Tuesday, November 24, 2009

CONGRATULATIONS TO DANCING WITH THE STARS CHAMPION DONNY OSMOND AND HIS PARTNER KYM JOHNSON!

MYA, DONNY OR KELLY -- WHO WILL WIN THE TROPHY ON DANCING WITH THE STARS?


Who will take home the Dancing With The Stars mirrored trophy? All three finalists -- entertainer Donny Osmond, singer Mya and reality star Kelly Obourne -- made it crystal clear that they want to win and urged their fans to call in votes.

Guessing who will win this season seems a bit like flipping a coin. Mya and her partner Dmitry Chaplin have dominated all season. And they performed at the top of their game on Monday night -- until the all-important free-style round. Chaplin wanted to perform a Broadway number from Hairspray, but Mya thought that was playing it too safe. She wanted to dazzle the judges and fans with a riskier show-stopper routine. But in the end Mya relented, and it seemed that Chaplin let her down by choreographing a performance that was ordinary and in no way stood out as their Hallmark dance. Fortunately, though, prior to the freestyle, Mya had been on fire.

Also, in a number with all three couples competing at the same time, the judges chose Mya as the best dancer, Osmond second and Osbourne third.

While Donny Osmond, with partner Kym Johnson, never displayed Mya's high level of dance talent, he always danced well enough that his out-going personality propelled him into a fan favorite. And he gained the advantage in the final of having a stand-out, showpiece free-style routine. Where Chaplin had failed Mya, Johnson really came through for Osmond -- and they did a smart version of "Back in Business" that had showmanship and flair.

So while the most talented dancer is clearly Mya, the freestyle and most outgoing personality goes to Osmond.

The third couple, Kelly Osbourne and Louis Van Amstel, seemed to expect to finish third. They gave each number the old "college try" -- and Osbourne showed both determination and spunk. But it is expected that she simply lacks the fan base of Osmond and Mya -- and some mistakes in the freestyle seemed likely to seal the couple's fate for third place.

So, while the show's judges placed Mya first, the dance final left the ultimate fate of the contestants in the hands of the fans. Will the best dancer win? If so, expect Mya to collect the trophy. Or will popular Osmond, with the spectacular freestyle, win largely on his personality? It will be interesting to see what ultimately counts most -- because this is likely a battle between dancing talent and popularity.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

ELIMINATIONS ARE AGONY -- THIS WEEK MICHAEL IRVIN AND MARK DACASCOS WERE VOTED OFF 'DANCING WITH THE STARS'


Without eliminations, Dancing With The Stars would not be a dancing competition reality show. But that doesn't mean that eliminations are anything except agonizing for fans, especially after weeks of following the dancers and phoning in votes to help favorites in their quest for the DWTS trophy!

Football great Michael Irvin impressed not only with his dance moves with partner Anna Demidova, but also with his competitive spirit and ever-present sense of humor. No doubt, he will forever be remembered as the DWTS celebrity dancer who wanted to win so badly that he actually placed a coin between his cheers -- yes, those cheeks -- to help maintain his correct posture.

But this week Irvin received the lowest score -- which meant that he was eliminated from DSTW.

After his elimination, Irvin admitted that after the first week, he actually thought that he would be gone. "At this point, when you look at the five people who are left, these are great dancers," he said. "I'm very happy for the seven weeks. We had a good time." And Irvin thanked all of his fans for their votes.



In a dance-off between actor Aaron Carter and Mark Dacascos, of "Iron Chef" fame, Dacascos and his partner were chosen by the judges to leave the competition.

Dacascos had been at a disadvantage this week because his assigned partner Lacey Schwimmer was out sick with the flu -- and at the last minute he had to learn a new routine to perform with professional Anna Trebunskaya.

So to many of Dacascos' fans, it seemed a bit unfair that he should be eliminated since he was a victim of circumstance -- having to mesh with a new partner and learn a new and intricate routine in almost no time at all.

"Forty-eight hours prior to Monday night's show, I didn't have a dance routine," Dacascos explained. But he said that he had enjoyed his time on the Dancing With The Stars show, working with everyone -- and also thanked his fans.

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

JOANNA KRUPA AND AARON CARTER EACH STEPPED IT UP ON DANCING WITH THE STARS


During every Dancing With The Stars season, there comes a point when some celebrity dancers begin to look almost as good as the pros -- and to expect to stay around, the competitors need to take their hoofing game to the highest level.

It seems that this point is "now" for the current season.

Actor Aaron Carter and his partner Karina Smirnoff performed an energetic jive that their speedy footwork almost created a blur. Judge Bruno Tonioli exclaimed that they had gone "to the galaxy and beyond!" Judges Len Goodman and Carrie Ann Inaba agreed -- and together the trio gave the dancers a leaderboard topping score of 29 points.

But also stepping up their game were Joanna Krupa and Derek Hough who performed a very romantic rumba that also had judges singing praise and awarding 27 points.

After team competition -- Team Tango was awarded the highest points, 28, by the judges. Celebrities on the team were Kelly Osborne, Donny Osmond and Joanna Krupa. The points from this group dance shot Krupa and Hough to the top of the leaderboard.

Finishing behind Team Tango was Team Paso Doble -- Mya, Mark Dacascos, Michael Irvin and Aaron Carter.

Finishing with the least points of the evening was Iron Chef star Mark Dacascos.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009


As the Dancing With the Stars weeks roll by, viewers become more acquainted with the celebrity and professional dancers so that saying good-bye tends to get tough. This week it was former UFC champion Chuck Liddell and his partner Anna Trebunskaya who got KO'd from the dance show.


During the elimination show host Tom Bergeron initially announced that singer Mya and Dmitry Chaplin, along with actress Melissa Joan Hart and Mark Ballas were safe -- but actor Aaron Carter and Karina Smirnoff, who had received a score of 18 from the show's judges the previous night, were in danger of being sent home.


Later Bergeron added to the list of safe couples -- Kelly Osbourne and Louis Van Amstel; swimmer Natalie Coughlin and Alec Mazo, Joanna Krupa and Derek Hough, along with "Iron Chef" star Mark Dacasos and Lacey Schwimmer, football great Michael Irvin and Anna Demidova and Donny Osmond and Kym Johnson.


So after guest star Shakira performed "Did It Again" and "Hips Don't Lie," it was time to reveal the celebrity dancer who would be gracing the DWTS stage for the final time.


With the in-danger field narrowed to Chuck and Anna, Aaron and Karina and showboarder Louie Vito and Chelsie Hightower, Bergerson called Vito and Hightower safe.


So after voting from fans at home, the two lowest scoring couples were Chuck and Anna, along with Aaron and Karina -- with Chuck and Anna announced as the couple who had reached the end of their DWTS line.


Liddell, though, said that he enjoyed his time on the show -- and learned that dancing is "hard to do." Trebunskaya said that she will miss her "gentle giant," but that he had done well and made her feel proud.


Now the field is narrowed from 16 couples to only 10 couples -- and next week the dancers will perform in tribute to singer Michael Jackson.

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

ACTRESS DEBI MAZAR ELIMINATED FROM 'DANCING WITH THE STARS'


What was supposed to be a one-couple Dancing With The Stars elimination in the end saw two of the competing pairs taking their final bows on the DWTS stage.

During the previous night's competition of Latin-style dances, former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay proved that he has guts and courage when he completed his entire routine despite suffering from stress fractures in both feet.

DeLay said that while the adrenaline was flowing, he was able to "dance" through the pain, but that later his feet told him that it was time to leave. Even icing them could not alleviate the hurt. So upon the advice of his doctor, the show's producers and his feet -- along with the fact that he did not want to cause his incredibly talented dance partner, Cheryl Burke, to falter, he announced that was leaving.

"If you can't practice," said DeLay, "you make a fool of yourself out there. And I don't want to do that to Cheryl."

Intertwined with songs performed by Queen Latifah, host Tom Bergeron revealed the couples who were safe and those who were not.

After announcing that DeLay and Burke were safe, he said that Michael Irvin and Anna Demidova were in jeopardy, but that Chuck Liddell and Anna Trebunsaya were also safe.

In Bergeron's next announcement, singer Mya and Dmitry Chaplin and swimmer Natalie Coughlin and Alec Mazo were called safe, but model Joanna Krupa and Derek Hough were disclosed to be in danger of elimination.

