Dancing with the Stars 32 to Celebrate Whitney Houston on November 14
As Dancing with the Stars spotlights the Top 10 celebrities performing routines inspired by their “Most Memorable Year,” ABC/Disney has announced a special theme night honoring the music of Whitney Houston. The tribute episode will feature performances set to the catalog of one of the best-selling artists in music history.
The seven remaining celebrity-and-pro pairs will take to the ballroom performing to Whitney Houston’s hits—promising powerful vocal-driven numbers and emotional choreography as each couple interprets songs from her illustrious career. In addition to the show’s regular panel, actor and singer Billy Porter, who has long expressed admiration for Houston’s work, will join Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli as a guest judge for the evening.
Whitney Houston night set for November 14
The special tribute airs Tuesday, November 14 (8:00–10:01 p.m. EST/PST; 7:00–9:01 p.m. CST) and will simulcast live across ABC and Disney+ in local time zones, with the episode available the next day on Hulu. Viewers across the U.S., its territories and Canada will have opportunities to participate in the outcome through live voting during the simulcast window.
“The estate of Whitney E. Houston and her family are honored that Dancing with the Stars is dedicating an episode of her signature songs for the show,” said Pat Houston, executor of the estate of Whitney E. Houston. “Whitney was a fan of Dancing with the Stars, and she would be proud of this recognition.”
During the live simulcast in the EST/CST time zones, fans can vote online through the show’s official voting platform, and viewers with participating U.S. wireless carriers may cast votes via SMS/text (please note that SMS/text voting is not available in Canada). Live viewer votes will be combined with judges’ scores to determine which couples are at risk of elimination following the episode.
ABC/Disney will announce the specific song selections and the assigned dance styles for each couple closer to the broadcast date. Until then, viewers can expect a variety of routines that showcase both technical dance skill and emotional storytelling, as contestants interpret Whitney Houston’s powerful ballads and uptempo hits.
Billy Porter’s role as a guest judge adds a fresh perspective to the panel. Known for his theatrical background and expressive performance style, Porter is expected to evaluate the dancers not only on technique but also on how effectively they convey the spirit and emotion of Houston’s music. Regular judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli will join him, bringing their established mix of technical critique and artistic feedback.
Whitney Houston’s influence on pop and soul music is widely acknowledged, and dedicating an episode to her songs underscores her enduring legacy. The tribute is intended to honor her contributions while giving the current season’s contestants an opportunity to connect with material that has moved audiences worldwide for decades.
Houston passed away on February 11, 2012, at the age of 48. Her death—an accidental drowning at the Beverly Hilton Hotel—occurred the day before the Grammy Awards and remains one of the most widely mourned losses in modern music history.
Tune in live on Tuesday, November 14 for the Whitney Houston tribute episode of Dancing with the Stars. Fans who want to help determine which couples advance should be ready to vote during the broadcast window; details on voting procedures and eligibility will be available through the show’s official platforms as the air date approaches.