DWTS Season 12 Casting Rumors – The Typecasting of Season 12, Part I
Whenever the time comes to start speculating about the next season’s cast, one useful “tool” we all seem to use is the patterns in typecasting over the seasons – we know there will likely be at least 1 athlete, perhaps a reality TV star, a singer or two, etc. But when you REALLY take a good look at the casting “types” over the seasons, it becomes clear that each season has been a carefully-crafted combination of celebs to appeal almost every demographic…and I think we’ve cracked that code 🙂
Prior to the cast announcements, I’ve done a typecasting analysis for both season 10 and season 11, and both casts have fulfilled almost every subtype (with some celebs fulfilling more than one “type”). So why not take a look at the casting rumors for season 12 and see which might fit into the casting equation, shall we? 🙂
The Olympian
Previous examples: Kristi Yamaguchi, Shawn Johnson, Apolo Ohno, Natalie Coughlin, Misty May-Treanor, Maurice Greene, Louie Vito, Evan Lysacek
Advantages: The winningest of the 12 types, their obvious advantage is their athleticism – you won’t see these guys struggling with strength or endurance moves. In addition, the same tireless work ethic that helped them medal in the Olympics will likely carry them through the toils of the competition. They also seem to be adored by the masses, as many are seen as “hero” figures – which translates into a formidable voting fanbase.
Disadvantages: For those specializing in sports that are less “artistic” (i.e. swimming, running, volleyball), it might be a bit hard to really get into the character of the dance and truly perform to the crowd. Previously incurred injuries (or the fear of incurring an injury that might hinder their participation in subsequent competitions in their sport, a la Misty May-Treanor) may also slow them down & limit their mobility.
Possible candidates this season: Since we didn’t get an Olympian last season, I can almost guarantee we’ll get one this season – and the most likely candidate seems to be Nastia Liukin, who has been a rumor for a few seasons now and has started following Mark on Twitter within the past few days. Other possibilities: Greg Louganis, who seems to have been trying for several seasons now to get onto the show; and while it may be a long-shot, Johnny Weir fans are still campaigning for a “Team Weirnoff” partnership.
The Athlete
Previous examples: Chuck Liddell, Warren Sapp, Emmitt Smith, Michael Irvin, Helio Castroneves, Laila Ali, Floyd Mayweather, Ty Murray, Evander Holyfield, Jerry Rice, Clyde Drexler, Monica Seles, Jason Taylor, Lawrence Taylor, Chad Ochocinco, Kurt Warner, Rick Fox
Advantages: As with the Olympians, their athleticism & work ethic make them well-suited to the competition. An edge they might have over their Olympic counterparts: sports like football, auto racing, & mixed martial arts tend to have a larger, more mainstream following than some of the Olympic sports.
Disadvantages: Again, a lack of “artistic” experience & previous injury (especially with the football players, who have really taken a beating over the years). Some of the more muscular athletes in hard-hitting sports may also have difficulty with the refined, precise moves of some of the dances.
Possible candidates this season: This category has been oddly devoid of really “solid” possibilities this season, aside from the Brett Favre debacle – doubtful, but stranger things have happened on the show! Chris Jericho was also kicked around as a possibility again this season, and it looks like WWE Diva Maria Kanellis is still gunning for a spot on the show.
The Model/Playmate/Beauty Queen
Previous examples: Kelly Monaco, Rachel Hunter, Tia Carrere, Shanna Moakler, Paulina Porizkova, Shandi Finnessey, Josie Maran, Albert Reed, Shannon Elizabeth, Brooke Burke, Holly Madison, Kathy Ireland, Joanna Krupa, Pam Anderson
Advantages: All the costumes seem to look fantastic on them (and they can get away with wearing the really skimpy ones) and so do their pro partners – easy to imagine a “showmance”, which always seems to grab votes. Also seems to have cornered the votes of the small population of male viewers, for obvious reasons
Disadvantages: Despite making a career out of looking great posing & strutting down the runway, many of them have proven to be rather awkward movers outside of that context, and some seem to have a hard time carrying around their taller than average stature. They also run the risk of getting lost in the shuffle among attractive male competitors, who seem to draw in more votes from the predominantly-female viewing population.
Possible candidates this season: A strong possibility seems to be Kendra Wilkinson, who would be following in the footsteps of her Girls Next Door co-star Holly Madison. Rumored contestant Lee Meriwether is also a former Miss America.
The Legend
Previous examples: Cloris Leachman, Wayne Newton, Donny Osmond, Tatum O’Neal, Marie Osmond, Jane Seymour, Marlee Matlin, Susan Lucci, Florence Henderson
Advantages: These individuals are extremely well-known & respected in the entertainment business, with many years of experience (and fans) under their belts, as well as an award or two. Also masters of the stage & screen – perhaps the best at emulating the emotions of the dances.
Disadvantages: With many years of experience comes an older age than many of their competitors – which comes with an increased risk of injury & fatigue that could limit the difficulty of their routines.