In the third set, actor Aaron Carter and Karina Smirnoff were placed on the "in jeopardy" list after Bergeron sent entertainer Donny Osmond and Kym Johnson to safety, along with snowboarder Louie Vito and Chelsie Hightower and 'Iron Chef' star Mark Dacascos and Lacey Schwimmer.

And finally, actress Debi Mazar and Maksim Chmerkovskiy were placed "in danger" after Kelly Osbourne and Louis Van Amstel and Melissa Joan Hart and Mark Ballas were sent to safety.

As all four "in danger" couples lined on the stage, the judges' comments on each celebrity's performance were read -- and Joanna Krupa and Derek Hough, along with Aaron Carter and Karina Smirnoff were deemed safe.

So -- drum roll, please -- it was down to former Cowboys star Michael Irvin and Debi Mazar as the celebrities in danger of being sent home.

Mazar, who was no stranger to the "bottom two," smiled, but looked incredibly nervous -- while Irvin explained that he did not want to leave, but looked as if he could handle the outcome whichever way it went for him.


Mazar's samba the prior evening had failed to impress the judges. Judge Carrie Ann Inaba called her performance "a little too safe." And judge Bruno Tpnioli thought that it was "disconnected," although judge Len Goodman said, "What you did, you did well." She and her partner had garnered scores of 6, 5, and 6 for a total of 17 points -- 3 points higher than that of Irvin and his partner.

When Mazar's name was called, she instinctively said, "Oh, no." Clearly, Mazar wanted more time to improve in her dancing -- but she graciously continued to smile and said that she was grateful to have learned the dance steps and had the opportunity to form friendships, especially with her partner Maks. "I definitely have a few more steps," Mazar said, "and I've had a great time."

So Mazar joined the list of previously voted-off celebrities: actor Ashley Hamilton -- son of previous contestant, George Hamilton; model Kathy Ireland and singer Macy Gray. And, of course, Tom DeLay will no longer perform, although he did enthusiastically welcome Bergeron's offer to come back to perform the Texas two-step on the Dancing With The Stars finale.

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

TOM DeLAY LEAVING 'DANCING WITH THE STARS' COMPETITION


Former Housee Majority Leader Tom DeLay is withdrawing from the dance competition on the popular television program, Dancing With The Stars.

DeLay performed with his partner, Cheryl Burke, last night despite suffering stress fractures in both feet.

But DeLay explained that after completing the dance, he was paying a price for trying to stay in the contest even though his doctors and DWTS producers had opined that he should quit.

"They're starting to tell me that I should not have done this," DeLay said -- speaking of his feet. "I ice them. I have a bone stimulator machine that I put on them."

But DeLay said that he enjoyed being a part of Dancing With The Stars -- and has met wonderful friends, particularly Burke.

MYA AND DMITRY CHAPLIN TOP THE 'DANCING WITH THE STARS' LEADER BOARD

Another week on Dancing With the Stars found Len back on the DWTS judging panel -- and the celebrities preforming close to the level of previous weeks.

The only real surprise of the evening was the previously near-perfect Aaron Carter and partner Karina Smirnoff. While Carter's dancing was on a par with most DWTS competitors, he had set the bar high for himself and was expected to be flawless. But the rumba proved not to be quite Carter's cup of tea. His dance moves were admirable, but unnatural and exaggerated. Judge Bruno Tonioli opined that the performance lacked "fluidity." Carrie Ann Inaba thought that it was exaggerated, but otherwise a "good job." And Len Goodman felt that it lacked "musicality." The pair garnered 8, 6, 7 scores for a total of 21, placing them fourth and tied with entertainer Donny Osmond and Kym Johnson who also found the rumba more of a challenge than their previous dance styles.



Topping the leader board were singer Mya and her partner Dmitry Chaplin. The rumba gave this couple no problems as they performed a sexy routine that brought a thunderous applause from fans. Carrie Ann loved the "fluidity" of their performance. Len was a bit grumpy in his assessment, but Bruno quickly chimed in, saying, that the performance had undoubtedly put a lot of Americans "in the mood for love." Their efforts brought two perfect scores of 10 -- and a 7 from Len, totaling 27.

Second place was captured by swimmer Natalie Coughlin and partner Alec Mazo. While during rehearsal the young Natalie was challenged to look into her partner's eyes and perform a sexy routine, once they hit the competition dance floor she knew exactly what to do -- and she did it. Slow and sexy -- perhaps the pair's best performance thus far. Carrie called the dance "dramatic," and Len praised the "leg action." Bruno turned theatrical in terming it "stratospheric!" Scores were 9, 8, and 9 -- for a total of 26, just one point behind Mya and Dmitry.

Finishing third were model Joanna Krupa and Derek Hough. In an unusual opening, Hough grabbed a rope and made his swinging entrance Tarzan-style. Carrie Ann said that Joanna was "fearless" in performing the samba -- and "super sexy." Len agreed -- adding that "it had quality stamped all over it." And Bruno echoed their sentiments. The 7, 8, and 8 scores delivered a 23 total.

The lowest ranked couple of the evening was football great Michael Irvin and partner Anna Demidova -- dancing a samba. Carrie Ann thought that Irvin was "dancing too small" -- and Len and Bruno considered the performance "disappointing." Their scores were 5, 4, 5, for a low 14 points.

And finishing only one point higher was the couple -- former Sen. Tom DeLay and Cheryl Burke. While their dance may not have captivated the audience, DeLay won the respect of DWTS fans -- completing the entire routine despite suffering stress fractures in both feet! DeLay had been advised by his doctors and the show's producers to leave the competition -- but he said that he likes challenges and was determined to dance. DeLay captured high praise for his courage -- along with scores of 6, 4, and 5 -- for 15 points.

Other scores for the evening:
Mark Dacascos and Lacey Schwimmer -- 18
Melissa Joan Hart and Mark Ballas -- 19
Louie Vito and Chelsie Hightower -- 20
Debi Mazar and Maksim Chmerkovskiy -- 17
Chuck Liddell and Anna Trebunskaya -- 17
Kelly Osborne and Louis Van Amstel -- 20

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

DANCING WITH THE STARS' KATHY IRELAND IS SENT HOME


Model Kathy Ireland may not have been the best dancer on Dancing With the Stars, but it is doubtful that any voter-eliminated star has ever left with greater dignity and grace. If DWTS fans were not impressed with her quickstep, they certainly must have been impressed with her personal style.

Ireland smiled continuously throughout the announcement that she had garnered the lowest score -- as well and while Tom Bergeron explained that everyone had enjoyed having her on the show. When Ireland was asked whether, since she was leaving on the second week of eliminations, was asked whether she felt any regrets at giving DWTS a whirl, Ireland sweetly explained that she had truly enjoyed meeting everyone and learning to dance. She was sweet, genuine and totally believable.

Before Ireland was announced as heading home, Bergeron announced that along with Ireland and her partner, the other lowest ranking couple was politician Tom DeLay and his partner Cheryl Burke.

Points handed out by the judges this week were:

Aaron Carter and Karina Smirnoff: 27; Mya and Dmitry Chaplin: 27; Donny Osmond and Kym Johnson: 25; Natalie Coughlin and Alec Mazo: 21; Mark Decascos and Lacey Schwimmer: 21; and Debi Mazar and Maksim Chmerkovskiy: 21.
Michael Irvin and Anna Demidova: 20; Joanna Krupa and Derek Hough: 20; Melissa Joan Hart and Mark Balas: 19; Chuck Liddell and Anna Trebunskaya: 19; Kelly Osbourne and Louis van Amstel: 19; Louie Vito and Chelsie Hightower: 19; Tom DeLay and Cheryl Burke: 18; and Kathy Ireland and Tony Dovolani: 18.

Actor Aaron Carter and his partner, Karina Smirnoff, performed a lively quickstep to the "Muppet Show" theme -- and completely impressed the show's judges and audience with their quite perfect performance. The judges rewarded the pair with three "9" scores. And the couple appeared to have the lead entirely to themselves -- until singer Mya and partner Dmitry Chaplin also impressed with a totally professional appearing jive. Their score equalled that of Carter and Smirnoff.

In third place was Donny Osmond, the second oldest competitor, who also performed a jive so lively that he could easily have been mistaken for a teenager. Osmond and partner Kym Johnson finished just one point behind the leaders.

