Rylee Arnold

Rylee Arnold
Born (2005-06-05) June 5, 2005
EducationTimpview High School
Occupations
  • Dancer
  • choreographer
  • media personality
Years active2014–present
Television
RelativesLindsay Arnold (sister)
TikTok information
Page
Followers1.5 million
Last updated: September 4, 2025

Rylee Arnold (born June 5, 2005) is an American Latin and ballroom dancer. She first gained recognition for her appearances on the children's television series Dancing with the Stars: Juniors (2018), where she finished as a runner-up with actor Miles Brown. After the program was cancelled, Arnold joined the main competition series in 2023.

Early life

Rylee Arnold was born on June 5, 2005, in Provo, Utah.[1][2] She is the youngest daughter of Melinda "Mindy" Arnold (née Peay), a physical therapist,[3][4] and Joshua Arnold, a physician assistant and former defensive back for the BYU Cougars.[5] She was raised Mormon with her three older sisters: Lindsay, Jensen, and Brynley.[6][7]

Arnold was inspired to follow in the footsteps of her eldest sister, Lindsay, after watching her perform on the reality competition series Dancing with the Stars.[8] She graduated from Timpview High School in May 2023.[1]

Career

Arnold began training and competing in ballroom dance competitions at a young age.[9] When she was nine, she placed third at the 2014 World DanceSport Championships in Paris.[10] She ranked fifth at the 2019 WDC World Championships in Dublin.[9]

Dancing with the Stars: Juniors

On August 1, 2018, Arnold was announced as a professional dancer for the children's competition series Dancing with the Stars: Juniors; a spin-off of the main celebrity talent show franchise.[11][12] She was paired with actor Miles Brown under the mentorship of her sister, Lindsay Arnold.[13] The couple made it to the finals and finished as one of three runners-up; tying with Ariana Greenblatt and Artyon Celestine (with mentor Brandon Armstrong) and Mackenzie Ziegler and Sage Rosen (with mentor Gleb Savchenko).[14][15]

Week Dance Music Judges' scores[a] Total score Result
1 Salsa "Who Let the Dogs Out" — Baha Men 7 8 7 22 Safe
2 Argentine tango "I Don't Want to Be" — Gavin DeGraw 8 8 8 24 Safe
3 Charleston "One Jump Ahead" (from Aladdin) 9 9 9 27 Safe
4 Samba "I Want Candy" — The Strangeloves 9 9 9 27 Safe
5 Jazz "Space Jam" — Quad City DJ's 9 9 9 27 Safe
6 Foxtrot "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" — Marvin Gaye 9 9 8 26 Safe
7 Jive "Rock Around the Clock" — Bill Haley & His Comets 9 9 10 28 Safe
8
(Semifinals)
Cha-cha-cha "Shake Señora" — Pitbull feat. T-Pain & Sean Paul 9 10 9 28 Safe
Jazz & Samba
(Team fusion)
"Party in the U.S.A." — Miley Cyrus 10 10 10 30
9
(Finals)
Salsa "Who Let the Dogs Out" — Baha Men 10 9 9 28 Runners-up
Freestyle "Sleigh Ride" — District 78 10 10 10 30
Notes
  1. ^ Individual judges' scores are listed in the following order: Mandy Moore, Valentin Chmerkovskiy, Adam Rippon.

Dancing with the Stars

Arnold was the first pro from Dancing with the Stars: Juniors to be cast in the main competition series following its cancellation.[16] She was announced as a professional dancer for season 32 and was partnered with media personality Harry Jowsey.[17] Despite consistently earning low scores and criticism from the judges,[18] audience voters allowed the couple to stay in the competition until they were eliminated during the quarterfinals on November 21, 2023, finishing in sixth place.[19]

For season 33, Arnold was paired with Olympic artistic gymnast Stephen Nedoroscik.[20][21] They reached the finals and finished in fourth place on November 26, 2024, making Arnold the first Dancing with the Stars pro born in the 21st century to advance to the finale.[22][23] Arnold and Nedoroscik's contemporary-based freestyle routine to Coldplay's "Viva la Vida" was acclaimed by critics and viewers.[24] Rebecca Iannucci from TVLine named it the best dance number of the year.[25]

For season 34, Arnold was paired with Scott Hoying of the a cappella group Pentatonix.[26] They were eliminated during the sixth week of competition on October 21, 2025, finishing in tenth place; Arnold's lowest placement to date.[27]

Season Partner Place
32 Harry Jowsey 6th
33 Stephen Nedoroscik 4th
34 Scott Hoying 10th

