DWTS 15 Week 4: DWTS breaks out the gimmicks

Usually “Dancing with the Stars” confines itself to one gimmick a week, but this is the All Stars season so why not pack one week with as many gimmicks as one can to jump the shark? That doesn’t diminish the first tens of the season that left Olympic gold medal gymnast Shawn Johnson and actor Gilles Marini tied for first.

Vote online through the ABC.com website or by Facebook.

As if taking a few plays from “So You Think You Can Dance,” the week started with each team picking a dance for another team because it was Opponents’ choice week. The dances were not all new. DWTS has done Charleston, rock n’ roll, disco, bolero, mambo and jitterbug before. The Charleston and bolero were used on season 9. The mambo was performed during seasons 3 through 7. The jitterbug and hustle were seen on seasons 7 and 9. Rock n’ roll was performed season 5 and 11. Disco came back for season 3. What’s new is contemporary although that’s happened in the freestyle and Maksim Chmerkovskiy tried that with Erin Andrews (remember the bedroom dance). Hip hop has also come into a freestyle before as well as giving flavor to a few other traditional dances. Also Bollywood was performed and given to Gilles Marini who performed  it well enough to inspire many I Dream of a Male Genie dreams.

DWTS has had guest judges before, but this time they had Paula Abdul. At least we know that Paula Abdul can dance. That’s not always true for celebrity judge on other shows. What I loved was Paula Abdul playing around with Bruno Tonioli, particularly when she was giving her critique of Shawn Johnson and Derek Hough dancing or…hotter, for Gilles Marini and Petra Murgatroyd.

1. Shawn Johnson & Derek Hough: 39.5 (10.0,9.5,10.0,10.0) Mambo ”Para Los Rumberos”—Santana (Hélio & Chelsie)/Gilles Marini & Peta Murgatroyd: 39.5 (10.0,9.5,10.0,10.0) Bollywood ”Jai Ho (You Are My Destiny)“—Pussycat Dolls feat. A. R. Rahman (Bristol & Mark)
2. Kelly Monaco & Val Chmerkovskiy: 37.5 (9.0,9.5,9.5,9.5) Contemporary ”Fix You“—Coldplay (Emmitt & Cheryl)
3. Melissa Rycroft & Tony Dovolani: 37.0 (9.0,9.0,9.5,9.5) Jitterbug ”This Cat’s on a Hot Tin Roof”—Brian Setzer Orchestra (Apolo & Karina)
4. Emmitt Smith & Cheryl Burke: 36.0 (9.0,9.0,9.0,9.0) Bolero ”Better in Time ”—Leona Lewis (Kelly & Val)
5. Sabrina Bryan & Louis Van Amstel: 35.5 (9.0,9.0,8.5,9.0) Disco ”You Should Be Dancing“—Bee Gees (Kirstie & Maks)
6. Apolo Anton Ohno & Karina Smirnoff: 34.5 (8.5,9.0,8.5,8.5) Hip-Hop ”Poison“—Bell Biv DeVoe (Melissa & Tony)
7. Bristol Palin & Mark Ballas: 32.0 (8.0,8.0,8.0,8.0) Rock n’ Roll ”At the Hop”—Danny and the Juniors (last option left)
8. Kirstie Alley & Maksim Chmerkovskiy: 30.0 (7.5,7.5,7.5,7.5) Charleston ”Forty-Second Street”—from 42nd Street (Sabrina & Louis)

This is the first time that Palin and Ballas have beaten Alley and Maksim Chmerkovskiy although I’m not sure that I’d put Lindy hop and jitterbug in a rock n’ roll routine or perform to that particular song “At the Hop.” Alley didn’t flick her legs sideways and her movement could have been crisper. I don’t think this was one of Maksim’s most inspired routines. I think they should have gone for something down and dirty like the original, less refined Charleston.

Although I’ve truly hated this season, I have to admit that the Bollywood routine almost makes the week worthwhile. Please Disney. Find Gilles Marini a chance to be Aladdin. Broadway, how about Marini as the next King of Siam?  Also, any time you can pair Paula Abdul with Bruno Tonioli–totally watchable TV.

You can still vote online through the ABC.com website or by Facebook.

