# Connor Wood Defends DWTS Performance

> Connor Wood responds to criticism about his steamy DWTS rumba with Rylee Arnold.
- Title: Connor Wood Defends DWTS Performance · Cosmopolitan | Shortify
- Summary: Connor Wood responds to criticism about his steamy DWTS rumba with Rylee Arnold. Connor Wood defended his Dancing With the Stars performance after viral…
- Keywords: connor wood, rylee arnold, dancing with the stars, dwts, spotify, yearning playlist, mariah carey, Connor, Wood, Defends, Performance, Cosmopolitan
- Source: Cosmopolitan — https://cosmopolitan.com/entertainment/tv/a74082871/connor-wood-responds-dwts-criticism
- Author: Samantha Olson
- Published: 2026-10-08T19:14:01+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: connor wood, rylee arnold, dancing with the stars, dwts, spotify, yearning playlist, mariah carey
## Viral DWTS Rumba
Connor Wood and Rylee Arnold’s steamy rumba to Mariah Carey’s 'Touch My Body' went viral and became Spotify’s 'Yearning' playlist cover image.

> It became the cover image for Spotify’s 'Yearning' playlist
## Fan Reactions
Fans praised their chemistry, with some saying Connor would be 'the life of every wedding reception' and others criticizing his dancing skills.

> Connor is gonna be the life of every wedding reception he goes to by the time this show is over
## Connor’s Defense
Connor replied, 'Almost like this is a show where people learn how to dance,' after criticism about his dancing skills.

> Almost like this is a show where people learn how to dance
## Support from Competitors
Celeb competitors like Harry Shum Jr. and Amber Glenn praised Connor, calling him 'leading man' and 'them body rolls.'

> Them body rolls
## Key takeaway

Connor Wood defended his Dancing With the Stars performance after viral reactions to his rumba with Rylee Arnold.