Witney Carson
Witney Carson is an American professional Latin ballroom dancer, Emmy-nominated choreographer, and television personality, best known for competing as a professional dancer on the ABC reality series Dancing with the Stars, where she won the mirrorball trophy in its nineteenth season in 2014 with partner Alfonso Ribeiro.[1] Born Witney Capri Carson on October 17, 1993, in American Fork, Utah, she is the eldest of four siblings and began her dance training at age three, developing expertise in ballet, jazz, contemporary, hip-hop, lyrical, tap, Latin, and standard ballroom styles.[1][2] Carson first gained national attention in 2012 at age 18 as a contestant on the ninth season of Fox's So You Think You Can Dance, where she advanced to the top six overall and top three among female dancers before being eliminated; she returned the following year as an all-star performer in season ten.[1][2] She joined Dancing with the Stars as a troupe member in seasons 16 and 17 (2013–2014), transitioned to a full-time professional role starting in season 18 (2014) with partner Cody Simpson, and has since appeared in 15 seasons total, partnering with celebrities including Chris Soules, Von Miller, Frankie Muniz, and Danny Amendola in season 33 (2024), where they placed fifth.[2] As of 2025, she is competing in season 34 with Robert Irwin.[3] Beyond television, Carson has pursued choreography, earning a Primetime Emmy nomination for outstanding choreography, and entrepreneurship through her CAPRI fitness apparel line, while also working as a model and social media influencer sharing content on lifestyle topics.[1][4] In her personal life, Carson married high school sweetheart Carson McAllister, a mechanical engineer, on January 1, 2016, in Salt Lake City, Utah, after he proposed during a 2014 episode of Dancing with the Stars.[1][5] The couple has two sons, Leo (born January 2022) and Jet (born March 2024), and Carson took a hiatus, missing season 32 (fall 2023), before returning for season 33.[2] She is also active in philanthropy, serving as an advocate for the Skin Cancer Foundation to raise awareness about skin cancer prevention.[1]Early life
Childhood and family background
Witney Carson was born on October 17, 1993, in American Fork, Utah.[6] She grew up as the eldest of four children in a close-knit family, alongside her younger brothers Cade and Jaxon, and younger sister Camry.[7] Her parents, Tyler Carson and Jill Johnson-Carson, provided a supportive home environment.[8] Tyler Carson worked for Altiris, a software company based in Utah, while Jill Johnson-Carson pursued a career as a travel agent.[8] Carson was raised in the suburban community of American Fork, a region with strong ties to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where her family's Mormon faith emphasized values of family unity, service, and perseverance.[8] This upbringing in a predominantly LDS neighborhood fostered a sense of community and moral grounding that influenced her early life.[8]Introduction to dance and training
Witney Carson began her dance training at the age of three, when her mother enrolled her in classes at the Center Stage Performing Arts Studio in Orem, Utah. Initially focusing on tap and jazz, she quickly expanded her repertoire to include ballet and hip-hop, developing a strong foundation in multiple styles through consistent practice at the studio.[9] At age nine, Carson transitioned to Latin ballroom dancing, a shift that marked a pivotal point in her development as a performer. This move aligned with her growing passion for the rhythmic and expressive nature of Latin styles, such as cha-cha and samba, which she pursued with increasing dedication. Her family provided crucial support during this formative period, encouraging her commitment to dance from an early age.[10] By her early adolescence, around age 12 or 13, Carson's training intensified as she began taking extra private lessons in ballroom to refine her technique and performance skills. This rigorous regimen, often spanning several hours daily after school, prepared her for participation in local and regional youth competitions in Utah, where she honed her competitive edge in Latin dance.[11]Career
Early competitive dancing