Thursday, September 24, 2009

ASHLEY HAMILTON AND MACY GRAY VOTED OFF DANCING WITH THE STARS


All the stars glittering on the Dancing With The Stars stage gave fans a thrilling first week of the dance competition show. But as always happens with DWTS, the there were stars who had their glitter dimmed as they received the fewest votes and were sent home.

On this first week of dancing, two stars were eliminated -- actor Ashley Hamilton and singer Macy Gray. Both did a good job with their initial routines, but just not good enough to garner enough votes to have a second shot at impressing fans at home.

Macy Gray performed a Vienese waltz with professional dancer Jonathan Roberts. And Ashley Hamilton, who's dad George was once also a contestant on the show, performed a fox trot with partner, professional dancer Edyta Sliwinska.

Even though Gray and Hamilton failed to last beyond the first week, both said that they enjoyed every minute of the experience and have no regrets about entering the dance competition.

Gray opined that she enjoyed meeting new friends on the show, saying, "That was one of the best things. I met some really great people that I hope to hang out with in the future. It was a fun one week."

Hamilton knew that he entered the contest at a disadvantage because he was not fully recovered from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident. Sliwinska, who had been his father's dance partner on DWTS, said, "Ashley had no idea how to dance. He came with no experience, but he worked way harder than his dad. And he did an amazing, amazing job."

A highlight of DWTS, too, was a tribute to the late Patrick Swayze, described as a "friend of the show." Swayze won the hearts of fans with his ballroom dance routines in the film, Dirty Dancing.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

DESPITE THEIR BREAK-UP, MAKSIM AND KARINA WILL PERFORM TOGETHER AT THE EMMYS


Karina Smirnoff and Maksim Chmerkowskiy, professional dancers on the hit television show Dancing With the Stars, will perform at the 61th Primetime Emmy Awards on Sunday, Sept. 20 -- despite calling off their engagement, announced CBS and the Television Academy on Thursday.

Just one day prior to the airing of the first episode of the new season of DWTS, the couple will perform in a segment honoring dance in reality television at the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles. The commitment was believed to have been made prior to their separation, according to reports.

On the upcoming Dancing With the Stars season, Smirnoff will be dancing with singer Aaron Carter, and Chmerkovskiy has been paired with actress Debi Mazar.

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

MARK BALLAS AND MELISSA JOAN HART PREP FOR UPCOMING DANCING WITH THE STARS



Dancing With The Stars professional dancer Mark Ballas has revealed a secret -- he used to love to watch his new partner for this season when she was in Clarissa Explains It All. Melissa Joan Hart played the part of Clarissa Darling before achieving even greater fame on the hit comedy, Sabrina The Teenage Witch.

"I would tell my mom not to talk to me when it was on," confided Ballas to digitalspy.

Ballas has achieved his own fame as a professional dancer on Dancing With The Stars -- and last year won the dance competition trophy with Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson.

Hart is "doing pretty well so far," confided Ballas. "She has a tendency to kind of want to do all the hard stuff now. We've got to build up to it."

For her part, Hart has admitted to realitytv that she is nervous -- that she hopes that she will not throw up from a case of nerves. She also said, "People keep saying, 'Don't do it unless you're going to win.' It all depends on what I'm able to pull off and what the other competition is like. I think Donny (Osmond) is the most popular of the group, for sure. And I think he's going to get the popular vote. I just hope he can't dance very well."

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

TOM DELAY AND CHERYL BURKE -- PARTNERS ON DANCING WITH THE STARS


Dancing With The Stars competitor (and former Congressman) Tom DeLay pointed his Twitter followers to the show's website for a peek at rehearsals.

DeLay wrote on Twitter, "I'm back from LA. The photo shoot was so much fun. It was like going to Disneyland. You know politics is showbiz too."

CLICK HERE FOR A PEEK AT DANCING WITH THE STARS REHEARSAL PHOTOS

Friday, August 28, 2009

DONNY AND MARIE OSMOND -- AND DONNY'S DWTS PARTNER KYM JOHNSON HAVING FUN

"The show is adding the country two-step and the Charleston," Kym tells Donny and Marie. Watch as the trio joke and have fun!

CLICK HERE TO SEE DONNY AND MARIE, ALONG WITH KYM JOHNSON.

Thursday, August 27, 2009

DWTS LOUIS VAN AMSTEL SPEAKS OUT ABOUT HIS PAIRING WITH KELLY OSBOURNE AND THE UPCOMING DWTS SEASON



Dancing With The Stars' professional dancer Louis Van Amstel, who is an original member of the DWTS cast and back for his fifth season, recently opined on his new dance partner Kelly Osbourne and the upcoming season.

Returning to the beginning, Van Amstel that in the first season in 2005, there were only six couples -- and he danced with Trista Sutter.




But in this upcoming season, the number of celebrity dancers has escalated to 16, the largest cast ever. From the beginning to now Van Amstel said that DWTS has been a whole lot of fun -- and he has had the pleasure of gliding across the dance floor with such stars as Lisa Rinna, Monique Coleman and Priscilla Presley.

Van Amstel and his new partner Kelly Osbourne have already started rehearsals. "The format of the show has not changed," said Van Amstel. "You get a celebrity with little or no training." And then laughed and joked to abclocal. "I have my work cut out for me this season. We have so much fun. She's a little naughty, so am I. We're a good team."



Van Amstel also revealed that the show will be spicing things up a bit. "They've added dances none of us has ever done," he said. "There's double elimination in the middle, some weeks where people at home do not vote at all."

Another change this season is that limits have been placed on rehearsal time. "I think it's actually a good thing, too many injuries," explained Van Amstel. "I'm about health. You need to make sure you warm up, cool down, do other activity than just dance."

The first episode of Dancing With the Stars will air on Monday, Sept 21.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

TOM DeLAY, MELISSA JOAN HART AND NATALIE COUGHLIN SPEAK ABOUT REHEARSAL FOR DANCING WITH THE STARS



Former Congressman Tom DeLay, who will be dancing on the upcoming Dancing With the Stars, has revealed that he and his partner Cheryl Burke are rehearsing and and doing well.

Delay posted a few messages on Twitter: "Headed to the studio for my first rehearsal and to meet my partner. Hoping it's not Nancy Pelosi :)" And, "I've got the best dance partner in the bunch. I'm very excited." Also, "After two dance sessions I can tell you Cheryl Burke is the most patient person I have ever met." And finally, "In LA for rehearsals and title shoots. Also learning two dances. Cheryl says I am progressing very well."

Also competing this season will be Olympic swimmer Natalie Coughlin who, after a bit of dancing rehearsal with her partner Alec Mazo, confided, "It's frustrating, but fun." She confided, "I don't do much on land. I'm out of my element." And she explained that swimming and dancing often use entirely different muscles -- so she will need to develop muscles that she has never used when swimming.

"I just hope I don't throw up or cry from nerves," actress Melissa Joan Hart confided to usmagazine about her upcoming stint on Dancing With the Stars.

The Dancing With the Stars gig will not be Hart's first time stepping on a dance floor. She and her musician husband, Mark Wilkerson, choreographed a routine for their wedding that she described as "flashy, fancy and super fun."

Hart, who is paired with DWTS professional Mark Ballas, told usmagazine that she has been assessing the competition. "I think Donny [Osmond] is the most popular of the group, for sure," she said. "And I think he's going to get the popular vote. I just hope he can't dance very well. He can't drive very well -- I beat him in a race a couple years ago, so we'll see if I can duplicate that."

Hart also said, "I think Mya is going to be a big contender, definitely. She looks like she's got the moves and obviously she knows music so she's got rhythm. Aaron Carter, same thing."

But it is former Dallas Cowboys' Michael Irvin that Hart vealed most worries her husband. "My husband's really worried about Michael Irvin -- wide receivers take ballet," she explained. "And the Olympians, they're the ones that have the endurance and they've already got the muscle, the strength, form and coaching. They're used to that rigorous schedule."

And who is Hart most eager to meet at the Dancing With The Stars' studio? Her response -- snowboarder Louis Vito.

"I've snowboarded for 17 years and I'm hoping that when this is all over he'll show me some moves on a half-pipe," she told usmagazine. "But he's able to do things with his body -- jump in the air and twist around and whatnot, so who knows what he's going to be able to pull off on the dance floor."

