What Are Your First Impressions In These Categories For Dancing With The Stars Season 19?
Ok, so most of you have seen the first interview videos, read the first spoilers, and interviews, etc.. Question: What Are Your First Impressions In These Categories For Dancing With The Stars Season 19: Biggest Surprise, Most Dramatic, Most Likely To Showmance, First Eliminated, and Real Top 4? Court, Heidi, and I will weigh in below with our answers and thoughts. We’d love to hear your answers and thoughts as well. Please join us in comments if interested.
Vogue
Biggest Surprise: It’s funny as I’m kind of getting this “biggest surprise” feeling from all of the contestants in some way. Sadie is surprising me by having such a sweet personality. With a ‘Duck Dynasty’ connection, I was expecting “Bristol Palin” #2, but, I’m not getting that feeling at all. She seems to have a lively, light hearted, and sweet disposition.
I also think one of the biggest surprises we’ll see is how far Michael Waltrip and Randy Couture might go in this competition for their fun personalities. Though I think “promo” is key here for both. I especially hope Michael feeds his You Tube channel like we saw Nancy Grace do because that seemed to help her a lot in her season.
I wonder on Tavis as well as it could go either way. Even though he has a late night show and it’s going to be hard for him to keep up, he seems genuine about learning to dance. He also seems to be on a mission (look at those intense eyes)proving he can dance if he wants despite those he knew in the past who have been against dancing. He’s also been working out and he’s lost 20 pounds this summer. As Jim just mentioned to me at twitter, he may have a funny side too as we’ve seen in this new instagram posted by Sharna.
What about Keo and Lolo too? They both seem so passionate and Keo is full of wonder, excitement, and passion. I think they will make a big splash in some form. Same with Lea and Artem. Lea reminds me of Jennifer Grey!
Then there is Cheryl and Antonio. I think they are going to be full of fun. I hope Cheryl is cracking the whip.
Most Dramatic: Just from what we’re seeing so far, I’m going with Janel Parrish. She seems to have kind of a loud personality and I don’t think she’s going to take so well to any negative feedback from the judges, etc. especially when she and Val think they are going to win it right now. 😕
Most Likely To Showmance: Janel and Val!! Val won’t be able to resist himself and she won’t either …especially for how it worked for Maks and Meryl last season. I hope I am wrong.
First Eliminated: I think Tommy Chong might be the first to be eliminated since we’re not seeing a lot of connection yet with he and Peta. I am worried on Betsey too. She’s funny and I think we are going to love seeing her wild outfits, but, she seems nervous and insecure. So, I don’t know?
Real Top 4: Ok, I’m going with: Bethany & Derek, Alfonso & Witney, Antonio & Cheryl, and Michael & Emma. I just love Jonathan and Allison as well. I get a good vibe on them and she is brilliant. Then there is Lea and Artem. Could they make the top 4? What an interesting season it’s going to be. It could be a tight one. Good luck to them all. I can’t wait!
What do you think my Angels?
Heidi
Biggest Surprise: Hmmm…I think I have a couple big surprises and I don’t know if I can pick a winner. I’m surprised by how much I love Michael and Jonathan. I think Michael will be the Bill Engvall of this season and I think Jonathan might turn out to be a good. Perhaps not good enough to win, but better than we might expect. And I just LOVE him. 🙂 My third surprise is Bethany – how can an 18 year old in 2014 be so down to earth and so not “typical teenager”? And she and Derek are just striking together. Way too much gorgeous in one couple.
I actually like the whole cast (for now), including Janel. Hopefully Val won’t make me turn on her. But the fact that I like all of them right now is surprising to me. Usually there is one or two that I get a bad vibe from.
Most Dramatic: Well, I think Betsey is pretty dramatic, but I see the potential in Jonathan and Janel as well. 🙂
Most Likely to Showmance: Of course, Janel and Val. Gag me – hope it doesn’t happen, cuz nothing will turn me off faster.
First Eliminated: Tommy Chong, unfortunately. I like him, man. 🙂 Of course, it’s possible that the DWTS key demo also remembers him fondly and he gets a one week pass, which means Betsey may go first.
Real Top 4: Oh boy, this is tough. Quite a few people with dance experience and quite a few people with good sized fanbases. Despite her huge fanbase, I’m not sure that Bethany will make top 4. I just don’t know. But this is Derek we’re talking about. That said, I think he might be due for a semi-final elimination. I think the Top 4 will be Lea, Alfonso, Janel and Jonathan, with Bethany waiting in the wings to knock either Janel or Jonathan out of the top 4.
Courtney
Biggest Surprise: Well I think my biggest surprise for the season was the fact that TPTB actually picked someone I’ve been campaigning for YEARS to get on the show (Alfonso), which shows me that they’re actually listening to the fans. Me gusta mucho 🙂 But in term of the partnerships – I think Michael was the most pleasant surprise for me. I guess I just assumed (for no real reason) that he was going to be shy, bumbling, awkward, and not very invested in the show – but I kind of love how he’s embracing the journey with a good sense of self-deprecating humor, and seems to be getting along fabulously with Emma.
Most Dramatic: I always have a hard time with the semantics of the term “dramatic” – I always end up thinking of it as “overdramatic” or “melodramatic” within the context of the show, and it’s generally not a positive thing 😛 But I guess in terms of who’s going to put on the most dramatic show – I could see either Betsey or Antonio really laying the emotion on thick. Antonio because he’s a soap actor and seems like he’ll really take to dances where he can play a “hunky leading man” like the rumba, tango, and paso doble; Betsey because she just seems like a colorful character that will reinvent herself for every dance.
Most Likely to Showmance: As for who will actively try to create one? Janel & Val, even though she has a bf – hell, same thing kind of happened with Chelsea & Mark in season 12: she had a serious real life bf, but that didn’t stop her from giving the impression of being “more than friends” with Mark. As for who I think the VIEWERS will try to ship as a couple – I think it was decided before they were even announced as a couple that Lolo & Keo were the most likely to showmance. I think Lolo’s got wayyyy too many walls up for it to actually happen (and I think Keo’s too decent of a guy to try and give the impression that their relationship is more than professional), but I think some have already romanticized the idea of Lolo the Virgin getting swept off her feet by the exotically handsome & dashing Keo. Kinda feel bad for her – it can’t be easy to be 32-year-old virgin in the public eye.
