Ariana Madix has been through the wringer in 2023, letting fans and detractors alike see her pain. On the flip side, Ariana was able to translate a good portion of that pain into meaningful art, as many artists do.
Case in point, her time on Dancing with the Stars. Ariana has evidently channeled many of her 2023 experiences into her performances. Having to deal with Tom Sandoval would be a lot for anyone, but to be his girlfriend for nine years only to be cheated on? That would leave a scar on anybody.
Nevertheless, Ariana took nothing lying down. She kept fighting, throughout Vanderpump Rules and in her life outside TV. She secured a lifelong dream of making it on DWTS, and from the get-go, she made the most of her dream’s fulfillment. Well, with one caveat.
Why Ariana danced to “Cruel Summer”
On November 27, ahead of DWTS’s semi-finals, Ariana answered fan questions via her Instagram Stories. One fan asked why Ariana didn’t dance to “Vigilante S**t” on the show’s Taylor Swift night. Given the song’s lyrics, it would’ve been an apt choice considering everything Ariana went through with Tom.
Ariana explained, “Aside from Week 1 and [Most Memorable Year Night] I had a big music rule for myself which was NO songs on that subject matter.” Since Ariana chose 2023 as her most memorable year, a song about Scandoval only made sense. However, that wasn’t always going to be the case.
As she further explained, “Even my MMY was supposed to be about losses in 2022 and an amazing support system.” Moreover, Ariana told fans that “Cruel Summer” was her favorite of Taylor’s songs. “Taylor’s team wanted it in the show so I really wanted it to be mine,” she shared.
Dancing with the Stars continues Tuesdays at 8/7c on ABC and Disney+.
TELL US – WHAT DO YOU THINK OF ARIANA’S RULE? WHAT DID YOU THINK OF HER PERFORMANCES RELATED TO SCANDOVAL?
