5 Routines We Want to See Adam Rippon Slay on "DWTS"
The news is out, and we couldn’t be more excited: Olympic figure skater/performer of gorgeous Benji Schwimmer choreography/patron saint of sequins/all-around fabulous human Adam Rippon will appear on the upcoming athletes-only “Dancing with the Stars” cycle! Even better, he’s been paired with one of our fave pros, Jenna Johnson—the ultimate #dreamteam.
Our Rippon obsession is so real. And that means that in the days since the “DWTS” cast announcement, our minds have been busy imagining all the routines we know Adam and Jenna could slay. Here are 5 numbers that’d totally impress the judges. (“DWTS” producers: You’re welcome.)
A Jive to “Stitches” by Shawn Mendes, Ideally with a Cameo by Shawn Mendes
We already know that Rippon has his eye on the adorable singer (whom he met for the first time at the Oscars, as one does)—so why not play matchmaker, “DWTS” producers? We’re picturing Rippon in hospital gear with Johnson as his ER doc (“stitches,” see what we did there?), and if Mendes wants to show up dressed as a nurse for a jiving trio, we’re 1000 percent here for it!
A Broadway Jazz Number to “Carrying the Banner” from “Newsies”
Adam and Broadway go together like Ultra Clutch hairspray and comp kids: It’s a perfect pairing. And how cute would he be in a newsboy cap? If Rippon he can pull out a bunch of fouettés on a pape like Ryan Steele (see above)—which, given that fouettés are a distant cousin of skating’s scratch spin, seems likely—even better.
A Gorgeous “Greatest Showman”-Themed Waltz—Trapeze Optional
Rippon as Zac Efron and and Johnson as Zendaya, waltzing along to “Rewrite the Stars”? YES. And maybe, just maybe, some aerial acrobatics? YAAAAAS.
A Heartbreaking Travis Wall Contemporary Piece to a Sam Smith Ballad
Adam’s worked with Travis. Jenna’s worked with Travis. You KNOW this combination would be on point. Add a painfully gorgeous song like Sam Smith’s “Too Good at Goodbyes” to the mix, and you’re bound to have the judges ugly-face crying.
A “DWTS” Version of #Beychella
Based on his Spotify playlist, it’s clear that Rippon’s part of the #Beyhive (same). So a Beyoncé-themed number is, obviously, a necessity. “Love on Top?” “Run the World?” “Flawless?” We honestly don’t care which song he and Johnson choose, as long as Rippon gets to go full #Beychella in his own bedazzled yellow sweatshirt and knee-high fringe boots.
