Tuesday, March 30, 2010

DWTS 10: The First Couple Eliminated Is ...

Tonight is the first results show of Dancing with the Stars 10.  Right off the bat, no wasting time, 1st couple safe is Buzz/Ashly and 1st couple in bottom 2 is Pamela/Damian.  It was cute seeing Nicole jump up in joy when Buzz was announced as safe and you should have seen the jaws that dropped when Pamela/Damian were announced as in the bottom two.  I admit that shocked me, as well.

Len gave his opinion of all the contestants to waste some time.  I think we got enough of his opinion last night.  The drama last night and today was basically the whole Tony/Kate mess.  Today popeater.com actually posted an article saying that Kate tried to get Tony fired.

Anyway, the encore performance was, of course, Nicole/Derek's jive.  She is a fabulous dancer, but that is how she makes her living.  Have you ever seen the Pussycat Dolls perform?  However they want to couch it, she's a professional dancer and she and Derek make a terrific couple.

Special musical number of ballroom fusion, choreographed by Michael Jackson's choreographers and performed by our pros.  It was wonderful, I love the pro numbers.  I wanted to see more of Damian because we've seen the others.  They then had Adam Corolla back for a funny bit.  I don't usually like his humor, but tonight he was actually funny.

Next couples safe were Aiden/Edyta and Niecy/Louis.  Backstage Brooke did some very awkward interviews with Pamela/Damian and Buzz/Ashly.  You know, the dumb question like "How does it feel to be in the bottom?  Are you surprised?"  Sheesh.  Anyway, Tom announced that the female chosen to perform in the Macy's Stars of Dance Design a Dance was Melissa Rycroft.  There are seven available previous male stars to choose her partner from.  I basically just saw Warren Sapp, Maurice Greene (my favorite George Jefferson), and Cameron Mathison, but Cody Linley, Lance Bass, Joey Fatone and Joey Lawrence are also in the running.

The next time waster, I mean Musical Guest, is a medly of Beach Boys songs performed by the Beach Boys and John Stamos.  I love the Beach Boys, they performed Kokomo, and I got to see Damian dance some more, so it's all good.

Next we had The Len Commandments (with him dressed appropriately as Moses)
Thou shalt not kill time  (fru fru stuff that Len hates)
Thou shalt not take the judges names in vain (lots of bleeps here)
Thou shalt not steal dance moves (do your own choreography)
Thou shalt not interrupt me (or he shall smite you ... yeah, you, Bruno)
Thou shalt not do lifts (or Carrie Ann will get ya)
Thou shalt have rhinestones (lots of rhinestones)
Thou may honor the judges (with roses)


Len then Challenged each couple to show a story for next week without gimmicks or tricks.  Show the story through the dance.

The next couples safe were Evan/Anna, Jake/Chelsie, and Nicole/Derek.

Macy's Stars of Dance performance was a special one celebrating life and hope among the survivors in Haiti.  Okay, I was in tears.  Short interviews with a Haitian Ballroom Champion and a champion Mambo dancer.  The Mambo dancer was in NY when the earthquake hit and when he got back to Haiti, he found out that his little boy was dead.  He said that in dancing there is hope.  They got together some dancers that they said cared about Haiti.  There were 5 couples dancing to Hips Don't Lie by Shakira.  The men were Haitian, and their hips didn't lie.  There were also Haitians on mambo drums.  I enjoyed that performance.  For more information on how to help, go to www.abettercommunity.com

Next couples that will be back next week are Erin/Maks and Chad/Cheryl.  That leaves either Shannon/Mark or Kate/Tony to join Pamela/Damian in the bottom two.  That makes me sad because I don't want to see Shannon or Pamela leave but I know ABC is enjoying the drama too much and Kate's worshippers won't let us get put out of our misery and have her leave.  After an extra long commercial, Kate/Tony were told that they were safe.  Insert eye roll here.

Shannon/Mark are the first couple eliminated from Dancing With the Stars 10.  That really stinks.  They only then announced that yesterday Mark hurt his knee and would have been out for six weeks.  Shannon said that she wouldn't have wanted to continue without him anyway.  My question is this:  Did Shannon/Mark really have the lowest score or was his injury the reason for their premature departure?

Well, the first two weeks of Dancing With the Stars 10 turned out to be full of drama and surprise.  How will they manage to match this next week?  I'll be tuning in to see.  Did y'all agree with this elimination?  Is this on the up and up?  Post your comments ...