Carson began her competitive dancing career in her early teens, focusing on Latin ballroom after building a foundation in styles like ballet, jazz, and contemporary. She competed in various national and international events, including the New York City Dance Alliance, JUMP, and NUVO conventions, as well as global ballroom competitions. These experiences helped her develop her skills and stage presence through partnerships with other young dancers.[12] The competitive circuit presented challenges, including the demands of intense training and performances. Despite these setbacks, Carson persisted, using them to strengthen her mental resilience and ultimately motivating her to seek broader platforms for her talent.[12]Breakthrough on So You Think You Can Dance
Carson auditioned for the ninth season of So You Think You Can Dance in 2012 at age 18 during the Salt Lake City open call.[13] Performing a Latin ballroom routine to Bond's "Libertango," she impressed judges Nigel Lythgoe and Mary Murphy with her sultry artistry, precise footwork, and dynamic spins, earning the season's first "hot tamale" from Murphy and advancing to the Vegas round.[13][14] Selected among the Top 20 as a Latin ballroom specialist, Carson competed in the live shows, initially paired with fellow contestant Chehon Wespi-Tschopp for early routines before partnering with All-Stars in subsequent weeks.[9] Her performances highlighted her versatility, blending ballroom technique with contemporary elements, and she advanced through the competition rounds.[15] In the top 10 phase, she collaborated on notable pieces that showcased her charisma and technical skill, contributing to her progression to the Top 6.[9] Carson was eliminated in the sixth week alongside Cole Horibe, placing fifth or sixth overall, as the judges advanced Eliana Girard, Tiffany Maher, Chehon Wespi-Tschopp, and Cyrus Spencer to the finale.[15][16] Despite not winning, her season 9 appearance served as a pivotal breakthrough, introducing her to a national audience and establishing her as a rising star in professional dance.[17] The exposure from the show significantly elevated her career trajectory, leading to opportunities in touring and further television work.[18]Debut and success on Dancing with the Stars
Witney Carson joined Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) as a member of the show's dance troupe in season 16, which premiered in March 2013. In this supporting role, she performed ensemble numbers alongside the competing professionals and celebrities, gaining visibility on the long-running ABC competition series. Her troupe position continued into season 17, airing from September to November 2013, where she contributed to group routines and opening performances.[1] Carson transitioned to a professional dancer in 2014 for season 18, partnering with Australian singer Cody Simpson. Their debut season ended in the fifth week with elimination, placing ninth overall, but it established Carson as a lead choreographer capable of adapting routines to celebrity partners new to competitive dance. This promotion followed her strong showings as a troupe member and built on her prior experience as a top-six finalist on So You Think You Can Dance season 9, serving as a key stepping stone to full professional status.[19][20] Her major success arrived in season 19, partnering with actor Alfonso Ribeiro. The duo delivered consistently high-scoring performances across various ballroom and Latin styles, culminating in a victory on November 25, 2014, when they claimed the Mirrorball Trophy. At 21 years old, Carson became the youngest professional winner in DWTS history and one of only five pros to win during one of their first two seasons in that role. Their season finale freestyle, a mashup of "Sing, Sing, Sing (With a Swing)" by Benny Goodman and "Apache" by The Sugarhill Gang, showcased her choreographic flair and contributed to her 2015 Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Choreography.[21][1][22] Carson's early DWTS tenure highlighted her as an innovative choreographer, blending contemporary influences with traditional ballroom techniques to create dynamic, accessible routines that elevated celebrity performances. This approach led to multiple strong placements, including several finals appearances in subsequent seasons, solidifying her reputation for high-impact partnerships and creative contributions to the show's evolution.[22][23]Hiatus and recent professional projects