Shawn Johnson & Derek Hough: 39.5 (10.0,9.5,10.0,10.0) Mambo ”Para Los Rumberos”—Santana

Gilles Marini & Peta Murgatroyd: 39.5 (10.0,9.5,10.0,10.0) Bollywood ”Jai Ho (You Are My Destiny)“—Pussycat Dolls feat. A. R. Rahman

Kelly Monaco & Val Chmerkovskiy: 37.5 (9.0,9.5,9.5,9.5) Contemporary ”Fix You“—Coldplay

Melissa Rycroft & Tony Dovolani: 37.0 (9.0,9.0,9.5,9.5) Jitterbug ”This Cat’s on a Hot Tin Roof”—Brian Setzer Orchestra

Emmitt Smith & Cheryl Burke: 36.0 (9.0,9.0,9.0,9.0) Bolero ”Better in Time ”—Leona Lewis

Sabrina Bryan & Louis Van Amstel: 35.5 (9.0,9.0,8.5,9.0) Disco ”You Should Be Dancing“—Bee Gees

Apolo Anton Ohno & Karina Smirnoff: 34.5 (8.5,9.0,8.5,8.5) Hip-Hop ”Poison“—Bell Biv DeVoe

Bristol Palin & Mark Ballas: 32.0 (8.0,8.0,8.0,8.0) Rock n’ Roll ”At the Hop”—Danny and the Juniors

Kirstie Alley & Maksim Chmerkovskiy: 30.0 (7.5,7.5,7.5,7.5) Charleston ”Forty-Second Street”—from 42nd Street

You can still vote online through the ABC.com website or by Facebook.

DWTS 15: Week 3 has Melissa Rycroft and Kelly Monaco tied for top spot

Last night (Monday, Oct. 8, 2012) on “Dancing with the Stars: All-Stars,” there was a tie for the top between  Melissa Rycroft and Tony Dovolani and Kelly Monaco & Val Chmerkovskiy. At the bottom again was Bristol Palin and Mark Ballas with 22.5. Tonight (Tuesday, Oct. 9) is a double elimination so there’s double trouble.

Palin and Ballas improved over their score from last week (18), but still were at the bottom of the leader board with 22.5 after performing the paso doble that originally was performed by Derek Hough and Joanna Krupa. That’s a controversial pairing–daughter of the family values Republican Sarah Palin and the Playboy model who has a reality TV celebrity habit and a live-in relationship still.

At least Ballas couldn’t go bonkers with this one. Still the oldest contestant, Kirstie Alley, scored better with a 24. She and Maksim Chmerkovskiy tied with Drew Lachey and Anna Trebunskaya.

Shawn Johnson and Derek Hough were in third place. Last week’s top scoring team, Sabrina Bryan and Louis van Amstel were in a four-way tie for fourth with Gilles Marini and Peta Murgatroyd, Apolo Anton Ohno and Karina Smirnoff and Helio Castroneves and Chelsie Hightower.

You can still vote online through the ABC.com website or by Facebook.

1. Melissa Rycroft & Tony Dovolani: 27.0 (9.0,9.0,9.0)
2. Kelly Monaco & Val Chmerkovskiy: 27.0 (9.0,9.0,9.0)
3. Shawn Johnson & Derek Hough: 26.5 (9.0,8.0,9.5)
4. Sabrina Bryan & Louis Van Amstel: 25.5 (8.5,8.5,8.5)
5. Gilles Marini & Peta Murgatroyd: 25.5 (8.5,8.5,8.5)
6. Apolo Anton Ohno & Karina Smirnoff: 25.5 (9.0,8.0,8.5)
7. Helio Castroneves & Chelsie Hightower: 25.5 (8.5,8.5,8.5)
8. Emmitt Smith & Cheryl Burke: 25.0 (8.5,8.0,8.5)
9. Drew Lachey & Anna Trebunskaya: 24.0 (8.0,8.0,8.0)
10. Kirstie Alley & Maksim Chmerkovskiy: 24.0 (8.0,8.0,8.0)
11. Bristol Palin & Mark Ballas: 22.5 (7.5,7.5,7.5)

Take iconic and be more iconic.

[Youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZkAI3LSuQYI]

Cha cha cha

Trebunskaya sexed it up with the costumes and stripping Lachey’s shirt.

Drew Lachey & Anna Trebunskaya: 24.0 (8.0,8.0,8.0)

• “Crazy in Love“—Beyoncé feat. Jay-Z
• Joey McIntyre & Ashly DelGrosso (Season 1)
• Song: “Crazy in Love” by Beyoncé
  Score: 20 (7,7,6)

Did you like Maksim with the long hair? Of course, we always like Maksim without the shirt. The strategy here was to improve the technique and camp it up.  This almost made iconic night worth it.

