The Cast of Dancing with the Stars Season 17 IS… (Live Blog)
Here’s your new cast!! Discuss. And go here to see all the cast portraits!
Snookie with Sasha
Keyshawn Johnson with Sharna
Valerie Harper with Tristan
Brant Daughtery with Peta
Christina Milian with Mark
Bill Nye with Tyne
Elizabeth Berkley with Val
Corbin Bleu with Karina
Amber Riley with Derek
Bill Engvell with Emma
Jack Osborne with Cheryl
Leah Remini with Tony
Working on Video!!
Cast announcement
The Cast talks of DWTS Season 17 surprises
The new cast answers tweets
The pair offs
ETA1: They are pimping the crap out of this and are saying we have 44 minutes to the reveal. The dancers and celebs are on a big bus (video coming) and Tom and Brooke are leading the way in a big convertible. A helicopter is clearly following them. This appears to be a big deal. π
ETA2: Here’s a teasing vid from @dancingABC on Instagram. In other news, Nancy Grace is making me remember why I hated her pre-DWTS and she’s making me hate her again now.
ETA3: Well, some of the folks in the comments found this list which seems to be at least part of the cast list…from GMA
Derek’s view from the bus:
Here’s your troupe –
Good morning Heidi. π
Yes. That looks like Gleb and Witney.
That’s a lot of blond.
Looking forward to it! Snooki follows Sasha now so that seems right.
Hope you’re feeling better PH. Thx for live blog!
Anyone worked out who the person is in the most recent Instagram vid?
Check out the list that GMA recently added on Twitter. They basically revealed the whole cast there ;O
I’m not seeing this “list”, CC.
One of the silhouetted figures in the latest Instagram vid looks like Bill Nye the Science Guy…and one of them looks bald, so I’m crossing my fingers that they got TK after all π
LOL Heidi on Nancy Grace, *about spit out my tea!!!
OMG, CC’s right! The whole cast is on a GMA list. Bill Nye IS on it, too.
It’s called “Dancing with the Stars Season 13” and they basically added most of the people that have been rumored. Im on mobile so I can’t post the link. Fudge π
Don’t worry CC, I just posted it. Good spot! π
Let’s cool it with the links…which I still can’t open. And why would they have it labeled as season 13?
Most of those male celebrities on that list I don’t even know who they are.
Court, it’s a twitter list that has all the rumored people, current pros including tyne, and some non-rumored ones like Bill Nye. It’s GMA’s twitter list, apparently. I don’t think it’s complete though – I don’t think there are enough people on it.
That list is all good and fine. The only question I have is who is the guy at the bottom of the list? (Joao Dias)
He’s not famous or has tweeted for a few years. Think they may have followed him under the name of @dancing maybe because they thought at first that it was the official DWTS twitter.
Sorry, I didn’t realise I needed to ‘cool it with the links’, either – it’s just you said you hadn’t seen the list and CC couldn’t post it, so…
2 cast members that no one expected? Hmmmmm!
I LUV Bill Engvall, didn’t see that one coming, but he tweeted it!
Oh man.. I don’t see those men lasting long (aside from Corbin). ABC really brought it with the female case… the gentlemen not so much (if this list is correct; looking like it since most of the guys in the list have started tweeting & one said he’s on a bus to GMA)
Who was the HUGE (TALL) bald-looking guy? A footballer?
Jen, I have told you and told you….NO LINKS!!
Keyshawn Johnson….yup…TMZ correct again π
HERE WE GO!!! Woohoo bring it season 17!!
Brant + Pretty Little Liars…..very popular with young girls π
What’s with the ladies and the bright red hair? Didn’t realize Brant was on PLL. Makes him a little more intriguing to me. Can’t wait to see the partners!!
Good Morning everyone! I hope this is a good day and everyone gets someone they like on the list. If the list Jen, #15 posted, is true, I’m happy with a few, but others, not so much. I’m waiting for the official list before making any comments.
Are the pros there too and will be coming out?
Quick thoughts,
Elizabeth looks like an Amazon next to Snooki.
Amber is really a ray of sunshine isn’t she?
Corbin is smoking hot. And just like that I perved my own self out. I’m old enough to be his mom!
And Valerie is getting better! Yeah!
Excited for Snooki! Love her π Also excited to see Amber Riley and Valerie Harper.
Not so interested in any if the guys, maybe just Corbin Bleu π
omg at Bill Nye the Science Guy!! I squealed when he came out haha!
Can’t wait to see how much Peta sexes Brant up. I feel bad for Emma though.
Is what Val and Mark wearing supposed to be hip? Because they just look ridiculous.
To me, this is not a YOUNG demographic Cast, it’s kind of safe if you ask me.
I was hoping Sharna would get the “hottie”, Paired with Peta That poor guy will probably be shirtless most of the season… Peta will probably go far with all the young’in twitter crap.
Kind of disappointed that Sharna got Keyshawn, and I always watch Lingo but never remembered the host name. Oh well, overall the cast list for the guys is kind of weak.
Leah looks like she needs some caffeine. Stat!
Looks like Val raided Maks closet again… π
Christina with Mark!! I’m excited.
GMA still on? Sorry, I’m brazilian, not watching.
@Sandy #39 Maybe they’re hand me downs? LOL
@Sandy #38 I meant. I need some caffeine! lol
I’m with Court. This is pretty much a “meh” cast. I like Bill Engvall, but have no clue what he’s like as a dancer. And while I admire Valerie’s guts, I’m not so sure the strain of DWTS is going to be good for her. Possibly Tristan will be stuck with a partner who has to withdraw again.
Not too thrilled about a couple of the pro additions – why Tyne? Surely there must *ballroom* dancers out there that want to be pros. One possible good thing is that TPTB have recognized that most 18 year olds aren’t ready to be professional teachers on the show and need a little more time to mature. Julianne did well at 18, but she’s the only one, since Chelsie and Lacey both would have been around 20 when they became pros, and I’m sure that made a difference. My guess is that both Lindsay and Witney will be in the pro pool in future seasons, as well as Gleb. Just bummed that Henry didn’t get a spot.
I really like the female side but I’m kind of disappointed in the male side.
You’ve only been told 15 times, Jen.
Why did they give Val another TALL partner? she’s attractive but taller than he is….and surprised Gleb is not a pro this year! Not terribly impressed with the cast sorry to say. I like Tristan and Valerie together, he’s such a nice guy. Corbin and Karina should do well.
Anyone else just feel like this cast is basically just a hodgepodge of leftover casting rumors from previous seasons? It was as if they said “Ok, time to play it safe. Who have we had in our back pocket for awhile that we can cast now?” I feel like the majority of the cast really doesn’t have anything better to do than go do reality tv…which just leaves me feeling pretty “meh” about the cast as a whole. I’m sure I’ll take a shine to a few couples once the show starts, but as of right now, I’m having a hard time getting jazzed about this season :-/
Other random thoughts: either Leah was exhausted or heavily medicated…not sure which. Bill didn’t appear to be all that thrilled to be paired with Emma. I’m totally going to confuse Snooki & Christina with that bright red hair. Tristan looks like he’s about to shiv the next person who asks him to say “three”.
I am not thrilled with this cast. Already bored. LOL
Wonder how long before the Gleeks find this site or the other one? Hmm…and the Pretty Little Liars fans? Could be a teenage war or words! π
At this point, I am not even sure I’ll be voting this year because none of the stars stand out for me. I knew only one of the men. The women I had heard of before DWTS. I suspect we may have an all female final unless they go to a four couple finale like last season.