Witney Carson took a hiatus from Dancing with the Stars during season 29 in 2019 for professional commitments. She returned for season 30 in 2021 but opted out due to her pregnancy and concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic, giving birth to her first son, Leo, in January 2021. Carson returned to the series for season 31 in the fall of 2022, partnering with Wayne Brady and marking her comeback after maternity leave.[24][25] Following the birth of her second son, Jet, in May 2023, Carson announced another break from the show ahead of season 32, explaining that she was not mentally or physically prepared for the demands of the competition while focusing on her young children. She resumed participation in season 33 in 2024, paired with former NFL player Danny Amendola, where they placed fifth, and continued into season 34 in 2025 with Australian zookeeper and television personality Robert Irwin, where the duo has been competing as of November 2025. These family-oriented pauses reflect Carson's efforts to balance her professional commitments with motherhood.[26][27][28][29] Beyond her returns to Dancing with the Stars, Carson has pursued independent choreography projects. She earned a Primetime Emmy nomination in 2015 for Outstanding Choreography for her routines on the series, such as the jive to "3-6-9" and jive to "Sing, Sing, Sing (With a Swing)," highlighting her contributions to high-impact dance sequences. In recent years, Carson has extended her choreography expertise to specials and tours associated with the program, maintaining her reputation as an Emmy-nominated artist.[22][23] Carson has also ventured into fitness and wellness endorsements, launching the Finesse app in October 2025, a platform offering world-class coaching in dance, fitness, and personal growth tailored to users of all levels. The app features guided workouts and community support, drawing from her own postpartum recovery routines that emphasize listening to one's body amid demanding schedules. Previously, she collaborated with brands like Nike on fitness initiatives, but Finesse represents her shift toward entrepreneurial projects that integrate her dance background with accessible health resources.[30][31][32]So You Think You Can Dance
Participation and results
Carson auditioned for the ninth season of So You Think You Can Dance on February 23, 2012, in Salt Lake City, Utah, and advanced to the Top 20 as a Latin Ballroom specialist.[33][17] Representing one of ten female contestants, she performed her introduction routine, a cha-cha-cha with fellow ballroom dancers Lindsay Arnold and Nick Bloxsom-Carter, during the June 27, 2012, "Meet the Top 20" episode.[34] In the competition's early weeks, Carson demonstrated adaptability by excelling in diverse styles including contemporary, hip-hop, and jazz, while navigating viewer votes and judge deliberations. She landed in the bottom three females during the first results show on July 18, 2012, but was saved by the judges alongside Chehon Wespi-Tschopp, avoiding elimination as four other Top 20 dancers were cut.[35] Carson continued to progress, reaching the Top 10 and maintaining strong placements through week five, often praised for her precision and energy despite occasional bottom rankings.[36] Her run ended in the sixth week, when she and contemporary dancer Cole Horibe were eliminated on September 5, 2012, securing her a sixth-place finish overall and third among female contestants behind winner Eliana Girard and runner-up Tiffany Maher.[15] Carson's performances earned her a spot in the season's live tour, where she traveled across the U.S. with other Top 10 dancers, further elevating her visibility in the dance community.[9] The exposure from her Top 6 placement opened doors to additional professional engagements, including a return to the series as an All-Star in season 10, partnering with contestants Paul Karmiryan and Fik-Shun Stegall in routines like a cha-cha-cha and foxtrot.[37] This role solidified her transition to professional choreography and judging opportunities in later years.[17]Notable routines and reception
