New Cast of Dancing With the Stars Announced!

Wow, hometown girl Natalie Coughlin. When younger she was a training partner with Michael Phelps.

Always fun to see the definition of “the Stars” in “Dancing with the Stars.” Three of those names, I am convinced I have never seen in my life.

Tom DeLay? For real? I hate that man with the fire of a thousand suns, but, I don’t watch the show, so I guess it doesn’t really matter.

I wonder if Emmitt Smith talked his old teammate Michael Irvin into this.

Has any ‘star’ ever gotten a real career boost out of this show? It is little wonder, that the ‘stars’ get increasingly more obscure (or far past their prime) with each season.

I recognize about 10/16. :-)

Wow…what a huge step down from the past couple of seasons! This may be the largest cast of stars, but it’s also the lamest. Chelsea and Lacey, run and get out while you still can! You’re far too good for this crap. Well I am at least glad to know that now my Monday nights can be free this fall. I’ll have enough to keep me entertained on Wed/Thurs nights with Season 6 of SYTYCD anyway.

Just about made a brick when I saw Chuck Liddell listed – had to call my hubby (BIG MMA fan, but I watch with him) and let him know. I know he’ll at least watch until Chuck gets kicked off… (Hm. I wouldn’t want to be the one to tell Chuck to go…I’d hate to see Bruno with one leg twisted behind his head…)

Has any ‘star’ ever gotten a real career boost out of this show? It is little wonder, that the ‘stars’ get increasingly more obscure (or far past their prime) with each season.

Gilles Marini (last season) got quite the boost. Should’ve won, too.

Ha….Got ya beat by 1 pj….11/16 :)

Tom Delay…..I thought his sorry ass was in jail or on trial???

Strange cast this season. Had to google alot of them. I thought Ashley was a girl, wrong.

I saw that Joanna Krupa on the Superstars this summer, she is one mean,foul mouthed b!tch. I feel sorry for the dancer stuck with her.

Looks like Debi Mazar will do really well as she is a dancer not just an actor. She’s been in Madonna videos (True Blue and others) and is her friend too!

Has any ‘star’ ever gotten a real career boost out of this show? It is little wonder, that the ‘stars’ get increasingly more obscure (or far past their prime) with each season.

Very much so. I don’t think most that go on this show are delusional enough to think it will make them A-listers, but it certainly gives them name recognition and steady work.

I know somebody pointed out Gilles, but I don’t think a guy that nobody had ever heard of prior to last season is complaining as he’s sitting on the set of Brothers & Sisters waiting to film his guest arc. Certainly opened up lots of doors for him. Even Bachelor reject Melissa Rycroft is doing a stint for GMA, which she would never have gotten without DWTS.

Also there are a myriad of reasons people go on the show. Some do it to to change a not so great public image like Jerry Springer and Lil Kim. It did wonders for both of them in that department.

Then you have some of the athletes, like Emmitt Smith, who do it more so people will learn who they are away from their sport. Emmitt was always very upfront in saying that people really didn’t know him outside of being a football player and this opened up the door for him to branch out into all sorts of business opportunities as is allowed people to put a face to his name.

So yes, all my rambling to say that this show does offer a career boost. It’s just ridiculous to think that these people are going to go from DWTS to making movies with Clint Eastwood. Likely they are happy for the steady work (see Mario Lopez, Lisa Rinna and Marie Osmond who apparently never leave my tv screen despite constant begging).

WHY do they always insist on making the professional partner announcements a week after they announce the cast? That’s all I care about! lol.

But, at least Chelsie Hightower tweeted a few pics back a few weeks ago when they were doing a photoshoot in the desert for DWTS. Here’s one of them. And another.

And I recognized 11 out of 16 “stars” too. :) Expect Aaron Carter to go far, especially if he’s partnered with Lacey or Chelsie. He’s the requiste boybander. For those who may not be familiar, he’s Nick Carter’s (of the Backstreet Boys) little brother. He has/had a singing career too, though not nearly as successful as the BSB. But he’s definitely got a legion of fans out there. Mya will probably be the Lil’ Kim of this season. She should be pretty good, what with her music background. I’ll be REALLY curious to see how Michael Irvin does. Kelly Osbourne too, for that matter. lol.

Ha’ ¦.Got ya beat by 1 pj’ ¦.11/16 :)

Does it count that I now recognize Debi Mazur from Entourage now that I googled her?

Tom Delay’ ¦..I thought his sorry ass was in jail or on trial???

You know Blago is a jellus h8er right now.

Strange cast this season. Had to google alot of them. I thought Ashley was a girl, wrong.