First Eliminated: Probably a toss-up between Tommy & Tavis – Tommy because I think he’ll really struggle with the choreography and his fanbase might not align perfectly with the DWTS demographic, and Tavis because I think some are still smarting from the fact that they assumed Sharna would end up with a “much bigger star”. Not really Tavis’ fault – I just think he was doomed before he was even announced.
Real Top 4: Hmmm…definitely Alfonso & Janel, with Bethany, Antonio, Sadie, & Michael duking it out for the other two spots. I think Sadie will go far due to the fact that the DWTS and Duck Dynasty demographics line up almost PERFECTLY, and Bethany will likely also benefit from being a wholesome, girl-next-door type, as well as being paired with Derek. Cheryl always seems to take her partners far further than we initially think she will, and Antonio is from the soap world, so he may last longer than we think; and I’m getting the feeling more & more that Michael will be this season’s Bill Engvall, plus DWTS & NASCAR fanbases overlap a lot more than you might think.
Biggest Surprise: So I have to say Michael because he just is very Bill-esque. The guy seems so nice and real so that’s a plus in my book. Sadie was a close second. Like I said in another post, I wasn’t thrilled by her or the prospect of her beareded kinfolk in the audience but she is the complete opposite of what I expected. She is normal. Her parents clearly did something right.
Most dramatic: So there are two couples that I feel could claim this title. The first is Jannel. As you said above, she has quite the personality but I feel as if she might not react too well to criticism. Also, Val may get mouthy. The second is Antonio but this is dramatic in a good way. He is an actor (and apparently a good one) so he might LOVE the dances where he can do that (paso, etc).
Most likely to showmance: People want Lolo and Keo but jannell and val might go that route. Plus people on tumblr are shipping them already. And it’s creepy.
First out: My guess is Tommy…which will suck because I really want to see him jive.
Top 4: So I have some reasoning for this but my guesses are Sadie, Alfonso, Antonio, and Bethnny. Ssdie has the DD fans and she has some of the same fans as Candance has. Plus, she has Mark and looks like she could dance (she reminds me a little of Lindsay oddly enough). Alfonso has a big fan base and the skills (just based on his dancing in the fresh prince and MJ commercial). Also, Witney is always a plus 🙂 . Bethanny has her fans (of which they are many to say the least) and looks like she might be really good. Antonio has Cheryl and is fit…and it doesn’t hurt that women love him. Odds are he is going to be good too. Plus, Cheryl knows what to do with him and what not to do because the similarities to William are pretty big.
Also going to add Julianne for biggest surprise because I feel as if TPTB want to favor one person like they did Meryl (I voted for her almost every week but towards the end it was getting pretty ridiculous about how much they wanted her to win this), Julianne won’t play ball. She is the kind of person that calls it as she sees it (Danica and Maks and Mark and Cristina know that well lol) so she might play spoiler to their little plans. And I love that possibility 🙂
Janel and Val wont showmance. Her bf is all over her instagram and her fans will hold them accountable. I see her being an actress during rumba etc., but I dont see them kissing or having a are they? aren’t they? relationship a la Derek and Maria Menunos :). Time will tell…
Most dramatic – I will say Alfonso. I hope he is not intense like Jaleel was. “Beloved” childhood character that fits into a stereotypical box, that if things don’t turn out perfect it all crumbles and fast.
First Out – Lea and Artem, newbie pro, they need a good first dance
Biggest Surprise: Michael Waltrip, Randy Couture and Sadie Robertson. Michael’s personality is amazing. The guy is funny, genuine and I agree he gives off some Bill Engvall vibes which is always good. Randy just impressed me because I thought he was gonna be a bit too serious but it turns out he’s pretty funny as well. Same goes for Sadie; I thought she was going to have no personality whatsoever (a la Bristol Palin on S11) but it turns out she’s funny, cute and seems very sweet.
Most Dramatic: I’m gonna go with Betsey and Janel for this one. Betsey just because I think she might get a bit too OTT with the costumes, and the dancing and the whole “being crazy” bit. And Janel because I think she’s a bit too serious about the competition right now. She’s gotta lighten up a bit, imo.
Most Likely to Showmance: Well, isn’t it obvious? Betsey & Tony! Duh! Ok not really… But if I had to pick one it’d be Janel and Val though I’m still thinking if there is any kind of showmance between them it won’t be as strong and, well, annoying as the Meryl & Maks one.
First Eliminated: Tavis & Sharna or Betsey & Tony. I think we might get Tommy Chong until at least Week 2.
Top 4: Wow.. This is a hard one. I’m gonna go with Bethany & Derek, Janel & Val, Alfonso & Witney and Michael & Emma. I think Sadie & Mark might be out by the Semi Finals. I also think Lea Thompson is gonna be a very good dancer and going to have the ability to make it far, but I don’t think she might get the votes to do so. I’d love to see her in the finals but I don’t see that happening, sadly.
Biggest surprise: Randy. I think Karina is really trying to make this experience comfortable for him. If he breaks some walls, I think he could go far.
Most dramatic: Probably Janel. And maybe Lea, I think she is so hard on herself, so I’m expecting some tears.
Showmance: Lolo and Keo. When it comes to Val and Janel, I just think he has soooo many walls. He is so reserved, and sometimes unrelatable. But I think they like each other, and she mights break his walls.
First eliminated: Tavis. Because he reminds me of Keyshawn.
Top 4: Janel, Lea. I don’t know for Alfonso, I’m sure he is great, but I wish he was with Cheryl. Witney and Cody didn’t go too far even though everyone expected it to happen. That’s how I make predictions, but anything can happen, I guess.
First Eliminated, and Real Top 4
Oh this is so tough!
Biggest Surprise- I’m kinda surprised by Randy and Karina. They seem to have hit it off and he seems more into working really hard at this. I hope that they can go further than expected.
Most Dramatic- I don’t see this as a very drama filled cast, but my instinct for this was Janel. I only say this mainly because Val tends to get dramatic and his past two partners have had high expectations and have felt a lot of pressure.
Most Likely to Showance- I don’t see anybody, but I can see Val and Janel playing the same card that Meryl and Maks did last season. Ugh.