I see Bill Engvall or maybe Bill Nye(although he might survive on popularity) out first
An impromptu poem.
AND WE ARE OFF!
And we are off and running on Season 17
It will shake out fine, know what I mean
I am always excited, no matter the cast
They grow on all of us really, really fast
The opening of a season is always fun
The stars announced and it has begun
And we are off! Enjoy the ballroom show
Each season has its own special glow!
Written By Lois A Troutman, Septembef 4, 2014
There will be many more poems to come.
Including the opening one with all the cast names.
Of course I meant 2013.
Karina and Corbin — yay! This is the pairing I’m happiest about.
Susan2 (#30) LOL Embrace your inner cougar, it’s OK. π Corbin is smokin’ hot (and I’m old enough to be his mother, too).
Looking at the partnerships, some of them are pretty meh. And others rather predictable (or will at least lead to predictable behavior and choreography) – like Peta with the young good-looking guy, and Val with someone who has dance training…
Sharna got the one athlete this season and I’m looking forward to seeing what she does with him – though he didn’t seem as enthusiastic about dancing as some of the previous footballers have (like Donald, Hines and Jacoby). Karina’s so excited about her partner, and he seems like a nice guy, so I’m looking forward to them as well. Derek and Amber should also be a fun pairing. I’m also interested to see how the new pros do.
Can’t say I’m excited for the guys this season. As for the ladies, I think it’s one of the better group of females I’ve seen. Can’t wait to see how Elizabeth and Christina do.
I was a lot more excited about the season before today. Today was quite a let down. When Cheryl said she didn’t have to Google anyone this season, I was expecting more. I can’t believe they picked some of these people over Tony Kanaan. I guess we know now that Emma and Tyne won’t be lasting very long. I dread watching Peta sex it up once again. I’m not thrilled Tony got Leah and Val will be too short yet again for his partner. I can’t imagine Cheryl’s partner will inspire her to do anything interesting, but I hope I’m wrong. Β I’m also hoping everything goes OK with Valerie and that Amber, Corbin and yes, Snooki bring some fun to the show.
I agree, Jim, I see the 2 “Bills” as definite cannon fodder. That’s only disappointing to me because, while I know they give the new kids the unskilled celebs, I wanted Emma to stick around for at least a few weeks.
This season’s cast is ok to me. I think the female celebs will be better than the male celebs. On the male side, I was excited to see Bill Nye with me being a 90’s kid and all lol. I don’t think he’ll be on the show for too long, but I think he’ll be fun to watch. Corbin Bleu will probably be the best male celeb and I think he’ll do great with Karina.
On the female side, I think that Elizabeth will do a great job with Val and so will Amber with Derek. Being a Saved by the Bell fan, I’m happy to see Elizabeth and Leah being on DWTS at the same time. Mark and Christina seem like they’ll be a good pair so I’m looking forward to seeing how they do on the show.
Glad to see Emma and Sasha as pros this season although I wish Henry would have been promoted to pro as well.
@Butterfly Whirl #43. I agree about Tyne. Why another blond when they already have a younger (by a year) one on contract who is a ballroom specialist, trained in other styles and has DWTS experience, Chelsie.
Keyshawn, Corbin and Brant are all on and/or part of the ABC family of networks. Snookie and Sasha might be fun. Calling Brant being undressed by week 2.
Interesting cast. Love Billl Nye the Science guy. I’m thinking TPTB will choose Weird Science as his first song. I would have preferred Sharna with Jack but oh well.
Oh those cast portrait pics couldn’t be more perfect. LOVEEEE!!!!
I like this cast. A bit surprised by the pairings though. Cheryl didn’t get Keyshawn? I would have switched Val/Leah and Tony/Elizabeth.
I love both Bills…I hope they stay a while.
Well…..not even sure what to say…..I also expected more, different….I am worried this will be too much for Valerie…..and why doesn’t Tristan ever get a younger partner?…….just blah…..don’t know if I’ll vote….just not feeling it for any of them…..predictable that Peta got one of the good looking guys…she’ll have his shirt off in no time…oh well, it is what it is…..
The cast does not offer a big huge surprise for me maybe because 2/3 of them were leaked a week before. The bigger disappointment is the pairing – it was a huge letdown to learn that Gleb would not be paired with a celebrity this season. I was hoping for him or a new pro to stand out amongst the veterans, and unfortunately that won’t happen this season. The finale will be the same old, same old.
Snooki and Sasha are going to be going to so tiny, I bet there going to be alot of fun cant wait to watch them. Corbin and Karina have to be the early favorites. Leah seems like a fan favorite could make it far on popularity alone. I agree the two bills will prob. be out first.
PH, great job covering the cast reveal. Thank you!!! π
For folks like me who can’t stay home to watch, your live blog is a godsend!
I don’t mind the cast…i think its stronger than it has been in recent years- i mean look at last year. People laughed about andy dick and he ended up being pretty popular. I think the girls are stronger than the boys. I don’t love the pairings between celebs and pros, some seem a bit off- again heights not working for some. Lisa seemed so bored to be there…she should of went to sleep! Elizabeth’s face- wowzers…she hasn’t aged well or too much plastic surgery…can’t tell yet but please i can’t deal with the “chemistry” angle with her and Val…my god are we really going to play that card AGAIN?!
A couple of things-
– I actually like this cast. I know who every single one of these people are (even Brant, and I don’t usually know the soap actors unless they are huge names).
– No Farrah Abraham, no Paula Deen or anyone else too controversial or icky. Snookie is the most out there one and from what I’ve heard she’s been on a self-improvement upswing since the birth of her kid. I never watched any of her shows, but I wonder if she’s going to be the surprise of the season (meaning people might find her much more likable than expected). Or she and Sasha will be a train wreck that you can’t turn away from.
– Yay to Bill Nye, haha! I love this guy and what he stands for with regards to education and such. He should be funny, and even though I don’t care for the Blue Collar guys much, Bill Engvell is probably a solid choice too.
– I didn’t watch the video, but in that pic Cheryl looks like she slimmed down. I can’t decide if I want Jack to do well like his sister or if we can be rid of Cheryl’s disinterested self nice and early. Hopefully she’s feeling more revived.
– This is a perfect time for Leah and Valerie, given their recent media attention. Both with suitable partners, although I wish Henry had been given a shot instead of Tony.
– I can’t believe they did finally go across networks and landed Amber Riley. Hopefully this is a sign of things to come.
– Mark and Christina may be hot together. Same with Karina and Corbin.
– Another football player. Good choice in Keyshawn, but I do wish we’d get some other former players (can they please cast a baseball player before I die? thanks).
– Elizabeth and Val should be good together. I don’t love that she’s taller than him, but it’s not awful. Let’s hope she doesn’t wear gym shoes for her performances, I think that’s much worse than anything (and I doubt she will, given her background).
All in all, not an amazing cast but very solid. I do wish some of the pros would take a break (Tony and Cheryl and be rid of Peta) but each season I watch with an open mind so here’s hoping that each and every couple brings something to the table.