Season 32

Celebrity partner: Harry Jowsey

Week Dance Music Judges' scores[a] Total score Result
1 Cha-cha-cha "Rock Your Body" — Justin Timberlake 4 4 4 12 Safe
2 Salsa "Arranca" — Becky G, feat. Omega 5 5 5 15 Safe
3 Foxtrot "Easy" — Commodores 6 5 6 24[b] Safe
4 Quickstep "You've Got a Friend in Me"
(from Toy Story)
7 7 7 21 Safe
5 Contemporary "Keep Your Head Up" — Andy Grammer 6 6 6 18 Safe
6 Argentine tango "Blinding Lights" — District 78 7 7 7 28[c] Safe
Hustle & Charleston
Marathon
"Stayin' Alive" — Bee Gees &
"Grim Grinning Ghosts" — Kris Bowers
1[d]
7 Jazz "It's Gonna Be Me" — NSYNC 6 6[e] 6 64 Safe
Freestyle
(Team Young'n Style)
"Gangnam Style" — Psy 10 10[f] 10
8 Viennese waltz "I Have Nothing" — Whitney Houston 7 7 7 28[g] Safe
Rumba
(Dance-off)
"One Moment in Time" — Whitney Houston Loser 0[h]
9
(Quarterfinals)
Rumba "August" — Taylor Swift 8 7 7 30[i] Eliminated
Jive
(Dance relay)
"Shake It Off" — Taylor Swift Loser 0[j]
Notes
  1. ^ Individual judges' scores are listed in the following order: Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, Bruno Tonioli.
  2. ^ Harry and Rylee also received a score of 7 from guest judge Michael Strahan.
  3. ^ Harry and Rylee also received a score of 7 from guest judge Niecy Nash-Betts.
  4. ^ Harry and Rylee received one bonus point in this dance marathon.
  5. ^ Harry and Rylee also received a score of 6 from guest judge Paula Abdul.
  6. ^ This team also received a score of 10 from guest judge Paula Abdul.
  7. ^ Harry and Rylee also received a score of 7 from guest judge Billy Porter.
  8. ^ Harry and Rylee received zero bonus points for losing this dance-off.
  9. ^ Harry and Rylee also received a score of 8 from guest judge Mandy Moore.
  10. ^ Harry and Rylee received zero bonus points for losing this dance relay.

Season 33

Celebrity partner: Stephen Nedoroscik

Week Dance Music Judges' scores[a] Total score Result
1 Jive "Don't Stop Me Now" — Queen 7 7 7 21 Safe
2 Paso doble "Superman — Main Theme"
(from Superman)
8 7 7 22 Safe
3 Quickstep "Superstition" — Stevie Wonder 8 7 7 30[b] Safe
Foxtrot "Here I Go Again" — Whitesnake 8 8 8 32[c]
4 Argentine tango "Seven Nation Army" — The White Stripes 8 9 8 33[d] Safe
5 Charleston "A Star Is Born" (from Hercules) 8 8 8 48 Safe
Freestyle
(Team Roar)
"I Just Can't Wait to Be King"
(from The Lion King)
8 8 8
6 Contemporary "I Ran (So Far Away)" — Hidden Citizens 10 9 9 28 Safe
Salsa
(Dance-off)
"Jump in the Line" — Harry Belafonte Loser 0[e]
7
(Quarterfinals)
Viennese waltz "Glimpse of Us" — Joji 10 10 9 54 Safe
Jive
(Instant Dance)
"Love Is Embarrassing" — Olivia Rodrigo 9 8 8
8
(Semifinals)
Cha-cha-cha "Bailar" — Deorro feat. Elvis Crespo 8 8 9 53 Safe
Tango "Sweet Disposition" — The Temper Trap 10 9 9
9
(Finals)
Quickstep
(Redemption Dance)
"I'll Be There for You"
(from Friends)
10 9 10 59 Fourth place
Freestyle "Viva la Vida" — Coldplay 10 10 10
Notes
  1. ^ Individual judges' scores are listed in the following order: Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, Bruno Tonioli.
  2. ^ Stephen and Rylee also received a score of 8 from guest judge Rosie Perez.
  3. ^ Stephen and Rylee also received a score of 8 from guest judge Gene Simmons.
  4. ^ Stephen and Rylee also received a score of 8 from guest judge Mark Ballas.
  5. ^ Stephen and Rylee received zero bonus points for losing this dance-off.