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

DWTS KYM JOHNSON TALKS ABOUT HER NEW DANCE PARTNER, DONNY OSMOND


Dancing With the Stars' Kym Johnson, who has been paired with entertainer Donny Osmond for the upcoming DWTS season, is keeping fans up to date with the couples' rehearsal progress by blogging on ok.

She told fans, "As you all know, I have Donny Osmond as my partner this season and when I found out, I had him I was so excited. I’m a fan of his; I think he’s so great and he’s such a nice person. It’s going to be really, really fun season for me. We’ve had a few rehearsals so far in Utah and it’s going really well."



Johnson reminded fans that Osmond has been in the entertainment industry since he was five-years-old -- and said that he is ready to work really hard.

"With ballroom dancing," she expressed, "it’s very different from any other form of dancing — so he’s got to muster technique and work on his posture. He wants to bring out the technical side of ballroom, but he also wants to do a good job of entertaining the audience, which is what I want to do as well."

Johnson said that she and Osmond are having fun -- that he makes her laugh.

"The first day, I met his five sons and his wife, who all came to support him in rehearsal," Johnson revealed. "It’s going to be a big family affair and I’m sure they’re going to be there every week. Donny’s sister Marie Osmond has given him the advice to be prepared to work really hard. He has his stage show with Marie in Vegas as well so he’s incredibly busy doing that and rehearsing for DWTS. He’s in really good shape, slim and toned. And he’s got the right attitude, dedicated to working hard and putting on a show."

Johnson also opined that she thinks that Osmond has the potential to be in the finals. "This time's the lucky one, maybe?!" she hoped. "This time I might get that mirror ball trophy!"

Monday, August 24, 2009

ACTOR ASHLEY HAMILTON WILL DANCE WITH HIS DAD'S FORMER DANCE PARTNER, EDYTA SLIWINSKA


On Monday morning Dancing With the Stars revealed their list of celebrity and professional dancer pairings for Season 9. Now the question is whether they are perfect matches or matches that will not work at all.

Rehearsals are already underway for the first DWTS episode to air on September 21.
No doubt, as the couples begin to spend time gliding across the dance floor or practicing a funky jive, they will begin to figure out and reveal whether they are happy with the new matches.

But actor Ashley Hamilton has already revealed that his partner was a surprise -- professional Edyta Sliwinska. It was actually Sliwinska who instructed his dad, actor George Hamilton, when he was a contestant on the show.



“My partner is a bigger celebrity than I am,” exclaimed Ashley Hamilton, clearly pleased with his pairing.

Singer Mya is likely happy with her new partner, Dmitry Chaplin – meaning that her concern is not her dancing other-half. But she has voiced a different concern – about a fractured foot that she suffered last year. “I had an injury last year, a foot fracture” Mya said in an interview with CY. “I think I need to take the proper precautions in rehearsal and not overdo it and be very smart with what kind of shoes I wear.”

DANCING WITH THE STARS ANNOUNCES CELEBRITY AND PRO PAIRINGS ON GOOD MORNING AMERICA

Dancing With the Stars unveiled their celebrity and professional dancer pairings on the Good Morning America show this morning. The list confirmed our previously leaked matches, and are as follows:

Snowboarder Louis Vito and Chelsie Hightower

Singer Macy Gray with Jonathan Roberts

Actress Melissa Joan Hart with Mark Ballas

Model Kathy Ireland with Tony Dovolani

Former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay and Cheryl Burke

Singer Aaron Carter and Karina Smirnoff

Entertainer Donny Osmond and Kym Johnson

The Osbournes star Kelly Osbourne and Louis van Amstel

Actor Ashley Hamilton and Edyta Sliwinska

Retired Dallas Cowboys star Michael Irvin and new professional dancer Anna Demidova

Olympic gold medalist swimmer Natalie Coughlin and Alex Mazo

Singer Mya and Dmitry Chaplin

Actress Debi Mazar and Maksim Chmerkovskiy

Actress Joanna Krupa and Derek Hough

Food network host Mark DaCascos and Lacy Schwimmer

Mixed martial arts fighter Chuck Liddell and Anna Trebunskaya

Sunday, August 23, 2009

ALL DANCING WITH THE STARS PAIRINGS HAVE BEEN LEAKED


On Monday Dancing With the Stars will announce the pairings of professional and celebrity dancers for its upcoming fall season on the Good Morning America television show. But a complete list of the pairing has already been leaked.

Recently added to the list of expected pairings is:

Snowboarder Louis Vito and Chelsie Hightower

Singer Macy Gray with Jonathan Roberts

Actress Melissa Joan Hart with Mark Ballas and

Model Kathy Ireland with Tony Dovolani



Previously revealed pairings were:

Former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay an Cheryl Burke

Singer Aaron Carter and Karina Smirnoff

Entertainer Donny Osmond and Kym Johnson

The Osbournes star Kelly Osbourne and Louis van Amstel

Actor Ashley Hamilton and Edyta Sliwinska

Retired Dallas Cowboys star Michael Irvin and new professional dancer Anna Demidova

Olympic gold medalist swimmer Natalie Coughlin and Alex Mazo

Singer Mya and Dmitry Chaplin

Actress Debi Mazar and Maksim Chmerkovskiy

Actress Joanna Krupa and Derek Hough

Food network host Mark DaCascos and Lacy Schwimmer

Mixed martial arts fighter Chuck Liddell and Anna Trebunskaya

Confirmation of the matches will come on Good Morning America tomorrow.

Saturday, August 22, 2009

MOST DANCING WITH THE STARS CELEBRITY/PRO PAIRINGS HAVE BEEN LEAKED


On Monday Dancing With the Stars will announce the pairings of professional and celebrity dancers for its upcoming fall season on Good Morning America. But the names of most dancing couples have already leaked out.

Thus far, of the 16 couples that will dance:

Former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay an Cheryl Burke

Singer Aaron Carter and Karina Smirnoff

Entertainer Donny Osmond and Kym Johnson

The Osbournes star Kelly Osbourne and Louis van Amstel

Actor Ashley Hamilton and Edyta Sliwinska

Retired Dallas Cowboys star Michael Irvin and new professional dancer Anna Demidova

Olympic gold medalist swimmer Natalie Coughlin and Alex Mazo

Singer Mya and Dritry Chaplin

Actress Debi Mazar and Maksim Chmerkovskiy

Actress Joanna Krupa and Derek Hough

Food network host Mark DaCascos and Lacy Schwimmer

Mixed martial arts fighter Chuck Liddell and Anna Trebunskaya

Friday, August 21, 2009

DANCING WITH THE STARS' PROFESSIONAL DANCER KARINA SMIRNOFF TALKS ABOUT THE SHOW AND HER LIFE

Karina Smirnoff, is a professional dancer, on Dancing With the Stars. She was interviewed by Jeff Rivera of Huffington Post.

DWTS STARS KARINA SMIRNOFF CHATS MORE ABOUT HER LIFE AND THE SHOW



"Karina Smirnoff -- she's what I like to call, 'a real cool chick," wrote Jeff Rivera who interviewed Smirnoff for The Huffington Post. "She's just very down-to-earth, genuine, smart and, hey guys, she can cook too! She likes to joke around as well."

Thursday, August 20, 2009

TOM DeLAY WITH CHERYL BURKE AMONG DANCING WITH THE STARS PAIRINGS BEING REVEALED


Slowly the pairings of professional dancers and celebrity dancer on the upcoming new Dancing With the Stars are being revealed.

Former Congressman Tom DeLay is paired with former DWTS champion Cheryl Burke.

Singer Aaron Carter is paired with Karina Smirnoff.

And singer/actress Mya will be doing her dancing on the DWTS stage with Dmitry Chaplin.

Previously revealed pairings were: Entourage star Debi Mazar with Maksim Chmerkovskiy, actor Ashley Hamilton with Edyta Sliwinska, swimmer Natalie Coughlin with Alec Mazo -- and rumors are that entertainer Donny Osmond will dance with Kym Johnson.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

KELLY OSBOURNE DISCUSSES HER UPCOMING ROLE AS A CELEBRITY DANCER ON DANCING WITH THE STARS

RUMORED DANCING WITH THE STARS PAIRINGS


Dancing With the Stars celebrity dancers are meeting the professionals with whom they have been paired and some are already beginning to learn how to glide around the dance floor in unison.