First Eliminated- Unfortunately I think it will be Tavis and Sharna. If not them than Tommy or Betsey.
Top 4: Alfonso and Witney, Bethany and Derek, Janel and Val, Antonio and Cheryl. I also hope that Jonathan can pick things up well and connect with viewers, because I could also see him doing well.
@beesneez- I think it’s hard to flat out say “Janel and Val wont showmance”. That’s not something we know for a fact. I also didn’t think that Meryl was the type to play up a showmance and that’s all of what S18 was about. Based on interviews and pictures, they seem to have chemistry (not necessarily romantic chemistry) and she’s posted pictures of them with a kiss on the cheek for a pap pic and his head in her lap. She may have a boyfriend, but so did Kelly Monaco and Chelsea Kane. Derek and Maria may have done actual kissing in their dances, but they flat out said that there was nothing romantic going on. Anyways, just based on history, I wouldn’t say that it will never happen.
Well, beesneez, this is VAL we are talking about. The C-bros are kings of the showmance. Of course they will have one, whether Janel has a boyfriend or not.
Biggest Surprise – Derek and Bethany. I think the main demo will initially look down on a YouTube star, but will be pleasantly surprised when she turns out to be down to earth and full of charisma. And how can you not like someone partnered with the master that is Derek Hough?
Most Dramatic – Janel and Val. Already can’t stand them and feel they will be very fake.
First Eliminated – Definitely Tavis Smiley.
Top 4 – Derek and Bethany (my winners so far), Sadie and Mark, Alfonso and Witney, Antonio and Cheryl
Courtney made the distinction in the post, but I feel it bears repeating – there is a HUGE difference between “shipping” and a showmance. A showmance is done by the actual couples (see Maks and Meryl). Shipping is when FANS like a couple together and fantasize about it, and tweet about it, and often obsess about it – and the couple in question often has nothing to do with it. See Bethany and Derek (yes, it’s already happening), Lolo and Keo…and Meryl and Maks. Yes, you can have a showmance AND have shippers…but you can also have lots of shippers while never even hinting at a showmance.
Best to know the difference between the two things. Just because some youngsters obsess over Bethany and Derek, it does NOT mean that they are having a showmance. The post is talking about *showmance* – not shipping.
I think it’s a huge mistake to assume that Sadie has some of the same fans as Candace just because she’s religious. Seems like a huge reach to me.
Also a mistake to think that the beards and the behavior are actually real. Her whole family was “normal” (ie. fratboy clean cut) before the whole Duck Dynasty thing got started. And there are photos to prove it. The show is pretty much a fraud. Except their business is probably good. 🙂
Anyone who believe Derek and Maria had an actual showmance….I’ve got some swampland in Florida to sell you. 🙂 Seriously, compare Meryl/Maks to Derek/Maria – one was full on and one was “hehehe…this is funny.”
Heh. I see Lea as potentially a better dancer than Jennifer Grey (without the previous injury) with a fanbase that’s only a fraction less ardent. I guess we’ll see.
Whitney and Cody suffered from James and Peta being there. I think the show can only sustain one boy-bander type guy with a similar fanbase. Which might be why Bethany or Janel goes out earlier than expected.
I talked to Courtney about this already but I think it bears repeating when it comes to pleasant surprises.
When I first heard who Emma would have an a partner I was not all that thrilled. Not because he isn’t popular or a nice guy but I was dreading the throngs of “Emma got another old guy. I’m not voting!”
I suddenly got excited the more I read on Michael. Then, after cast announcements, when Michael put that grid walk out, I KNEW it was going to be an awesome season. Not because I love Emma or want her to win but because I genuinely like the guy. My pleasant surprise is how much I like him.
Kelly Monaco had a well known boyfriend and that didn’t stop her and Val from making out on stage in front of him in the audience. 😉
Showmance is part of acting. Its a role, a part. Doesn’t make it real. So, I see Janel and Val doing that. Shippers though, I see going after Keo and Lolo. They do make a wicked good looking couple.
First elimination well, Keo is brand spanking new so it will be up to Lolo’s fans to keep her around. I see Tavis leaving first. Sucks for Sharna. 🙁
Top 4-I really want Michael to make it. Either Jon or Leah. I see Sadie, Janel or Bethany rounding it out.
Biggest surprise, Sadie Robertson. I don’t watch show, but from what I’ve heard I would never have expected someone on it to do DWTS. I think she wants to do something on her own and is going to have a lot of fun with this.
Most dramatic, Janel. I too don’t see her taking criticism from anyone very well and I don’t think she’s going to try to hide it.
Showmance, Val and Janel. I know she has a boyfriend and he’s been making his presence known, but I think TPTB just can’t help themselves. They’ll pull the three of them in a meeting and tell them let’s have a showmance guys!
First eliminated, I’ll be surprised if it isn’t Betsey.
Top 4, Alfonso, Antonio, Bethany and Michael. Although Lea could be a surprise and do well like Candace last season.
My apologies for the double post but I would like to add if you think Alfonso is going to act like Jaleel, then in your eyes he will. Janel and Val are already showing signs of going the showmance route. So, we aren’t really making assumptions on what is already occurring.
biggest surprize:
most dramatic: I feel alfonso will be over the top 🙂
most likely to showmance: I have no ideea, I think Lolo and Keo will be heavily shipped, because it’s just fascinating she is a virgin at 32 and she’s attractive on top of everything and has a fun personality.And Keo is hot and caught attention from the announcement fro being attractive. It’s a story that many romance fans will enjoy: will the virgin be seduced by the hot guy? (i think Meryl’s virginal appearance versus Maks’ being always oversexualised on the show was one of the winning factors in their showmance being so succesfull) And it seems the show is setting them up with this storyline too. Like Keo was randomly asked if he can imagine being romantic with his partner, or something along these lines a few days before annoucment… ?
I don’t think Val will ever play the showmance card again, at least not for a while. After the Kelly Monaco season he really seemed embarassed. I think there are even interviews where he alluded to this. And showmance only truly works when there isn’t a visible significant other, and Janel does have one. I actually think Janel and Val are up for ‘shoking early elimination’ They will dance well, I presume, but she just isn’t very likeable to me… And doesn’t make Val very soft either. And I am a Val fan. But I think he only works with a much ‘softer’ partner than he is. He is too intense.