I feel like a dweeb saying I’m happy, I like the cast, and I’m excited to see how it plays out. With a few who have dance training, 2 who are inspiring/fighting health issues, 2 guys who are cuties, 3 new pros…to me, I just don’t have a sense of how it will go. And maybe since I came to dwts sort of late in the game I’m not yet bored. I even feel sort of freshly OK about Cheryl (love her haircut and hope for some humanity from her) and Peta. So Val and Mark got ringers but I like ringers, just not the hypocrisy surrounding the complaining about them depending on who gets them. Looking forward to seeing rehearsal clips etc and can’t wait for the first night.
At least we don’t have tan mom or teen mom!
As always it’ll take me until about Week 3 to sort out how I feel about this cast. The celebs aren’t that much better or worse than previous seasons, but some of the pairings are disappointing to me. That said, I definitely see potential for some good dancing and there are several couples I can root for. So overall, it’s not a total bust.
I agree with Joey about the “chemistry” thing. Sheesh! Val seems to default to “sex on a schtick” anytime he gets someone who’s “legal”. I’m *not* looking forward to more nauseatingly creepy “get a room” antics from him.
Very happy Sharna was the only pro to stick around as a pro again this season from the 3 new ones they’d introduced in season 16. Also glad that they kept Witney around even if it’s just on the troupe.
I’m not sure it counts as going across networks since Amber really isn’t contracted to be on Glee anymore.
I’m kind of “meh” too. Is it just me or did some of the celebs seem to be not so thrilled with their partners?
My hope is that the DWTS experience does not exhaust Valerie.
Is it mean that I am glad Lindsay got demoted?
So glad they gave Christina to Mark. Whew I thought were giving her to Tony. I can’t really feel the cast out yet without seeing them together in practice and on the floor. So I’ll wait, seems like a pretty good cast.
So, did I miss it? What was the “special surprise” they have been promoting? I assume it was Bill Nye the Science Guy. Overall, I’m interested in this cast, even some of the folks I never heard of before. (I don’t watch sitcoms much). Looking forward to the new season.
I’m keeping an open mind about this cast. Like many before me, I find the female cast stronger than the male. So glad that Karina got Corbin. I think this team has a strong chance to go all the way. I’m still not very comfortable about Val-Elizabeth pairing because of their height. Hopefully Val finds a way to make this work especially when his celeb is not expected (at least that’s what I expect) to wear flats. Valerie’s story will definitely pull a lot of supporters. But I must say: she looks very good for someone getting strong medication for a fatal illness, and she’s over 70! I wasn’t thrilled about Snooki at first, but now I look forward to what she and Sasha can bring to the dance floor. She might just surprise us. Christina and Mark? Very nice pairing, look good especially height-wise. Peta gets another hunk. I hope she brings out the dancer in him. They look good together though. Sharna-Keyshawn…isn’t he too tall for her? I believe, though, that Sharna will find a way to make her celeb shine just like the way she did with Andy. I like the Cheryl-Jack O. pairing. I’m really curious how he’ll do on the dance floor. I think he’s not as popular as his parents and sister, but maybe he’ll win more fans over just like Kelly O. did. I’m excited to see what Amber can do with Derek as her partner. From the videos I’ve seen these two seem to be at ease with each other already. And oh! Leah and Tony. Tony, please choose Leah’s costumes with care. Make her shine, okay?
Cast is sort of meh to me…but I DVR the program anyway so I can zip through the people I do not want to see. Just read that Bill Nye goes swing dancing twice a week; while swing is not exactly ballroom; he may surprise some people. Not sure about his pro; never heard of her. Good luck to him and Valerie.
Keyshawn’s hands are huge (look at the size of his hand on Sharna’s waist in their promo pic). Great for a wide receiver, not so great for a dancer (and I bet he’s pigeon-toed too).
That said, if Keyshawn parks his ego at the door and brings a professional work ethic to the studio, Sharna will make him shine. If he doesn’t take this seriously and thinks he can just mail it in with an hour or two of rehearsal, then he’s not going to be happy with the comments he gets (especially from Len).
@Cidra – Yeah, I am disappointed that Sharna is paired with Keyshawn this season.
This seasons cast are a humorous bunch aren’t they.
Ugh! They’re already pushing the showmance with Val and Elizabeth. Which makes me dislike them before I’ve even seen them dance. I see a lot of Val shirtless in our future, but hopefully the speedo has been burned. The men are pretty blah. Corbin is obviously the stand out and should do well and go far. I hope Jack does well. As for the women, Amber has a great personality, Snooki will add some fun, unlike when Mike did the show and did nothing but complain. I think Sasha is the perfect choice for her and I think she’s going to be one of the big surprises of the season. Leah looked completely bored to me, but since she was in LA, the sun probably wasn’t up yet and there she was having to sit in front of a camera. Deena, #58, I think you’re being generous. He has Peta for a partner. First dance, his shirt is off and she’s in her normal skimpy, barely there outfits. I would like to have seen her sit out the season and have Chelsie or Anna instead.
I guess Mark rooted around in his hat closet and picked out another doozy..
Heh-heh Sandy, good one. Mark’s one of those unfortunate dork types who really wants to be hip and tries way too hard. He ends up looking foolish instead.
That said, I’m looking forward to seeing what he and Christina show us on the dance floor. If her musicality brings out his creativity, it could be interesting, although I’m thinkin’ Lenny-boy won’t like it.
Mark tweeted that his luggage got lost and he had to borrow clothes from Corbin, Val, & Derek which would kind of explain his outfit…lol.
Since it’s in Elizabeths DWTS bio that she is married with a one year old, I don’t think a Elizabeth & Val “showmance” is going to materialize. However, I’m all for a shirtless Val.
Mark tweeted his baggage got lost, so he had on Corbin Bleu’s shirt, Val’s jeans, and Derek’s socks. He then said the bag finally arrived but United can’t find it. So it seems at the moment he still didn’t have his baggage. He said a lot of fave clothes and sneakers in there.
I don’t know how how my message got on there twice, one in Lesley’s. Im sorry but I don’t know how that happenedI
Lois…my post is exactly what I wrote. We posted almost the same info at the same time. π
I really like this cast – not a downer in the bunch. And it looks like we’ll be having lots of laughs as well.
Like always, I’m looking forward the the first rehearsal footage that Vogue will seek and find for us. Thank you Vogue – can’t be said enough.
And I think I’m going to like Snooki – yes, you heard right! LOL Can’t tell you what I’m basing that on, but I’m getting a good vibe.
I think Bill Nye might surprise us.
Leah didn’t really oversleep did she? I mean, she certainly looked like she did, but I can’t imagine that being the truth. Hope she can muster more enthusiasm than what I saw so far. Maybe she’s disappointed she got Tony ? I agree with comments upstream – Tony needs to ask for help in the costuming department. I believe that poor costume choices in the past have cost him points in this competition.
So happy for Karina – she got her dream partner. Like she said, hope it doesn’t turn into a nightmare! Don’t think it will – he looks like he’d be pretty good and Karina will crack that whip! He appears to up for it – even looking forward to that whip a little? LOL – Add me to the cougar list for this kid!
Val and Peta will go the expected, uninspired route – sex on a schtick (LOL Cidra, loved that), enough to go around and get tiring real fast. Feel bad for Elizabeth and Brant already. Hope they can connect with us in such a positive way that we can overlook their Pro’s antics.
I think that Amber will do quite well. Maybe not win, but she’ll wow us I think.
@Lois – Looks like Val lost his luggage as well and had to borrow some duds from a homeless guy.