Monday, March 29, 2010

DWTS 10: A Lot of Jive Talkin' Goin' On Here

Tonight was part 2 of the Dancing With the Stars 10 Premiere.  No one was eliminated last week, but the scores and votes carry over to this week.  Tom teased that there would have been a big upset if there would have been an elimination last week.  I checked Dial Idol and they had Kate as the only sure safe, and Aiden leaving.  That really stinks.  But her fans are coming through for her, bless their hearts (phooey).  The dances this evening are the Jive and the Foxtrot.  How did the stars do?

Shannon/Mark - They have the Jive this week and Mark has another ambitious choreographed routine and Shannon wants it to be easier.  That was a topic of contention in their practice video.  Mark refuses to dumb down the routine just because the judges freaked her out last week.  He was right.  She's got some seriously stick legs, lol ... I loved that routine!  Smiled through the whole thing.  Len said it was fast, fun, energetic, but a few times they lost some control.  Bruno liked it.  Energy level much better, really engaged the audience.  Carrie Ann said she thought they needed to make it easier, but Mark was right.  Great improvement.  Two seven's and a six from Len for 20/30 and their two week score 38/60

Aiden/Edyta - Aiden feeling the pressure.  They have a Foxtrot this week and the two of them are not having an easy time of it.  Edyta stormed out when she felt that he wasn't getting the routine in a timely fashion.  I love Edyta to death, but I'm thinking that she's taken some flak for last week's routine.  They seem to have worked it out and put together a very nice dance.  Much better than last week.  This was a very elegant showcase for Edyta.  He did the steps, and yes, this week he actually had some steps.  Bruno sees a glimmer of hope, payed attention to footwork and frame.  He has to keep focus an believe he can do it.  Carrie Ann said they did a nice job, last week they tried too hard, but this week they let the dance work for them.  Len said they were economic in their movement, must flow more, footwork good, showed improvement.  Edyta telling Brooke how much pressure she was under to make a good routine for Aiden.  Two 6's and a 7 from Carrie Ann for 19/30 and 34/60.

I truly don't understand the scoring because Shannon deserved a higher score, I thought, than Aiden from Carrie Ann and Len.

Evan/Anna - Anna felt that most of the judges comments were spot on last week, except commenting on their lack of chemistry.  They have a jive this week and he took her back to Naperville to help their connection.  They had a 'Grease' feel to their routine, and I'm not just talking about all the grease in his hair.  Cute routine, lots of fast fancy footwork by both.  Carrie Ann is happy, said it was great, lots of energy.  Connections made personality shown.  Len is happy, too.  Tall guys usually struggle with jive, he did great.  Said though that there was something funny about his feet.  Bruno called him Greased Lightning.  Told him to point his feet more, big improvement.  Three 8's for 24/30 and 47/60.  Awkward moment when Brooke tried to joke about Evan's love of cheesecake and being able to enjoy it while he was on the show and no one got the joke.

Wow ... they just showed a preview of Tony's practice session with Kate and he said that he quit and walked out.  Tony is the most mild mannered, patient man.  Wonder what that misdirection is all about.

Niecy/Louis - I was personally cringing when I thought of Niecy trying to do elegant.  Their practice had me crackin' up!  They are so funny together, lol. Hahaha!  They did a 'Diva' Foxtrot.  It was really cute to watch, and, honestly, I was very surprised at how good it was.  Definitely still showed her personality.  Len said it showed musicality, personality, a lil sass.  Compared to last week she was a revelation.  Bruno, nicely done.  compared her to a milkshake.  Carrie Ann called her spectacular.  She wants to see bigger from Niecy next week.  Niecy replied that she can do big, lol.  Three 7's for 21/30 and 39/60.

Jake/Chelsie - Hey, I saw more personality from Jake in that practice video than the total time I saw him in Bachelorette and Bachelor, which admittedly I didn't watch regularly.  They had a jive this week.  It was pretty good, but I didn't enjoy it as much as I did Evan's or even Shannon's actually.  He looked kind of awkward still to me.  Bruno said that Jake wants this badly, energy and determination great.  Must work on procedure and technique.  Carrie Ann called them on a lift.  Great start, loved the energy.  Len said he coped very well, little heavy sometimes, needs to be lighter on his feet.  He has great potential.  Oooh, you shoulda seen Chelsie's face when Carrie Ann called that lift, lol.  Two 7's and a 6 from Carrie Ann 20/30 and 40/60.