First eliminated: I will say Betsy. At least tony can get on with the new Dance studio and can go back to his kids.
Top 4: Alfonso, Bethany, Lolo, Michael or Antonio
sorry I forget to write biggest surprize: Lolo. From what I heard about her : athletic 32 year old christian virgin I expected her to be much more boring and with less personality than I see so far. Plus the IG video of her and Keo shows some good side-by-side hip action,
Cheryl and Antonio just posted a short vid. I’m not impressed! Looks like Cheryl will have her work cut out for her. I see now why Cheryl insisting that only thing they can rely on is his dimples . She’s also reminding everybody that he’s not a Latino and don’t expect him to be this Latin dancing machine! He’s also appears to be having difficulty moving his hips! Her words speaks volume!
Val is overly confident of his partner! His, Liar fans and Maks’s fans should help them get to end.
Witney is another pro sounding very upbeat with her partner.
From the pros excitement and descriptions basis, I predict Janel, Alfonso, Derek’s partner to make it to the end. I had Antonio in one of the top couples, but I don’t think Cheryl is all that excited with his ability. Especially he seems to lack personality also.
I give Josh my top 4 prediction.
Jonathan my top 4 !
I wanna see if Bethanny inspires Derek. Every artist needs a muse 🙂 And if Val chills out a little bit because I really like his choreography. He is just too intense sometimes and you can never tell what’s going through his mind.
Everyone on this cast has a little dance story ( Tavis didn’t dance because his church didn’t allow him, Janel danced before, Randys mom loved those smooth dances…) so it’s hard to predict who goes home first.
I grew up in a church-going, Baptist home and we had no problem with dancing, however, like the complexities of a person’s politics, it varies from denomination to denomination and household to household.
Heidi is absolutely right, just because Sadie is a Christian, doesn’t mean she will automatically get the votes that Candace got.
As a Christian myself, I can tell you that I am not voting for anybody that doesn’t have a likable personality, good chemistry with their partner, and can actually dance. Besides, as Heidi has also pointed out, there were many non-religious people voting for Candace because of her association with Full House.
#Heidi
About that Cody, James comment you made. But then, don’t you think that voters decide who to vote for by weighting in between pros? If we assume they love James and Cody equally.
Biggest Surprise: Vogue took the words out of my mouth here with Sadie. I was also expecting her to be a bit Bristol-like and hard to connect with having never watched Duck Dynasty myself either, but I found her really fun and personable on GMA. Surprisingly she’s going into this as a pre-season favorite for me.
Most Dramatic: Honestly, I can’t really think of anyone for this one yet… I don’t know if there seems to be a key dramatic figure. Right now I’d opt for Betsey, but in a fun way.
Most Likely to Showmance: Haven’t we seen about, 5 minutes of Janel and Val so far? IDK. So not sure where people are getting the idea that she’s going to put on a facade that she’s ‘more than friends’ with Val, since she seems to be very happy with her boyfriend going by her tweets. Who knows, it may happen – but how can people judge that she’s going to play that card already? Laughable. I think nobody.
First Eliminated: Gonna say Tommy although he might surprise and get a good amount of votes… in which I don’t know, maybe Tavis?
Real Top 4: Janel, Alfonso, Bethany and Lea is my guess for now (although I very almost had Sadie).
Who knows, Elena? I don’t know that there is any one thing that determines it – I mean, James was more attractive than Cody (to me) so maybe he got more of the main DWTS demo vote. Hard to say. We’ve just seen time and again where two people who appear similar on paper can’t both make it to the end.
Are Bethany and Janel really as similar as Cody and James? Just based on what I’ve seen so far, I would have to say probably not. But we’ll see.
Well, Jen, maybe we can think she will play that card by the photos we’ve seen so far. We’re less than a week in and she’s posted a photo of her with Val’s head in her lap and then a photo of her and Val smooching was taken, I think, by the paparazzi. Hell, even their official photo gives off a showmancy vibe. I think it’s “laughable” that you think that people don’t see all these things and, after last season, start to groan. That would be called “normal” all things considered.
To those of you thinking Val won’t do it after he did it with Kelly and regretted it….what do you think is more powerful? His regret, or his extreme desire to win??
I don’t think Val and Janel will go the showmance route but they will do the bro/ sis, best friends teasing each other over the top routine. She will be “credited” for making him softer etc with her “doe eyes” and their connection will be their drawing card imo. They will be like zendaya and Val except they can be more adult in their dances. Imo, they seem very calculated in their approach to the season and it isn’t organic like the rest of the cast. She does not shy from her dance experience which I also think is a calculated approach. I agree about Sadie. I am surprised at how fun she seems to be.
I think it’s okay that Val wants to win, these pros are competitors their entire lives. If you remember Derek from season 7, he said it himself: ”My best friend won, my sister won, now I wanna win” and there is nothing wrong with that in my opinion. It just came earlier for Derek.
Val and Janel won’t have brother and sister relationship from what i’ve seen so far…
And what I forgot. Not only they are competitive-they had tremendous results, especially older pros ( I’m not sure about Burn the floor & SYTYCD cast). And this is competition. It’s their natural instinct in a way…
In my opinion I think one thing that went against Cody was his attitude. He came off kind of….I’m not sure if bratty is the right word. Desirable in the attitude department may be a better way to describe him. That kind of gave James an advantage.
Votes really come from who connects with the audience.
I think the biggest surprise will be that Alfonso doesn’t live up to everyone’s expectations. I see a man who is uncomfortable — certainly in his body, and possibly with a past that is impossible to live up to.
Most dramatic I think will be Betsey, for however long she lasts. It’s just who she is.
For me, last season feels like it was the showmance to end all showmances — except of course for Val who might see it as a winning strategy.
First eliminated — either Sharna and Tavis or Emma and Michael.
Top 4: Bethany, Jonathan, Sadie, Randy
#Cher I always felt that Cody just wanted to be Cody in everything that he did. I think that’s why his dances all felt the same to me, because he was always just being Cody.
Biggest Surprise? I think it’ll be Michael Waltrip…just my gut feeling 😉
Most Dramatic? Alfonso Ribiero
Showmance alert?–Janel and Val–they’ve already started it. Val’s gonna take a page outta big bro Maks’ book. He wants an MBT REAL BAD and doesn’t care HOW he gets it!! (where’s that puke smilie when I need it!)
