It's that time again, time to speculate on the next season of Dancing with the Stars! The rumor mill has been a-swirl recently with plenty of fodder for the TV bloggers and DWTS fan sites to feast upon. ABC is set to announce the Dancing with the Stars Season 12 cast on February 28 during The Bachelor. For now we have only some conjecture and one sure bet to play around with…so let’s play.
I've noted a common theme among some of the female names being floated around... ladies with drug-addled baggage. Most likely it's the handlers of these 'stars' who are pushing for an invite from the show rather than the other way around. Imagine the benefits that the 12 week disciplined and rigorous program of dance training could bring to these women personally, physically, and professionally, if they could endure it. The one word that springs to mind when I hear of these women is simply: liability.
Lindsay Lohan: Rumored to have been in talks with the producers, and her family issued statements that enhanced the speculation. Lindsay needs a job, but with her widely reported erratic behavior and rehab/jail stints, could the show assume the Lohan liability?
Jodie Sweetin: Has made an unabashed attempt to create buzz and get the show’s attention in pointed statements to the press. Same deal here though, she needs a job, but her personal issues may be too risky for the show.
Brooke Mueller: Estranged wife of Charlie Sheen who has been laying low lately. On the one hand, Brooke could use a distraction in her life. Conversely, the ongoing Charlie saga could prove to distract her focus from the show. I tend to think that her rehab stint in November is too recent for the producers' comfort, and they too can envision Charlie as a big distraction for Brooke.
Ratings aside, I would be surprised if this tightly run show would assume the risk of working with ‘rehabbing’ celebrities. If nothing else, the producers need a commitment that contestants could actually show up for work 7 days a week, let alone last for the duration of the show. There’s also the physical exam a contestant needs to pass at the outset. Enough said.
What about some of our favorite pros from last season? I think these guys deserve more focus, as they have the hardest jobs on the show hands down. They have also become celebrities in their own right, more so than some of the contestants the show tries to pass off as 'stars'. And in some cases, even worthier of the distinction. The list of returning pros is as secretive as the 'stars' list, and the revolving door at the studio makes them grist for the rumor mill as well:
Maksim Chmerkovskiy: The sexy wild card of the group. It’s been speculated, even by himself, that his ‘antics’ last season (go Maks!) may have harmed his relationship with the show. Regardless, the show got some good press mileage out of him. Also, his eye candy popularity with viewers as well as his dance floor prowess should ensure he is asked back. Maks wasn’t too thrilled with the controversy he found himself embroiled in either, and may not even want to return. Definitely a wild card.
Mark Ballas: A two time champ and fan favorite. Mark has never caused any controversy even while being paired with the most controversial of partners, Bristol Palin. Mark weathered that storm very well, remaining professional and high above all the fray. He’s a network brass pleaser and a crowd pleaser, and the show would be foolish not to bring him back. Mark’s been busy with his music career, promoting his new album HurtLoveBox around the country. So the question is, does he have the time or desire to return?
Corky Ballas: Always the debonair gentleman and ready and willing to partner with the older ladies who have no shot at winning. For this, Corky has managed to differentiate himself among the other pros, while pleasing both viewers and producers. Corky also has the distinction of having trained and coached many of the other pros on the show. To snag him and the far end of the demographic, producers would have to cough up another spirited cougar. Corky, age 50, has always maintained he wants the “right partner”. Translation = age appropriate, no young chicks.
Cheryl Burke: Steadfast in her loyalty to the show, having participated in all but the first season. Cheryl is a two time champ and viewers do like her. She’s currently busy promoting her new book Dancing Lessons, but I can’t find any reason why she wouldn’t return to the show next month. Barring more prestigious professional commitments, Cheryl is a DWTS staple.
The one confirmed rumor is the departure (temporary we hope) of pro dancer and three time Mirror Ball winner Derek Hough. Derek is set to film the movie Cobu 3D this spring during Season 12’s run. This will disappoint thousands of female DWTS fans no doubt. On the other hand, his absence will leave a hole in the top 3, paving the way for some fresh blood in the finals.
February 28 is the date we’re all waiting for, but I’m willing to bet we get some leaks from the ballroom before then. Can you feel the excitement in the air? I can. So keep your eyes and ears open all month. Season 12 of Dancing with the Stars premieres March 21 on ABC.
can't wait to watch now that i know derek won't be a part of it. i can't stand him. he's so conceided, and he really shouldn't be. yea so he won the most mirror balls than anyone. but he's also had partners that had the ability to dance. let's give him someone with no talent and see how far he takes them. then maybe i would reconsider
Chelsie Hightower is younger than Lacey… get your facts straight
i think that all the female teachers are some of the most beautiful and sexy ladies ived ever seen in one place.so talented.karina in playboy will make a lot of happy men she is georgeous.
I have enjoyed watching dwts. never missed a season, and have missed the many dancers who have left. like Derek, Julianne, Edita. Hope that they come back. My favorite is Cheryl. I think that she is a fantastic dancer, not taking away from all of the dancers, but she is my favorite.
Good luck all in the new season.
One Judges needs to take a break for a season. Namingly Len… He was really a grouch this season. I know he has some personal medical problems but that should not interfer with the show. Some of the personal opinions of the judges need to be kept to themselves.
Hopefully, Maks will return. He and Cheryl are my favorites. They need to give Maks a decent partner for a change. seems like derek always gets the best ones.