DWTS Producer Conrad Green Comments On Switch Up Dance And More
According to Producer Conrad Green via Hollywood Reporter, the “Switch Up” dance will take place halfway through the season of Dancing With The Stars. He also says the casting is getting more difficult with each season. Below is more including his thoughts on why they decided to make the changes they did. Be sure to read more at the link!
“The practical reality is that we have to keep engaging with a younger audience as well as our substantial older one,” says executive producer Conrad Green. “Obviously life would be easier for us if we were only judged on the sheer scale of our audience.”
The play for younger viewers, which saw veteran co-host Brooke Burke-Charvet and longtime bandleader Harold Wheeler axed, hasn’t been without strife. The American Federation of Musicians president Ray Hair blasted the decision by ABC and producer BBC Worldwide to drop Wheeler and his 28-member orchestra, describing it as “artistic fraud.” The new, smaller band led by Ray Chew will be more focused on current hits — prerecording the more produced elements in lieu of using costly master tracks. “This was a creative decision to increase the amount of live music on the show,” says Green, who maintains Dancing still will emphasize the band. “The way the union responded on this, without ever talking to us, was pretty poor.”
Green admits each season becomes more difficult to cast (Winter Olympians Charlie White and Meryl Davis, reality star NeNe Leakes and NHL alum Sean Avery headline season 18). He says new interactive elements are the real draw. Voters will have final say in eliminations, and pairings briefly will be switched halfway. Also, fan favorite Maksim Chmerkovskiy will return after quitting in 2012. Says Green: “Our viewers want to see him competing again.”
ETA: According to some new cast interviews with E Online, the Switch Up dance will take place in week 3!! Thanks to Kaitlyn for letting us know. More HERE!!
EAT2: You can read more of what the pros think of the Switch up dance at Today. Below is a take…
“I don’t know how it’s going to be,” Maksim Chmerkovskiy, who’s returning to the show after a two-season break from the competition, told TODAY. “They’ve tried explaining it to us four times. There was a lot of confusion. It’ll be a little awkward if I get paired up with someone who loves me, but (my partner) Meryl (Davis, the Olympic ice skating champ) wants to stay with me, too.”
“Normally, I don’t mind change,” said Tony Dovolani, who’s paired with “Real Housewives of Atlanta” star NeNe Leakes. “But changing partners is raising my eyebrows. I don’t like sharing my women! I grow them into the partners that I want them to be, and … halfway through the season there will be a switcheroo? You can feel cheated.”
Changing partners can also potentially affect the progress that stars make under their assigned pro.
“You build a relationship with your partner,” offered Sharna Burgess, who’s paired with Davis’ Olympic partner, Charlie White. “You develop your own language, and you learn how to work with each other. The odds of someone moving to another person with (equal success) are unlikely.”
Sounds like the partner switch is only temporary.
SOME viewers want to see Maks competing again, Conrad. I was perfectly fine with him sitting out.
Sean Avery is one of the headliners? I live in NYC. I am a ranger fan and I had to think about who he was lol.
Yesterday afternoon, and so far this morning on NYC radio, the hosts and callers are blasting the fact that “professional dancers” are on the show (referring to Meryl & Charlie). The hosts (two different radio stations) were suggesting that DWTS fans NOT VOTE FOR THE EXPERIENCED CONTESTANTS. Then conversation turned to Derek Hough being “king of the show” and they played audio from Jimmy Kimmel last night. Kimmel said “Derek Hough dancing with a double amputee …. just give them the mirror ball now”. Callers complained that “it gets old when the same pros make it to the end”. After reviewing the list of celebs, hosts and callers were throwing supports behind Candance and Danica. (Disclosure- one of the hosts on the morning talk show has had lesson with Val at DWMSoho and plugs Maks & Val every chance she gets).
One fan had an awesome suggestion for ABC — give Derek a variety show like Donny & Marie had….. 🙂
One station did a quick poll of the callers and most of them said IF they were to vote they would have to vote for the “young hot guy” because their kids love Big Time Rush.
Just some reactions from my neck of the woods 😉
Even though some couples have said they wouldn’t switch their original partner, I’m wondering if TPTB will ( dare I say) manipulate things so that some DO switch to either #1- make it interesting or #2- not make the idea look like a failure.
I had no problem with Maks’s absence, I was really enjoying it. Now that he is here, I am actually happy that he got Meryl a really strong contender as I am sure he will screw it up.
