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Scott Hoying was supported by his on-screen boyfriend for Dancing with the Stars Disney night!
On Tuesday, Oct. 7, the ABC competition series hosted the annual Disney night, and the Pentatonix singer performed a Salsa with partner Rylee Arnold to High School Musical’s “Bop to the Top.”
After his performance, cameras showed his former costar and HSM star Lucas Grabeel cheering him on in the audience.
Grabeel, 40, is best known for playing Ryan Evans in the movies and performing that song alongside his onscreen sister Sharpay Evans (Ashley Tisdale) in the first movie. The Pentatonix singer, 34, later starred as Grabeel’s boyfriend in High School Musical: The Musical: The Series.
Before Scott and Rylee hit the stage, Scott opened up about his special connection to the famed musical franchise. He explained that for season 4 of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, he played Ryan Evans’ love interest, “which is the reason Ryan comes out.” He also spoke about how powerful and meaningful that role was.
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Following Grabeel’s brief cameo, Scott and Rylee were given their critiques from judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli.
Carrie Ann told Scott that they “razzle-dazzled” the crowd and added, “You two together [are] wonderful.”
While Derek mentioned that he and sister Julianne Hough are often compared to Ryan and Sharpay, he said Scott and Rylee “are way better. You guys are so good.”
Bruno also praised the “effort” put into their routine.
Ultimately, the duo earned a 21/30 for their dance.
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Though Ryan’s sexuality was never directly addressed in the original films, director Kenny Ortega confirmed years later that he was gay and “probably came out in college.”
In August 2023, High School Musical: The Musical: The Series creator Tim Federle spoke to PEOPLE about the importance of Ryan coming out as gay and how Scott got involved.
“The stories had a discreet ending with High School Musical 3, but presumably these people went on and lived other lives,” he said. “Part of that for me felt like it would be this beautiful thing that is not so far removed from reality, that Ryan would’ve gotten through high school and presumably went to college and discovered the side of himself that would end up being life-changing.”
“Part of that for me felt like it would be this beautiful thing that is not so far removed from reality, that Ryan would’ve gotten through high school and presumably went to college and discovered the side of himself that would end up being life-changing,” he continues. “The more depictions in media of anyone who feels othered as now living a happy healthy life is powerful.”
Federle also said of Grabeel: “He has lived with the legacy now for 15 years, and Lucas was in tears on set when we shot that little moment, that kiss. He said, ‘I think this is going to mean so much to people who grew up with this movie and always wondered about Ryan, and this is a type of representation we can really bring into the future.’”
As for Scott’s appearance, Federle said the singer was a friend of his and was immediately on board the second he asked him to appear on the show.
“Scott is a friend from the biz,” he explained. “I texted Scott and was like, ‘Crazy question, are you a fan of High School Musical?’ He wrote back and he was like, ‘Don’t be insulting. Of course.’ I was like, ‘So you know Lucas Grabeel who plays Ryan?’ He’s like, ‘Duh.’ I was like, ‘Would you want to come in for a day and play his husband?’ Scott was like, ‘Say less.’”
“Scott was super easy and onboard and was so gracious and so fun,” Federle added.
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Dancing with the Stars airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+.