Buzz/Ashly - Nowhere to go but up from last week.  This week in the foxtrot he said that he was going to give it the Aldrin umph!  Danicng to 'Fly Me to the Moon'.  Yes, he was still stiff as a board, but he did the steps and I enjoyed watching it.  It wasn't nearly as painful to watch as last week was.  Carrie Ann said it was a very tender, charming Foxtrot.  Tugged at heartstrings.  She also said that he looked like he was so afraid to step on Ashly's toes.  Len said that he will not criticize a hero. he inspires people, anyone can get out there and dance.  Bruno said that he looked like he was avoiding craters while he was dancing.  They got three 4's for 12/30 and 26/60.  I thought they did better this week, but their scores were worse... shrug

Nicole/Derek - Nicole whined that she wanted to do a 50's jive but they got a contemporary song.  Insert an eye roll here.  The other stars are worrying about learning the routines and she only has to complain about the music assigned to them.  My problem with her is that it looks like she is only having to learn choreography, and not learn to dance as the others are.  That shouldn't matter, but it does to me.  Of course it was good, but whatever.  Len was ambivalent, parts were fantastic, very talented dancer.  Bruno said it was phenomenal.  Carrie Ann loved it.  Two 10's and an 8 from Len for 28/30 and 53/60.  Too early for a ten, I'm thinking.  But that's what happens when you have two professional dancers dancing together.

Erin/Maks - Erin is cracking me up in their practice.  She's a tomboy trying to be a princess and she's losing her mind, lol.  Maks says that he's having a hard time being the calm one in the relationship and I laughed about that.  They make a good pair.  He won't walk all over her.  Erin does look like a princess in her Foxtrot, though.  And she moves very smoothly.  This is a very pretty dance, perfect for a princess ... not a diva like Niecy, though, LOL.  Oopsie, Wardrobe malfunction after the dance.  Maks to the rescue!  Bruno called Erin a natural, has ease of movement, very elegant.  Make sure to finish the movements.  Carrie Ann said she was a beautiful, lyrical dancer, great use of flexibility.  Less tension on the hold.  Erin said there was tension because she was trying to find his bicep, lol.  She's good for him.  Len said movement fluid and posture good but then said something about the show having the best professionals and the stars needing to shut up and follow them (not just to her, but in general).  Two 8's and a 7 from Len for 23/30 and 44/30.

Pamela/Damian - She's gonna channel Marilyn Monroe with this foxtrot.  Damian says that Pamela's very good at getting into character.  Okay, so yes, she did put on a Marilyn performance, with a touch of Betty Boop.  I didn't see much actual dancing, but there was a lot of performance there.  Carrie Ann said part of being good on the show is being versitile.  She brought Marilyn Monroe back to life.  Len said it had an elegance and cheeky charm, work on posture.  Told her to get her bust off of Damian, lol.  Bruno called it a great tribute to the original Blonde Bombshell ... and the dancing was good, too.  Two 7's and an 8 from Bruno for 22/30 and 43/60

Chad/Cheryl - Another couple that had me cracking up.  Chad flirted, Cheryl blushed.  If he did well, she gave him a kiss.  Very elegant foxtrot, but he looked kind of awkward.  They put some fancy moves in the middle that I know Len is gonna hate.  His posture wasn't great, but he didn't poke his butt out, lol.  That wasn't too bad, though.  Len said that he hated it, terrible posture, would glance when it was over.  Bruno said that he looked uncomfortable, cumbersome and ungainly.  Carrie Ann said that he had great potential, but he has to stop thinking so much ... just be in the moment.  I obviously enjoyed it more than the judges did.  Backstage, you could tell how crushed Chad was by the criticism.  Two 5's and a 6 from Carrie Ann for 16/30 and 34/60.

Kate/Tony - Kate was being very condescending to Tony and he had enough.  Then she started crying to the camera. about how she just doesn't understand, whine, whine. He did come back, though.  Insert eye roll here.  I love Tony and am so sad that he got stuck with her this season.  This is a freaking awful jive.  She doesn't even know the steps.  Get this woman off this show please.  QUIT voting for her!  Bruno talking about his memories and that she's turned it into a nightmare.  Dance is a performing art, she needs acting lessons.  Carrie Ann said on the positive side, she made it thru the whole routine.  Her feet came off the floor, and she kept bouncing when she didn't know what else to do.  Len said nerves got her.  Don't go down as a wimp, go out fighting.  Three 5's for 15/30 and 31/60.  Dang she was overscored.  Even Buzz did better than she did tonight, I thought.  At least he remembered and did all the steps.