Kirstie Alley & Maksim Chmerkovskiy: 24.0 (8.0,8.0,8.0)

• “Moves like Jagger“—Maroon 5 feat. Christina Aguilera
• Carson Kressley & Anna Trebunskaya (Season 13)
• Score: 17 (6,5,6)

Foxtrot

Is it possible for Apolo Anton Ohno to be steamier than Gilles Marini? Marini and Burke received two tens when they performed this and here’s where being an actor really helps. Marini was suave but sexy as the devil. Ohno was sophisticated but not with the same intensity as Marini.

Apolo Anton Ohno & Karina Smirnoff: 25.5 (9.0,8.0,8.5)

• “Fever“—Michael Bublé
• Gilles Marini & Cheryl Burke (Season 8)
• Score: 29 (10,9,10)

Paso doble

With this dance and partner, Val finally rises out of the shadow of his brother Maksim. Kelly and Val have chemistry, but Kelly doesn’t bristle with the kind of powerful physicality that Laila Ali had–few women do. With Laila Ali, you thought that she and Maksim could punch it out and Maksim would lose. With Kelly and Maksim it’s more a match of forceful personalities.

Kelly Monaco & Val Chmerkovskiy: 27.0 (9.0,9.0,9.0)

• “España Cañí“—Erich Kunzel
• Lalia & Maks (Season 4)
• 21 (7,7,7) Week 4
• 29 (10,9,10) Week 10

Can Bristol Palin ever equal the sex appeal and technical skills of Joanna Krupa. You know the answer is no. Ballas goes kooky and they get to play white queen and black king. This is a chess metaphor and has nothing to do with race.

The judges felt it was their best dance of the season–that’s one out of three. It had the most content and attack.

Bristol Palin & Mark Ballas: 22.5 (7.5,7.5,7.5)

• “Living on Video“—Trans-X
• Joanna & Derek (Season 9)

Sabrina Bryan is a strong woman, even if she’s the youngest contestant. However, judge Carrie Ann Inaba thought this team brought nothing new artistically to this routine.

Sabrina Bryan & Louis Van Amstel: 25.5 (8.5,8.5,8.5)

• “Free Your Mind“—En Vogue
• Mel B & Maks (Season 5)
• Score: 30

Scary Spice was definitely scarier than Sabrina Bryan. Bruno called her an “adrenaline charged dominatrix.”

With Emmitt Smith, there were some awkward moments, but he is already a commanding presence. There was a scary moment, but it all ends well.

Emmitt Smith & Cheryl Burke: 25.0 (8.5,8.0,8.5)

• “Canción Del Mariachi”—Los Lobos feat. Antonio Banderas
• Mario Lopez & Karina Smirnoff (Season 3)
• Score: 30

Emmitt Smith and Cheryl Burke had already seen this paso doble–twice. He competed against Mario Lopez and won.

Quickstep

As expected Derek Hough decided to up the acrobatics and even included an illegal lift and a lot of drama at the end.

Shawn Johnson & Derek Hough: 26.5 (9.0,8.0,9.5)

• “Hey Pachuco”—Royal Crown Revue
• Helio Castroneves & Julianne Hough (Season 5)
• Score: 30

I think Johnson and Hough lacked the sophistication that Castroneves and Julianne had.  When Castroneves and Hightower performed their own quickstep it had an amazing amount of joy–even with the slight bobble when Castroneves stepped on Hightower’s dress.

Helio Castroneves & Chelsie Hightower: 25.5 (8.5,8.5,8.5)

• “Mr. Pinstripe Suit”—Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
• Apolo & Julianne (Season 4)

I can’t choose. I love both versions and both sets of costumes.

Samba

Melissa Rycroft & Tony Dovolani: 27.0 (9.0,9.0,9.0)

• “Conga“—Gloria Estefan
• JR Martinez & Karina Smirnoff (Season 13)
• Score: 28 (9,9,10)

Of course, Martinez didn’t have to perform all the drops and turns that Rycroft did because he’s the guy.

Tango

Don’t you love Gilles Marini doing the tango. Menacing and erotic, Marini delivered another solid performance, but lost points for his hold and some footwork mishaps.

Gilles Marini & Peta Murgatroyd: 25.5 (8.5,8.5,8.5)

• “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)“—Eurythmics
• Erin & Maks (Season 10)
• Score: Technique: 18 Performance: 21

Week 1, it was Drew Lachey and his partner Anna Trebunskaya who were in the bottom two. Week 2, it was Hélio Castroneves and his partner Chelsie Hightower who survived the bottom two.

I’m hoping that Bristol Palin and Mark Ballas will be eliminated and most likely Drew Lachey will go as well. With Joey Fatone gone, the entertainment factor is low with this cast so I’m hoping that Kirstie Alley and her partner Maksim Chmerkovskiy will continue to dance.