Season 34

Celebrity partner: Scott Hoying

Week Dance Music Judges' scores[a] Total score Result
1 Tango "Abracadaba" — Lady Gaga 5 5 10[b] Safe
2 Cha-cha-cha "Blue (Da Ba Dee)" — Eiffel 65 6 6 6 18 Safe
3 Jazz "Like Jennie" — Jennie 8 7 7 22 Safe
4 Salsa "Bop to the Top"
(from High School Musical)
7 7 7 21 Safe
5 Foxtrot "Parallel" — Scott Hoying 7 8 8 30[c] Safe
6 Contemporary "The Wizard and I" — Cynthia Erivo feat. Michelle Yeoh 7 7 7 28[d] Eliminated
Notes
  1. ^ Individual judges' scores are listed in the following order: Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, Bruno Tonioli.
  2. ^ Scott and Rylee only received two judges's scores, as Carrie Ann Inaba was absent.
  3. ^ Scott and Rylee also received a score of 7 from guest judge Kym Johnson.
  4. ^ Scott and Rylee also received a score of 7 from guest judge Jon M. Chu.

Reception

Arnold has been credited with "revitalizing" Dancing with the Stars by utilizing social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok to generate audience engagement.[28] Conrad Green, its showrunner, noted that Arnold's ability to draw her own audience, especially among Generation Z, has turned her into a social media consultant to other celebrities and pros.[29]

Personal life

Arnold is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.[7] In order to compete on Dancing with the Stars, she splits her time between Utah and Los Angeles.[1] She was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when she was 15 years of age, after nearly falling into a diabetic coma.[30][31] Arnold began dating USC Trojans tight end Walker Lyons in October 2024.[32][33]

