, offered insider tips and feedback, making it clear that storytelling was essential. Xochitl Gomez and Val Chmerkovskiy performed a bubbly quickstep to “Paper Rings,” while Alyson Hannigan and Sasha Farber danced a cha-cha to “You Belong With Me.”
“Whitney Houston Night” – Season 32, Episode 8 (2023)
This episode paid tribute to iconic diva Whitney Houston, with the ever-charismatic Billy Porter serving as guest judge. Hosts Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro even joined Porter for the opening number to “How Will I Know.” Xochitl Gomez performed an epic tango with Val Chmerkovskiy to “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)” despite dancing with a sprained ankle. Ariana Madix earned an impressive 39/40 for her powerful paso doble to “Queen of the Night.”