First eliminated? Either Tommy or Tavis, imho
Real Top 4—Bethany, Jonathan, Alfonso and Sadie.
Biggest Surprise: Really the cast as a whole. I went into it when we first got the names not thinking I would like many people but every since the announcement I find myself liking more and more of the cast! I have an unnatural crush on Randy and Michael I wish was my dad or something hahaha. Sadie is freaking adorable and I love Jonathan’s energy. I kind of knew what to expect with people like Alfonso and Janel so they may surprise me if they veer from my expectations. I really hope Alfonso doesn’t disappoint…
Most Dramatic: Hmmm…I guess it depends on your definition of dramatic but for me I think it will probably be Janel as I just see her and Val really going hard at this and coming off as “over the top”. I also wonder how Lolo will end up coming across as I’ve heard some stories about her. Betsy will be Betsy but I don’t expect her to last past the 2nd week.
Showmance: Again, depends on what you see as a showmance. As the mods have mentioned “almost kissing” and being flirty on the dance floor isn’t a showmance (to me). A showmance is when the couple implies something is going on OFF the dance floor (Vally and Maksyl being the biggest examples). Janel and Val have the highest potentially to do that but I still don’t think Janel will take it that far. I think they’ll be extremely flirty with one another but she and her boyfriend are all over social media in a way I never saw with Kelly and her boyfriend. Janel’s fans are younger than Kelly’s also and she’ll know they won’t react well to that. Lolo and Keo might end up implying something as well…
First eliminated: I waver between Tommy and Betsy. First three I think will be Tommy, Betsy, and Tavis…just not sure on the order.
Top 4: It’s SO hard to predict because I think there are a lot of dark horses this season. The obvious top 4 is Alfonso, Janel, Bethany, and….hmmm…I’ll say Lea. BUT I could easily see Janel being a surprise elimination and having Alfonso, Bethany, and either Antonio or Michael make it (with Lea rounding it out). But then you have Jonathan also…AHHHH…I can’t decide!
Biggest surprise: Michael Waltrip. The guy is funny. I’d love for him to stick around for the laughs. 🙂
Most dramatic and showmance: I’m lumping these two together- Val and Janel. They’ve already laid the foundation for the showmance. All they have to do is sprinkle some drama- e.g. throwing of objects and voila we have season 18 all over again. Yuckkkkkkk! Having a boyfriend didn’t stop Meryl did it?
First eliminated: Unfortunately, I have a feeling it is going to be Tavis. But Betty is a possibility too.
Biggest Surprise: Definitely Michael Waltrip. I think Michael and Emma will also be a big surprise for the viewers as well. What a Teddy Bear!
Most dramatic: Probably Betsy. To me she is way over the top and to cray-cray for me.
Showmance: Val and Janel. Yuck! Barf bag is ready.
First eliminated: I’d say Tommy, Betsy, or Tavis.
Top 4: In no particular order, Alphonso and Witney, Michael and Emma, Derek and Bethany, and either Val and Janel or Lea and Artem.
Biggest regret: That I didn’t buy that Michael Waltrip tee-shirt that I saw at my local thrift shop. Dang it!
#Kate
Wasn’t Meryl just out of a long relationship? I could have swore Kristyn Burtt tweeted something to that effect?
Biggest surprise- Michael Waltrip. I wasn’t thrilled at all when he was announced as Emma’s partner. But then again I was all “ho-hum” when Bill Engvall was announced his season, and look what happened there. I think they have similar styles, laid back charm, funny, eager to please. But, I almost feel bad for thinking of Michael as Bill2.0. He’s appealing in his own right. And really, Emma would probably have good chemistry with an ogre. She’s a ray of sunshine.
Most likely to showmance- I’m just not ready to think about this yet.
First eliminated- I’m going to say Tavis and Sharna. I’m not seeing a lot of buzz about this pair.
Most dramatic- Haven’t got a clue.
Top 4- Lolo&Keo, Janel&Val, Alphonso&Witney and either Johnathon or Lea for the 4th spot. Antonio&Cheryl are my dark horse pick.
There hasn’t been a male celeb win since Spring 2012. Wonder if one of the guys will get it done this time?
Biggest surprise – Randy, Michael, and maybe Tavis (as long as he doesn’t let himself become discouraged).
Most dramatic – Sadie and Tommy will bring the fun. I have a good feeling about Lea too. Lolo seems like the “I’m my toughest critic” type.
Biggest Showmance – please, never again. Hopefully no one will fall for it after M&M were exposed as frauds.
First out – Betsey
Top 4 – Alfonso, Bethany, Lea, Sadie.
@Susan2 – I sure know I’m ready for a male celeb winner. It’s more that I want to see the female pros get some attention. I would love an all male finale but I don’t think that will happen.
Biggest Surprise: Saddie for me because like most of you said, she doesn’t seem like another Bristol and I also had this bias against the whole Duck Dynasty thing because I don’t relate to their conservative values but she seems sweet and I think her partnership with Mark will be great.
Also Randy and I am not saying this because I love Karina but because he seems goofy and from an interview I saw earlier, he seems like he really wants to do this show because of his interest in dance!
Most Dramatic: Definitely Janel and Val. I love Janel on PLL but I can see her partnership with Val being a bit over the top, almost like a Zendaya 2.0 thing. I hope I’m wrong but that’ll be a turnoff for me.
Most Likely to showmannce: In all honestly, I can’t see any of them but maybe Keo and Lolo or Val and Janel
First Eliminated: Tommy and Peta
Real Top 4: Bethany & Derek, Alfonso & Witney, Antonio & Cheryl, and Janel & Val.
Oh this is a fun game!…
Biggest surprise: Michael. I have no clue who he was until GMA but he surprised me. He’s funny and seems very outgoing.
Most dramatic: Betsy.
Most likely to showmance: Val and Janel. Why? simple, look at their twitter or insta.
First eliminated: Tommy or maybe Tavis. Feel bad for saying Tommy but his age is his limitation but I may be wrong.
Top 4: Alfonso, Bethany, Janel, Sadie.
Comparing Derek at 22 to Val at 28 is very telling, ain’t it.
