At 6 p.m. on February 9, 1996, WYNY switched its stunting to a heartbeat sound effect, promoting the launch of a new format coming the following day at Noon. At that time, WKTU was relaunched on 103.5 FM with a dance-based CHR format; WKTU's first song was "Gonna Make You Sweat" by C+C Music Factory. The station went to number one in the Arbitron ratings. Drag performer RuPaul co-hosted mornings with Michelle Visage, Lisa Taylor and Freddie Colon around this period, further helping their ratings. Sean "Hollywood" Hamilton and Goumba Johnny made their debut at night, and after much success, were moved to mornings in January 1998. By 2002, the moderate amount of rap played on the station was gone and the station evolved into more of a Rhythmic Hot AC.