I hope Karina can loosen up and just have fun with Corbin, who I think is simply charming. My top pick of the cast.
Yeah, but that doesn’t explain the dweebish hat that Sandy and I were discussing, and why the heck would you check a bag for what sounds like an overnight trip to NYC?
I could happily survive a whole season without seeing a shirtless Val.
Looks like fun; thanks for posting. Good to see some new pros. But how is this different than other seasons. Reality “stars.” Wow, Osbornes = Kardashians. Footballer, etc., etc., etc.
Sandy – I thought Val hadn’t dressed at all and shown up in his PJ’s LOL
Don’t count out Bill Nye! I have a friend who used to take ballroom dance lessons with a group of people which included Bill and his then-girlfriend. This was at least ten years ago here in Seattle so if he’s kept up with dancing who knows what he’s capable of!
Cidra, I was thinking the same thing about checked luggage. Heck, I’ve been overseas for 10 days with only my carry-ons (don’t have the patience for baggage claim anymore and have had to deal with lost luggage one too many times). Then again, I don’t have any “appearances” I have to dress for, and it doesn’t matter if I show up in my LBD at every occasion or that I’m seen in the same jeans for several days. No fear of my fashion faux pa ending up on youtube LOL
Linde, maybe Val had to show up in his PJs because he loaned his jeans to Mark. π
My opinion on each couple..
Elizabeth & Val – Think they got zome good chemistry going on already. Not much to say about this two imo.
Corbin & Karina – I get a “J.R” feel from Corbin. Fun, outgoing and very enthusiastic. They are definitely one of my favorite couples already π
Brant & Peta – It seems that every partner Peta gets I just never feel is right for her. That’s just me though.. I think Brant would love better with someone like Sharna or Emma… but oh well..we’ll see how these two do.
Bill & Emma – He’s funny. That’s all I can say about these two. Lol. I’m thinking they will be more fun to watch interact outside of the dancefloor than on it.
Valerie & Tristan – They look really sweet together. I’m looking forward to seeing how Valerie copes with the competition. She’s already a winner just for doing this in her condition.
Keyshawn & Sharna – I think he could surprise people. I don’t know if I like them as a couple yet but we’ll see how it goes.
Christina & Mark – I feel “meh” about these two. I didn’t really see a connection between them as I did with other couples during the reveal. Idk.. again..maybe that’s just me. That’s not to say I don’t think she’ll be a good dancer cause I think she might actually be good.
Bill Nye & Tyne – I also think Bill could surprise people! It’s so good to see him on the show! Grew up watching his show and still love it today! π
Jack & Cheryl – I just don’t like Cheryl that much anymore.. Idk how I feel about these two either. I see Jack being a Rob K. 2.0
Snooki & Sasha – I love Snooki. Her personality and her fighting spirit are incredible, imo. I think she looks really good next to Sasha so I’m hoping she ends up being a good dancer cause she’s already my favorite out of all of them.
Leah & Tony – They look O.K together. Not too crazy about them. Maybe she’ll take Tony further than Wynonna did last season. But she doesn’t strike me as such a charismatic dancer. I could be wrong though π
Amber & Derek – Personality for daaaays between these two. They are definitely gonna be a joy to watch. π
I’m looking forward to the start of the season.
A few interesting couples – I do think the female celebs seem a bit “stronger” but time will tell. Let the season begin.
Funny comments on the clothes worn by Val & Mark (I guess Mark can be excused as his luggage was lost).
So far I am impressed! The pairing are a bit off for my liking, I would have swapped Elizabeth with Leah. ( give Leah to Val and Elizabeth to Tony)
I am excited for this season and for the Sasha & Snooki pairing – I think they will really surprise us!
Also a huge thank you to the people behind #puredwts you guys are just the best!!!
Do you guys have a bio for the new female pro? I have never even heard of her. I initially thought Emma would be the replacement for Kym (my fav pro ever! I sooo want her back next season) but now I am thinking it’s this chic. Just from the pics and reveal she seems to be more similar to her than Emma. I am also glad Lindsey was demoted and Emma got her spot/chance! Im not their biggest fans but I think it is adorable that Emma & Sasha get to be pros on the show together this season!
Also bless Tristan’s heart! He deserves someone with excellent dance ability and closer to his own age!! If anything give him someone to sex it up with and STOP giving them to Peta! She drives me nuts!
Snookie & Sasha – I figured with Gleb out that Sasha and Snookie would be paired up but I’m actually excited to see what she can bring (hopefully better than the Situation) – and I just love Sasha, so congrats to him!
KeyShawn & Sharna – I’m excited to see what Sharna can bring this season with someone (who I figure) can dance with better technique than Andy (although I loved Andy) based on the football play reputation.
Valerie & Tristan – I just love Tristan, he is one of my favorite male pros based on his personality. Like I’ve said before I don’t think he cares too much on if his partner can dance or not because it’s more about the journey and I’m excited for Valerie to dance!
Brant & Peta – hm.. iffy about this couple. Yes, they look good together but I hope Peta doesn’t over-sexualize him like she has with most of her partners for the past couple seasons. I’d have rather seen him with Emma or Tyne.
Christina & Mark – I’m sort of happy with this pairing. Out of all of the male pros I think Mark fits her the best but I hope he brings it with his choreo this season
Bill & Tyne – BILL, BILL, BILL, BILL! Ah, this brings me back to my entire science classes in middle school. I can’t wait to see him dance! Tyne is gorgeous btw, she sort of reminded me of Peta a little bit.
Elizabeth & Val – I think personality wise, they fit together but I feel like she is too tall for him. I think if Maks were on the show, it would be a better suit because he is taller so aesthetically it would look better but they seem to have chemistry. I just hope he’s not overly “SERIOUS COMPETITION MODE” again.
Corbin & Karina – One of my favourite couples! I’m so excited that Karina got her dream partner! I think they will do well together because Karina is good at exposing her partners strengths in her choreography. He reminds me of how JR was, goofy and fun but will work hard.
Amber & Derek – One of my other favourite couples! I love Amber from Glee and her personality is flawless! She is so bubbly and I think her pairing up with Derek will be a great partnership because he will make it fun
Bill & Emma – I don’t really know who he is to be honest but he has a sense of humor. I don’t think they’ll get far (just a hunch) but I’m happy for Emma to be promoted to pro!
Jack & Cheryl – I love Jack, I’m excited to see what he’ll bring. I feel as though he’ll get a little frustrated over the season but I think he’ll do well.
Leah & Tony – Was it just me or did it seem like she wasn’t as excited as the others? I guess it’s it was because she was over satellite and not actually there but I’m not sure. I hope they go far this season though.
PS. Does anyone feel bad for Gleb & Lindsay to be demoted? I think it was okay for Lindsay because I feel like she wasn’t ready for the “pro status” yet but I wish we were able to see more from Gleb and his abilities.
Ha ha… Even if Mark’s luggage was lost, he still dressed like how he usually does. This guy needs a stylist. Now that he’s paired up with somebody who has dance and performance experience, he better up his choreography. Please do not make her get on all fours and hump the floor!
I’m kind of excited to see how Jack Osbourne will do. He could be like another Rob Kardashian. Hopefully Cheryl will come out of her coma and come up with some fun (and new) choreography. Love her new hairdo.
I had doubts about Snooki but I think she’s going to bring some fun to the show.