He will either turn viewers off with his attitude or, if she is lucky enough to get the well-behaved Maks then he’ll probably mess up on the choreography department which I don’t think he excels at.
As far as Derek goes, there will always be hateres and people who bitch ab him but I’m so happy he has Amy. I have so much faith in his talent, I can t wait to see what he creates with her. Now, that Derek has her as a partner it’s all “sure, Derek gets the inspirational one, just give him a 6th throphy all ready”, if she would have been paired with Maks or Tony we would be hearing “oh, she is such an inspiration but again Tony/Maks get stuck with someone they have no chance of winning with” :)))
Is it me or does Maks look really upset/not happy in all of the cast pictures so far?
Every time I read a pre-season Conrad Green interview, I LMAO.
What annoys me about the “just give Derek the Mirrorball now” comments that people make, is that it diminishes the accomplishments and hard work of his partners. Jennifer Grey danced with pins holding her neck in place and last season Amber danced every week with injured knees. Every single one of Derek’s partners earned their Mirrorball with determination, ability to learn difficult choreography and a strong work ethic.
I told my 13 yr. old daughter that James Maslow and Cody Simpson were on this season thinking she would be excited and she immediately rolled her eyes and said “please Mom, they’re so lame”.
Conrad Green shouldn’t place all his eggs in the interactive basket. From what interactive things we’ve already had on the show so far, I really don’t feel it adds on iota of excitement.
It appears, in the eyes of the industry, last season was not successful, since this article from THR, a well respected entertainment publication, begins with, “in an effort to stem steep ratings declines…a combined performance and results show failed to give the ABC reality a lift” and goes on to say the show “hit an all-time low 2.5 average ratings last season”.
I’m not sure if the changes they made are going to bring in more young people. I guess Erin is supposed to bring in more young men but I don’t see that happening. Young guys aren’t going to suddenly start watching a dancing show for a glimpse of Erin. Switching up the band isn’t going to make a huge difference since they are in the background. I imagine they are hoping two young male singers will bring in teens and their young families, so I expect the show to try to keep them around.
Overall I’m expecting the show to have even less ballroom dancing, more reality show drama and apparently more “interactive” participation by the audience.
To me, the most interesting part of the article is, Conrad Green saying new interactive elements are the real draw and voters will have final say in eliminations. Are there changes coming in the role the judges play? And how many twitter vote gimmicks will there be during the season? We know at least one will be the pro switch. I agree with Susan2. The show better not count on interactive bringing excitement.
So is Conrad implying that they got rid of Brooke because of her age….Sounds like age discrimination to me and how old is Erin? As much as I did not like Brooke’s interviewing style I cannot stand Erin’s voice. Looks like I am backing to the DVR recording the show so I can zip through the dialogue and just watch the dancing. Here is hoping that Meryl brings out the good Maks….
Check the post again if interested. It’s been updated with more info.
#4 – LOL! So true! If *anyone* other than Derek had gotten Amy, everyone would be saying what a disadvantage her partner has, and how does Derek get all the ringers…but, since *Derek* got her, everyone is saying that they handed him another winner. He just can’t win, can he?
Cheryl made a *really* interesting (and honest) comment – I think it was in the AH interview – that the switch-up will say a lot about the pros; it was something like, “If your partner was struggling, and suddenly [with the new pro] they’re twinkle toes, you’d be dang, I’m going to lose my job” Watch it to get the whole thing – it’s probably the most insightful comment on the switch-up that I’ve heard any of the pros make.
Sunds like this season will be ruled by Twitter. Yeah that worked so well last time.
I wonder if they’re going to do something like the Voice did last season – use twitter to save one contestant from the bottom two (or three). But then, they’d have to reveal the *real* bottom two, and not just the “in jeopardy” folks.
RE the ETA: that’s what I was saying! If the switch would take place any later than that, I don’t think it would work. It’s early enough that the bonds between pro and celeb aren’t completely formed, but late enough that we can see what the celeb and pro can do!
Maybe the viewers can just have fun with it and pair NeNe with Mark and Drew with Maks. 😉
I was reading this article on E online it seems like many of the pros are against the switch up. The majority of comments by fans seem they are against the switch up. Maybe Conrad and co. will get the hint and see we dont want this switch up to happen and not do it. Listen to us your viewers.