Possible candidates this season: We’ve got two ladies with quite a sterling reputation in show business – Faye Dunaway & Lee Meriwether. One was the original “Bonnie” of Bonnie & Clyde; the other was the original Catwoman. Who do you think we’ll get? 🙂
The Soap Star
Previous examples: Kelly Monaco, Cameron Mathison, Lisa Rinna, Susan Lucci, Aiden Turner
Advantages: The demographic of soap opera viewers overlaps heavily with the demographic of viewers of DWTS, and most soap opera viewers have been watching those shows for years (I started watching General Hospital when I was 6!), so they often have a fierce loyalty to their favorite characters (and the actors/actresses who portray them).
Disadvantages: This group likely has the most grueling schedule to contend with, as most soaps tape year-round, and some of them are taped in New York, forcing the stars (and sometimes their partners) to fly coast-to-coast several times a week to practice. Many also have absolutely no background in any kind of sport, making them a real “project” for the pros to take on.
Possible candidates this season: The lovely Lee Meriwether could do triple duty this season, by fulfilling this category by virtue of her role of Ruth Martin on All My Children. From the online voting for this season’s cast, it looks like Colleen Zenk & Crystal Chappell are also big favorites.
The Comedian
Previous examples: Penn Jillette, Jeff Ross, Adam Carolla, David Allen Grier, Ashley Hamilton, Niecy Nash, Margaret Cho
Advantages: Let’s face it, they’re fun to watch, and they definitely inject some much- needed hilarity into the show.
Disadvantages: They often come across like they don’t take the competition seriously, instead favoring their usual schtick over actual dancing. Some of their on-show humor (Jeff Ross’ in particular) can also be rather polarizing – hilarious to some, offensive to others. And again – often no background in any sort of sport, let alone dancing.
Possible candidates this season: None that we’ve heard of…but who would you like to see? I’m holding out for a member of the Blue Collar Comedy Tour to sign on – Ron White would be a hoot!
So do you guys think I’m onto something with this season’s rumors? Tune in for my next installment, where I dissect just who we might get this season from the teen idol, host, actor, reality star, singer, & wild card categories!
Thanks for the article. Very good to read and think about. Hope you’re right on some of these. Ron White would be great – what if he could dance? Too much! I could see him sipping his scotch, er iced tea during rehearsals.
I think you are missing one key demo that seems to be in many seasons – the singer. Tons of examples – Joey Fatone, Belinda Carlise, Michael Bolton, Drew Lacey, Lance Bass, Nicole Sherizinger, Brandy, Lil Kim, Macy Gray, Master P, Mya, etc. They usually have the advantage of musicality and performance experience, plus many have done at least a LITTLE bit of choreography (sometimes more) for videos and live performances. They also tend to have once been very popular but are on the decline for whatever reason. I’d say disadvantages are their “ringer” status for many that think they are an unfair inclusion or they just aren’t popular enough anymore to get attention (like Belinda Carlise). I also think some of the ones without the best work ethic have come out of this category (Macy Gray, Michael Bolton, Master P, etc).
I’m an ass – I just saw that it was Part 1. I was about to post a few more categories. Ignore me.
I most DEFINITELY think you are onto something Courtney! Execllent write up. I didn’t realize Lee Meriwether would be filling so many spots too. I really hope she’s doing the show.
I am so excited on this Season. With an exception to Christine O’Donnell, I haven’t heard on one rumor yet that I didn’t like.
Can’t wait for part 2!!!!!
Thanks Courtney, a great article to get us ready for the 28th …… and the tension builds!
Neal McCoy! Hands down would absolutely be great for DWTS. One of the best entertainers ever! Conects with fans and audience and is very funny! YouTube him!
I didn’t realize Crystal Chappell’s fans have been pulling for her. I’m a die hard DAYS fan and all I’ll say is “Those darn Carly/Bo fans” LOL (It will ALWAYS be Bo & Hope that defines DAYS). I highly doubt ABC will get a soap star from a rival network to be on the show. I like Crystal Chapell though but if it were any DAYS star, I’d choose Nadia Bjorlin (Chloe, DAYS) aka the reason I became a DAYS fanatic in the first place, to be on the show.
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Yes, I am sooooo looking forward to season 12. I just hope we don’t have another frustrating season or upsetting casting. I do worry with the recent rumors if we’ll have an exciting cast. I at least want ONE girl I’d vote for. LOL. But I also worried for Season 10 and it turned out to be my favorite. Fingers crossed for a good season 12!
I love these posts, by the way – I almost always agree. However – Ron White? BLARG. But I bet he’d get a lot of votes (and while I find his stand up horrible, he’d probably be somewhat humorous as a contestant).
how about the hot mama and the kid star?
BLARG. Love it. That is actually perfect for Ron White. Now that you mention it, I hope no one on the cast fits that description.
btw, you should include a category “football player” =p
Carlos – “Football player” fits under the “athlete” category. And if you were paying attention, you’d see that part 2 is on the way, where I cover the “teen idol” cast type, which would also cover “kid star”. And I’m not sure “hot mama” is really a valid category – I don’t know anyone that has done the show that has been predominantly famous for being one.