Former NBA star Dwight Howard made a memorable debut on Dancing With the Stars, kicking off his journey on the popular show with an electrifying performance.
Paired with professional dancer Daniella Karagach, Howard captivated the audience and judges alike with a high-energy salsa routine to the 90s classic “This Is How We Do It” by Montell Jordan. Their routine earned them a solid score of 22, placing them second for the night, a strong start for the 6-foot-10 basketball legend.
The striking height difference between Howard and his partner Karagach, who stands at just 5-foot-3, added an extra layer of intrigue to their performance. Yet, Karagach isn’t the only one who has to crane her neck to make eye contact with the former NBA champion. The comical realities of Howard’s towering stature became a lighthearted theme throughout his debut week.
In a playful video Howard shared on social media, the height disparity between him and his fellow competitors took center stage. The clip featured Karagach, actress Tori Spelling, and The Bachelorette star Jenn Tran—all making valiant but humorous attempts to give Howard a high five. The hilarious struggle showcased the physical challenges of reaching Howard’s extended arm, with Spelling, who is 5-foot-6, and Tran, who stands at just 5-foot-1, both coming up short.
Adding to the fun, Tran jokingly commented on the video, “I’ve been working on my hops every day—I’m getting there!” The playful banter perfectly encapsulates the lighthearted spirit Howard has brought to the ballroom, making him not only a strong contender but also a fan favorite for his good-natured personality.
As the competition continues, Howard’s fate on Dancing With the Stars will be determined in Episode 2, when two contestants are set to be eliminated. Until then, fans are eagerly awaiting to see how the former NBA center continues to tackle new dance styles while towering over his co-stars.
Dancing With the Stars Season 33 premiered on September 17 at 8:00 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+, with new episodes available for streaming on Hulu the following day.