One of Witney Carson's standout performances in season 9 of So You Think You Can Dance was her contemporary routine with partner Chehon Wespi-Tschopp during the Top 14 week, choreographed by Mia Michaels to "Calling You" by CeeLo Green.[38] This iconic "bench" piece, originally premiered in season 2, explored themes of unrequited love and emotional vulnerability, with Carson delivering poignant expressions that highlighted her ability to convey deep sentiment beyond her ballroom roots.[38] Judges praised the duo's execution, with Mary Murphy noting the "beautiful and emotional" connection, while Nigel Lythgoe commended their technique and the routine's status as one of the season's best contemporary works.[38] Carson's versatility shone in her Top 8 hip-hop routine with all-star Stephen "tWitch" Boss, choreographed by Luther Brown to "My Homies Still" by Lil Wayne featuring Big Sean.[39] The playful narrative depicted a flirtatious dynamic between friends, where Carson's sassy energy and precise isolations marked a breakthrough from her Latin background, earning acclaim for her adaptability in urban styles.[39] Mary Murphy declared it one of her favorite hip-hop routines of the season, and Nigel Lythgoe called Carson a "revelation," emphasizing her star quality and technical growth.[39] Another highlight was her Top 10 jazz routine with all-star Nick Lazzarini (season 1 winner), choreographed by Travis Wall to "Sing It Back" by Moloko._season_9) This seductive piece portrayed a one-sided pursuit, allowing Carson to showcase her charisma through fierce, smoldering movements and confident stage presence.[40] The performance received strong praise, with Mary Murphy exclaiming that Carson was "smoldering" and a "star," while the judges overall highlighted her commanding charisma and seamless partnership.[40] Throughout the season, Lythgoe and Murphy frequently lauded Carson's impeccable technique, noting her precision in extensions, footwork, and emotional layering as key to her rapid evolution as a versatile performer.[38][39]Dancing with the Stars
Troupe role and transition to professional
Witney Carson joined the dance troupe for season 16 of Dancing with the Stars, which premiered in March 2013, where she performed in various group numbers alongside other ensemble dancers.[28] Her selection for the troupe was influenced by her strong foundation in Latin dance styles, including salsa and cha-cha, which she developed during her high school years; this expertise aligned well with the show's frequent incorporation of Latin routines in group performances.[9] Following her visibility from finishing sixth on season 9 of So You Think You Can Dance in 2012, where she showcased Latin ballroom prowess, Carson's versatility across contemporary and competitive formats further recommended her for the troupe role.[41] Carson continued as a troupe member into season 17, which began in September 2013, contributing to opening numbers and themed ensemble pieces that highlighted the production's high-energy choreography.[42] During this period, she auditioned internally for a promotion to professional dancer status, demonstrating her choreographic skills and teaching abilities to the show's producers and choreographers. Her rapid progression from troupe to pro reflected the production's practice of elevating talented ensemble members based on observed performance and potential to partner with celebrities.[19] In early 2014, Carson was officially promoted to professional dancer for season 18, marking her transition from background performer to lead partner.[43] She was assigned singer-songwriter Cody Simpson as her first celebrity partner, a pairing that debuted with a cha-cha and quickly positioned her as a dynamic new addition to the pro lineup, praised for her precise technique and innovative choreography.[28] This debut solidified Carson's reputation as a rising star on the series, blending her Latin specialization with the demands of competitive ballroom.[9]Mirrorball victory and career highlights
Carson secured her first Mirrorball Trophy victory on Dancing with the Stars during season 19 in 2014, partnering with actor and comedian Alfonso Ribeiro, which marked the inaugural win for both as a celebrity-pro duo and the first for a So You Think You Can Dance alum as a professional.[44][45][46] Their partnership was praised for its dynamic synergy, leading to consistent high placements and culminating in a season finale that showcased Ribeiro's comedic flair alongside Carson's precise choreography.[47] This triumph elevated Carson's profile, establishing her as a leading choreographer capable of elevating celebrity partners to competitive excellence.[48] Building on her season 19 success, Carson delivered standout performances in seasons 20 and 21, partnering with The Bachelor star Chris Soules and actor-singer Carlos PenaVega, respectively, where they achieved multiple high scores, including several 10s from judges, reflecting her ability to craft routines that balanced technical difficulty with emotional resonance.