There is nothing at all wrong with winning. When that desire surpasses everything else having to do with the show and turns you into an arrogant ass that it’s a problem. One issue Derek’s never had and one that Val struggles with daily.
Val should relax and try letting his dancing/teaching speak for itself. His way clearly hasn’t worked
Wait….the beards are just becuase they have a show?! Wow. I honestly thought Duck Dynasty was real.
Biggest surprise: I think the general likability of the entire cast. At first I was like WHO? to many of the leaked names, but now that I’ve seen interviews with them I’m very excited to see all of the couples dance. I just have a feeling I will really enjoy this season. But if I have to choose one big surprise, it would be Derek’s partner Bethany. I was not keen on finding out that Derek got paired up with a youtube star… =P But she is adorable, looks GORGEOUS with Derek, and so poised and accomplished for an 18 yo. This is Derek’s youngest partner, so I will be curious to see how he approaches her with his teaching methods and choreography.
Most dramatic – Val… haha! Just kidding… 😉 I have a gut feeling that Janel might be very dramatic only because she already has a target on her back that DWTS, she and Val, put on her.. meaning “the one to beat”. She might crack under pressure because everyone thinks she is going to be the best or rather consistently be the best. Maybe Alfonso too for the same reasons (frontrunner talk), but I really hope not.
Showmance – Val/Janel only because they are implying a lot of flirtation between them even though she has a serious bf. Her fans might know that she has a serious bf, but what about the millions of other people that watch the show that never heard of her before? They might totally buy into the showmance if they are selling it. But hopefully people have wised up to the C-bros showmances.
People will definitely ship Lolo and Keo because they are so beautiful together and seem to have nice chemistry together. And yes, Bethany’s fans are shipping her and Derek… but some of them are also “ewwww, he’s like 20 years older than her” Lmaoooooo! More like 10 years and he looks younger than his age. But I wouldn’t mind seeing a little storyline along the lines of “I have a mad crush on my hot, older dance teacher”… lol 😉
Top 4: This is hard since we haven’t seen any dancing yet.. but I will go with the safe bets of Janel and Alfonso. But Janel could also be the 2nd coming of Sabrina Bryan & might not even make the final if she doesn’t capture the general audience. I will also put Bethany up there since she does have Derek and she is young, likable, and has a massive fanbase. I think Lolo can make it. I also like Jonathan and would love to see Allison on for most of the season.
Biggest Surprise: I think either Bethany or Sadie. Neither is “in the spotlight” or “as obviously a celebrity” as a lot of the other stars So we’ll be able to get to know them, and most likely be surprised by them.
Most Dramatic: Betsey. I can just see her being so amusingly dramatic, less real dramatic, if that makes sense. She’s going to be NeNe dramatic. I think it will be very amusing.
Most Likely To Showmance: Janel and Val, because ther always seems to be a Val showmance, and Lolo and Keo. The latter is because there already seem to be shippers, but I think that, by the same token, they’ll try to push away the shippers.
First Eliminated: Betsey or Tommy. Both are very awkward, old, and both seem to not be doing great in rehearsals. So I can see them going in the first two weeks.
Real Top 4: Bethany and Derek, Alfonso and Witney, Jonathan and Allison, and either Janel and Val or Lea and Artem. Honestly, I think any four of this season’s cast could make the Top 4. This season is just generally unpredictable, because it depends on the people to whom the audience connects – whether it’s Michael’s awesome personality or the better dancing in Alfonso and Janel or the bubbliness of the teenagers.
What angers me the most about the possibility of val and Janel trying to Showmance is the fact that VALS CHOREO IS ACTUALLY GOOD. I thought 90% of what he did with Danica was awesome and if he tries to dumb it down, I’m going to be livid, throw my tv out the window angry
I am hoping what you’re seeing is Val’s nature to be touchy feeley and nothing else.
Susan2 #40, I can definitely see a male winning this season. The problem is that I can also see a few females win.
One other prediction: I think that the longer Tavis stays, the longer he will stay. Yes, that may seem obvious, but the longer the audience has to get to know him, the more likely it is that he stays longer. If he can make it past Week 2, I think he’ll make it at least another 2 or 3 weeks.
I am not. sure on the showmance thing with his partner but Val is definitely sexying himself up for his fans. Tight jrans, no shirt and lots of photos of his abs on insta. He is driving his female fans into hysteria at the moment. This imo is his showmance – himself. Kind of sad to be so obvious. Put a shirt on !
@Judy – This is so sad it’s almost funny. Val needs to get over himself, he ain’t all that and a bag of chips. Funny thing is, I don’t find Val even remotely attractive. Guess to each his own.
Biggest Surprise: Sadie and Mark, I also was expecting a Bristol #2, but watching her videos in rehearsals and interviews, she’s is so goofy and doesn’t care how she looks, very humble and sweet.
Also, Michael and Emma, came in knowing noting about him, but after seeing his excitement for the show and his eagerness I JUST LOVE HIM. He will be such a joy.
Most Dramatic: Alfonso and Janel, I feel like the moment we see these two not get the score they feel like they “deserved” we will see a side fans will not like.
Most Likely To Showmance: I only say Lolo and Keo cuz the flirting seems more real than just showmance, so I won’t be surprised if they use that (love them tho)Also, the obviously Janel and Val, pretty much they are gonna be annoying to see cuz you know they are just doing it for the cameras, unlike Lolo and Keo.
First Eliminated: I have no idea, just saying Tommy cuz he will be a mess or Tavis cuz I see no buzz or excitement about him
Real Top 4: Bethany and Derek (Hands down) Janel and Val (only if they can hold in their annoyances) Lea and Artem (dancing wise and she’s sweet so the audience will love her)Lastly it’s a toss up between Alfonso and Sadie ( only saying this cuz if Alfonso becomes too cocky, he will be out and Sadie can beat him out fan favorite wise, but if they dancing ain’t good, she will only make it half way)
The duck dynasty kids are also very sweet and well mannered. Sadie is going to be a baby Candace because they have similar dispositions.
Fun game Vogue! Love all the answers too. Here are mine:
Most Surprising: Randy Couture. Never heard of him. Found out he was a MMA/wrestler type and made a snap judgment (shame on me) that he’d be a big, dumb brute. Instead he’s an intelligent, well-spoken gentleman. I hope he has some moves because I’d like him to stick around.