At the end of the second week, the judges leaderboard looks like this:
Nicole/Derek - 53
Evan/Anna - 47
Erin/Maks - 44
Pamela/Damian - 43
Jake/Chelsie - 40
Niecy/Louis - 39
Shannon/Mark - 38
Aiden/Edyta - 34
Chad/Cheryl - 34
Kate/Tony - 31
Buzz/Ashly - 26

My thoughts:  Yes, Nicole and Derek were the best, but of course they were.  Of the rest, I enjoyed Erin/Maks and Niecy/Louis the most.  Something about Evan bugs me.  He has beautiful moves, no doubt, but I don't love him as much as I expected to.  I was most disappointed tonight with Chad/Cheryl.  He looked so stiff, I expected better.  I think he's overthinking this thing.  The worst?  Kate/Tony without a doubt.  Yes, I thought her performance was worse than Buzz/Ashly.  I really wish Nicole/Derek weren't in this.  Then it would be a very fun, wide open season.

Tomorrow night is the first Dancing With the Stars 10 elimination.  Unfortunately, the worst dancer won't leave.  The worst attitude won't leave either.  The one with the smallest fanbase will be leaving, but that's how it goes.  Kate's army will keep her around for awhile no matter how much she stinks up the joint.  What do y'all think?  Who should leave?  Who will leave?  Leave a comment ...

Monday, March 22, 2010

DWTS 10: And So It Begins ... Again

They welcomed us back to a new season of Dancing With the Stars with familiar music and a new co-host.  I saw Samantha on some ET show or something right before this one, so she's doing okay.  I'm looking forward to Brooke being backstage with the performers.

I took exception to some of the introductions.  Pamela Anderson began it all looking and acting rather slutty just walking down the stairs.  "Hardest working mom in show business" for Kate Gosselin?  I dont think so.  Even Tom had to qualify that.

Anyway, first up tonight were Chad Ochocinco/Cheryl Burke with a Cha-cha. Gosh, he cracks me up.  He's pretty smooth.  Had some hip action goin on there.  Was it perfect?  Nah, but it was fun to watch.  Len called him a rough diamond at the moment, needs some polish, but a great start.  Bruno said he had a huge talent, but rough.  He can dance and can't wait to see him do it again.  Carrie Ann said he had a lil 'sumptin sumptin' goin on there. They got three 6's for 18/30.  Those scores didn't match the comments or the dance I watched.

They have some catbird thing instead of the green room backstage.  They call it the Celebraquarium.  It's in view of the studio audience, actually, and they get to watch the others dance on the floor instead of via monitor.  It's pretty cool.

Next was Shannon Doherty/ Mark Ballas with the Viennese Waltz.  She looked beautiful.  There were a few mistakes where it looked like she forgot her part.  But it was better than I expected, actually.  Bruno commented on the difficult choreography especially for week 1.  Didn't flow for him.  They showed her dad in audience, and he looked so proud.  Shannon said that she was doing the show for him.  Carrie Ann said that she was impressed.  Started out of sync, in her head, but got better.  It's coming.  Len said Viennese Waltz said ease and elegance, and she portrayed it.  Great job, work on footwork.  She was so emotional, she was crying.  Very touching. They also got three 6's for 18/30. Brooke was very encouraging and supportive.

Erin Andrews/Maksim Chmerkovskiy - She started off joking him saying that she asked for Tony, lol.  They are gonna be cute together.  They also had the Cha-cha.  Okay I started with disappointment.  She was not as good or as smooth as I had anticipated.  It might have been nerves, but I just didn't love it as much as I wanted to.  The judges didn't agree.  Carrie Ann said it was a nice surprise, good movement, great connection.  Needs to work on arms and legs not sharp enough.  Len called her a funky monkey, they mean business.  Gave her things to work on, but good job.  Bruno began early making up words, but he said a wonderful debut.  Judges gave them three 7's for 21/30.