[23] In season 20, Soules and Carson reached the semifinals, earning praise for routines that pushed the boundaries of partner dynamics, while in season 21, PenaVega and Carson finished as runners-up, highlighted by near-perfect scores in Latin and contemporary styles that demonstrated Carson's innovative approach to storytelling through movement.[5] These seasons underscored her versatility, with routines often incorporating contemporary elements into traditional ballroom formats to enhance accessibility and viewer engagement.[18] Carson's choreography earned her a Primetime Emmy Award nomination in 2015 for Outstanding Choreography for a Variety or Reality Programming, specifically for her season 19 work, recognizing her contributions to elevating the artistic standards of the series.[49][23] Beyond competitions, she has influenced the show's format through mentoring roles, including serving as a mentor on Dancing with the Stars: Juniors in 2018, where she guided young dancers like Kamri Peterson, fostering the next generation of professionals and emphasizing skill-building in a supportive environment.[50] Her guidance has helped shape the pro troupe's development, promoting innovative techniques that have become staples in later seasons.[51]Dancing with the Stars performances
Season 18 with Cody Simpson
Carson debuted as a professional dancer on Dancing with the Stars Season 18, partnering with 17-year-old Australian pop singer Cody Simpson, who had no prior formal dance training beyond casual experience. Their partnership began with solid but modest scores in the early weeks, reflecting Simpson's adjustment from stage performance in music to the precision required in ballroom and Latin styles.[52] The couple's performances are summarized in the following table:| Week | Dance Style | Song | Judges' Scores (Goodman / Inaba / Tonioli / Guest) | Total Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cha-cha-cha | "Timber" by Pitbull feat. Kesha | 7 / 7 / 8 | 22/30 |
| 2 | Tango | "Yeah 3x" by Chris Brown | 7 / 7 / 8 | 22/30 |
| 3 | Jazz | "Surfboard" by Cody Simpson | 9 / 8 / 9 / 9 (guest: Robin Roberts) | 35/40 |
| 4 (Relay) | Foxtrot (with Sharna Burgess) | "I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz | 8 / 7 / 8 / 8 (guest: Donny Osmond) | 31/40 |
| 5 | Samba | "I Just Can't Wait to Be King" (from The Lion King) | 9 / 8 / 8 / 9 (guest: Donny Osmond) | 34/40 |
Season 19 with Alfonso Ribeiro
Carson partnered with actor Alfonso Ribeiro for Season 19 of Dancing with the Stars, marking her sophomore appearance on the show after placing fourth the previous season with singer Cody Simpson. Their partnership began strongly on premiere night, September 15, 2014, with a high-energy jive to "3-6-9" by Cupid featuring B.o.B, which earned unanimous scores of 9 from judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Len Goodman, Bruno Tonioli, and guest judge Miley Cyrus, totaling 36 out of 40—the highest score of the evening.[58][59] Throughout the competition, Carson's choreography highlighted Ribeiro's natural showmanship and rhythm, drawing on his prior experience in tap dancing from Broadway's The Tap Dance Kid in 1983 and his iconic "Carlton Dance" from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, which added flair to routines like their Week 4 jazz performance incorporating the signature move for a perfect 40/40.[58][60][61] The pair consistently ranked near the top, avoiding elimination each week through strong showings in styles such as samba, quickstep, and rumba, with multiple scores in the mid-30s that showcased Carson's ability to blend technical precision with Ribeiro's charismatic energy. In the two-part finale, Ribeiro and Carson delivered standout performances, including a repeat of their Week 1 jive and a kinetic freestyle to "Sing, Sing, Sing (With a Swing)" by Benny Goodman blended with "Apache" by The Sugarhill Gang, both earning perfect 40/40 scores from the judges.[62] They also received a 40 for their cha-cha/Argentine tango fusion on the second night, accumulating 120 points over the finale—three more than runners-up Sadie Robertson and Mark Ballas. On November 25, 2014, Ribeiro and Carson were crowned champions, securing the Mirrorball Trophy in a close victory that affirmed Carson's rising status as a top choreographer on the series.[63][64]Season 20 with Chris Soules
