Dylan Efron may have skipped the High School Musical moment everyone was expecting during Disney Night on Dancing With the Stars, but fans shouldn’t lose hope — the 33-year-old contestant hinted that a special tribute could be just around the corner.
During the October 7 episode, Dylan and his pro partner Daniella Karagach performed a lively Quickstep to the Cars theme song “Life Is a Highway.” But the real buzz came moments later, when host Julianne Hough confronted him about the one thing fans had been wondering all night: why he didn’t choose a song from the movie that launched his brother Zac Efron’s career.
“Everyone thought you were gonna do High School Musical tonight,” Julianne said as the duo waited for their scores.
“I couldn’t – yeah, I have something special for next week, if I’m still here,” Dylan revealed. His partner’s reaction said it all — Daniella whipped her head around in surprise, clearly shocked he’d let that slip.
“Oh! Good to know!” Julianne, 37, added with a laugh, as Daniella looked eager to keep Dylan from revealing more.
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Naturally, fans immediately began speculating about what the “something special” could be. Many are convinced a tribute to Zac — or even a cameo — is on the way.
One fan theorized on X, “Uhmmmm, is Dylan Efron trying to say that they’re going to do a dance to ‘Can I Have This Dance’?!??,” referencing the romantic number from High School Musical 3. Another wrote, “if dylan efron is dedicating a dance to zac next week yall better NOT kick him off this week #DWTS.”
The idea isn’t far-fetched — Dylan has already teased that his family members would be making an appearance in the ballroom. He previously told People that their mom’s “dream” was for Zac to compete on Dancing With the Stars “20 years ago,” and he’s thrilled to have their family cheering him on.
“I’m really excited for my mom to be there,” Dylan shared of mom Starla Baskett. “But also, my dad and my little brother and little sister. It’s gonna make me tear up to see them in the stands.”
As for what exactly he has planned? We’ll have to wait until Week 5 to find out.
Dancing With the Stars airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+.