“Our viewers want to see him competing again.”
Oh yes, because we so enjoy watching the berating and manhandling of his partners, right? Exactly what message does your continued platforming of this send to the younger demo you so seek, Connie?
If it’s just for the week, I’m all for it. I am however interested to see how they’ll do the elimination for the week.
I’ll take this during week three over having to deal with prom week again!
That’s the (creative) spirit, Karen! One would think that they’d have to limit the matchup choices, given the aesthetics of ballroom dancing (and some of our warped sense of humors, lol).
It’s funny that Derek is the only one excited about this when all the other pros have said he’s always had the best partners, or hasn’t paid his dues. Wouldn’t they want the chance to work with his “winning” partners? This is the perfect opportunity for the audience to decide who they think the “worst” dancer is and give them to Derek. Then watch him turn them into a dancer. The pros are worried their star will go to Derek and he will make them look amazing. I love this switch up challenge, but only for one week. Even before Derek mentioned it a few years ago I would have liked to see something like this. It will be a bit of an eye opener as to the strengths of the pros.
I wonder if that many viewers wanted to see Maks again. Maks is the last thing I wanted to see on DWTS. Some of my friends are wondering what besides Meryl was promised to get him back. At the moment, I do not have a good feeling about Season 18. Hope I am proven wrong.
Caught Derek & Amy’s segment on GMA today and liked what I saw! She is an amazing resolve and inspiration that connects well with the audience and we all know she’s in very capable hands as far as her pro.
@Wynn just saw it as well and I like what I saw also! For some reason I thought they’d probably give her Contemporary as her first dance but she seems to be nailing the ChaCha already. Can’t wait to see what else she’s capable of doing and of course she’s in the best hands.
Hopefully this dumb switcheroo doesn’t throw her off her game!
CC, I haven’t seen Derek and Amy on GMA, but my guess is something dumb like this switcheroo is *not* going to throw that gutsy woman off her game. She’s dealt with a whole lot more in her life than changing dance partners. Derek will make sure she’s totally prepared for whatever happens, and she’ll just say “I’m ready, bring it on!”
@wynn – Your comments about Maks are spot on. 🙂
I think the switcheroo challenge is a dumb idea. I found that most of the past experiences when a different pro had to step in for a week it didn’t add anything to the show, if anything it was just an awkward segment. I see this challenge as just creating more confusion for the viewers.
I will be glad when it’s over and the couples can get back to business of building their partnerships and getting on with the show.
I think you’re right Cidra. She’s a fighter and she’s dealt with so many other things that I think this won’t throw her off 🙂
So excited to see her dance either way, regardless of who she dances with!
Does anyone believe that last statement or know WHAT it means—really there are that many viewers wanting Maks back ? And if they are so concerned about young viewers, Maks and Tony of all people ?! Yeah, I don’t really believe you Conrad. I think they are grasping for anything and don’t really know what to do since they can’t seem to attract bigger name stars. That’s where they should concentrate.
Interesting that he admitted each season it gets harder to cast the show. Ya think? The judges saying humiliating things to the stars, playing favorites, and the show apparently having a built in agenda. None of those things could possibly have anything to do with recruitment problems. Of course the show isn’t as new or big as it was at one time, so that also doesn’t help.
I agree about Maks. Who are all of these viewers who wanted him back? Plus, have you all noticed how Maks says “I’ve got a good one” now in all of his new interviews. What a slam to all of his previous partners…and as if he didn’t have “good ones” before.
Yeah and when he says kinda looking down, all awestruck-like and quiet, I’ve got a good one, he is thinking I’m gonna WIN this time , suckers! And look out if they start showing signs of not being all that big of an audience fav(mostly because of his off-putting persona). He will start hurling accusations, blaming everyone ad nauseum. I’m just gonna say it, I LOVE Meryl (and Charlie) but I hope she and Maks get knocked out and the earlier the better. I am soooo pissed she isn’t with Derek and they didn’t save Amy for next season for Derek and just that Maks is back period, I want him to get his ass whipped by everyone and just GO away and take that ass-hat Tony with him. And then I hope one day the producers say, oh guess we should have put Meryl with Derek and at least given an Olympic gold medalist a chance after she agreed to come on our show.