Carson was paired with Chris Soules, the farmer and star of The Bachelor, for season 20 of Dancing with the Stars, which premiered on March 16, 2015.[65] Soules' agricultural background as an Iowa farmer was featured prominently in introductory packages, influencing the narrative of theme weeks by emphasizing his rural roots and underdog story, such as during the Most Memorable Year episode where his personal journey was highlighted.[66] Coming off her Mirrorball win in season 19 with Alfonso Ribeiro, Carson drew on that experience to coach Soules through the competition.[67] The pair started strong with a Jive to "Footloose" by Kenny Loggins in week 1, earning scores of 7, 6, 6, and 7 for a total of 26 out of 40, praised for Soules' energy despite his inexperience.[68] They faced challenges early, including a low-scoring Cha-cha-cha in week 2 to "Time of Our Lives" by Pitbull and Ne-Yo, totaling 21 (5, 5, 6, 5), but rebounded with an Argentine Tango in week 3 to "Dangerous" by David Guetta featuring Sam Martin, receiving unanimous 7s for 28.[69] Progress continued in week 4's Most Memorable Year theme with a Rumba to "The Book of Love" by Gavin James, scoring 27 (6, 7, 7, 7), and week 5's Disney Night Quickstep to "Zero to Hero" from Hercules, also 27 (7, 7, 6, 7). In week 6's Spring Break special, their Viennese Waltz to "Hopelessly Devoted to You" by Olivia Newton-John earned 31 (8, 8, 7, 8), showcasing Soules' improved frame and partnering. Week 7's Eras Night featured a Jazz routine to "Rude" by Magic!, totaling 28 (7, 7, 7, 7) for its playful energy, followed by a 1940s-themed Foxtrot to "Five Minutes More" by Frank Sinatra, scoring 31 (8, 8, 7, 8) and earning praise for Soules' swing-era authenticity tied to his wholesome persona.[70] Reaching the semi-finals, they delivered a Contemporary to "Lay Me Down" by Sam Smith in week 8, their season-high of 34 (9, 9, 8, 8), noted for emotional depth, and a Paso Doble trio with Allison Holker to "Whatever It Takes" by Imagine Dragons, scoring 30 (8, 7, 8, 7). Despite the strong showings, Soules and Carson were eliminated in a double elimination on May 5, 2015, finishing fifth overall.[71]Season 21 with Carlos PenaVega
In season 21 of Dancing with the Stars, Witney Carson partnered with singer-actor Carlos PenaVega, a former member of the boy band Big Time Rush, whose experience in live performances and music provided a natural advantage in rhythm-heavy Latin dances. The pair debuted with a jive to "I Got You (I Feel Good)" by James Brown, earning scores of 8, 8, and 7 for a total of 23 out of 30, with judges noting solid energy but room for sharper footwork.[72] Their progress was steady, highlighted by consistent high placements throughout the season, as they avoided early eliminations and built momentum with strong showings in ballroom and Latin styles. A standout performance came in week 6 during "Famous Dances Night," where Carson and PenaVega recreated a rumba from Magic Mike to "Pony" by Ginuwine, receiving scores of 10, 9, 9, and 10 for 38 out of 40; the judges praised the sensual chemistry and precise hip action, crediting PenaVega's musicality for elevating the routine's flow.[73] In week 7's Halloween episode, they tackled a paso doble inspired by The Phantom of the Opera to "O Fortuna" from Carmina Burana, scoring 28 out of 30 (9, 10, 9), with Bruno Tonioli commending the dramatic intensity and matador-like precision.[74] Reaching the finals, Carson and PenaVega performed a foxtrot to "The Hills" by The Weeknd and a freestyle to "Cake by the Ocean" by DNCE on November 23, 2015, both earning perfect 30s for a combined 60 out of 60, lauded for technical polish and crowd-pleasing flair in the freestyle, which featured guest appearances by past contestants.[75] Despite the strong finale showing, they were eliminated the following night on November 24, 2015, finishing in fourth place based on cumulative viewer votes and prior scores.[76]Season 22 with Von Miller
In season 22 of Dancing with the Stars, Witney Carson was paired with NFL linebacker Von Miller, the Super Bowl 50 MVP for the Denver Broncos. Their partnership showcased Miller's athletic prowess, particularly in executing powerful lifts that leveraged his football background, earning praise from judges for adding energy and precision to their routines. The duo started strong with a foxtrot in week 1 to "My House" by Flo Rida, receiving scores of 8 from Carrie Ann Inaba, 6 from Len Goodman, and 7 from Bruno Tonioli for a total of 21 out of 30; Tonioli noted Miller's commanding stage presence and smooth transitions despite some stiffness in the footwork.