Rumors have circulated regarding some pairings – some of which are:


Actress Debi Mazar and Maksim Chmerkovskiy

Olympic swimmer Natalie Coughlin and Alec Mazo (“We both went to Cal Berkeley and studied Psychology at the same time,” Natalie tweeted. “Go Bears!”)


Entertainer Donny Osmond and Kym Johnson (who reportedly have begun rehearsals)


Actor Ashley Hamilton and Edyta Sliwinska (revealed by Ashley’s dad, actor and former DWTS participant George Hamilton)

SOME CELEBRITIES WHO WILL APPEAR ON DANCING WITH THE STARS THIS SEASON SAY THEY LOVE TO COMPETE


Some of the dancers who will grace the Dancing With the Stars stage this season will be there at least partly because they love to compete.

"I want to compete on 'DWTS' 'cause I love competition, pop singer Aaron Carter told Entertainment Tonight. "I'm not really too prone to this dancing style, but you got to learn new stuff all the time. I don't know any ballroom steps, nothing like that, so it's a whole new kind of thing for me."

Carter also said that he is anxious to compete against former Dallas Cowboys star Michael Irvin. "I know about them football players," Carter explained. "They have good footwork. I had been doing this football-combined training in Tennessee when I heard about this opportunity, so I started training in endurance and stamina. I was doing the ladders and footwork stuff. I know what it is with those football guys. They got it."

Olympic swimmer Natalie Coughlin says she "definitely (feels) the pressure to live up to what other Olympic athletes before her have accomplished. Speed skater Apolo Anton Ohno won in Season 4, figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi in Season 6 and gymnast Shawn Johnson walked away with Dancing With the Stars' trophy this past season.

Coughlin voiced a few of her fears in a mercury news interview. "I'm a swimmer, for crying out loud," she exclaimed. "I don't do much on land. I'm out of my element.

"When I'm competing I tend to make a lot of faces -- burrowing my brow and things like that," she continued. "In my sport, it doesn't matter. But now I'm going to have to put on a smile and perform for the audience and judges."

Even so, Coughlin says that she is "more excited than nervous," and looking forward to competing.

She also told timesherald, "the competitive nature I have will help in training and competition. The most difficult part for me is doing something athletic while maintaining a smile. ... I don't do any sort of upright balance in swimming, so I'll definitely use a lot of muscles I never used before and probably don't even have."

And former light-heavyweight champ Chuck "The Iceman" Liddell told ufc.com, "I want to win. I don't like losing in anything so I'll work as hard as they'll let me."

Model Kathy Ireland loves challenging herself. "You've gotta face your fears. When you're afraid of a challenge, you just have to go for it. For me, this is the ultimate challenge. Walking in high heels is an extreme sport."

Kelly Osbourne is also out to challenge herself. "I don't care if I win, she told americansuperstarmag, "I'm not doing this to try and prove I'm better than someone else. I'm doing this because it scares me. ... I'm so excited, but I cannot tell you how terrified I am. Dancing is something that I've always wanted to be able to do, but never had the confidence and the technique. I'm not not very graceful, so it's just something that absolutely terrifies me."

SOME OF THE NEW DANCING WITH THE STARS CELEBRITY COMPETITORS HAVE HAD "BRUSHES WITH THE LAW"

Dancing With the Stars on Monday released the names of the show’s largest ever cast of celebrity dancers. A total of 16 celebrities have agreed to compete, among them headline entertainer Donny Osmond and the show’s biggest surprise name, former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay.

But there is one statistic being reported about the competitors that is raising a few eyebrows – nearly half have at one time or another had a brush with the law.
“Seven of the 16 hopefuls have had brushes with the law,” reports cbsnews crimesider.

DeLay, of course, was “indicted by a Texas grand jury on criminal charges that he had conspired to violate campaign finance laws. He pleaded not guilty, but Republicans Conference rules forced the 62-year-old to resign from his position as Majority Leader in the U.S. House of Representatives. His case has not gone to trial.”

Kelly Osbourne got into a wee bit of trouble in London where she earlier this year was “arrested for a 2008 nightclub incident that allegedly ended in Osbourne slapping celebrity blogger Zoe Griffin across the face, said cbsnews. Griffin claimed that Osbourne hit her after Griffin made fun of Osbourne’s boyfriend.

Macy Gray’s problems go back to her youth – when she was “arrested for stealing gasoline in 1989 while at the University of Southern California” and then later was “caught driving under the influence,” reports cbs. “Gray openly spoke about her former drug habits and lifestyle in an April 2007 interview with The Guardian,” according to the cbs article. “’I’d been very self-absorbed and really stupid and just caught up in myself, you know, doing stupid … like just partying all the time. I picked up a couple of drug habits, and I was always with the wrong guy.”

Then several others were cited for drug use.

Snowboarder Louis Vito was “likely nabbed for pot possession Aug 8, 2009 in New Zealand, according to ESPN.com. The site matched Vito to a local newspaper report, which said cops stopped a 21-year-old snowboarder set to represent America in the Olympics and a friend for a random roadside breath test and found ‘not an insignificant amount’ of marijuana in their car. Vito was known to be in New Zealand at the time,” reads the cbsnews.report.

Former Dallas Cowboys’ performed community service after being arrested for cocaine possession in 1996, and later cited for possession of drug paraphernalia after police discovered a marijuana pipe and plastic bags in his car, the cbsnews article revealed.

And singer Aaron Carter was arrested for possession of at least two ounces of

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

DANCING WITH THE STARS DISAPPOINTED THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO NAB PAULA FOR THE SHOW


There was a special anticipation and excitement around the release of Dancing With the Stars’ celebrity line-up. And that excitement was less about the list in general than about whether Paula Abdul’s name would be there.

Alas, the list was revealed – and there was no Paula. But that only fueled speculation that perhaps Idol executives and Paula might be talking about her return to the show again.

“The people at the very top of ABC were really vocal about getting her (Paula) on board for ‘Dancing,” msnbc quoted a source familiar with talks between the network execs and the Idol former judge. “By not exactly keeping it secret, it made Paula’s value more apparent to Fox.”

The negotiations are called “talks” by msnbc – “since dubbing them ‘negotiations' suggests that one side is budging.

“Paula isn’t lowering her price in any meaningful way. She wants a Seacrest-level deal,” msnbc quotes the source. American Idol host Ryan Seacrest reportedly inked a three-year, $45 million deal.

“If there is a scenario that gets Abdul back on the show, it’s likely that her return would be limited to the live shows only, according to several people who are close to the talks. This will allow the original offer made by the show to stand, but Abdul would have a shorter time commitment,” offers the msnbc article.

ABC was extremely disappointed that they were unable to nap Paula. “They didn’t really want Tom DeLay as their most-buzzed-about contestant,” a source told msnbc.

Throughout the summer Abdul has always expressed that she wanted to return to the American Idol judging panel – and there has been chatter that her friend and fellow judge Simon Cowell has been supporting her behind the scenes. Judges Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi have apparently been supportive as well.

So with talks resumed and a real possibility that she might be back on Idol, it is no wonder that Paula sounds so happy in her Twitter messages.

One of Paula’s recent Tweets reads, “thx for all the support. Never give up on your dreams. Fight for what you believe in. And never stop believing in yourself. xxP”

Another reads, “The positive thinker sees the invisible, feels the intangible, and achieves the impossible.”

It seems that Paula may be thinking very positively these days!

Monday, August 17, 2009

DANCING WITH THE STARS -- COMPETITORS EAGER TO DANCE


Celebrity dancers for the upcoming Dancing With the Stars competition have been revealed. Fans no longer have to wait and wonder. Paula Abdul’s name is not among them – but there are some surprising names nonetheless, including the first ever big-name politician!

Easily the biggest shock is that former U. S. House Majority Leader Tom DeLay will take a whirl on the dance floor. Fans have become accustomed to seeing some seemingly unlikely competitors on Dancing With the Stars -- broadcasters, technology gurus and professional football players. But who could have imagined that a former U. S. congressman would step outside the political world to resurface in dancing shoes on a television talent show! And, in fact, DeLay is the first politician ever to make the bold move.

DeLay told usatoday, “I really am a big fan of the show. I couldn’t believe they asked me to do this. It didn’t take me five minutes to agree.”