I think he’s most famous for a short marriage to Shannon Doherty.

Predictions:

Lacey will get Donnie. He said pre-season he wanted to be paired with her and they will likely give him what he wants. I guess the Mormons stick together?

Chelsie will get Aaron Carter. Unfortunately, as he’s a Grade A ass.

Also unfortuantely, likely it will be Cheryl’s turn at the cannon fodder and she will be stuck with DeLay. Not unfortunately in the sense that she’s probably due another dud as she hasn’t had one since Wayne Newton, but just that it has to be DeLay of all people.

I also feel bad for whoever is stuck with Joana Krupa, since she’s pretty awful in the personality department.

I’d like to see someone not named Hough or Ballas win this season. Would be nice as that hasn’t happened back since S3 when Cheryl won with Emmitt.

Tom DeLay?

That is weird. Oh and add my thousand fire hatred of him as well. I hope that they put him as stupid an outfit as possible and that he’s the first one booted.

Oy Donnie Osmond will be such a camera ho on this show. I can tell already.

Predictions:

Lacey will get Donnie. He said pre-season he wanted to be paired with her and they will likely give him what he wants. I guess the Mormons stick together?

God, I hope not. I love Donny and will be rooting for him to win, but I cannot stand Lacey.

Wow, hometown girl Natalie Coughlin. When younger she was a training partner with Michael Phelps.

Go Natalie! Go Bears! I may have to change my name to Jordinatison. :thumbup_tb:

Has any ‘star’ ever gotten a real career boost out of this show? It is little wonder, that the ‘stars’ get increasingly more obscure (or far past their prime) with each season.

Natalie won 11 Olympic swimming medals, including 3 gold, in the last 2 Olympics, yet has very little name recognition, due to Michael Phelps winning 14 gold during the same period. This can only help her.

Good thing’“competing on DWTS with the other C list celebrities would be a major step down.

I think that’s an insult to the C-list. Most of those people are on the W-list. And good thing Paula didn’t do DWTS, that would have probably been her bow-out from fame.

Paula, i still do want you back, but i have no sympathy for you because you choose to decline a 5 million dollar deal for sitting in a chair 2x a week for a couple hours. Biggest retard move EVER.

MJ–change “John” to “Joan”? (Melissa Joan Hart?)

should we start picking the winner now? I’ve never seen the show but picked Kristi Yamaguchi and Shawn Johnson. Kinda easy picks there. How about:

1. Natalie Coughlin
2. Chuck Liddell (I have no idea who he is)
3. Debi Mazar
4. Aaron Carter

Ah–I just realized that I can’t pick the rest because I don’t know them. Looking forward to a crash and burn from Tom DeLay though. Almost willing to watch the show for that.

kelly Osbourne? Isn’t she sort of overweight? (Is this show a weight-loss regimen for the rich and famous?)

I know I sound like a DWTS apologist but I think part of the fun is the less than C list cast. I mean, do people really expect those like Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt to take a turn around the dance floor AND risk public humiliation?

I kind of like seeing the random cast lists because you never know who is going to catch on like wildfire with the public. Or those that you expect to like pre-show that turn into total duds.

Maybe I sound like a groupie because I got sucked into this show back in S2 thanks to Drew/Cheryl. LOL. I blame them.

The only given in this group is that Donny Osmond will make it to the finals just by virtue of being an Osmond. It worked for Marie.

The only given in this group is that Donny Osmond will make it to the finals just by virtue of being an Osmond. It worked for Marie.

And if Donny is a better dancer than Marie, he may even win. lol.

This cast is lame. But I sorta like DWTS, so I might watch a few episodes to see if it’s worth my time this season. If Paula had opted to do this, she would have been the biggest star for sure. I really think it’s a good thing she didn’t. D list…..go a little further, lol.

Did I read that right? Chuck F’n Liddell? Never in a million years would I have thought…

Rules of DWTS:

1) Olympic gold medalists who can even sort of dance will be in the finals and probably win. Their chances are significantly higher if their medals were in ice skating or gymnastics or other popular “dancey” disciplines.

2) Football players with decent attitudes who can even sort of dance will be in the finals and have a shot at winning.

3) The best dancer among the “celebs” will have about a 5% chance of winning. This person’s placement is dependent on the number of injuries and personal scandals for the crappy dancers with the big fanbases as well as overlap with rules 1 and 2.

4) Pop stars have about a 1% chance of winning.

5) Boxers have about a 1% chance of winning.

6) Models and supermodels have about a .01% chance of winning.

