She’s the pint-sized pop sensation who’s conquered charts, Broadway and now the big screen as Glinda in Wicked – but Ariana Grande has just proven she’s got some serious moves on the dance floor too, leaving Dancing With The Stars legend Derek Hough utterly spellbound.

The 32-year-old superstar, fresh from her triumphant third hosting gig on Saturday Night Live, wowed in a side-splitting sketch that showcased her impeccable turns and choreography skills – prompting DWTS judge Derek, 40, to rush to Instagram with glowing praise that has sent fans into a frenzy.

In a viral reel shared just hours after the episode aired, Hough – who co-starred with Ariana in the 2016 TV musical Hairspray Live! – zoomed in on her flawless pirouettes from the ‘Dancing 101’ sketch, overlaying the clip with the gushing text: ‘Can we talk about these gorgeous turns… It’s so satisfying.’

And in a declaration that’s got ballroom enthusiasts dreaming of glitterball trophies, sources close to the show reveal Derek would hand Ariana a straight ’10’ if she ever graced the DWTS floor – a rare perfect score from the notoriously tough judge.

The praise comes after Ariana nailed her role as a quirky, anti-vaxx-obsessed dance instructor alongside SNL’s Marcello Hernández in the pre-recorded bit, where the pair taught a class of hapless students (including a hilariously eager Bowen Yang) how to express everything from hunger to vaccination status through interpretive dance.

With lines like ‘fast, fast, fast, slow’ as the golden rule of ‘great dancing’ – and Yang’s character quipping ‘Cocaine, cocaine, cocaine. Red wine, red wine’ to remember the steps – the sketch had viewers in stitches, but it was Ariana’s technical prowess that stole the show for dance experts like Hough.

‘Those turns were spot-on – clean, controlled, and full of that effortless grace,’ one professional dancer told us. ‘Ariana’s got real training behind her. She’s not just faking it for the cameras.’

Indeed, the Thank U, Next hitmaker’s dance credentials run deep. Starting out as a child star on Broadway in 13: The Musical at just 15, Ariana has long credited years of ballet, jazz and tap classes for her stage presence. She’s flexed her skills in music videos like Yes, And? – complete with viral high kicks – and even donned pointe shoes for early clips.

But it was her role in Wicked that truly highlighted her movement mastery. Choreographer Christopher Scott revealed how Ariana’s natural talent shone through during months of rehearsals, with that iconic balcony arabesque in Popular becoming a fan favourite.

And let’s not forget Hairspray Live!, where she and Derek shared the screen in high-energy numbers alongside Jennifer Hudson and Harvey Fierstein. ‘We’ve seen her dance up close,’ a source close to Derek said. ‘He knows she’s the real deal.’

Hough’s Instagram post exploded overnight, racking up millions of views and thousands of comments from excited fans desperate to see Ariana swap her microphone for dancing shoes on DWTS.

‘I would LOVE for her to do DWTS but I feel like she’s toooo famous – is that possible?’ one begged.

Another chimed in: ‘I wonder if she’ll do DWTS… Derek is basically manifesting it!’

‘Petition for Ariana Grande on Dancing With The Stars RIGHT NOW,’ demanded a third, while others joked: ‘Derek giving her a 10 already? Sign her up!’

The speculation isn’t entirely far-fetched. DWTS has snagged mega-stars before – from Nicole Scherzinger to Charli D’Amelio – and with Ariana’s schedule freeing up post-Wicked press tour, producers are said to be ‘very interested’.

‘She’s got the fanbase, the talent, and the personality,’ an insider spilled. ‘It would be ratings gold.’

But Ariana’s SNL appearance wasn’t just about the laughs and legwork – it was an emotional night too, marking the shock departure of her Wicked co-star and close pal Bowen Yang from the iconic sketch show.

In a tear-jerking final sketch set in a Delta airline lounge, Ariana played the devoted wife bidding farewell to Bowen’s character on his last shift, with none other than Cher making a surprise cameo for the send-off.

The real-life friends – bonded over green makeup and flying monkeys on the Wicked set – shared heartfelt moments, with Ariana later posting a touching tribute on Instagram Stories: ‘I love you more than words can say and I am just so very proud of you and all of the eggnog you’ve made over the years.’

Referencing the sketch’s bizarre eggnog obsession, she added: ‘It meant more than words can say to have been there for your sendoff last night. Happy trails, my brilliant and beautiful friend.’

Bowen’s exit, announced just a day before the episode, stunned fans and cast alike, with the comedian breaking his silence in a poignant statement thanking SNL for the ride.

Yet amid the goodbyes, Ariana proved once again why she’s one of the most versatile talents in Hollywood – singing, acting, impersonating (her spot-on Celine Dion and Katy Perry in a Christmas duets sketch had viewers howling) and now, dancing her way into Derek Hough’s hall of fame.

As one fan perfectly summed it up online: ‘Ariana Grande can literally do EVERYTHING. Singing, acting, comedy, impressions… and now Derek Hough is obsessed with her turns? Queen!’

With Wicked: For Good on the horizon and her eternal sunshine era in full bloom, could a DWTS stint be next? Watch this space – because if Derek has his way, those gorgeous turns could soon be lighting up the ballroom.

Do YOU think Ariana should join Dancing With The Stars? Would she win the glitterball? Email us at [email protected]

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Why Derek is obsessed with Ariana’s moves

• Gorgeous turns: Clean pirouettes that left the pro judge ‘satisfied’.
• Past collabs: Co-starred in Hairspray Live! – he’s seen her skills firsthand.
• Perfect 10 pledge: Derek says she’d score top marks on DWTS.
• Viral potential: Fans flooding comments begging for her to compete.

Ariana’s hidden dance background revealed

• Broadway beginnings: Starred in 13 at 15 – heavy dance demands.
• Ballet trained: Childhood classes in ballet, jazz, tap.
• Wicked workouts: Months of choreography rehearsals with Cynthia Erivo.
• Music video magic: High kicks and pointe work in clips like Yes, And?

Best fan reactions to Derek’s praise

• “Derek manifesting Ariana on DWTS – make it happen ABC!”
• “She’s too famous but PLEASE we need this crossover!”
• “Those turns were chef’s kiss – Ariana is a triple threat x10”
• “From Glinda to glitterball? Yes please!”
• “Derek’s reel has me convinced – sign her up now!”

Ariana’s emotional SNL highlights

• Bowen farewell: Touching sketch with Cher cameo.
• Impressions galore: Nailed Celine, Katy Perry and more.
• Monologue magic: Parodied sequels (Wicked nod) with vocal runs banned.
• Giggle fits: Broke character in Dancing 101 – pure joy.

Could Ariana win DWTS? Experts say…

Insiders predict she’d dominate with her technique, charisma and massive vote pull. Pair her with a top pro like Val Chmerkovskiy? Unstoppable. But will her packed schedule allow it? Fingers crossed for 2026!

The pop princess continues to defy gravity – on and off the stage.