Jake Pavelka/Chelsie Hightower were next with the Viennese Waltz.  He started off whining, and Chelsie started having to give him pep talk.  His dance started with a rose, to Seal's song.  Enuf with the roses and Bachelor references, pls.  He was kind of stiff, but she was beautiful.  It was pretty good, though, actually.  Len thought Jake moved very well, work on posture, don't stick buns out, great potential.  Bruno told Jake to calm down, don't bounce her about so much.  Good effort, but looked like a horse. Carrie Ann said she was impressed, lines gorgeous, bravado easy on the eyes.  Romance worked on the dance floor, work on posture, but excellent job.  They got two 7's and a 6 from Len for 20/30.

I'm beginning to think that Chad is getting screwed by going first ...

Niecy Nash/Louis van Ansel - I love Niecy Nash, she cracks me up, she's such a freaking clown.  She said that she wanted to go from a big girl who stands in the back to nice, thick grown woman who stands in the front.  They also had a chacha.  I smiled through the whole performance, they are so cute together.  Very funny, entertaining; hope she hangs around.  Bruno talked about her focus, Carrie Ann called it very nice, energy fantastic.  Len called it clean, clear precise, but uneventful ... nothing happened.  Niecy said that she was just happy that she had a bite of cheeseburger before the dance and that she remembered her routine.  HA! They got a 7 from Carrie Ann, a 5 from Len and a 6 from Bruno for 18/30.

Evan Lysacek/ Anna Trebunskaya - Ugh, he didn't wash that gunk out of his hair.  He commented that his turns are in the opposite direction than when he skates and it makes him dizzy.  Doing Viennese Waltz - wow, very beautiful.  Carrie Ann did a Mary Murphy squeal.  Told him that he had to remember to connect with the audience and to point his toes, but it was very good.  Len said he had great artistry, but has to work on his footwork, work on chemistry with Anna.  Bruno said he moved with grace of a slug, but that it was beautiful??  He got 8's from Carrie Ann and Bruno and a 7 from Len for 23/30.

Special message from the International Space Station before Buzz Aldrin/ Ashly Costa.  I'm so happy she's back.  I loved her dancing, too bad she won't be around long.  They gave him the Cha-cha first.  Unfortunately, this is as painful as I expected it to be.  Poor Ashly.  He got a standing ovation, I guess for surviving it.  Len commented on his watching Buzz walk on the moon, commented on his bravery for coming out there, but the dancing wasn't good.  Bruno said he did a chachacha, but it looked like he still had on his moon boots.  Carrie Ann said that Buzz inspired a ton of people tonight.  They received 5's from Carrie Ann and Bruno, and a 4 from Len for 14/30

Okay, scores and votes from tonight will be combined with the scores and votes for next week to determine the first star eliminated.

Nicole Scherzinger/ Derek Hough got the Viennese Waltz.  It was as gorgeous as I expected.  She's a ringer.  Bruno was astounded and very pleased.  Carrie Ann said the bar has just been set.  Hasn't seen a routine right out of the gate like that ever.  Len brought them right back to earth and told her to work on her technique.  9's from Carrie Ann and Bruno and a 7 from Len for 25/30.  Brooke called her out on her choreography and dancing background, but Nicole said that this was nothing like what she's ever done.

Aiden Turner/ Edyta Sliwinska (fully covered with a parka) - I don't know anything about this guy since I don't watch All My Children.  He is a cutie, though, and seems to have a fun personality.  Their first dance is a Cha-cha.  Okay, that parka didn't last long and she's back to wearing almost nothing.  Unfortunately, he was just a pole for Edyta.  Carrie Ann said she liked the approach, but it felt disjointed.  Len said there's a dancer in there, but said he stood there shaking his wobbly bits.  Bruno said there was nothing going in the groin and  compared him to Kenny Mayne ... yikes... three 5's for 15/30 .

Kate Gosselin/ Tony Dovolani got the Viennese Waltz to start.  I love Tony ... almost as much as I love Maks.  Saying that, he did a beautiful job, but that was boring.  She had a fake smile on her face the entire time.  Len said first dance is like first date, she looked nervous, didn't dance with fluidity.  Bruno said this must be hard, technique was terrible, but she must learn to perform.  Carrie Ann made excuses for her and said that there was a sweet vulnerability, she'll get better.  They got a 6 from Carrie Ann and 2 5's from Len and Bruno for 16/30.