7) If you get a Hough or a Ballas as your professional partner, you have about a 50% chance of winning. (Exception to this rule: if you are over 70, you have no chance, even with a Hough or Ballas.)

8) If your name is Osmond, you will go at least four places farther than you should have based on dancing ability.

9) If you have paid employees of the entity you play for, own or run creating voting banks, you will go at least five places farther than you should have. If you are an Osmond with such a voting bank, you will go six or seven places farther than you should have.

Which means Donny Osmond will win, no matter who the best dancer is, and it is almost certain not to be him.

6) Models and supermodels have about a .01% chance of winning.

Unless you have some natural ability, are a judges’ fave, and appear in a year where, clearly, a woman is supposed to win. See example – Burke, Brooke.

I’m excited! I don’t know a lot of these people though. Too bad Paula won’t be on :( And no Julianne :( But still. I love DWTS.

So, could they cast Janette Manrara as one of the dancers? Is that a possibility?

Janette isn’t really a ballroom dancer. She’s a salsa dancer. There’s a pretty big difference in that she wouldn’t be that well versed on the dances DWTS covers. The only dancers from the current season of SYTYCD that would qualify would be Asuka and Max, and I don’t think DWTS is clammoring for either.

Unless you have some natural ability, are a judges’ fave, and appear in a year where, clearly, a woman is supposed to win. See example – Burke, Brooke.

Yes and no. I think Brooke is more of a spokesmodel. She’s did a lot of hosting on tv prior to DWTS, so she wasn’t an unknown entity as most of the models wind up being.

That and her season just wasn’t very competitive so she was clearly the best dancer in the bunch.

Tom DeLay? For real? I hate that man with the fire of a thousand suns….”

I so agree.

However, I think this will be so classic. The man has NO grace, they called him the Hammer on Capitol Hill. I actually think this will be amusing.

Can’t wait to see what Jay Leno does with this. :)

Unless you have some natural ability, are a judges’ fave, and appear in a year where, clearly, a woman is supposed to win. See example – Burke, Brooke.

Brooke didn’t have “some” natural ability, she had a lot of natural ability. And it was her or Warren Sapp– yeah.

If it was Brooke against, say, Shawn– Brooke’s lack of a built in fanbase might have factored in. And none of the models really have a fanbase. The guys can build one up if they’re hot enough.

Okay, I predict Natalie Coughlin will win just because the majority of the winners have been some type of athlete, and most of those athletes are olympic gold medalists.

Hmm, Tom DeLay? Have there been any politicians on the show before? Maybe they’ll put Sarah Palin on the show someday.

LOL PJ. Blago is definitely a jealous h8ter! I’m sure Tom Delay is just there to be the certain first boot (see Carlson, Tucker).

I recognize 8. 9 if its supposed to be Melissa Joan, Im not familiar with John. Heh.

I wouldn’t call Brooke a model, either. She’s more of a pretty but not terribly bright host type in the Samantha Harris vein. I’m sure there was modeling somewhere in her past, but I’m guessing it was of the Frederick’s of Hollywood/Maxim type where it’s the boobs that count. I think she won because she was a girl in a year they wanted a girl to win and there wasn’t much competition from Osmonds or Olympic skaters or gymnasts. The football player who couldn’t dance very well at all came in second, for goodness sake. But when I said supermodel/model, I was thinking of the likes of Rachel Hunter, Josie Maran, Paulina Porizkova, and Kathy Ireland this year. Oh, and Albert Reed. That guy had NO chance. But, you know, people whose primary means of making a living (other than being married to rock stars) was modeling on the pages of fashion mags and in the swimsuit edition of Sports Illustrated.

I don’t think Natalie Coughlin is an automatic, just because her sport isn’t all that dance-a-riffic (Divers, yes. Plain old swimmers, no.) and she doesn’t have the name recognition that Michael Phelps, for example, has. I hope she’s a better dancer than Misty May Treanor and Monica Seles. Guess we’ll have to wait and see.

But I like her a whole lot better than Macy Gray, Joanna Krupa or Kelly Osbourne, and I hope all three of those stay away from Maks, Tony, Dmitry and Alec, although I suppose the odds are against that wish being granted.

I agree on the model classification. The only exception, and I’m not sure you would count him, is once again Gilles. He’s an actor and the show classified him as that (naked guy in SATC), but he mostly made a living as a model prior to DWTS. An unknown one at that.

I think it comes down to that generally models, except for supermodels, aren’t really known as personalities. They are supposed to be selling clothes, not themselves. Though I do think a model can break out of that if they are that amazing when they hit the dance floor. It’s just you can’t even be middle of the pack if you want to survive.

