All Ezra Frech wants for Mariah Carey Night on Dancing With the Stars is you to master his first slow dance.

For the 21-year-old Paralympian gold medalist — who is taking on a rumba to “Anytime You Need a Friend” with partner Daniella Karagach during Tuesday night’s live show — the only thing that could make him feel even more comfortable going into the fourth week of competition is a little holiday magic on his side.

“It’s too early. I couldn’t,” Ezra tells DECIDER with a laugh, referencing Carey’s chart-topping Christmas song. “I see all these TikToks of people being like, ‘Where is “All I Want For Christmas Is You,’” I’m like, ‘Guys, it is the beginning of October.’ So here’s the thing: if someone did that song, everyone would be like, ‘It’s not even Christmas yet,’ and then no one does it, and everyone’s like, ‘Why isn’t anyone doing it?‘”

The Season 35 frontrunner is onto something, as the internet and DWTS fanbase have been up in arms over the omission of the song that Carey is arguably best known for, as well as “Be My Baby,” which some are speculating will be this week’s opening number. Regardless, Ezra says he’s focused on putting his all into the style and the song that he and Dani will be dancing to come Tuesday night.

“I’m really excited about this night and I’m excited about our song in particular. I love this song, it’s a great song, and so if I wasn’t going to get ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You,’ which, you know, it’s too early for, I’m glad I got “Anytime You Need a Friend,’” the Angel City Sports founder explains.

The song, which comes from the album Music Box, will be the backing soundtrack to Ezra and Dani’s slowest dance yet, which Ezra says has challenged him in yet another new way. While some fans may think going slower takes less energy and effort than a fast dance like the jive or the foxtrot, Ezra says that this week’s dance has him tapping into muscle groups he never thought he would use in this competition.

“The rumba is a beautiful dance and it is definitely challenging, but I enjoy the adversity of learning how to [do it]. I mean, these movements are unique, right? If you’re not a ballroom dancer, you’re never moving your body in this way. Every day, like the first day of every new dance, I feel like, what the actual heck is going on right now. And then the second day I feel a little bit better. And then each time we step in the rehearsal studio, my goal is always: I just want to improve a little bit, a little,” he says.

Rest assured that he will be ready come show day, as he tells DECIDER that he not only gets better every single run-through, but more relaxed in his body. And while it might be different than what fans are used to seeing from this Mirrorball Trophy-determined pair, it’s one he can’t wait for everyone to see.

“I’m putting my heart and soul into every single second that we are rehearsing so that by the time show day rolls around, I’m more confident and comfortable,” Ezra shares, adding, “I love this dance, let’s just say that. I really like this dance… this is all out, but in a different way and I think the fans will like it.”

You can watch Ezra and Dani’s rumba on Dancing with the Stars LIVE Tuesday at 8/7c on ABC and Disney+, and catch the episodes the next day on Hulu. 

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