I think Amber and Derek will also be another fun couple. I have no doubts that Derek will make her shine – he always does.
Finally – I really hope the producers will end the “themed dances” and go back to the old format. I feel like some really great music are being wasted when they forcefully try to pair dances with a theme. I mean, a samba to “Sweet Home Alabama” – really??
Although I will not be 100% of how I feel about this cast until I see a couple of weeks of them on the floor, I LOVE the cast by first impression. The whole group just seemed pleasant and smiley, which I can really appreciate π
Nicole “Snooki” & Sasha- Even though I would rather have seen Henry come in, I can definitely give Sasha a chance. I have been loving Nicole over the past couple of months as she seems to have really matured and grown up. Hope these two do well!
Keyshawn & Sharna- I loves me da Sharna! π Not sure how I feel about Keyshawn. He doesn’t seem super enthusiastic but maybe once he hits the floor we’ll see his personality come out a bit more.
Valerie & Tristan- I just really hope Valerie doesn’t strain herself. Otherwise, I love this couple and I think we’re going to see such beautiful, inspirational things from these two π
Brant & Peta- Not familiar with Brant at all. Peta’s been hit or miss with me. Not going to count these two out though. I think they could end up giving us some nice dances, as long as Peta highlights his dancing and not his looks.
Christina & Mark- Not sure how I feel about them as a couple, but I really like Christina and I really like Mark, so hopefully they mesh well and give us some good dancing and fun times. Christina definitely seems to have at least enough experience to fare well, so hopefully Mark brings out his creative side.
Bill Nye & Tyne- Tyne is very pretty and seems sweet, but I’m still not sure how I feel about a contemporary dancer being on a ballroom show yet. I shall give her a chance though! Holy crap I was jumping with joy to see Bill come out there. Science has always been my favorite subject so I’v loved Bill Nye the Science Guy ever since I was a tot. Definitely happy to see this and hope they do well π
Elizabeth & Val- I think I like Elizabeth okay. And she seems to have everything there to do well. I really hope they don’t steam things up all the time and overdo a showmance or something, because I think I may enjoy them if they don’t. Val has really polarized me lol. I can go from liking him to disliking him quickly. Pretty much depends on his behavior this season.
Cobrin & Karina- Really excited for this couple π I admit…I liked High School Musical as a kid so seeing Corbin on here is gonna be really cool hahaha. Love Karina too, I think they’ll be awesome. I also agree with those who have said he seems a lot like JR personality wise. Hope Corbin knocks it out of the park dancing wise!
Amber & Derek- I LOVE Amber so much π She seems like a bundle of joy and personality, and I can’t wait to see she and Derek dance. I think they could be the “feel good” couple of this season. And of course I think Derek’s fantastic.
Bill & Emma- I’m not sure how I feel about either of them yet. I do like Bill’s sense of humor, but I don’t have much to say about them other than that. Hope they do well!
Jack & Cheryl- I really like Jack. Cheryl not so sure about yet. I did like her on occasion with Rob, maybe Jack can bring back the passion in her.
Leah & Tony- I am going to cut Leah some slack since she wasn’t with everybody and she seemed tired, but I wasn’t feeling anything from her. Hopefully that’ll change.
I just can’t wait to see this cast dance, I hope things turn out as well as my gut says they will. If so, this will be such an enjoyable season π
Bill Engvall and Emma….. that’s going to be hilarious to watch. I wonder if that “right proper English girl” will come anywhere close to getting his redneck humor… Bwahahahahahahahahahaha!!! π
I guess it’s my turn to evaluate the cast!!!
Personally, this is my favorite overall cast, for actually the first time since I began watching in Season 8. I mean, there’s no one I really dislike right off the bat; even for Snooki.
Amber & Derek: Okay. Wow. Mercedes was definitely a favorite of mine on Glee, and to see Amber with my favorite male pro? Perfection. Almost. I think the pair is a bit of a curveball, but I know Amber’s in great hands. We know she’ll be around for a while, considering Derek’s track record ALONE. Factor in the Gleek vote? She’ll be going far.
Corbin & Karina: Favorite male celeb. Favorite female pro. I think this pair, actually, is a match made in Heaven. Can you really picture Corbin with anyone else? I mean, the HSM hype has been gone for a couple years ago, so his fan base is iffy, at best. I hope he can stick around. He got more dance time than Monique’s character in the movies, so I have a feeling he’ll do just as well as Monique did, if not better in terms of dancing. (Plus, you know, his already fairly extensive dance background)
Christina & Mark: Once the possibility of Amber being Derek’s partner, and with Gleb being shoved out of the pro spots last night, I knew her partner would be Mark. I personally want to see her do well. She’s got Mya/Nicole vibe about her. I think in terms of dancing, she’ll be a lot in line with the aforementioned ladies. Fan base? That’s where it gets tricky with her. Mark is a polarizing pro. One season, everyone loves him, the other, his sudden 180 in personality turns EVERYONE off.
Those are my top 3 favorites. Now it’s time to move into the ones I like, but aren’t my favorites and I just don’t care for.
BILL. FREAKING. NYE. & Tyne: Can you say “BIGGEST CASTING CURVEBALL OF FOREVER”? At least, that’s what I think. Never in a million years did I think I’d see this man on my T.V. learning how to ballroom dance. And, really, I’m wondering how much experience Tyne has actually CHOREOGRAPHING ballroom routines. I think she’s been a few ballroom numbers in the past, but seriously? That spot should have been for Witney, or in the very least, Chelsie or Lindsay in terms of “veterans.” Which brings me to my next point about these two. I really, really, really wish he was given a veteran pro instead of a newbie. I guess we’ll see what happens when the 16th rolls around.
Snooki & Sasha: Not a big surprise. I’m actually shocked that Wetpaint was right, after I’m pretty sure I’ve seen Court, PH, Vogue and a few other mods say that Wetpaint shouldn’t be taken seriously. I think she could go either way: She’ll surprise everyone! Or she’ll do exactly as everyone thinks she will, which is gawdawful. She won’t be the first one gone, no matter how many people want that. Mark my words, Snooki will be around for a fair amount of time. As for being with Sasha: I guess the pairing is decent. She needed a short guy, and Sasha’s pretty darn short. Well, maybe. lol
Valerie & Tristan: I know everyone’s like “YEAH, GO VALERIE FOR DOING SUCH A BOLD THING!” But I’m over here like “I’m terrified for her.” I mean, I don’t have much experience with cancer, so maybe I shouldn’t speak about this… But as far as my knowledge goes, it’s pretty darn unpredictable. I mean, thank God that her scans have been coming up clear, and I’m thrilled that someone in her condition is brave enough to do this show! So really, props to her, but I’m still terrified. As for being with Tristan, I think they did it right… But I want to see what Tristan is capable of! Give him someone with a shot at making it far!
Elizabeth & Val: After seeing her…blank expressions in the couple pictures, I’m beginning to doubt if she can do as well as people are thinking she’ll do. I mean, I know “What? She makes a face and you think she’ll do horribly?” Well… I guess. I’m just really questioning how well she’ll be able to do. And if Val brings back what he was doing with Kelly? God. I don’t really want to think about it. As for her being paired with Val? I guess it’s a good match. She’s tall, he’s tall. They work. But I don’t know if she’ll do as well as everyone says. And if she does, I guarantee that I’ll be mentioning she’s getting on my nerves. Because that’s how I do.