Remember, you can vote online until 8 a.m. PST by going to the ABC DWTS official page for voting or by using Facebook.

DWTS 15: Pamela Anderson is gone

Is this really a shocker?  Pamela Anderson may be sexy, but on Monday night (Sept. 24, 2012) she shambled through her routine with Tristan MacManus and received the lowest score of the night, 17 on the premiere week of “Dancing with the Stars: All-Stars.” Boobs and an I-just-got-out-of-bed look doesn’t get you good marks on the dance floor as it would in the Playboy Mansion.

Anderson performed her cha cha cha to “You Know I’m No Good” by Amy Winehouse. Was she attempting to portray the tragedy that was Winehouse? If so, it didn’t work as well as her Dolly Parton during her original run on DWTS with Damian Whitewood.

If you look at the billboard for the show, she’s dressed in white and at the center of the celebrity V-shaped formation.

Her 2010 (spring) outing on DWTS wasn’t her only appearance in the franchise. She also appeared in the Argentinian version “Bailando por un sueño” the next year and that was a bit more intensive, going on for 24 weeks as compared to 10. She wasn’t the only American in the mix. Mike Tyson also competing.

Both Americans withdrew. Tyson was replaced by television producer Jorge “Negrito” Luengo. When Anderson left, model Paula Chaves replaced her and made the semi-finals.

Anderson’s week 1 cha cha cha for her American “Dancing with the Stars” season 10 was her first dance and she received a 21 (7, 6, 8).  Compare that to her moves and performance this week with Tristan MacManus.

MacManus is a good dancer and has a following as is apparent from the searches online, but as a celebrity choreographer he has a lot to learn. I found his choreography for the wonderful Gladys Knight last season had some unflattering poses for that lovely lady. Knight has natural rhythm and is a seasoned performer, but she thick in the waist and not very flexible.

Compare his choreography to Maksim Chmerkovskiy’s for Kirstie Alley who has the same general problem. Alley is back and she knows how to work her assets. (Her smooch to congratulate host Tom Bergeron for his Emmy made news).

Then whatever the producers may think of Anderson, she and Whitewood were in the bottom two week 2 when they didn’t turn in the lowest score. With 22 points, they were higher than:

• Niecy Nash and Louis van Amstel: 21
• Shannon Doherty and Mark Ballas: 20
• Jake Pavelka and Chelsie Hightower: 20
• Aiden Turner and Edyta Sliwinka: 19
• Chad Ochocinco and Cheryl Burke: 16
• Kate Gosselin and Tony Dovolani: 15
• Buzz Aldrin and Ashly Costa: 12

Doherty and Ballas were eliminated.

Who was in the bottom two wasn’t revealed during weeks 3 and 4. We were given who was the last to be called safe. Week 5, Anderson and Whitewood didn’t post the lowest score, but they were again in the bottom two. This time, it was Gosselin and Dovolani who were eliminated, but they had a 15/30. Anderson and Whitewood had a 21/30 (7, 6, 8).

Week 6, her team wasn’t in the bottom-two (Jake who was eliminated and Niecy Nash). She and Whitewood were back in the bottom two week 7 (with Erin Andrews and Maksim Chmerkovskiy) and were eliminated. Anderson and Whitewood had received a 24 (8, 8, 8) and an additional 27 for a team score. That placed them in a tie with Andrews and Chmerkovskiy who received a 27 for their individual dance performance but a 24 for the team score.

This might not be the last DWTS appearance of the 45-year-old Anderson, but as the judges commented, she needs to put more work into the dance floor instead of trying to coast on her looks.

Also featured on the show was the YouTube discovery rags-to-riches Justin Bieber.  Talking about looks, I don’t like the look of the low-hanging “slouch” pants, but it is the fashion and Bieber was rocking it. Pitbull also appeared.

What was the shocker last night: Drew Lachey and his new partner Anna Trebunskaya were in the bottom two. Lachey and Trebunkaya scored 21.5 and were in a three-way tie for sixth place with Hélio Castroneves (and Chelsie Hightower) and Kelly Monaco (and Val Chmerkovskiy). Maybe her studio can help with the votes. Lachey isn’t one of my favorites, but he’s a lot of fun to watch on the dance floor. Of course, if one has a choice between Lachey and Gilles Marini, we’d both go for the latter.

