'DWTS' Taylor Swift Night: Ariana Madix and Pasha Pashkov slammed for performing Rumba to 'acoustic' version of 'Cruel Summer'
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Ariana Madix and Pasha Pashkov performed Rumba during 'Dancing With The Stars' Taylor Swift Night. They ditched the original version of Swift's song and opted for an 'acoustic' version of 'Cruel Summer'.
Ariana and Pasha alongside other 'DWTS' Season 32 contestants performed on Taylor's best songs as they celebrated the night dedicated to the pop singer. However, Ariana took a cue from Taylor as she attempted to command the stage during her routine.
However, while Ariana and Pasha received praise for their stirring performance, the viewers slammed them for their song choice. An X user tweeted, "Cruel Summer is not a rumba song. it’s supposed to be fast and upbeat."
Another person noted, "Great dance by Ariana but how the eff so you ruin cruel summer ??? I don’t like this cover BS."
"These Taylor covers on dancing with the stars are trash. How did they ruin cruel summer?!?!!!" another critic added.
Another viewer said, "This is actually painful. The live band should be ashamed of these covers. A cover doesn’t mean change cruel summer into something actually cruel."
Another internet user penned, "That cruel summer cover was cruel." Another follower stated, "The cruel summer slowed cover is a NO."
Another social media user revealed, "Ok the only way to ruin a Taylor Swift night is to not have Taylor Swift singing Cruel Summer. Could not even enjoy the dance bc I had to mute the song."
cruel summer is not a rumba song. it’s supposed to be fast and upbeat……. #dwts
— kendal (taylor’s version) (@kdet07) November 22, 2023
Great dance by Ariana but how the eff so you ruin cruel summer ??? I don’t like this cover BS #DWTS
— becki (@8ecki) November 22, 2023
These Taylor covers on dancing with the stars are trash. How did they ruin cruel summer?!?!!!
— Felicia’s Grocery List #bb25 (@realityswiftie) November 22, 2023
Ariana is great though #dwts #DWTSxTaylorSwift
This is actually painful. The live band should be ashamed of these covers. A cover doesn’t mean change cruel summer into something actually cruel #DWTS
— t (@Tay_Land98) November 22, 2023
that cruel summer cover was cruel… #dwts #DWTSxTaylorSwift
— malaika💜 (@purplekiwi18) November 22, 2023
Ok the only way to ruin a Taylor Swift night is to not have Taylor Swift singing Cruel Summer. Could not even enjoy the dance bc I had to mute the song. #DWTS #TaylorSwiftNight
— Charity Covey (@charitycovey) November 22, 2023
Ariana Madix and Pasha Pashkov receive almost 'perfect scores'
In the latest episode of 'DWTS' Season 32, Ariana Madix and Pasha Pashkov received praise from the judges but again miss out on earning the perfect scores.
Guest judge Mandy Moore praised Ariana for moving with melodic technique. Meanwhile, Bruno Tonioli said that Ariana did a great job of commanding her sensuality.
Carrie Ann Inaba noted that she "showcased technique" and danced with power. Derek Hough complimented, "You embody the character and tone of each dance you do."
Despite the praise, Ariana and Pasha finished their dance with a 37 out of 40.
Ariana Madix reveals Taylor Swift quote she relates to
Ariana Madix appeared to be a huge fan of Taylor Swift and recently revealed a quote to which she relates the most. In a recent interview, Ariana shared, "One day I’ll take a nap or go on a vacation."
She added, "[But] there’s actually something that Taylor Swift says that I really relate to." Ariana then quoted Taylor's words, "I get tired but I never get tired of it. And that’s exactly how I feel."
Ahead of her performance during 'Dancing With The Stars' Taylor Swift Night, Ariana honoured Taylor noting, "Hey Taylor! Hi bejeweled queen, best believe you make the whole room shimmer. We love you so much!"
New episode of 'Dancing With The Stars' releases on Tuesdays at 8 pm ET on ABC.