Most Dramatic: In a funny way, Betsey (unless her trouble getting the choreo turn her stiff with nerves). In a *not* funny way, Alfonso. I’m trying to reserve judgment, but I get a bit of a Jaleel vibe.
Most Likely to Showmance: Janel and Val. TPTB might try to force one on Lolo and Keo, but Lolo will tell them where to stuff it.
First Eliminated: I’m leaning toward Tavis (unfortunately). I just can’t imagine Tavis’s (serious-minded) fans flocking to DWTS to support him and his dancing might not be enough in Week 1 to leave viewers wanting to see more. Betsey is my 2nd choice, but if she’s a funny hot mess, that might save her. Tommy and/or Michael will probably be just as bad in the dance department, but I think nostalgia (for Tommy) and NASCAR fans (for Michael) will save them from the first elimination.
Real Top Four: Ugh! So hard to call before the first dance. I’ll go with Alfonso, Antonio, Lea, and Janel; but I’m hoping Bethany proves to be a hidden gem that Derek can polish into a beautiful diamond (so everyone can yell “no fair, Derek always gets the ringers” 🙄 )
Most surprising: Sadie for me. Like many others I was expecting some Bristol 2.0 and instead she seems to be a sweet girl. If Mark is doing as well with her as he did with Bristol and Candace, I may even throw some votes at them.
Most dramatic/Most Likely to showmance: Janel & Val. I already dislike the girl.
First eliminated: Tommy
Real Top Four: Bethany, Michael, Jonathan & Sadie. I don’t think Alfonso has the stamina to last 10 weeks and I’m not sure Janel won’t be a premature elimination, because she’s not very likeable, to my point of view, compared to Sadie & Bethany.
So, first impressions:
Biggest surprise: I would say Michael, Randy, Sadie, and Bethany. I wasn’t expecting much from any of them, and have been pleasantly surprised with all four of them.
Most dramatic: In an intense way, Janel. In a kooky way, Betsey.
Most likely to showmance: I’d have to say Janel and Val, based on the pictures and video clips we’ve seen so far. Plus, the pro has to be willing to go that route, and have an appropriate partner. Peta, who is probably the pro most likely to go that route (after the C-bros), doesn’t have an appropriate partner. As for the other pros, Sharna, Emma and Allison are all too happy with their respective boyfriends/husband, and don’t have the personality to go that route anyway, Witney’s partner is too old for her (and also probably wouldn’t), Karina and Cheryl – just don’t see it happening with their partners this year. For the guys, Derek, Mark and Tony wouldn’t, I think Lolo would put the kibbosh on it if TPTB or Keo wanted to try, and I don’t think that Lea would go for it either (I don’t know enough about Keo or Artem to take a guess there)…leaving Val and Janel.
First eliminated: Tommy or Betsey – hopefully not Tavis.
Real top 4: Tough choice. I think Alfonso and Lea, and after that…Bethany, Sadie, Jonathan, Lolo, Janel and probably Michael all have a shot at the other two spots. Of those, I’m going to say that Bethany and Jonathan have the best shot. Or possibly Lolo.
Well, Megan, if Val’s choreography was good, as you say, there would be no need for a showmance to cover up his uninspiring routines, so why is he already starting one?
Biggest Surprise: Sadie (I also went in thinking she would be like Bristol but was pleasantly surprise after watching a few interviews.)
Most Dramatic: For now, I think this may be a low-key season in terms of drama which would be nice for a change.
Showmance: NONE! I’m sure the audience are hip to these faux relationships.
Top 4: I’m usually good at predicting this but we have so many contenders this season. Here are my picks:
Front-runners (Janel & Alfonso) I’m going to saw these two will definitely last a long time in this competition at least the Semi-finals.
Spoilers (Sadie, Lea, Bethany) Younger female celebrities like Zendaya, Shawn, Bristol and Chelsea ended up in the finals which is a positive for Sadie and Bethany. If Lea can stand out from the crowd she could definitely make it the final four especially if the votes split between (Janel, Sadie and Bethany).
Darkhorses (Michael, Lolo, Jonathan) Each season there’s one contestant the people write off early only to fall in love with them throughout the season. These three contestants will no doubt have the “improvement arc” that helped Kelly Osbourne, Rob Kardashian, Candace Cameron Bure, Ty Murray land spots in the finals or semi-finals.
My only concern about this season is that Val got the person with what looks to be the most dance/performance talent. I hope the producers haven’t decide it is his turn to win. Just let the season play out naturally and not play games with the rules.
You think audiences are hip to faux showmance, C? I have some swampland in FL you might like. 😀 Seriously, people are so not hip. Just last season…I could vomit from the shipping and swooning.
Val has gotten a ringer nearly every season, Tina. Nothing new here.
Val is a good dancer, but he’s not a choreographer that’s why he befriends Jenna & Lindsey. Louis Van Amstrel said you would be surprised who doesn’t do their own choreo. I think Derek, Sharna & Karina are the only ones who create their own.
Elena, if you’re going to post here, you need to keep your comments about yourself and your opinions – not about what Heidi, me, or anyone else thinks. You may not agree with what someone else is saying, but you don’t get to demand an explanation.
Courtney, I was just trying to see from her perspective. It wasn’t a demand, I was just trying to disscus it. That’s what this is all about, right? I wasn’t implying I was right or wrong. Just sharing thoughts I and I don’t think I was dissrespectful. I wasn’t trying to be, that’s for sure
I’m just pleasantly surprised overall. Per usual for me, I’m not familiar with many but like always, I end up thinking they’ve done a pretty good job with variety and with pairing.
Most dramatic, I think Betsie, but Michael seems to have a fun schtick going on, and Jonathan too. I always worry that the schtick will get to be too much, like with Carson Kressley, in thinking about him I would think it was too much, but whenever I actually saw him I thought he was hilarious and charming.
I think Keo and LoLo will have to watch out for being pushed into showmance. On that first interview he mentioned having to ask her out for a date. I’m afraid he might think it might be the way he’s “supposed” to go and being young and new and eager…
I really don’t know who I think will end up in top 4, I could list 6 or 7 or 8 but that’s sort of cheating. I don’t believe Betsie, Tommy, Tavis, Michael, or Randy will *win* but I wouldn’t be surprised to see Michael or Randy hit the top 4 or 5.