DWTS All-Stars: Foxtrot

The full leader board for Monday night:

1. Emmitt Smith & Cheryl Burke: 24.5
2. Gilles Marini & Peta Murgatroyd: 24.0
3. Sabrina Bryan & Louis Van Amstel: 22.5
4. Shawn Johnson & Derek Hough: 22.0/Apolo Anton Ohno & Karina Smirnoff: 22.0
5. Kelly Monaco & Val Chmerkovskiy: 21.5/Drew Lachey & Anna Trebunskaya: 21.5/Helio Castroneves & Chelsie Hightower: 21.5
6. Melissa Rycroft & Tony Dovolani: 21
7. Joey Fatone & Kym Johnson: 20.5
8. Bristol Palin & Mark Ballas: 19.5
9. Kirstie Alley & Maksim Chmerkovskiy: 19
10. Pamela Anderson & Tristan MacManus: 17

Foxtrot

Gilles Marini & Peta Murgatroyd: 24.0

• 24.0 (8,8,8)
• “Call Me Irresponsible“—Frank Sinatra

Shawn Johnson & Derek Hough: 22.

• 22.0 (8, 6.5, 7.5)
• “Good Time“—Owl City feat. Carly Rae Jepsen

Drew Lachey & Anna Trebunskaya: 21.5

• 21.5 (7,7,7.5)
• “Love Song“—Sara Bareilles

Helio Castroneves & Chelsie Hightower: 21.5

• 21.5 (7,7.5,7)
• “Pride and Joy“—Marvin Gaye

Melissa Rycroft & Tony Dovolani: 21

• 21.0 (7,7,7)
• “Hey Big Spender“—Sweet Charity

Kirstie Alley & Maksim Chmerkovskiy: 19

• 19.0 (6.5,6,6.5)
• “Set Fire to the Rain“—Adele

DWTS 15: Kirstie Alley and Maksim Chmerkovskiy

Kirstie Alley is back and this Emmy Award-winning actress has the fans and fun factor. We like her chemistry with Maksim Chmerkovskiy.

Vote: 1-800-868-3412.

Age: 61

Born: 12 January 1951

Website:

• Kirstie Alley
• Maksim Chmerkovskiy

Season: 12

• Winners: Hines Ward and Kym Johnson
• Second: Kirstie Alley and Maksim Chmerkovskiy
• Third: Chelsea Kane and Mark Ballas

Best dance:

• Cha cha cha (30)
• Paso doble (27)

Worst dance:

• Waltz (22)
• Rumba (21)
• Jive (21)
• Quickstep (20)

The first time Alley and Chmerkovskiy danced the cha cha cha it was the first week to “Forget You” by Cee Lo Green. They earned a 23 (8, 7, 8). It was the second highest score of the night. Week 2 was when they received their lowest score, 20 (7, 6, 7) for the quickstep to “Black Horse and the Cherry Tree” by KT Tunstall.

Week 2 wasn’t much better with a 21 (7, 7, 7) for the rumba to “Over the Rainbow” by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole, but the pair also had a fall. Chmerkovskiy was apologetic. Judge Carrie Ann Inaba perhaps made an overstatement by saying, ”Sometimes tragedy leads to an amazingly beautiful moment.” It wasn’t exactly a tragedy because no one was hurt, but Inaba also noted that after that mishap  ”something magical happened.”

Week 3 was the waltz for a 22 (7, 7, 8) to “The Flower Duet” by Leo Delibes and only judge Bruno Tonioli on their side. Alley had a slight problem with her shoe during the performance, but ever the trooper, she was able to get it back on.

The team improved the next week (America Week) with a foxtrot to “American Woman” by the Guess Who for a 23 (8, 7, 8). Did a visit from the Dance Doctor (John Travolta) help?Head judge Len Goodman will couldn’t get behind the team.

Yet during Guilty Pleasure Week, Alley and Chmerkovskiy scored a 26 (8, 9, 9) with a nine from Goodman and Tonioli for their samba to Britney Spears’ “Baby One More Time.” The next week featured four judges (Donnie Burns was the guest judge) and the team performed the jive for 30/40 points (9, 7, 6, 8) to “La Bamba” by Ritchie Valens. Consider that only Tonioli gave them a good score. Goodman gave the team a 6. So a revised score would make this a 21.

Week 8 saw the team do much better; they received their first perfect score from Tonioli for their Argentine tango with a total of 28 (9, 9, 10) to Astor Piazzolla’s “Cite Tango.” Their instant dance (salsa) also received a respectable score of 25 (8, 9, 8) with Goodman giving them their highest score (“Cobrastyle” by Teddybears ft. Mad Cobra).

In the semi-finals they beat Ralph Macchio and Karina Smirnoff who scored 25 and 23 (Argentine tango and salsa respectively). For their Viennese waltz to Adele’s “One and Only,” they received a 27 (9, 9, 9) and for the paso doble to Cream’s “White Room” they earned the same score.