References

  1. ^ a b c Keith, Caitlin (September 17, 2024). "The premiere of Dancing with the Stars Season 33 is Tuesday night with 2 dancers from Utah". Deseret News. Archived from the original on September 20, 2024. Retrieved July 22, 2025.
  2. ^ Vivinetto, Gina (May 22, 2025). "Former DWTS Pro Lindsay Arnold On Why So Many Dancers On The Show Have Mormon Backgrounds". Today. Archived from the original on July 7, 2025. Retrieved July 22, 2025.
  3. ^ Stivale, Shelby (September 25, 2023). "Breaking It Down: Who Is Rylee Arnold? The Dancing With the Stars Pro Comes From a Dance-Focused Family". J-14. Archived from the original on September 28, 2023. Retrieved September 18, 2024.
  4. ^ Comiter, Jordana (November 12, 2024). "Meet the Arnold Sisters! All About DWTS Pro Rylee Arnold's Siblings (and Fellow Dancers!) Lindsay, Jensen and Brynley". People. Retrieved December 4, 2024.
  5. ^ "Josh Arnold – Football 1989". BYU Cougars. Archived from the original on January 23, 2025. Retrieved December 9, 2024 – via Brigham Young University.
  6. ^ Hudgins, Ryan (September 17, 2024). "Dancing With the Stars Rylee and Lindsay Arnold's Family Guide: Meet Their Parents and Sisters". Us Weekly. Archived from the original on September 20, 2024. Retrieved September 18, 2024.
  7. ^ a b Orfanides, Effie (June 2, 2024). "DWTS Insider Calls Rumored Ballroom Romance 'Inappropriate'". Heavy. Archived from the original on September 20, 2024. Retrieved September 18, 2024.
  8. ^ Bernabe, Angeline Jane (September 13, 2023). "Meet Rylee Arnold, the new pro on Dancing With the Stars: 'I have dreamt about this moment'". Good Morning America. ABC News. Archived from the original on September 13, 2023. Retrieved September 18, 2024.
  9. ^ a b Michelle, Lora (October 25, 2023). "Get To Know Pro Dancer Rylee Arnold, The DWTS Season 32 Newcomer". The List. Archived from the original on December 11, 2023. Retrieved September 19, 2024.
  10. ^ Sanchez, Josh (September 17, 2024). "Meet Rylee Arnold: Dancing With The Stars 33 partner of viral Olympian". The Athlete Lifestyle on SI. Archived from the original on September 20, 2024. Retrieved September 19, 2024.
  11. ^ Murphy, Desiree (August 1, 2018). "Dancing With the Stars: Juniors: Meet the Young Dance Pros and Their Ballroom Mentors!". Entertainment Tonight. Archived from the original on November 6, 2018. Retrieved September 19, 2024.
  12. ^ Wagmeister, Elizabeth (May 16, 2017). "The Bachelor and Dancing With the Stars Get Spinoffs at ABC". Variety. Archived from the original on May 19, 2017. Retrieved September 19, 2024.
  13. ^ Dugan Ramirez, Christina (September 25, 2018). "Dancing with the Stars: Juniors Cast Revealed — Honey Boo Boo, Tripp Palin Johnston and More!". People. Archived from the original on September 26, 2018. Retrieved September 19, 2024.
  14. ^ Jensen, Erin (December 10, 2018). "Dancing with the Stars: Juniors: Sky Brown and JT Church dance their way to the top spot". USA Today. Archived from the original on April 1, 2019. Retrieved September 19, 2024.
  15. ^ Fremont, Maggie (December 9, 2018). "Dancing With the Stars: Juniors season finale recap: Meet your tiny champions". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on December 10, 2018. Retrieved September 19, 2024.
  16. ^ Lenker, Maureen Lee (September 26, 2023). "Why you might recognize new Dancing With the Stars pro Rylee Arnold". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on November 8, 2023. Retrieved September 19, 2024.
  17. ^ Longeretta, Emily (September 13, 2023). "Dancing With the Stars Cast and Pros Revealed: Alyson Hannigan, Mira Sorvino and More Join Season 32". Variety. Archived from the original on September 21, 2023. Retrieved September 19, 2024.
  18. ^ Singleton, Sheridan (November 15, 2023). "DWTS Harry Jowsey Doesn't Mean To Be the Villain". Collider. Archived from the original on November 26, 2023. Retrieved September 19, 2024.
  19. ^ Blackwelder, Carson; Shalawylo, Abigail; Tolentino, Flor (November 22, 2023). "Dancing with the Stars recap: Harry Jowsey eliminated during Taylor Swift week". Good Morning America. ABC News. Archived from the original on November 23, 2023. Retrieved September 19, 2024.
  20. ^ Mercuri, Monica (September 4, 2024). "Dancing With The Stars Season 33 Cast Revealed—Meet The Celebrities And Pros Competing This Fall". Forbes. Archived from the original on September 20, 2024. Retrieved September 19, 2024.
  21. ^ Rice, Lynette (September 4, 2024). "Dancing With The Stars: Season 33 Cast Includes Tori Spelling, Rugby Star Ilona Maher, Eric Roberts, Phaedra Parks & Reginald VelJohnson". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on September 4, 2024. Retrieved September 19, 2024.
  22. ^ Calvario, Liz; Brockington, Ariana (November 26, 2024). "Dancing With the Stars Season 33 finale: Winner, performances and best moments". Today. Archived from the original on November 27, 2024. Retrieved November 26, 2024.
  23. ^ Campione, Katie (November 26, 2024). "Dancing With The Stars Season 33 Finale Recap: Who Wins The Mirrorball Trophy?". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on December 3, 2024. Retrieved November 26, 2024.
  24. ^ Power, Shannon (November 27, 2024). "Viral DWTS dance dubbed "one of the best" routines in show's history". Newsweek. Archived from the original on January 2, 2025. Retrieved January 2, 2025.
  25. ^ Iannucci, Rebecca (December 29, 2024). "2024 in Review: Best Love Triangle, Lamest Cameo, Most Unnecessary Death and 80+ More TV Superlatives". TVLine. Archived from the original on December 29, 2024. Retrieved January 2, 2025.
  26. ^ Rice, Lynette (September 3, 2025). "Dancing With The Stars Cast Reveal: Hilaria Baldwin, Andy Richter & Corey Feldman To Compete In Season 34". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on September 3, 2025. Retrieved September 3, 2025.
  27. ^ Franklin, McKinley (October 21, 2025). "Dancing With the Stars Honors Wicked as Jon M. Chu Guest Judges and Two Couples Earn Near-Perfect Scores: See the Scores, Who Went Home". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on October 22, 2025. Retrieved October 21, 2025.
  28. ^ Lander, Courtney (September 25, 2024). "This Dancing With the Stars Teenage Pro Is Revitalizing the Series". Collider. Archived from the original on September 25, 2024. Retrieved September 25, 2024.
  29. ^ Gonzalez, Shivani (November 19, 2024). "How Dancing With the Stars Took Gen Z for a Spin". The New York Times. ISSN 1553-8095. Archived from the original on November 19, 2024. Retrieved November 27, 2024.
  30. ^ Leib, Mason (May 13, 2024). "DWTS pro Rylee Arnold opens up on living with Type 1 diabetes: 'Taught me so much about myself'". Good Morning America. ABC News. Archived from the original on May 14, 2024. Retrieved September 18, 2024.
  31. ^ Arnold, Rylee; Walsh, Charlotte (November 12, 2024). "How Type 1 Diabetes Helped Rylee Arnold, 19, Become A Dancing With The Stars Pro". Women's Health. Archived from the original on November 13, 2024. Retrieved November 13, 2024.
  32. ^ Longmire, Becca (October 28, 2024). "DWTS Pro Rylee Arnold Confirms Romance with USC Football Player: 'Is This a Hard Launch?'". People. Archived from the original on November 9, 2024. Retrieved October 28, 2024.
  33. ^ Lau-Adams, Kristie (October 28, 2024). "DWTS Rylee Arnold Goes Public With College Football Boyfriend Walker Lyons". Us Weekly. Archived from the original on November 13, 2024. Retrieved October 28, 2024.