What was the connection between Scott Hoying and Lucas Grabeel on "Dancing with the Stars"?

Scott Hoying, the Pentatonix singer, previously played the role of Ryan Evans' love interest in the "High School Musical" spin-off series, which led to the character's coming-out storyline. During Hoying's "DWTS" performance, Grabeel, who played Ryan in the original films, was seen cheering him on in the audience, creating an emotional reunion.

How did the "High School Musical" franchise address the character of Ryan Evans' sexuality?

While Ryan's sexuality was never directly addressed in the original "High School Musical" films, the director later confirmed that the character was gay and likely came out in college. This storyline was then explored in the spin-off series, where Hoying's character played a significant role in Ryan's journey.

What was the significance of the "High School Musical" reunion on "Dancing with the Stars"?

The reunion between Hoying and Grabeel was seen as a meaningful moment for LGBTQ+ representation, as it highlighted the evolution of the "High School Musical" franchise and its commitment to inclusivity and diversity.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Pentatonix Star's 'DWTS' Performance Sparks High School Musical Reunion

Pentatonix Star's 'DWTS' Performance Sparks High School Musical Reunion

8 Oct

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Summary

Pentatonix singer Scott Hoying performed a Salsa to "Bop to the Top" from High School Musical
His former co-star Lucas Grabeel, who played Ryan Evans, cheered him on in the audience
Grabeel's character Ryan was later revealed to be gay in the High School Musical spin-off series

Pentatonix Star's 'DWTS' Performance Sparks High School Musical Reunion

On October 7th, 2025, Pentatonix singer Scott Hoying took the "Dancing with the Stars" stage for the show's annual Disney night. Hoying and his partner Rylee Arnold performed a Salsa to the High School Musical hit "Bop to the Top."

During the performance, cameras captured a heartwarming moment as Hoying's former co-star Lucas Grabeel, who played the role of Ryan Evans in the original High School Musical films, was seen cheering him on from the audience. Grabeel's character was later revealed to be gay in the spin-off series "High School Musical: The Musical: The Series," making this a meaningful reunion for LGBTQ+ representation.

Hoying had previously spoken about the significance of his role in the spin-off series, where he portrayed Ryan's love interest, "which is the reason Ryan comes out." The show's creator, Tim Federle, praised Grabeel's emotional reaction to the storyline, saying the actor was "in tears on set" when they filmed the character's coming-out moment.

The judges were impressed with Hoying and Arnold's performance, with Carrie Ann Inaba praising their "razzle-dazzle" and Derek Hough declaring them "way better" than the original High School Musical siblings, Ryan and Sharpay.

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