During the finale, they would have the lowest score from the judges: 27 (9, 9, 9) for both the samba (“Magalenha” by Sergio Mendes) and freestyle (“Perfect” by Pink). The last night, they revisited their cha cha cha routine.

We like the chemistry between Alley and Maksim Chmerkovskiy; she brought out the tender side of the bad boy of the ballroom. According to USA Today, Chermkovskiy will be quitting the show after this contract is up at the end of next year. It makes sense for him to pursue whatever he can with his current fame.

This time around, Alley will not have the energy problems she suffered from before when she seemed almost near collapse because of her dieting. She still has to contend with celebrities who are much younger and can do more daring moves. Who can compete with an Olympic caliber gymnast? So style and technique are going to be particularly important for this team. Their first dance will be the foxtrot.

One couple will be eliminated on Tuesday night on “Dancing with the Stars: The Results Show.” Justin Bieber and Pitbull will perform on the show.

“Dancing with the Stars” premieres tonight, Monday, September 24, on ABC at  8 p.m.  and the “Dancing with the Stars: The Results Show” premieres Tuesday, September 25 at 8 p.m.  on ABC.

Week 1 

Foxtrot to “Set Fire to the Rain” by Adele

19 (6.5, 6, 6.5)

DWTS season 13 cast?

BURBANK, Los Angeles, CA–ABC will be announcing the next celebrity cast for season 13 of “Dancing with the Stars”  Monday, 29 August 2011, during that evening’s episode of their sleazy “Bachelor Pad.” Tom Bergeron and Brooke Burke once again host the live unveiling of the all-star cast, but just who will fill all those categories?

Fans have been asked to suggest their ideal DWTS cast members on the discussion boards. The official categories are: Actor/Actress, Singer, Athlete, Reality Star, Comedian, Model and Other, but in reality, there are those other categories that perhaps is covered by “Other” such as the Disney star, Playboy porn star, older celebrity and ringer?

ABC and Disney are essentially the same company. ABC is owned by The Walt Disney Company as part of the Disney-ABC Television Group (ABC Television Network including ABC Daytime, ABC Entertainment Group and ABC News divisions; the Disney Channels Worldwide global kids’ TV business including  Playhouse Disney and Disney XD; ABC Family and SOAPnet; television distribution divisions Disney-ABC Domestic Television and Disney ABC ESPN Television).

DWTS recently had Kyle Massey from the Disney Channel “That’s So Raven” and the spin-off “Cory in the House.” Massey was paired with Lacey Schwimmer during season 11 and finished second.  Jennifer Grey and Derek Hough finished first. Massey is one of the featured voices on the Disney Channel animated TV series “Fish Hooks” along with Chelsea Kane. Kane finished third on season 12 of DWTS. Kane’s partner was Mark Ballas.

Usually a former or current Playboy “model” is included although that can backfire. Holly Madison from Playboy’s “The Girl Next Door” as one of Hugh Hefner’s girlfriends was on season 8 and was the third celebrity eliminated (after Belinda Carlisle and Denise Richards).  Her partner was Dmitry Chaplin. Kendra Wilkinson also a former Hugh Hefner girlfriend and a star of “The Girls Next Door” competed last season. Wilkinson with her partner Louis van Amstel was the 6th celebrity eliminated. Both Madison and Wilkinson could be regarded as reality stars. Pamela Anderson was also a former Playboy-related star although she had also been on regular network TV programs (“Home Improvement” and “Baywatch”). Anderson who was partnered with Damian Whitewood wasn’t popular with the DWTS fans and finished sixth. Then there was Joanna Krupa for season 9 who partnered with Derek Hough to finish fourth.

• Kendra Wilkinson: all her dance routines
  
• Joanna Krupa on DWTS week 2
  
• Joanna Krupa versus Gwen Verdon
  

Then there’s always the older celebrity. Keep in mind that the oldest winner to date was Donny Osmond at 51 with his partner Kym Johnson. He wasn’t the oldest celebrity during season  nine. That was Tom DeLay who had to withdraw due to injuries. DeLay is a decade older than Osmond. The oldest woman to win was Jennifer Grey at 50 with her partner Mark Ballas during season 11. The oldest competitor during season 11 was Florence Henderson who was partnered with Corky Ballas.

• Donny Osmond versus Marie Osmond on DWTS
  
• Donny Osmond DWTS finals
  

During season 12, Kirstie Alley was the oldest competitor at 60 and the most overweight. But Alley and her partner Maksim Chmerkovskiy showed they could make magic on stage and Alley finished several pounds lighter in third place. She’s the oldest celebrity to make it to the finals.

