Considering that Britney Spears is one of the most significant music video artists in contemporary pop music, it’s no wonder that the “Till the World Ends” singer served as a major inspiration for Ariana Madix and Pasha Pashkov’s performances on Dancing with the Stars Monday night (November 7).
Wearing costumes reminiscent of Spears’ “I’m a Slave 4 U” music video – wet-look hair, a deep green mini skirt, and a midriff-baring pink top – the Vanderpump Rules star and her pro-dancing partner brought the house down with their cha-cha-cha. This pair incorporated elements from Spears’ favorite dance breaks in the music video into their choreography.
Madix and Pashkov earned a score of 37/40, including a perfect 10 from guest judge Paula Abdul, making it the highest score of the night and helping them avoid elimination and return to the Ballroom Dance reality competition series for its eighth week. In addition to “I’m a Slave 4 U,” Mediks and Pashkov also presented a freestyle routine to Backstreet Boys’ “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)” and Daniela Karagach. The four pairs earned 37/40 for their combined efforts, giving Mediks and Pashkov a total score of 74/80, tying them with Joahcite Gomez and pro Val Chmerkovskiy for the highest score of the night. This marks the second time this season that Mediks and Pashkov are tied for the highest score of the week.
In 2002, Spears received three nominations at the MTV Video Music Awards for the “I’m a Slave 4 U” video, including Best Female Video, Best Dance Video, and Best Choreography. Nine years later, pop icon Britney Spears will become the third female to win the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award. “I’m a Slave 4 U” reached number 27 on the Billboard Hot 100.
During a Backstage interview in October Madix told Billboard’s Tetris Kelly that she was hoping for a Britney Spears-themed double night because “I’m a Slave 4 U” is her favorite song and she already knows the choreography.