Pamela Anderson/ Damian Whitewood got the pimp spot.  He's new from Burn the Floor so he's got to be a fabulous dancer, but is he a good teacher?  In practice, something happened and he ended up with his face in her boobage.  Alrighty then.  They have a Cha-cha.  She said she's awful.  She really looks slutty, but she's not as bad as she said she was going to be.  It was actually pretty good.  She definitely sold sex with that routine.  Bruno only thinks of sex, sex and more sex when he watches her.  Carrie Ann said that she's been waiting the most to see her, and she did not disappoint.  She was having fun and was fully engaged.  Len said that this cast has been brilliant.  Thought this dance was a mess, though,lol.  She got a 6 from Len, 7 from Carrie Ann and a 8 from Bruno for 21/30.  Was she drunk or high???  She sure appeared to be when backstage with Brooke.

The second round of dancing and judges scoring will be next Monday.  After tonight's round one, the judges leaderboard looks like this:

Nicole/Derek - 25
Evan/Anna - 23
Erin/Maks - 21
Pamela/Damian - 21
Jake/Chelsie - 20
Chad/Cheryl - 18
Shannon/Mark - 18
Niecy/Louis - 18
Kate/Tony - 16
Aiden/Edyta - 15
Buzz/Ashly - 14

My leaderboard looks a little different.  Yes, Nicole and Evan are at the top, but Chad and Niecy are above Erin, Pamela and Jake.  I judge on entertainment, though.  I also thought Brooke had a good outing as well.  She was relaxed, encouraging and supportive without coming across as fake or patronizing.  She has room for improvement, but I think that she will do well.

Remember no show tomorrow and the first Dancing With the Stars elimination show is NEXT Tuesday after another go round of dancing next Monday.  It was a very good first show, and I can't wait until next week.  What did you think of the season premiere of Dancieng With the Stars?  Agree or disagree with the judges?  Let's discuss ...

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

DWTS 10: Pairings Announced

Good Morning,
The pairings have been announced for this season of Dancing with the Stars. Last night I wrote about the so-called stars, so I'll spare you from repetition ... mostly. Some of the pairings I like, and some, not so much.

Chad Ochocinco is paired with two-time champion Cheryl Burke, who returns for her ninth season. This could actually be a good pairing. Chad has a great work ethic, and if his show off dances on the football field are any indication, he's got good feet.

Jake Pavelka joins Chelsie Hightower, in her third season. I've never watched him, so I don't know how he'll do on the dance floor. I love Chelsie, though, so I hope he's not too, too bad.

Nicole Scherzinger teams with Season 7 champ Derek Hough, who returns for his sixth season. Figures that he'd get her. What is he holding over the producers' heads that he always seems to get the above average dancers, if not ringers? This actually aggravates me because, I'm not a big Derek fan. But it will probably be good for her, as he's a good choreographer. This might be the ringer couple.

Aiden Turner will partner with Edyta Sliwinska, the only pro to compete in all ten seasons of "Dancing with the Stars." Again, I just know this guy has a pretty face, so I've got nothing.

Shannen Doherty will dance with two-time "Dancing with the Stars" champ Mark Ballas, who returns for his sixth season. Ooh, who'd he piss off? Unless she's seriously reformed, this could be a very good ego battle. Might be fun to watch for a while.

Kate Gosselin teams up with Tony Dovolani, who returns for his ninth season. Poor Tony. 'Nuff said.

Evan Lysacek will dance with Anna Trebunskaya, who returns for her fifth season. About time that she gets a partner that has some moves. When I've seen her dance with her husband, Jonathan Roberts, she's been beautiful and he's a beautiful skater, so I have high hopes here.

Niecy Nash joins Louis Van Amstel, who returns for his sixth season on "Dancing With the Stars." Hmm, this could be interesting. Kelly Osborne lightened Louis up quite a bit last season, so they should have some fun.

Buzz Aldrin will be partnered with dancer Ashley Costa (formerly DelGrosso), who returns for her fourth season. Aww, I love Ashley. I just wish she'd have gotten a different partner.

Pamela Anderson joins professional dancer Damian Whitewood, who makes his "Dancing with the Stars" debut this season. This guy was with Maks in 'Burn the Floor' so he's an awesome dancer, but we have no idea of his choreography or teaching style.

Erin Andrews teams up with Maksim Chmerkovskiy, who returns for his eighth season. This might be another team to watch. Like I said, she's had some dance experience since she was on her college dance team. She's worked in a man's field, so I would think she'd be pretty strong willed so Maks won't be able to walk on her. I think this might just work. I hope so, cuz I love me some Maks.