And show’s executive producer Conrad Green expressed his amazement that DeLay agreed to join the celebrity dancers, “I was astonished when he said yes. There (are) no agents or lawyers. He’s in it to have some fun.”

"The entire DeLay family is ecstatic about the Hammer’s transformation to Dancing Machine,” reports the Washington Post – and they say that he actually has dancing talent!

“He’s been working hard all summer trying to get in shape, improve his flexibility, endurance, etc. He’s lost 12 pounds already!,” daughter Dani DeLay Ferro is quoted in the Post article. “He’s taking this very very seriously and we are all sooooo excited! People probably don’t know that he’s a really good dancer!”

She described her eagerness “for America to get to know the funny, caring man that I’ve grown up with and worked for. They won’t know what hit ‘em.”

But DeLay is not a newcomer among Dancing With The Stars show fans. Back in 2007 he “heavily lobbied the show’s viewers to vote for the seemingly wholesome country singer Sara Evans” reported the Post, adding that it all “backfired on the Hammer when Evans quit the show in the midst of a nasty divorce” ….

DeLay is set to begin rehearsal tomorrow in his hometown – Sugar Land, Texas – and in a few weeks will to go Los Angeles to stay there until he is voted off the show or possibly wins.

Some of the announced celebrity dancers had already been rumored to be on board with Dancing With The Stars -- Osbourne family member Kelly Osborne, actress Debi Mazar, pop star Aaron Carter, actor Ashley Hamilton and entertainer Donny Osmond.




As for Osmond, his name has been hinted as a possible dancer since the days when he showed up to cheer on his sister, Marie Osmond, when she was a contestant. Osmond proclaimed on Monday that he would be happy to do half as well as his sister, but then joked that he actually wanted to do even better than she did. “Gotta beat her,” he laughed.

Osmond was actually on the Good Morning America set with Dancing With the Stars host Tom Bergeron when the list was revealed. He said, “What am I thinking about? Here’s the deal. I’m doing a full production show in Las Vegas with Marie every week. What am I thinking? I must be an idiot.”

It was apparent that Osmond is actually excited and eager to dance in the competition. Even though he, like some other contestants, is known to have done a bit of dancing through the years, he is eligible for the show because he lacks training and experience in the ballroom and Latin dance styles.

R&B singer Mya, like DeLay, has a Washington, D.C. connection -- hers is that she was born in the District. She, like Osmond, has done some dancing. She studied tap, performed a solo dance at the Kennedy Center and danced in films, reports examiner.

Model Kathy Ireland expressed her reasoning for joining the celebrity cast, “You’ve gotta face your fears. When you’re afraid of a challenge, you just have to go for it. For me, this is the ultimate challenge. Walking in high heels is an extreme sport.”

And former light-heavyweight champ Chuck Liddell – who said that he likes to dance, but has no dance training – exclaimed that he wants to win the Dancing WithThe Stars competition.

Liddell told ufc.com, “I want to win. I don’t like losing in anything so I’ll work as hard as they’ll let me. … I’m gonna go out, be myself and show what kind of people we do have in this sport. I’m sure the reaction will be mixed (among fight fans). My friends are gonna be excited, and I’ll never hear the end of it because they’ll make fun of me – but it should be fun and I think everyone will like it.”

Iron Chef America host Mark Decascos can probably cook up a tasty turkey, but on Dancing With the Stars the question will be whether he “cook” in a jive, tango or paso doble?

What could possibly be more entertaining than watching a dance-off between a former Congressman, a former light-heavyweight champion, an Iron Chef America host, a former Dallas Cowboy star, an Olympic swimmer and a professional snowboarder -- along with a group of recording artists, models, singers and actors.

Definitely it should be an interesting Dancing WithThe Stars competition!

TOM DeLAY, FORMER HOUSE MAJORITY LEADER, AMONG FINAL EIGHT COMPETITORS NAMED FOR DANCING WITH THE STARS


Tom Bergeron returned to naming the final eight competitiors for the upcoming season of Dancing With The Stars. Perhaps the biggest surprise is "The Hammer" -- former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay.

9. Osbourne family member Kelly Osbourne

10. Actress Debi Mazar

11. Former light-heavyweight champion Chuck "The Iceman" Liddell

12. Olympic swimmer Natalie Coughlin

13. Model Joanna Krupa

14. Snowboarder Louis Vito

15. Pop Star Aaron Carter

And the big surprise 16. Former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay

FIRST EIGHT CELEBRITY DANCERS, INCLUDING DONNY OSMOND


Tom Bergeron this morning on Good Morning America announced the first eight celebrity dancers for the upcoming season of Dancing With the Stars:

1. Model Kathy Ireland

2. Grammy winning Macy Gray

3. Sabrina the Teenage Witch's Melissa Joan Hart

4. Grammy winning R & B artist Mya

5. George Hamilton's son, Actor Ashley Hamilton

6. Wide receiver Michael Irvin

7. Iron Chef America host Mark DeCascos

8. Entertainer Donny Osmond

Sunday, August 16, 2009

MONDAY'S DANCING WITH THE STARS LINE-UP ANNOUNCEMENT SHOULD PROVIDE AT LEAST A CLUE OF WHERE PAULA IS HEADING


Obviously, something has Paula Abdul expecting that she will be back to work shortly! With Dancing With The Stars' announcement of new celebrity dancers on Monday, the picture should become clearer as to whether that show and ABC is in her future.

On Twitter, Paula wrote, "I feel like a normal girl getting some time off 2 take care of myself & 2 hang out w/family & friends, but it won't be for long!"

That sounds like Paula knows where she is headed -- and that it will happen soon!

She also wrote, "I've never retired. that's why I've lasted in this business for over 20 yrs. I've only scratched the surface. Hang tight! xoP"

Could hang tight mean that an announcement will come soon?

Paula wrote to a Twitter address with a Ryan Seacrest connection, "Hi honey! I hope your having fun on the road. I guess you're in Boston now. I'm doing great! I miss you all! Big Hug & kiss"

Not sure if this Twitter address was for "the" actual Ryan Seacrest, but Boston sounds like the address might be of someone connected with the show.

On Aug 14th that same address posted some Paula related Tweets: a retweet of Paula's quote, "'The best way out is always through' - Robert Frost." And it had a @PaulaAbdul Follow Friday. And it sent a @PaulaAbdul, "Hang in there kiddo ;)"

Paula also told fans that she was getting medical appointments out of the way. She wrote that she had her teeth cleaned, and added "I was accosted in an underground parking lot with my chiropractor running interference! and it didn't end there! thank god for my officer friend mike who stopped traffic to assist in the great escape"

Paula also wrote that she took her office out to lunch.

Could the lunch have been a celebration -- perhaps of a deal? And were the medical appointments to clear the schedule for upcoming work?

Whatever is going on, Paula seemed in high spirits, writing, "I've having a wonderful weekend!" and "Hope you guys are having a wonderful weekend! What a beautiful day to get outside!"

Leaving Paula's Twitter messages aside, there is word that Paula really wants to be back on American Idol. "Sources connected to Paula Abdul say Miss Paula wants back on 'American Idol," reports TMZ.

"Our sources say Paula's Twitter is retracted -- at least in her mind -- if the price is right. As we first reported, the magic number is $10 million," continues TMZ.

Also, Paula's meetings with ABC "didn't really go anywhere," said TMZ. "She doesn't want to do 'Dancing with the Stars' -- we're told, in no small part, because she wants to be able to jump on a plane at a moment's notice to rejoin her fellow judges on 'Idol.'" As the story goes, Paula also got miffed at the producers of "Ugly Betty" for leaking that they were talking to her about doing the show -- "She's not going to do it now," added TMZ. "As for 'Idol,' as far as we know they've been pretty hard-nosed and haven't contacted her reps, but we're not positive. In the end, we're thinking 'A.I.' isn't gonna let a little Twitter torpedo one of its golden geese."

But TMZ posted an update revealing that Paula was sighted at Boa on Saturday night -- that she "didn't quite know ... whether or not she would be joining 'Dancing with the Stars.' Hmmm ..."

Of course, first American Idol Kelly Clarkson has opined to MTV that she thinks the American Idol/Paula thing is all about "drama" -- and that Paula will return to Idol.