I also agree that Olympians aren’t a lock if they aren’t household names. Three Olympians have won, but two of the three had enormous name recognition in popular sports, not to mention in Shawn’s case she was coming right off an Olympic year where she got tons of press. Apolo was a known name also, but I don’t think he was a lock for the win. I think his dancing/personality got him the win in a tight season.

Few contenders before the show started:

Aaron Carter : Young, can dance , and quite famous few years back. Should hang on for few weeks.

Donny Osmond : The Osmonds had tons of fans. Top 5 probably guaranteed now except if he cannot dance at all.

Macy Gray : Another singer and had sold quite lots of albums, around 20 millions. Should had lots of fans to carry her few weeks.

Natalie Coughlin : Gold medalist, young and pretty. Also will sail for few weeks. Can she dance? Hmm, swimming and dancing totally different.

Michael Irvin : No matter if he can dance or not, he will at least reach top 5 .

Chuck Liddell : Very famous icon for martial atrts world and who loved Ultimate Fighting. His fans will carry him for few weeks.

Can suprise you: (in a good way)

Mark Dacascos : For the food network and Iron Chef fans, you had to know this guy. Probably only few people know that he also good at martial arts. If he can start strong, he will go far.

Louis Vito : Young , daredevil and all fans of ESPN Winter X know him. If he had decent move, he also will go far.

Melissa John Hart : Was once a teenage TV star. Had a good image. (aka did not had negative publicity) If she can show some personality and can dance, she will hang on for few weeks.

Who will go home first:

Between Tom Delay, Kelly Osbourne and Kathy Ireland.

Brie200 said:

Janette isn’t really a ballroom dancer. She’s a salsa dancer. There’s a pretty big difference in that she wouldn’t be that well versed on the dances DWTS covers.

Oh, that sucks. I hate that the only dancers I ever get to see again on SYTYCD are the ballroomers that DWTS picks up.

I don’t think Natalie Coughlin is an automatic, just because her sport isn’t all that dance-a-riffic (Divers, yes. Plain old swimmers, no.) and she doesn’t have the name recognition that Michael Phelps, for example, has. I hope she’s a better dancer than Misty May Treanor and Monica Seles. Guess we’ll have to wait and see.

Natalie’s swim coach is Teri McKeever, whose students dance hip-hop to stay in shape.

Tom DeLay? Really? (Jayzus Save Us).

Who next? Karl Rove? Dick Morris? Yeesh!

One hopes the former exterminator will go quickly. Not quickly enough in my mind.

The others are sort of predictable. Ya gotta have the requisite large, bald ex-footballer. And the Olympians.

Donnie definitely will hog the spotlight, but that’s ok. I like him.

The others will all run together for a few weeks until I get them figured out, or they are already gone.

Who next? Karl Rove? Dick Morris? Yeesh!

Limbaugh!

At this point, since none of these people are people I really follow or know much about, I’m excited for whoever’s paired with Derek. Because Derek is an amazing choreographer and personality and his partnership is bound to be fun. (Unless we get another whiny Shannon Elizabeth type).

Thinking tentatively that Mya or Natalie will start out as the frontrunner?

I can’t wait to rage over the footballer getting into the finals despite being a bad/mediocre dancer. This happens almost every season… except last season, but well, that one didn’t even want to be there.

If Donny is as funny as Marie was, I’m looking forward to it.

So here is my prediction about the pairings:

For the first time ever in DWTS, we had 5 mature men celebs (over 40 ) and only 2 women celebs. That is totally different from the pro dancers. DWTS had more younger women pro dancers and more older (over 30) men pro dancers.

The pairings should be really interesting:

Men celebs: (Assuming Julianne is in)

Tom Delay with Cheryl. (She will had cannon folder this season. From 7 season, she only had one canon folder in season 5)

Michael Irvin with Karina. (She yet had to have a football celeb)

Donny Osmond with Kym Johnson

Mark Dacascos / Chuck Liddell with Julianne / Edyta

Ashley H/ Vito with Anna (new pro) / Lacey

Aaron Carter with Chelsie H (the cute pair)

Women celebs (Assuming Dmitri and Alec M is in)

Kelly Osbourne with Mark B (He just win the title)

Natalie C with Derek H

Joanna Krupa with Maks (Just cause he know her in Superstars. I also wonder if Joanna here in DWTS cause she got compensate cause in Superstars (by ABC too) her partner bailed on him.)

Melissa John Hart with Dmitri

Debi Mazar with Tony (YEp, back to become cougar king :D )

Kathy Ireland with Luois Van A

Macy Gray/ Mya with Jonathan/Alec M (Maybe Alec will get lucky with another singer celeb.)