Well, there are the pairings. Unfortunately, we have to wait until March 22 to see them in action. I'm getting excited, though, are you?

Monday, March 1, 2010

DWTS 10: Cast Revealed

Wow, I haven't blogged in a good long while. Time for me to do something about that. I've been watching Survivor and The Amazing Race, but with the DWTS cast being announced tonight, I knew that I couldn't remain silent any longer.

I love this show, but a few of the contestants for this upcoming season have me either shaking my head or gritting my teeth. I know that it's all about ratings for ABC, but I'm afraid that my viewing pleasure will be greatly diminished.

Kate Gosslin? Come on, she is so overexposed already. Yes, she has that bandwagon of worshippers that think she can do no wrong and they'll probably dial til their fingers fall off. That's all that matters to ABC. Too bad they can't cash in on the Anti-Kate movement by having us vote OFF our least favorites. That's a fairly large group, as well. I never watched her show, but the discussion on a few of the message boards that I haunt have me feeling nauseous when I venture into those threads. At first they were amusing, but the way her fans demonized her ex-husband and gave her wings and a halo turned me off. Her supporters are loyal and vocal and I'm afraid that they'll keep her around.

Another controversial 'celebrity' cast is Shannen Doherty. In her day, she was about as polarizing as Kate. You either loved her or hated her. I guess it's only fitting that since they cast 'Kelly' from 90210 a couple of seasons ago (Jenny Garth), it was 'Brenda's' turn.

Pamela Anderson? Don't understand this one at all. Is pole dancing a new genre? I can't imagine her doing too much more than bumping and grinding.

Speaking of bumping and grinding, there's Nicole Scherzinger. You know her, she's the only Pussycat Doll that could actually sing. I guess she's got the sexy siren role. I'm thinking that she might have some dance experience other than what she's shown with PCD.

Erin Andrews is another enigma. Another of the ABC family, she's an ESPN reporter. What she's most famous for is her peeping Tom suit. Some freak secretly taped her (no, not a sex tape) in a hotel room through a peephole and posted it on the internet. She filed charges, won the case. She was on the basketball dance team while in college, so she should at least have some rhythm. Will she be able to capitalize on the goodwill from her case and the ESPN viewer votes? Or will she be like Kenny Mayne?

The last female is Niecy Nash. She has the potential to be entertaining. I think she's hilarious at times, and she can be rather raunchy. Depending on her partner, her practice videos and confessionals could be a blast. Or not. I'm not sure if she can dance or not, but I hope she can.

As far as the guys go, they are also a mixed bag. Jake Pavelka? Another show that I refused to watch, but read about. He wasn't exactly a fan favorite. I guess ABC has to back it's own horse and he was just their cash cow on The Bachelor. It'll be interesting to see how that works out for them. Going by the popularity of Melissa, I guess they're banking on the same for him.

Chad Ochocinco fills the football player role. I like him, he makes me laugh. His tweets tend to be very entertaining. He has his detractors that call him a showboat (yeah), but I think he will be fun to watch. He's a perfectionist, but I think he can laugh at himself. His touchdown dances show that he has some moves, so he should last awhile ... I hope.

Buzz Aldrin is 80 years old, so he has the geezer role. He's an American institution, so I really hope he acquits himself well. Rumor has it that Kym Johnson will not be on this season, so I don't know who they will pair him with, perhaps Edyta.

Evan Lysacek is our newest Olympic gold medalist on the show. He's got moves as he showed on the ice the past couple of weeks, and he should have the popularity now to last a while. I just hope he washes that crap out of his hair. The greased back look isn't very appealing.

And last but maybe not least is Aiden Turner. I have no clue who this guy is. He was on 'All My Children', another ABC show, so he follows Susan Lucci and Cameron Mathison on the dance floor. I suppose that he'll bring in that built in fan base.

Who'll go first and who'll go until the end? Who will take home the Mirrored Ball Dancing With the Stars trophy? Hard to tell right now, I know who I'd like to leave first, but that's neither here nor there, lol. Hopefully we'll find out the pairings soon. Melissa was with Tom Bergeron tonight when he announced the contestants. Does this mean she won the job to replace Samantha Harris? That's another question that will be answered soon. What will this season bring? We'll see.