"I totally think they're doing that for drama," Clarkson said. "I know those producers -- they're doing that for drama. She's totally probably going to come back."

So everyone has an opinion and is trying to follow the clues to where Paula will go next.

One clue may come on Monday morning when Dancing With the Stars releases the names of competitors for this season. If Paula's name is not among them, it may be a clue that she has not inked a deal with ABC.

Of course, "So You Think You Can Dance" wants Paula -- so that's a possible job for her.

Oh, and theurbandaily has reported that Paula "is secretly planning to launch her own daytime talk show -- even if her bosses at American Idol met her ... salary demands for the hit show's ninth season."

"Paula is unpredictable and not afraid to speak her mind -- but she also leads from the heart and really connects with people," theurbandaily quotes its source. "Studio execs feel those are the kind of personal attributes that would make her perfect for a daytime talk show."

So the saga continues. Where will Paula go next? What possible deals are in the works -- or even already spelled out in a possible contract deal?

As Paula wrote on Twitter, her time off "won't be for long."

Friday, August 14, 2009

DANCING WITH THE STARS' SURPRISE CONTENDER WILL BE THERE WHEN CELEBRITY LINEUP IS REVEALED ON MONDAY -- WILL THE SURPRISE BE PAULA?


Paula Abdul and ABC entertainment chief Steve McPherson got together on Tuesday afternoon, according to website TMZ.

While no announcements have been made citing a deal between the Network and the former American Idol judge, there are rumors that there might be a "package" that could include Abdul's taking to the dance floor of hit show "Dancing With The Stars."

If such a deal is in the works, there also might be a rush to finalize arrangements because the names of celebrity competitors for the upcoming season on Dancing With the Stars are to be announced on the Good Morning America show on Monday.

And word has come from ABC that one of the contenders is expected to be on hand for an interview following the announcement of celebrity contender names -- heightening the suspicion that Paula and ABC may have a deal and that she will be the surprise contender!

"We're told Paula has a show in mind with her name on it," TMZ added -- so a Dancing With the Stars appearance could be just the beginning of an association between Abdul and ABC.

In addition, there have been rumors that Abdul has agreed to appear as a guest star on an episode of ABC's Ugly Betty.

If all rumors are to be believed, the American Idol judge stint may have actually been just the beginnings of even bigger things for Paula -- including possibly a show of her very own!

La TOYA JACKSON SAYS SHE WILL NOT BE A CELEBRITY ON DANCING WITH THE STARS THIS SEASON


The names of celebrity dancers for the upcoming season of Dancing With the Stars will be announced Monday on Good Morning America. But one name expected not to be on that list is La Toya Jackson.

“I won’t be doing it,” Jackson told Access Hollywood, “simply because of the circumstances going on at the moment.”

Jackson confirmed that she was approached to be one of the celebrity contestants on the dance competition program, but said, “I can’t see putting myself into there right now, dancing every single day when I’m still trying to find out what exactly happened to my brother. That’s the most important thing for me at this moment.”

Jackson said that both she and her mother, Katherine Jackson, love to watch “Dancing With the Stars,” and that her mother would have loved seeing her compete.

“I love that show,” LaToya Jackson told Access Hollywood. “It’ s not only one of my favorite shows, it’s my mother’s as well. They had on television that I was doing it, and she goes, ‘Oh honey! Is that going to be you?’ And I go,’Mother, that’s just a rumor.’ She just perked up! We watch it together.”

But it also appears that American Idol is another of her favorite shows. “I would love to do American Idol,” Jackson revealed. “I would love to be a judge on that show. I think I would do well with Simon.”

Thursday, August 13, 2009

DANCING WITH THE STARS ADOPTS NEW SAFETY MEASURES--AUDRINA PATRIDGE UNLIKELY IN CELEBRITY LINEUP


“Dancing With The Stars” are reportedly adding a whole new set of safety measures this season that are aimed at keeping the dancers free from injury, according to reports.

“There will be mandated 30-minute breaks for every two hours of rehearsal, contestants will not be allowed to train for more than five hours daily during the first two weeks and everyone must take off one full day every week,” reports suntimes.com.

Among injuries of contestants, singer Jewel was forced to drop out of the competition when she was diagnosed with fractured tibia in both legs. And Access Hollywood host Nancy O’Dell exited before the competition even began when she suffered a torn meniscus that required surgery.

Professional dancer on the show Cheryl Burke had high praise for the changes, but does think that the five-hour daily limit at the beginning of training should actually be less. “I think it should be four hours,” she told eonline. “Your body still needs to get into it.”

Training for the upcoming Season Nine will begin in less than two weeks. And an announcement of celebrity competitors will be made on Monday on Good Morning America.

One celebrity unlikely to be on the celebrity lineup is Audrina Patridge who reportedly wanted to show her moves on the dance floor, but MTV said no.

“They won’t let Audrina do it,” a source is quoted on Hollyscoop. “They told her it would be impossible because of scheduling conflicts.”

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

DANCING WITH THE STARS DEREK HOUGH AND MARK BALLAS PARTIED AT HEFNER'S MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM BASH


Dancing With the Stars professional dancers Derek Hough and Mark Ballas, along with Hough’s dancing partner last season Shannon Elizabeth, were among stars who partied with legendary Hugh Hefner and "lingerie-clad" models at the Playboy Mansion on Saturday night.

The annual "Midsummer Night's Dream" party, Hefner's biggest event of the year, was held at the 83-year-old Hef's Hombly Hills home. Men were expected to wear their finest pajamas, while the ladies were to don their skimpiest lingerie.

A total of 800 guests attended the party -- with the mansion said to be decorated in a Greco-Roman style with ostrich feather fans, painted murals and sequins.

Among guests were American Idol’s Ryan Seacrest, Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson, along with other celebrities -- Jon Voight, Jack Osbourne, James Van Der Beek, Justin Chatwin, Bridget Marquardt, Shane West, Crispin Glover, Mark Ballas, Brett Ratner, Ty Pennington, Bill Maher, Garry Marshall, Pauly Shore, Brody Jenner and David Cassidy.

Performances were given by Three 6 Mafia and Sean Kingston.

La TOYA JACKSON MIGHT BE HEADED FOR DANCING WITH THE STARS


La Toya Jackson, sister of pop star Michael Jackson, is the newest celebrity rumored to possibly don dancing shoes for the upcoming season of Dancing With The Stars, according to MTV.

Jackson has reportedly been approached with a firm offer by producers of the popular celebrity dance competition show.

"She's a big fan of the show," her representative reportedly told Us. "And being from a musical family, it would be a good fit."

But so far everyone has been mum on Jackson's answer to the dancing show. Will she or won't she?

If La Toya Jackson has the same kind of dancing talent that her brother, Michael, had, this could possibly be an amazing season!

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

DANCING WITH THE STARS' MARK BALLAS THINKS THAT PAULA SHOULD JOIN THE SHOW AS A CELEBRITY COMPETITOR


Dancing With the Stars' professional dancer Mark Ballas does not believe that Paula Abdul should be added to that show's already full judging panel, but would like to see her on the show as a dancing celebrity competitor.

Of course, Abdul is meeting with several potential new employers -- and, while Dancing With the Stars executives have said that they would love to add Paula to the show, it remains unclear where she will eventually go or whether she will judge, choreograph, sing and/or dance. And So You Think You Can Dance producer/judge Nigel Lythgoe has been vocal in saying that he would love to have Paula join SYTYCD, probably as a guest judge and choreographer.
At this point, though, it does appear that Abdul will not return to American Idol and is looking at her new options.

"I think we are good with our judges," Dancing With the Stars' Ballas told eonline. "I think she should be on the show as a competitor.


"She would be great as a competitor," he said. "She's a great personality. Everybody loves her, and she makes great TV."


It is unlikely, though, that Abdul will be offered a spot on the Dancing With the Stars judging panel since show executive producer Conrad Green has opined that the judges table is "already full." But he, too, said that he would love to see Paula as a guest judge or as a competitor."


As to whether Abdul would even qualify to be a celebrity dancer instead of considered a professional dancer, Ballas explained, "She can't be a professional because she's not a ballroom or a Latin dancer."


Ballas also said that he does not yet know who he will be paired with this season, but that training will begin with his new partner in two weeks.