• Kirstie Alley’s DWTS routines
  

We expect there to be a football star, particularly after Hines Ward won last season and proved to be quite nimble on his feet. His partner was Kym Johnson. Even when former football players aren’t very good (remember Michael Irvin during season 9?) the fans support them further than the judges scores alone would. So we suspect that the cast will include a football star (current or retired) and another athlete, mostly likely one with Olympic competition status.

• Ward Hines DWTS routines
  

We also feel that political figures have proven to be popular. Think of Tom DeLay. Imagine how far he could have gone with all his political friends voting for him? Bristol Palin with her partner Mark Ballas proved to be so popular that despite low judges scores, she made it to the finals while Brandy and her partner Maksim Chmerkovskiy finished fourth. That’s not so surprising when you consider that no black woman has ever won DWTS.

• Tom DeLay’s tango
  

There are already over a thousand comments. Suggested stars include:

• Justin Bieber (Singer)
• Bruce Boxleitner (“Scarecrow and Mrs. King” and “Babylon 5″ and “Tron”)
• Linda Carter (“Wonder Woman”)
• Phoebe Cates (“Fast Times at Ridgemont High” and “Gremlins”)
• Miley Cyrus (Singer)
• Barbara Eden (“I Dream of Jeannie”)
• Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia from “Star Wars”)
• Sarah Michelle Gellar (“Buffy the Vampire Slayer”)
• Bruce Jenner (Gold medalist for decathlon in the Montreal 1976 Summer Olympics)
• Don Johnson (“Miami Vice” and “Nash Bridges”)
• Engelbert Humperdinck (singer who is 75 years old)
• Donna Mills (“Knott’s Landing”)
• Alfonso Ribeira (“Fresh Prince of Bel-Air”)
• Stephanie Powers (“Hart to Hart”)
• Raven Symone (“The Cosby Show,” “Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper” and the Disney show “That’s So Raven.”)
• Kathleen Turner (“Body Heat,” “Peggy Sue Got Married,” “Romancing the Stone” and “Who Framed Roger Rabbit”)
• Lindsay Wagner (“Bionic Woman”)

The stars, the drama, the glamour and the glitter are back on ABC! “Dancing with the Stars” returns for Season 13 on Monday, 19 September 2011 (8:00-10:00 p.m., ET) with a sensational two-hour season premiere.

On Tuesday, 20 September, there will be two hours of original programming, beginning with “Dancing with the Stars: Meet the Cast” (8:00-9:00 p.m., ET), followed by the premiere of “Dancing with the Stars the Results Show” (9:00-10:00 p.m., ET).

Hosted by Tom Bergeron (“America’s Funniest Home Videos”) and Brooke Burke (“Dancing with the Stars” Season Seven Champion), “Dancing with the Stars” is the hit series in which celebrities perform choreographed dance routines which are judged by renowned ballroom judge Len Goodman and dancer/choreographers Bruno Tonioli and Carrie Ann Inaba.

Who do you want to see on DWTS?

DWTS 12: Kirstie Alley

Kirstie Alley and Maksim Chmerkovskiy

REDEMPTION DANCE: cha cha cha (week 10 finale) Score: 30

In 10 weeks, Alley lost a shoe during one routine, but she also lost 38 inches and who knows how many pounds. Check out how she looked during week 1 and see her transformation through the weeks.

• Week 1: Cha cha cha to “Forget You” — Cee Lo Green
• Score: 23 (8, 7, 8)

• Week 2: Quickstep to “Black Horse and the Cherry Tree” — KT Tunstall
• Score: 20 (7,6,7)

• Week 3: Rumba to “Over the Rainbow” — Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
• Score: 21 (7,7,7)

• Week 4: Waltz to “Sous le dôme épais” — Léo Delibes
• Score: 22 (7, 7, 8)

• Week 5: Foxtrot to “American Woman” — The Guess Who
• Score: 23 (8,7,8)

• Week 6: Samba to “…Baby One More Time” — Britney Spears
• Score: 26 (8,9,9)

• Week 7: cha cha cha (Team Hines) “Born This Way” — Lady Gaga
• Score: 30 (7, 7, 8, 8)

• Week 7: Jive to “La Bamba” — Ritchie Valens
• Score: 30 (9,7,6,8)

• Week 8: Argentine tango to “Cite Tango” — Ástor Piazzolla
• Score: 28 (9,9,10)

• Salsa to “Cobrastyle” — Teddybears ft. Mad Cobra
• Score: 25 (8,9,8)

