Taylor Hanson stepped onto Dancing With The Stars Tuesday night and proved he can move like a pro. The Hanson bandmate made his debut on ABC’s season 35 premiere, performing a Quickstep to Billy Joel’s “Tell Her About It” alongside his pro dance partner Britt Stewart.
The 43-year-old looked well-rehearsed, confident and light on his feet throughout the routine. Stewart described Hanson as committed to doing anything for the team, telling The Hollywood Reporter that he offered to buy a cot and sleep at the dance studio so they could rehearse constantly.
Stewart’s First Meeting With Hanson
Stewart said meeting Hanson was amazing, and she grew up in the ’90s when Hanson was number one on the charts. She described Hanson’s dedication in her first conversation with him.
“I was born in ’89, so I grew up in the ’90s, and that’s when Hanson was number one on the charts,” Stewart said. “I am a millennial so I can appreciate the significance of Taylor Hanson and how awesome it is for him to be on Dancing With the Stars.”
She added that Hanson’s commitment was immediate and unconditional.
“I kind of sighed in relief when he told me during our first meet, ‘I will do whatever you need me to do. If that means buying a cot and sleeping at the dance studio so we can rehearse all the time, that is what I will do.’ I was like, Okay, he wants to work for this. He’s in it to win it. That commitment is so important.”
Hanson’s Road To Pop Stardom
Hanson made his fame as one of the three Hanson brothers — Isaac and Zac — who ascended to pop stardom in the late ’90s. The Tulsa, Okla.-based trio topped the Billboard Hot 100 in 1997 with their smash hit “MMMBop.”
The song also scored Grammy nominations for:
- Record of the year
- Best pop performance by a duo or group with vocal
Hanson’s appearance on DWTS brings that history into the current season.
The Quickstep Routine
The Quickstep is a fast, smooth ballroom style that requires precise timing and light footwork, according to general dance descriptions. Hanson glided through the routine with Stewart, showing confidence and control despite the quick tempo.
The couple’s chemistry was noted by Stewart, who said they share a similar energy.
“We have a lot of things in common,” Stewart said of her dance partner. “Our energy is very similar. It was only a few things that he said in our first meet, and I was like, Ah, we’re gonna get along just fine.”
The Season Premiere Schedule
The Dancing With The Stars two-night season premiere began live Tuesday at 8/7c on ABC and Disney+. The next day’s broadcast is available on Hulu.
Fans who missed the first night can catch the replay on Hulu. The full performance is also available to watch below.
Hanson’s History With The Brothers
Hanson’s fame came from his work with Isaac and Zac Hanson, the trio that ruled the charts in the late ’90s. Their biggest moment came in 1997, when “MMMBop” reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100.
The song also earned Grammy nominations for record of the year and best pop performance by a duo or group with vocal. That history now follows Hanson onto the dance floor.
The Pro Dance Partner
Stewart’s role on the show pairs her with Hanson for the Quickstep routine. She spoke about their first meeting with The Hollywood Reporter, describing Hanson’s commitment as immediate and unconditional.
“I was like, Okay, he wants to work for this. He’s in it to win it. That commitment is so important,” Stewart said.
A Dedication Worth Watching
Hanson’s commitment to the show is the story here. He is willing to sleep at the studio to perfect his moves. That dedication is what makes this debut stand out.
Stewart’s account of their first meeting shows that Hanson is fully invested in the competition. He is willing to put in the work, and that work showed in his debut performance.
The Quickstep debut set a strong foundation for Hanson’s time on the show. His willingness to sacrifice comfort for rehearsal time speaks to his dedication.
Hanson’s debut on Dancing With The Stars was a success. His Quickstep routine to Billy Joel’s “Tell Her About It” showed confidence and control, and his commitment to the competition is evident.
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