Jack & Cheryl: Another pair that I don’t necessarily hate, but one that I don’t really love either. Cheryl’s been annoying me the past couple seasons, so I guess we’ll see how she continues to act this season. I don’t think Jack will do as well as Kelly. There’s just something different about him, I think. Or there’s something missing about him that was there with Kelly. Maybe I’m crazy. That’s probably it. But yeah… I don’t think he’ll be endearing, like she. As for the pair, it’s pretty solid. No real complaints. Oh, my God. Cheryl might actually focus on dancing with him!
Brant & Peta: Don’t watch PLL, so he was basically one of the only unknowns for me this season. No real opinion of him, so I can’t really go into detail. He’ll stick around, but he won’t make it far. Being with Peta could be good for him. Maybe. I don’t know. This pair bores me.
Keyshawn & Sharna: Well, I don’t know if Keyshawn will be as good as some of the other footballers. Actually, I know he won’t. But he’s in semi decent hands with Sharna. I hope her choreography is just as creative with Keyshawn as it was with Andy. The pairing makes sense to me. He’ll make it at least halfway, I think.
Leah & Tony: I’ve never watched Kings of Queens. I’m pretty sure I’ve seen her in something else. Like Brant, I don’t really have an opinion of her. Tony’s probably the perfect match for her, so I don’t hate her partnership. I doubt she’ll go far though.
Bill & Emma: Yeah. I don’t feel this one at all. Emma was probably my least favorite troupe member. Something about her just didn’t sit with me. I actually hope these two are the first out.
Most of this cast is unknown to me so I look forward to finding out who can dance and how well. Someone mentioned seeing videos of Derek Hough and Amber Riley. Are you allowed to say where? I would love to see them. I had never heard of her at all.
Joyce
Not a bad cast overall, there have been much worse seasons. Glad Karina finally got her dream partner!
Why does Tristan always get stuck with the old lady? It’s so unfair. Yes, I know he’s not the greatest choreographer, but I’d like just once to see him get a young, in shape partner so he can give it his best shot. And last awhile.
My husband had two comments when I read him the list. One, he will root for Keyshawn if/when he watches between football because he now likes him because he recently threatened to beat up Justin Beiber. And two, he doesn’t think Valerie Harper ever really had an inoperable brain tumor, he thinks she said that for publicity given how many shows she’s been on since the news of her illness. Just thought I’d share.
Tony, from now on in my head I’ll always pronounce his name as “BILL. FREAKING. NYE! Love it.
I’d like to also thank Princess Heidi for all the blog updates.
The couple pictures all look pretty good, however I do miss seeing the contestants dressed in actual ballroom costumes.
Karina and Corbin’s photo is my favorite. What a shock, huh? Karina looks happy and that makes me happy.
My other favorite is the Bill Engvell and Emma picture. I bet their practice sessions are fun. I also totally want her sparkling purple dress in that photo. And the shoes too.
I’m going out on a limb here and calling Jack Osbourne as one of the first out. I can see him being a bit stiff.
The Tony and Leah picture is such a contrast to how they appeared on GMA this morning. The picture is full of joy and fun. Their TV appearance was weird and uncomfortable. The medicated quip made me laugh PH. Was she hooked up to a morphine drip off camera? Did she need it after seeing the design Tony made for her first costume?
Peta looks classy in her photo. That always shocks me. She really is a gorgeous girl when she’s not dressed and made up like hoochie mama.
THE RACE TO THE MIRROR BALL
The race has officially began, out of the gate
Who will win, place, show, be really G-R-E-A-T
The pros and stars mount an effort to dance
Everyone will run the race and have a chance
The flag is waved to start the Mirror Ball race
There are some new and many a familiar face
Val and Elizabeth, Corbin and Karina are set
Brant and Peta, Bill and Emma will take the bet
Tristan and Valerie, Keyshawn and Sharna a go
Christina and Mark, Bill and Tyne join the show
Jack and Cheryl, Snooki and Sasha are ready
Leah and Tony, Amber and Derek are steady
Tom and Brooke will herald the race has begun
Len, Bruno, and Carrie Ann will judge the run
Season 17 will be off and running September 16
The race to The Mirror Ball a bedazzling scene
Race to you television sets, relax, be in the know
Follow the stars to see who will win, place, show!
Written By Lois A Troutman, September 4, 2013
THE FLAG WILL WAVE, THE BALLROOM WILL BE A SPECTACLE, AGLOW!
WELCOME BACK DANCING WITH THE STARS, A SPECIALICIOUS SHOW!
I have to say, there are some great female contestants this season. I do, however, believe Corbin Bleu will be good and Footballers usually do well too.
Very impressed with Valerie Harper. Her doing the show just touches my heart.
Right now it seems like Derek/Amber and maybe Val/Elizabeth-(though a little exaggerated) have good chemistry already.
I do feel, however that Amber and Derek just seem so comfortable together..It feels very natural/real too. Hoping they do well this season. She just seems like such a sweetheart.
Looking forward to all the female contestants and a great season.
Go Amber & Derek! Shout out to Valerie & Tristan too.
Forgot to mention, I loved Amber’s shoes.. This is going to be fun!!
Thanks to all of you here @puredwts… You all continue to do an amazing job. Today was very hectic for me and I didn’t get to watch Live so I’m very grateful I could sneak here every now and then to catch up.
Let’s go S17!!!
I have to say, I laughed out loud, when Tom called Val’s pants pajamas!! That just didn’t look right.-LOL
Interesting cast this season! I know the two Bills the best of the guys. Bill Engvall is Hilarious! Maybe he’ll make a “sign” for Len. He has to dance better than Larry the cable guy, right? I really hope Valerie has the strength to last, Tristan needs a real chance. Jack Osborne looks good, last I saw him he was a little chunky. Disappointed to see Cheryl back. Glad to see Derek back. Wish we had Gleb instead of Tony. Hope Leah R. was just tired and will really give this a try, because I think all of the others will. Looking forward to a good season.
Cher, she said in a video posted earlier today that she is still filming, so I take that to mean she’s under contract. Either way she’s recently off Fox which is historic in terms of DWTS.
Tony, Val is not tall. He’s half an inch or so shorter than Derek.
As for that other website? Even a stopped clock is right twice a day. π
PH, then I shall amend my statement by saying “Val’s average height.” Better? lol π
Judging from last season (as I watch glee on regular basis) — Amber was only on the show a few times throughout the season. I think she’s filming this week (and the past week) because they were doing a memorial episode for Cory Monteith and had most of the original cast on the show. Other than that, she wasn’t a regular.
I’ll be rooting for Amber and Derek. I never used to watch Glee but got hooked on it last winter when DWTS was on winter hiatus after Shawn and Derek were robbed of the MBT on All-Stars. I think they’ll make the finals. To me, it already looks like Amber has lost weight. I’m guessing it might have something to do with the tragic death of Cory Monteith. They both got their big break on Glee.
Funny now how Derek has had two singers in a row π The male cast is very weak. I see Corbin Bleu making the finals as well.
I see Amber, Corbin and Christina in the finals.
I take back my earlier comment of bill nye being one of the first contestants gone I was reading comments on other articles about the cast and alot of ppl. seem really excited to see him. Ballroom dancing is a whole new game but he also takes swing dancing.
