Jenna Dewan and Val Chmerkovskiy Perform Jive to KATSEYE's 'Animal' on DWTS
Jenna Dewan and Val Chmerkovskiy performed a jive to KATSEYE's 'Animal' during the Viral Hits Night episode of Dancing With the Stars. The routine earned them a score of 21 out of 30, an improvement from their previous tango. The performance featured animal-print decor and was praised by judges for its energy.
The jive marked the pair's second routine of season 35, following their debut tango to Blondie's "Call Me," which earned a lower score of 19 out of 30. Their improved total of 21 came from three matching judge scores of 7. The KATSEYE track "Animal" has spent eight weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 since debuting at No. 24 in August, representing the group's sixth chart entry.
The ballroom was transformed with animal-print lighting and jungle-inspired decor to match the song's theme. Judge Derek Hough described the performance as "fast, furious, fantastic," while Carrie Ann Inaba highlighted the duo's stronger connection and Bruno Tonioli dubbed Dewan a "sexy beast."
This performance may extend KATSEYE's mainstream reach by introducing their music to Dancing With the Stars' broad, multi-generational audience, potentially boosting streaming numbers and chart longevity. The show's Viral Hits Night also reflects how television placements continue to amplify songs that gained traction online. For viewers, such crossovers could deepen engagement with both the dance competition and the featured artists, while the judges' positive reception may reinforce the value of pairing current pop hits with classic ballroom styles.