Side note for mods–have you ever done a poll here to ask the ages of the people who post here. I’ve been curious a while now. Just think it might be interesting—
RaineMayer, I was wondering if anyone would bring up what Maks said about having a “good one”. Big slap to the face to his previous partners indeed. But then again, I have to remind myself that he’s not the most humble considerate person. He says whatever comes to mind. Been saying all along that he and his brother need to work on their interviewing/people skills. Nothing personal against them as I think they are both talented. BTW having a “good one” doesn’t mean he is going to win. He had several good partners; Brandy and Mel B to name a couple. They were all shocking eliminations. They were good so why didn’t they win? hmmmmm? I did see on message boards people asking for Maks back. Who knows! He’s controversial. The show needs ratings. Hey, fasten your seat belt. LOL
I am glad other people caught that “good one” comment from Maksim. He will probably back track on those words with Erin since she is on the show, but it really is a insult to some of his previous partners. I wonder if they will support him, I believe Kirstie Alley will be around.
As for all the people that were asking for Maks’ return, it’s the “millions” who switched to “The Voice” after he left DWTS after season 16. One more thing, are any of the other teams selling T-Shirts? LOL
I wouldn’t give Hollywood Reporter too much credit. I’ve been reading them for a long time and follow them on twitter. They write like any other “news” outlet, that is, un-researched a lot of the time and prone to hyperbole much of the time. They don’t, for example, seem to get the difference between “failing to get a rise” and “steep decline”. And during award shows and such, they tweet like they are drunk off their asses.
I guess it depends on how you define “steep ratings decline” but I’ve looked and I haven’t seen one. Many publications reported last season as holding steady.
I liked how, in an interview on Monday, Derek mentioned that he had the idea for the switch several seasons ago, but now he’s not sure he likes the idea. Then he said something along the lines of being protective of Amy. This is why he wins. Or one of many reasons. 🙂
Maks has a history with these sorts of comments and we’ve called him on it here time and time again. We get called “haters” when we are pointing out that he says stupid shit all the time. 🙂 His fans blame him not being a native english speaker but that’s just plain bullshit. He’s been in this country for what? Twenty years?? At some point, his fans just have to realize he has no tact or sense.
Like they never had anyone with dance experience on the show B4-the name Osmond rings a bell & that whole family started dancing when they were 2 . No matter what, that Charlie guy is adorable – and yes a top notch dancer……Prediction – neither ice dancer will win with the claim…oh my….they split the vote….and the winner is James or Candace (or just maybe the dark horse Drew clumping along like the tortoise & the hare will surprise everyone with the win —-popularity trumps skill—(but I do love Charlie that quirky genial mop top (although I hear that’s his performance persona & as a civilian prefers short hair)
I’ve come back to comment here because there really are some things more important — here comes a shocker — than viewer demographics. Mr. Green, you got Derek to return this season by offering him a challenge that he couldn’t resist. I think I speak for many of his fans when I say that we are thrilled that he is back to do something so significant. But that’s just the thing — what he has been accomplishing with Amy Purdy has meaning way beyond the confines of your show, notwithstanding how much enjoyment it brings. There has been much written about the veterans returning from our most recent wars, specifically how I.E.D.’s have created hundreds — if not thousands — of amputees. What Amy Purdy has been accomplishing with her partner is groundbreaking in many ways, and you are to be applauded for making it all possible. However, if the eventual continuation of Amy and Derek’s partnership is allowed to fall victim to your latest “Switch Up” surprise, you will be crushing the promise of the collaboration that you purposefully created, and with it the hopes of countless individuals who might not only be inspired by Amy’s appearance on the program, but also be helped by any prosthetic innovations which may come from her work with Derek. We are about to see one on Monday, when Amy premiers the use of prosthetics originally made for swimming, in a Contemporary dance. The point is, please, please do not allow their extraordinary partnership, and the help that it may well bring to so many who are in such need of hope, to be terminated by a provocative Twitter “event.” Let Amy and Derek continue on the path you so wisely created for them. By all means, let’s switch up for a week and enjoy the bits of chaos that result. But after that, let them reunite and continue to push the envelope which currently encloses and curtails the lives of so many. You started this by putting them together. Let them finish it the same way. Please. And thank you.
What Susan said!
This how I feel but I could not find the right words to express it. Thank you, Susan!
What Susan said for me too. Amen!!!!!!
I may have to make this into a blog of some sort.
THAT would be awesome! Go for it!!
Susan, agreed! Very well said!
Wow Susan! You said it so well. I agree!