• Week 9: Viennese waltz to “One and Only” — Adele
• Score: 27 (9,9,9)

• Paso doble to “White Room” — Cream
• Score: 27 (9,9,9)

• Winner take all cha cha cha

• Week 10: Samba to “Magalenha” — Sérgio Mendes
• Score: 27 (9,9,9)

• Freestyle to “Perfect” — Pink
• Score: 27 (9,9,9)

DWTS 12: Semi-finals routines

Leader board

1. Chelsea Kane  and Mark Ballas: 28 (9, 9, 10) + 30 + 15 (winner take all cha cha cha) = 73

• Argentine tango to “Assassin’s Tango” by John Powell
• Score: 28 (9,9,10)

• Rumba to “Eyes on Fire” by Blue Foundation
  Score: 30

2. Hines Ward  and Kym Johnson: 30 + 30 = 60

• Argentine tango to “Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps” by Cake
• Score: 30

• Salsa to “Hello” by The Cat Empire
• Score: 30

3. Kirstie Alley and Maksim Chmerkovskiy: 27 (9, 9, 9) + 27 (9, 9, 9) = 54

• Viennese waltz to “One and Only” — Adele
• Score: 27 (9, 9, 9)

• Paso doble to “White Room” — Cream
• Score: 27 (9, 9, 9)

4. Ralph Macchio and Karina Smirnoff: 25 (8, 9, 8) + 23 (8, 7, 8) = 48

• Argentine tango to “Violentango” by Astor Piazzola
• Score: 25 (8,9,8)

• Salsa to “I Know You Want Me” — Pitbull
• Score: 23 (8, 7, 8)

Cha cha cha Winner Take All

Round 1:

*Hines Ward  and Kym Johnson: “Boogie Shoes” — KC and the Sunshine Band

Ralph Macchio and Karina Smirnoff:  “Mustang Sally” — Wilson Pickett

Round 2:

*Chelsea Kane  and Mark Ballas: “Makes Me Wonder” — Maroon 5

Kirstie Alley and Maksim Chmerkovskiy: “Walkin’ On The Sun” — Smash Mouth

Round 3:

Hines Ward  and Kym Johnson: “Just Dance” — Lady Gaga

*Chelsea Kane  and Mark Ballas

DWTS 12: Compare Argentine tango

Argentine tango

• Best of
  

• Hines Ward  and Kym Johnson: 30
• “Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps” by Cake

• Kirstie Alley and Maksim Chmerkovskiy: 28 (9,9,10)
• “Cite Tango” by Ástor Piazzolla

Chelsea Kane  and Mark Ballas: 28 (9, 9, 10)

• Argentine tango to “Assassin’s Tango” by John Powell
• Score: 28 (9,9,10)

Ralph Macchio and Karina Smirnoff: 25 (8,9,8)

• Argentine tango to “Violentango” by Astor Piazzola
• Score: 25 (8,9,8)

DWTS 12: Final Five

Leader board

Chelsea Kane  and Mark Ballas: 29 (10,9,10) + 26 (8,9,9)=55/60

• Waltz to “My Love” by  Sia
• Score: 29 (10,9,10)

• Salsa to “Get Busy” by  Sean Paul
• Score: 26 (8,9,9)

Hines Ward  and Kym Johnson: 28 (9,9,10) + 26 (9,9,8)= 54/60

• Foxtrot to “This Will Be” by  Natalie Cole
• Score: 28 (9,9,10)

• Jive to “Chantilly Lace” — Jerry Lee Lewis
• Score: 26 (9,9,8)

Romeo Miller  and Chelsie Hightower: 27 (9,9,9) + 25 (8,9,8)= 53

• Tango to “Hold It Against Me” — Britney Spears
• Score: 27 (9,9,9)

• Salsa to “Tequila” — Xavier Cugat
• Score: 25 (8,9,8)

Kirstie Alley and Maksim Chmerkovskiy: 28 (9,9,10) + 25 (8,9,8)= 53

• Argentine tango to “Cite Tango” — Ástor Piazzolla
• Score: 28 (9,9,10)

• Salsa to “Cobrastyle” — Teddybears ft. Mad Cobra
• Score: 25 (8,9,8)

Ralph Macchio and Karina Smirnoff: 25 (8,8,9) + 21 (7,7,7)=46/60

• Viennese waltz to “Maybe I, Maybe You” — The Scorpions
• Score: 25 (8,8,9)

• Cha cha cha to “Stuck in the Middle With You” — Stealers Wheel
• Score: 21 (7,7,7)