Darn. I was loving Bill Nye until I found out who they partnered him with. Eugh. Wish it was Emma. NOT interested in the latest attempt to find “Julianne lite,” especially after seeing the youtube footage of her attempting to dance latin. Have a feeling that her choreography attempts are going to be “sway, sway, spaghetti arms, look I can do the splits!”
I like Corbin. He’s my best pick for someone who’s going to be likeable, a good dancer and who has a partner to make the most of his talents and abilities. I might be convinced to like Jack (depends on how he dances but I really enjoyed his adventure series a few years back). Amber & Christina I’m meh on so far. Elizabeth is going to annoy me. I was expecting more spark from Leah. She looked kind of puffy and I dunno? Maybe she really had only just woken up. And I actually think I might possibly come to like Snooki (shock!). I wonder if they originally lined Sasha up for her back when he joined the troupe? I seem to remember her first being rumored in season 12 or 13, which is about when the troupe started wasn’t it? Maybe Snooki pulled out but they’d already contracted Sasha so he went into the troupe?
Looks like Mark, Christina and Derek are now in Atlanta, which may explain why Mark checked all of his clothing. Val lives in New York doesn’t he? Not sure what his excuse is!
Val has started a new clothing line and I have the awful feeling that he was wearing some of it! π
Leah (in LA) was three hours behind New York time, so I figure it was super early and she was still super sleepy! She’s usually full of “pep” and vinegar, I think!
Looking forward to this season. I, too, wish Henry was a regular, but other than that, the cast looks good!
Thanks PH, Vogue and Court! Pure is the best!
That was from Val’s clothing line. that’s why he was sort of upset.
Leah tweeted that she had to wake up at 1:00AM. But why didn’t she make it to NYC? I’m sensing Diva Alert.
Not getting the style pants Val & Maks have been wearing around NYC lately….no hot or young guys wear those type of pants here….and I travel and interact for work all over the 5 boroughs.
Mark did go shopping when he couldn’t get his luggage, so not show why he had to wear the other clothes LOL. The sideways hat wasn’t necessary HAHA.
Loving Corbin, Snooki, and Bill Nye….and Valerie.
Elizabeth is annoying already.
OK, if Mark had to travel on to Atlanta, I’ll give him a pass on checking luggage (no pass on the stupid hat, though). However, I do think he should be smart enough to travel with a small carryon holding a change of clothes because only a fool trusts the airlines these days.
There’s no excuse for Val’s ridiculous get-up. If Sheery hasn’t seen any trendy NYC types wearing things like that, his clothing line must be for the “Ukranian gangsta” set.
So, having watched all the media interviews that the lovely Vogue collected and posted, I have a better idea of the cast and how I feel about all of them. Final assessment will of course depend on how they dance and conduct themselves during the season, but first impressions:
Amber and Dererk – I’m really liking these two together, and Derek of course will highlight Amber strengths, so I think she will do well. They seem to have a great energy together, and she seems ready to try anything and really give it her all. I’m looking forward to them.
Bill Engvall and Emma – I wasn’t terribly thrilled at first with Emma getting him; I was hoping she would get someone decent so we could get a good idea of her as a pro. And I didn’t know him at all, but I looked him up on YouTube, and he’s pretty funny, and after watching their interviews, I’m more hopeful. He seems to have a great attitude and says he’s having so much fun – so maybe he’ll surprise us. Given the rest of the cast, they still may be the first ones out, but possibly not.
Bill Nye – There seems to be quite a lot of excitement in the comments on EW and other sites for him, and apparently he’s done swing dancing for awhile, so I think he’s going to be sticking around for awhile. I was a bit disappointed that Tyne got him – I would have preferred him with Emma (or possibly Sharna), but I’m willing to give Tyne a chance (despite the fact she’s not originally a ballroom dancer). Kristyn Burtt said that Tyne has worked with both Derek and Julianne, and was highly recommended by them to be hired (not sure what criteria TPTB put out there, but apparently she fit them) – so I’ll wait before making a final decision on her. She seems really sweet and I’m excited to see what Bill Nye does.
Brant and Peta – He’s good looking (obviously) and from the interviews it seems he has a sense of humor. Not thrilled that Peta was paired with him, because she tends to go the sexy route, and she has uninspiring choreography, and he might be able to dance. Oh well. Given that Peta seems to let her partners run the show a bit, maybe Brant will go more the Donald Driver direction than the Gilles/Sean route.
Christina and Mark – Not sure about these two yet. I didn’t find Christina totally annoying on The Voice, but neither was I impressed, so it will be interesting to get to know her. My sense from the interviews is that she and Mark might be fun, or they might be really, really annoying. It partly depends on which Mark shows up, as well as on Christina. I think she’ll dance well, though – so hopefully they end up being fun.
Corbin and Karina – The male celebrity pairing I’m most excited about. Karina’s so excited, and Corbin seems to have a fun personality and great energy, and I think he’s going to dance well. Looking forward to seeing them all season.
Elizabeth and Val – I haven’t seen any of her work, so not biased one way or another on her. From what I’ve seen – she’s one of my meh people. Plus she’s paired with Val, and as much as I try to like Val, he ends up getting on my nerves by week three or four. I really liked him with Sherri (but that could have been all Sherri), but they were gone early. I started the All-Star Season liking him and Kelly, but then there was contemporary and the showmance and they got to be a bit much. I had positive feeling about him with Zendaya – until around week three, and things went downhill from there. So as long as they’re gone early, I might like them very much. π
Jack and Cheryl – I loved Kelly on her season, and Jack seems to have a sense of humor and might be great. I have no idea how he’s going to dance, and I don’t know if Cheryl will pull the best out of him or not. I’m not a huge fan of Cheryl’s (and she’s not been turning in her best work for a while now), but I did like her with Rob K, so maybe this will be good, since Jack seems to have some similarities with him.
Keyshawn and Sharna – Not going to lie, I’m a bit disappointed in Keyshawn so far (and thus not really happy that Sharna got him). His vibe is more Lawrence Taylor than Donald Driver or Hines Ward or Warren Sapp – but in the interviews, Sharna said he was working very hard and was committed, so maybe he’ll grow on me. I’m hoping so, at least, because I really like Sharna, and I want to see her around for a while. No idea how he’ll dance yet.
Leah and Tony – Not impressed at the moment; she seemed checked out during GMA, and there are no interviews with her and Tony to change that impression. However, Kristyn Burtt said she’s normally very spunky, so apparently that wasn’t typical Leah.
Snookie and Sasha – Other than being disappointed that Henry didn’t get into the pro cast, I’m pretty happy with this pair. Didn’t watch Jersey Shore, so I have no idea about Snookie’s previous antics, but what I’ve seen in the interviews is a sense of humor, a good attitude, and gratefulness that she gets to be on the show. I think they’ll be fun together.
Valerie and Tristan – Such a great attitude! She has a dance background from when she was young, so I don’t think she will be a Cloris. And she honestly doesn’t look 74. I have no idea how long she’ll last, but I think this will be an enjoyable couple to watch.
Overall, I think this is a great cast. There are some pro pairings I would have switched around (if I were in charge), but they usually do a really good job of matching people, so I’m hoping that some of the pairings I’m not thrilled about will surprise me.