Men celebs: (Assuming Julianne is in)

Julianne isn’t. I’m pretty sure she isn’t, at least.

I’d like to see someone not named Hough or Ballas win this season. Would be nice as that hasn’t happened back since S3 when Cheryl won with Emmitt.

The chances are smaller, since Julianne won’t be on this season, and they’ve brought in other younger, flashier pro dancers.

But if Derek or Mark gets/manages to train up the best dancer of the lot, I won’t hesitate to vote for that person just because it would mean a Hough or Ballas winning again. It’s about the celeb, not the pro.

I’d like to see someone not named Hough or Ballas win this season.

I’m hoping for a Chmerkovskiy (Maks) or Chaplin (Dmitry) win!!!! They better get good partners this time. Last season sucked because they went home really early.

Quick thought on the casting of Delay:

Maybe this will distract the wingnuts from bringing assault rifles to, presumably, peaceful town hall meetings. Focusing on getting The Bug Man a win would be equally as sane as what’s happening now.

Yawn, boring. Am not tempted in the least to watch this season.

mya’s going to smoke everyone else. she’s had years of experience in dancing so it’s certainly going to help.

but oh well, it’s a voting competition so she has to be likeable also in order to win.

but oh well, it’s a voting competition

Yeah. I think Donny Osmond, the football guy, and Tom DeLay will come into this with huuuuuge voting advantages. (Well, possibly Tom DeLay. Idk if he’s “forgiven” and what political direction DWTS viewers skew)

From what I remember, Donny Osmond clearly has rhythm and will do well. In fact, he may downplay his talent. He knows so many of the staff, judges, and the hosts, so he’s clearly got the advantage.

Oh, I hope Chelsea, Lacey, and Cheryl don’t get stuck with a dud. What about that Russian gal that was selected by voters to be a professional on the show. Stick Tom Delay with her, so when he goes home it won’t matter as much. (Oh, that was mean.)

Give Dmitry a terrific gal so he can go further into the competition – please!

I knew 11/16.

I’m going back to read all the comments … but GAG! Tom Delay and Donny Osmond?? UGH.
I despise Tom Delay and wish he was in black and white stripes right now. And Donny Osmond….I could barely stand it when Marie was on and everywhere you turned Donny was grabbing his chance in the limelight to talk about it. Their personalities are beyond annoying and they show up everywhere. Please let Tom go first, quickly followed by Donny. I enjoy this show and don’t think I’ll be able to stomach it with those 2 on.

Julianne has already said a definite no for this season, but has left next season open.

These pairings have been reported thus far, some of which are clearly coming from celeb’s Twitter pages. Whether “official” or not, who knows. Wouldn’t surprise me to hear some of these are “red herrings”.

Aaron Carter – Chelsie Hightower
Natalie Coughlin – Alec Mazo
Tom DeLay – Cheryl Burke
Ashley Hamilton – Edyta Sliwinska
Chuck Liddell – Anna Demidova
Kelly Osbourne – Mark Ballas
Donny Osmond – Kym Johnson
Louie Vito – Lacey Schwimmer

While I love Cheryl, it is about time she got another bomb. And it is about time Edyta gets a contender.

Will Louis VanAmstel be back this year? I think So You Think You Can Dance will be on at the same time, and Louis was one of the go-to choreographers this past season. I would guess they will want him again this time around.

My dark horse pic is Mark Dacascos. Besides being a beautiful man, martial artists (especially ones with his style) are very graceful. I’m hoping the rumoured pairing of Donny Osmond and Kym Johnson is wrong, and Mark gets Kym has a partner.

I think Donny will do a whole lot better than Marie. While Marie ended up in third place, she didn’t really deserve it. Her charm got her there. I think Donny may actually have some dance moves to go along with the charm.

Natalie got lucky! But now I’m going to have to watch the stupid show because Alec is back. I always vote Alec.

chelsie with aaron?? ugh. now i have to root for aaron fucking carter.

I like Donny Osmond a lot! And am very happy that he is paired with Kym. They will be a really good pair, I think. Don’t know who Natalie Coughlin is but am so glad we’ll get to watch Alec again. He is one of my favorites. Edyta and Ashley will give them a run for their money though. She is absolutely perfect. Beautiful face. Fantastic body. Great dancer. I think it will be a good season.

I feel bad for Cheryl. She’s one of the best choreographers, I think. Wish she was with someone who stood a chance. I like to watch her long into the competition.

I hope Ashley gives Edyta a fighting dance!
Poor Cheryl, she is a really good choreographer!