[77] As the competition progressed, Carson and Miller incorporated more dynamic elements to highlight his physical strength, including sports-inspired flair in their choreography. In week 4's Disney Night, they performed a Viennese waltz to "A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes" from Cinderella, earning perfect 8s from all judges plus guest judge Alfonso Ribeiro for a total of 32 out of 40, with Inaba commending the lifts as "effortless" and full of grace. Their scores improved over time, peaking at 24 in multiple weeks, but they faced challenges with timing and fluidity in Latin styles, such as a week 2 cha-cha to "Ain't Too Cool" by LunchMoney Lewis that scored 20 out of 30.[78][79] The pair's journey ended in a double elimination during week 7's Icons Night on May 2, 2016, after performing a salsa to "A Little Less Conversation" by Elvis Presley, which earned 24 out of 30 with Goodman highlighting the "spectacular" lifts that demonstrated Miller's explosive athleticism. They finished tied for 7th/8th place overall, with Carson later reflecting on Miller's dedication as a key factor in pushing their performances despite the early exit relative to frontrunners. Their routines often drew on Miller's NFL agility, making lifts a standout feature that judges consistently applauded for blending sports power with dance elegance.[80]Season 23 with Vanilla Ice
Carson was paired with rapper and actor Vanilla Ice for season 23 of Dancing with the Stars. The duo finished in tenth place overall after four weeks of competition.[81] Their premiere performance was a cha-cha to Vanilla Ice's 1990 hit "Ice Ice Baby," which humorously incorporated nostalgic elements from the song's music video, including playful nods to the artist's signature style and 90s rap aesthetic. The routine earned scores of 7 from Carrie Ann Inaba, 5 from Len Goodman, 6 from Julianne Hough, and 7 from Bruno Tonioli, for a total of 25 out of 30.[82][83] In week 2's "My Jam" theme, they danced a foxtrot to "Love and Marriage" by Frank Sinatra, receiving 26 points and praise for improved partnering and charm despite some timing issues.[84] In week 3's "Most Memorable Year" episode, Carson and Vanilla Ice performed a salsa to "Work" by Rihanna, dedicating it to the rapper's early career breakthrough, and scored 25. They advanced after a tense bottom-two face-off against Rick Perry, where both couples danced a paso doble and tied at 23 points, with Vanilla Ice winning the judge's tie-breaker.[85] Their final routine was a Viennese waltz to "La Nouba" by Benoît Jutras during Cirque du Soleil night in week 4, earning 23 points amid critiques for frame inconsistencies. The pair was eliminated on October 4, 2016, alongside Babyface and Allison Holker in a double elimination.[81] Carson later reflected on the partnership as a fun challenge with a high-energy celebrity, adding to her experience with diverse contestants across the show's seasons.| Week | Dance | Song | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cha-cha-cha | "Ice Ice Baby" – Vanilla Ice | 25 (7, 5, 6, 7) |
| 2 | Foxtrot | "Love and Marriage" – Frank Sinatra | 26 (6, 7, 6, 7) |
| 3 | Salsa | "Work" – Rihanna | 25 (7, 6, 6, 6) |
| 4 | Viennese waltz | "La Nouba" – Benoît Jutras | 23 (7, 6, 5, 5) |
Season 24 with Chris Kattan
Carson partnered with actor and comedian Chris Kattan for season 24 of Dancing with the Stars, which premiered in March 2017. Kattan, known for his roles in Saturday Night Live and films like A Night at the Roxbury, brought comedic flair to their routines but struggled with technical elements due to a prior neck injury. They were the first couple eliminated, finishing in 12th place.[42] Their week 1 cha-cha-cha to "What Is Love" by Haddaway incorporated Kattan's signature head-bobbing moves from A Night at the Roxbury, earning a total score of 17 out of 30 (5, 5, 5, 2 from guest judge Nick Carter), with judges critiquing the lack of synchronization despite the humor. In week 2, they performed a jazz routine to "Hey Ya!" by OutKast, scoring 22 out of 30 (6, 5, 6, 5), praised for improved energy but noted for timing issues. Despite fan support, they were eliminated on March 27, 2017, after landing in the bottom two. Carson highlighted Kattan's commitment and positive attitude in post-elimination interviews.[86]| Week | Dance | Song | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cha-cha-cha | "What Is Love" – Haddaway | 17 (5, 5, 5, 2) |
| 2 | Jazz | "Hey Ya!" – OutKast | 22 (6, 5, 6, 5) |