Monday, August 10, 2009

DANCING WITH THE STARS WILL BATTLE SYTYCD FOR FANS AS RESULTS SHOWS WILL OVERLAP


Dancing With the Stars will premiere on Sept 22 with 16 celebrity dancers, according to the show’s executive producer Conrad Green. It appears unlikely that American Idol judge Paula Abdul will be sitting at the judges table because Green said that table is “already full” – but he acknowledged that the show would welcome her as a guest judge or even as a competitor.

“This is going to be our biggest-ever cast,” Green confided to ET. “We are going to start big, and then about halfway through we are going to do double eliminations back-to-back. The middle of the season is going to be brutal when half of our cast goes in three weeks.”

There has been a lengthy list of celebrities who have either confirmed that they have been invited to participate as celebrity dancers – or are rumored to be in consideration. But Green is not offering names. Instead, the announcement will be made on the Aug 17 edition of Good Morning America.

Also adding drama to the season, “Dancing With the Stars” and “So You Think You Can Dance” may end up battling for viewers since part each of the results shows will overlap.

In order to accommodate the number of new celebrity dancers, Dancing With the Stars will add professional dancer Anna Demidova. The Russian model has accumulated multiple dance titles, including International Grand Ball 10 Dance Champion, USA Dance National Standard Champion and was two-time U.S. Youth International Standard Champion.

However, it appears that no new professional dancers will be sliding over from “So You Think You Can Dance” as has been the case in past seasons. Chelsie Hightower, Dmitry Chaplin and Lacey Schwimmer are all SYTYCD alumni.

“We were turning into their alumni show," Green laughed, “but we may bring in one or two new faces. We haven’t decided yet whether to bring in new faces or more of our favorites.”

As for Abdul, Green said, “She has never been trained in ballroom and Latin so that (her appearing as a competitor) is a possibility …. It is for Paula to work out. At the moment, the world is her oyster. Everyone wants her. At our show, we are great fans of Paula.”

Green explained that the reason why the show will have an increased number of competitors includes the fact that there is a two-hour time slot to fill and it is important to change the show from season to season. It is expected that fans will see more athletes, including those from sports not formerly represented on the show; some rather eccentric personalities and a couple of celebrities that fans would never expect to be dancing.

Saturday, August 8, 2009

DANCING WITH THE STARS SWEETHEARTS HAVE BROKEN UP


Shannon Elizabeth and Derek Hough, who met on “Dancing With The Stars” and began dating shortly after they were paired, announced Friday night on Twitter that their romance has ended.

“Hi everyone, we wanted you all to know directly from us, that Shannon and I have decided to end oour relationship as boyfriend & girlfriend,” Tweeted Hough.
And Elizabeth confirmed with, “however, we love & care about each other very much & will remain friends & in each other’s lives.”

Hough, a former world champion in Latin American dance, taught Elizabeth her routines on the dancing competition show. The brother of former “Dancing With The Stars” professional Julianne Hough, he and Elizabeth finished contest in seventh place.

It seems that Twitter is becoming a popular site for significant announcements. American Idol judge Paula Abdul also notified fans of her departure from that show in a Twitter message.

Friday, August 7, 2009

RUMORS OF SEASON 9 'DANCING WITH THE STARS CELEBRITIES'


With Dancing With the Star's opening segment less than two months away, show fans are anxiously awaiting the list of "celebrities" who will be paired with professional dancers for competition this year.

In fact, typically this is just about the time that the dance show unveils the names of the dancing celebrities.

But in the midst of the wait, there has been plenty of buzz about who might have been invited and who might not have garnered an invite.

Dancing With The Stars' pros Karina Smirnoff and Maksim Chmerkovskiy have supposedly said that they extended an invitation to possibly out-of-work Paula Abdul, recently announced as leaving American Idol. But it was unclear whether the offer was to come and watch in the audience, join as a professional dancer or participate as a celebrity. She seems hardly right for the celebrity dancer role given her extensive dancing and choreography history. But, regardless, there was no mention as to whether she would even be coming anywhere close to the show this year.

Also from American Idol, finalist Adam Lambert's name has been mentioned. But given his heavy touring and recording schedule, it is hard to imagine that he has a moment to spare for dancing.

There has been speculation that Katie Holmes might appear -- having weeks ago donned dancing shoes for a Judy Garland tribute on So You Think You Can Dance. But she seems an unlikely candidate because of a hectic schedule and busy family life. Still, perhaps if SYTYCD was a barrel of fun, she must just surprise and say yes.

Incredible Hulk star Lou Ferrigno has termed a sure thing, but evereone knows that a sure thing never is until it officially is.

And word has been afloat that wedding gown designer and former figure skater Vera Wang is among the list of most likely candidates. She reportedly acknowledged being invited -- and some say accepted.

Next, actor Dean McDermott told etonline that indeed Dancing With the Stars have "expressed an interest in me, and I haven't heard back from them yet so I don't know. We had talks." He also told People, "I'd love to be on Dancing With the Stars." So he seems another strong possibility. And could this be a "couples" year? McDermott added that his wife Tori Spelling gets asked "every year." Will this be the year when she says yes?

Winding down our list, The View co-host Sherri Shepherd mentioned that she, too, was approached -- and was considering the possibility.

Other names tossed into the rumor hat include Olympic gold medalist and pro wrestler Kurt Angle, along with Entourage's Debi Mazar.

Soon the names will come, but in the meantime it is fan's latest guessing game!

JEANINE -- SYTYCD PRINCESS WITH A TENDER HEART


Newly crowned “America’s Favorite Dancer” Jeanine Mason, so often praised for her humor, hard work and sensational dancing, is even more special than perhaps most people realize.

As part of her prize package, Mason will collect $250,000 – which she plans to donate to the charity Making Memories which aids people with Altzheimer’s Disease, according to website Hollyscoop.

Also, during SYTYCD competition Mason frequently donned clothing of designer Peace Love World. While she frequently wore the brand herself, but she “took it upon herself to spread the peace and love by sharing her clothes with her competitors,” said brand creator and designer Alina Villasante to pr.com. The stated mission of this clothing line is to “spread peace, love and happiness everywhere possible and to do so in an environmentally-conscious way that shows how much we love each other and the world in which we live.”

With her outgoing personality, sensational talent and extreme humbleness, it is hard for even fans who supported other dancers to feel disappointed with Mason’s win. But her generosity in the interest of Altzheimers patients and in the interest of peace, love and happiness highlights that there is considerably more her than fans saw on SYTYCD’s performance stage. It highlights her fine character, precious warmth and caring nature.

Upon being voted to the coveted dancing title, the 18-year-old from Pine Crest, Florida told Us, “I feel so humbled and so excited to be here. It’s the best feeling ever just to know that people love what you are doing.”

Indeed, fans love what Jeanine does on dancing stage, but they will likely love even more what she does with her heart! Jeanine Mason is dancing's new royal Princess, but she is also the dancing world's Princess of Tender Heart and Generosity!

Thursday, August 6, 2009

"SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE" CROWNS A DANCING PRINCESS


It was a glittering and sparkling moment in the history of So You Think You Can Dance when popular and powerful JEANINE MASON was crowned “America’s Favorite Dancer!”

SYTYCD presented both a show and a winner that sparkled a brilliantly as stars in the universe – or, on a lighter note, as brilliantly as the diamonds adorning judge Mary Murphy on this final dance competition night!

Even on this evening of her coronation, Jeanine appeared a Princess – the most brilliant jewel in a crown of dancing talent!

It was a season with, according to judges, the highest level of talent ever. “A quarter of a billion” votes were cast over the weeks, 21.6 million votes during finale week – and it appeared the SYTYCD kingdom had a Princess who deserved to win!

Quickly fans thrilled that the winner was Jeanine -- popular, powerful, skilled and talented.

As the show progressed, one by one the judges named their favorite dances of the season – and Jeanine was the “girl” in a significant number of those performances! Judge Adam Shankman’s favorite was a hip-hop with Jeanine and Phillip Chbeeg. Mary Murphy’s favorite was a Travis Wall choreographed contemporary kiss routine by Jeanine and Jason Glover. Another Murphy favorite was a paso doble performed by Jeanine and runner-up Brandon Bryant during the grand finale last night!

If there is anything that the evening of exquisite performances proved, it was that a Dancing Princess was crowned on SYTYCD! Hail to the Princess – Princess Jeanine Mason!