As for who will stick around the whole season – not sure yet. I think Corbin and Karina will do really well, and that Derek won’t be breaking his record of finishing at least in the top 6 every season – I’d say they’ll probably make top 4 or finals. I honestly think that Elizabeth and Leah will be the first out of the females (barring a health issue that forces Valerie out), and probably Bill Engvall for the guys will be first out (which means he’ll probably be first to leave), but maybe we’ll be surprised. I thought DL would be leaving first last season, and he stayed for weeks. The females, overall, I think are stronger than the males, but I think Bill Nye has a large fanbase, and if he can dance, he’ll be around for a while as well as Corbin. Anyway, it’s all pure speculation.
I’m looking forward to seeing first rehearsal footage and interviews – I think we’ll get a better idea of who the good dancers are from those. Again, excited about the season – it should be good!
This is probably the best cast yet.
Elizabeth Berkley: I didn’t really watch Saved By The Bell, so I’m not sure about her.
Corbin Bleu: Loved him in High School Musical, and I anxious to see if he has the moves.
Brant Daugherty: Call me crazy, but my family and I watch PLL together. Brant was the bad boy, and hopefully he and Peta bring the sexual energy and passion every week.
Bill Engvall: I listened to his “Here’s Your Sign” all the time when I was younger, and watched his show on TBS. My parents even saw him perform, and met him. Could Jennifer Lawrence even make an appearance in the audience this season?
Valerie Harper: I was saddened when I read that she only had until June to live, but was happy to hear that she’s doing better, and taking on a big challenge.
Keyshawn Johnson: I’m not a big NFL fan, so I’m not too sure about him.
Christina Milian: I first remember Christina when she sang the Kim Possible theme song, did Brung It On: Fight To The Finish, and being the social media correspondent on The Voice. I’m excited to see how she does.
Bill Nye: He’s really the nostalgic pick this season. Always watched his videos in science class, and happy that he’s competing.
Jack Osbourne: I really hope his MS doesn’t affect him in his rehearsals and performances.
Snooki: I’m still shocked that the producers got her. Hopefully, she’s better than the Situation.
Leah Remini: Always loved her work. Can’t wait to see her dance.
Amber Riley: Definitely will go far with her fan base, and with Derek as her partner.
C’mon, Tristan is not worse than Tony as a choreographer, and even Tony had his share of good young, fit dancers… And Tristan is a lot more attractive and funny than Tony.
I was cruising the internet….looking to see if any other outlet was commenting on Leah during the announcement…..and I totally forgot that Leah and Jack’s mother, Sharon Osborne worked together on the first season of The Talk……Leah was fired after the first season…..months after that, she put out on twitter that Sharon had her fired…and there was a battle of words…..so seems some bad blood there….wonder if we’ll see Sharon in the audience??
Can I just comment on Sharna’s dress?!?! Her dress was AMAZING!!!!! I want her dress and it looked beautiful on her!!
I am officially #TeamSharkey!!! (Or #TeamSharnson… whatever you prefer)
Mark and Christina seem like a fun pair so far…a lot of pics and interaction between them on twitter and instagram. Seems like a good pairing!. I’m also loving Snooki and Brant from the interviews I’ve seen, Snooki is funny and Brant seems nice. Brant is already saying he can’t move his hips, hopefully he’ll improve week after week. I really like his personality.
@PH
I know she was filming the tribute episode to Cory at the end of August but was not aware she was still filming. That does make a difference. I thought since she was not under contract that having a former Fox network member was not a biggie but seeing as she still is filming that is a biggie. That means this can open up for even more people in future seasons. Plus it also shows how out of the loop I am. π
You missed the point, Jessica. This is something that DWTS has never done before. If she still filming, Amber is under contract. With another network. A competing one.
Do Ukrainian gangstas wear girls pants? Just askin’. π
Well, I finally have time to comment on the cast. And I’m not sure how I feel about them.
I guess I’m the only one who sees Shannon Elizabeth when looking at Elizabeth Berkley? Only this Elizabeth can dance.
I’m actually liking Snooky.
Most of the men seem cool. I think Corbin will end up being my favorite. Probably. Peta will sex up her guy too much.
I dig Amber, I just hope she loosens up. She seemed a bit stiff on announcement day. But her and Derek seem tight already.
I’ve always disliked Leah intensely. I don’t see that changing.
Christina seems cool. Since Derek and Mark hanging out more often I’m hoping will get good mark, as opposed to not-so-good Mark.
Jack? No opinion yet.
Honestly, my thoughts on Cheryl, Val and peta’s partners will likely depend on how they behave. Sad but true.
I agree with you Heidi on your thoughts on Peta, Cheryl, and Val’s partners.
I have a weird feeling that Val will be his cocky self (I mean it’s not bad to be competitive but there is a difference between professional dance competitions and dancing with the stars)
With Peta, I feel like she uses the “sex appeal” card too much. I mean there is a time and a place for that but it doesn’t need to be every single dance with that said, I hope she doesn’t turn into Cheryl in season 14 with how Cheryl was with William (yikes!)
and Cheryl, I like her, she seems awesome but like I’ve said before, she needs a season off.
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As for the rest of the cast, after watching some of the interviews, I really like Snooki, Corbin, Christina, and Amber but I’m open minded for everyone else π
#125 – Sharon Osbourne did tweet she will be in the front row to watch Jack dance.
#130 LMAO π
I do a bunch of stat nerd calculations around casting over at my website and there is one amazing thing about this cast. DWTS almost always casts people from out 11 category pools (elite athletes, pop stars, nostalgic icons, beautiful people, disney stars, reality stars, quirky c-listers, comedian/goofballs, people we love to hate, physically challenged and then a wild card category) but never … until this season … have they cast someone from ALL 11 categories.
elite athlete – keyshawn
pop star – christina
nostalgic icon – elizabeth
beautiful people – brant
disney stars – corbin
reality star – jack o (snooki as well)
wild card – bill nye
quirky c-lister – leah
comedian / goofball – bill engvall
people we love to hate – snooki (might be a stretch, might not)
physically challenged – valerie (jack as well)
I actually busted out a new category for Amber I’m calling the Tracy Turnblads. She would join contestants like Ricki Lake, Marissa Jaret Winokur and Kirstie Alley in the category … heavy, sassy, workaholic ladies.
I’m going to break down some of those categories for the next round of casting, as some subgroups inside them are already statistically relevant. I could actually break out wide receivers on their own at this point instead of all NFL players. It’s actually fascinating. I’m a nerd.
Heidi, I totally agree with you. I like Val, Peta, and Cheryl’s partners based on their attitudes on the season. I think Elizabeth could be great (and yes…totally reminds me of Shannon Elizabeth except with a little more dance skill) but I have a feeling I may not like her as much based on the fact that she is with. Cheryl is looking good so far this season and Peta is still up in the air right now.
Bill Nye can actually dance a little so I’m excited to see where that will go! And I think Snooki is going to be my big surprise of the season.
PH (#130), yeah they do because they *think* they’ve got testosterone to spare. By the way, the Ukranian gangsta theme song is “Sexy and I know It”. π
Question: how is “Tyne” pronounced???
Like “Time” with an “n” instead.
@Cidra #136
I thought their theme song was Loser?
ROFL, Cher! π
Hello! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog before but after reading through some of the post I realized it’s new to me.
Anyways, I’m definitely happy I found it and I’ll be bookmarking
and checking back frequently!
Overall a solid cast! Think the female side is a lot better overall. do you guys think this cast will help ratings? I hope so this one of my favorite shows π