I don’t want to seem ungrateful by begging for more info after all the amazing stuff you guys find, but oh how I’d love to hear some scoop on the choreo. Who gets major help vs who just bats around ideas with their colleagues kind of thing.
It’s also pretty shitty to demand youtube videos of us afterward, eh Court?
Actually, Elana, demanding an explanation from someone (and yes, you were) is pretty fucking rude. I don’t owe you any explanation at all. If I deign to give one, I’ll let you know.
And no, I don’t do youtube videos on demand.
Just trying to discuss, but okay… again, wasn’t demanding and explanations. Just was curious to now your opinion, since I’m reading this blog. But okay.
Since you are reading this blog, I think you are very aware of my opinion. That’s kinda the point.
Sharna helps out the other pros too.
Some of the comments on Val going shirtless made me chuckle. Wait til you guys see Artem, any chance to take off his shirt, he will. He is a great dancer and choreographer but his vanity and ‘bashful’ smiling into the camera is a major eye roll for me.
He was nicknamed ‘the terminator’ on the british show for his harsh methods but I expect he will be a pussycat on DWTS.
Am liking most of the cast so far, I expect Tommy to go first, a shame as I like Peta
Paula, Artem and Val seem to follow the same playbook!
Consider me confused. I don’t know many of the cast members and watching their videos was really fun. I liked the vibe from Derek and Bethany, and thought here we go again when I watched the Val and Janel stuff. My bias is always to root for Derek and his partner and I’m just not so sure of the others. I think Betsey may be the biggest surprise. We may have to hold on to our hats for her outfits but I think Tony likes her. I hope she does all her own costuming except for her hair…she might need a little help with that…lol. Can’t wait for next Monday. Thanks for all the tidbits mods…I love, love, love them. I wish you had like buttons on your postings because when I read what you say, I often think, that’s exactly what I was thinking…lol.
If you have a “showmance” on DWTS in order to win the mirrorball trophy is it necessary to continue the “showmance” for four months AFTER you win? Just wondering, because if it’s not necessary then someone should tell Meryl and Maks to stop getting on planes and flying across the country to spend time with each other. Such a waste of time and money!
Ummmm….you’re being sarcastic, right, Amy?
Someone show Amy the videos where Meryl said they are NOT dating and the photos from the past week of Maks with a very tall, very gorgeous model. Watch out Amy…this might hurt.
Denial is not just a river in Egypt, Amy. 🙂
“And we’re rollin’…rollin’…rollin’ on the river…”
Um. As far as I know the only documented(and real)meet up between M&M is the one in New York and the one in Michigan where they had breakfast together. The rest is basaically in the shippers mind and imagination.
Meryl has stated that they are not dating. She specifically said in a radio interview in Michigan a few weeks ago that as far as Maks and her, there is no relationship and that they are only friends.
And the only reason Maks was in Michigan to begin with because HE was pimping something. He was there for WORK.
Jaysus.
If you want to get technical Val & Kelly still hung out after the show was over as friends. For awhile actually. Val was supposed to be on GH but Maks stepped in because Val was too busy with season 16 of DWTS.
My point is, just because two people are in the same state does not mean the boots be a knocking.
@Megan (#49):
<>
To boil things down perhaps a little too far, there are only two reasons for “overly-simple” choreography:
(1) The celeb can’t do more.
(2) The pro doesn’t care.
You tend to see (1) in the “maypole” dances (e.g., Buzz Aldrin). We saw a lot of (2) with Maks last season.
Val pushed Danica and Meryl (especially Meryl) because he knew they could handle what he was throwing at them. I don’t see any reason to think he’ll lowball Janel if she can handle it, too.
Amy,
It has happened before where the winners spend time after the show together….they mostly do press and other appearances together. They ride the wave of success. Kim & Hines come to my mind. Tons of shippers were disappointed when apparently a photo of Kym in Australia with a hot guy was floating around. “She broke Hines heart”, they cried. Oh brother! I never saw Kym show ANY interest romantically in Hines. Hines felt so awful when she got injured, so after their Argentine Tango, he cried (just as he did before the dance as the audience watched the footage). Kym and Hines even got together with their moms for dinner when he came to LA for business. FRIENDS….dinner as friends.
By the way, not only has Meryl said she never dated Maks, HER MOM, when asked during the season, said they weren’t dating.
Regarding choreography, I think Mark does his own too.
If you do a showmance does that pretty much mean you’re going to the finals or that you might win by going that route for TPTB?
See, I really, really dislike the showmance thing. It is one thing to show the chemistry during the dances but it is offputting to me when you carry the act off the dance floor.
A lot of people are easily impressed and they love a couple that they think are really into it or becoming a “couple”so they vote for them. Now, I wouldn’t mind it if they are really the best of the lot but if they overshadowing the rest of the cast because of the showmance then I tend to be really pissed.
Apparently Lindsay(from the troupe)apparently went to Afterbuzz and talked about the “showmance” and remarked that M&M really played it for what it’s worth. Did anybody see that show?
Of course not, Lydia. There have been lots of showmances over the years and usually they don’t win. Probably because they are a sign of desperation and the really good dancers don’t typically need to do that. Of course, there are some “showmances” that turn out to be the real thing, in one way or another. Peta and James really had gone on a date before the show – you don’t think her getting him was an accident, do you? TPTB always try to push a showmance hoping they get something like Maks and Meryl – where the deluded become the faithful. 🙂 Pretty sure that Derek got Shannon because TPTB were hoping for a showmance. They got it, but that was a real deal since they lived together for a year afterward.
Then there are those that are simply for show, in hopes of getting votes (Maks/Meryl).
I saw it, Ria. Don’t remember exactly what she said, but if Maksyl fans were mad at Derek, they should be INCENSED with Lindsay. I think she might have even rolled her eyes. 🙂 Not that the Maksyl fans should be mad at either of them, but you know what I mean.
PH- They were. They have been fuming at Derek, Mark, Tom, Cheryl, Lindsay and Kristyn Burtt- all people who have proclaimed that Maks and Meryl were a showmance. They even go so far to say that these people wouldn’t know because Meryl and Maks were traveling and these pros couldn’t have been near them to know these details. They have every ridiculous excuse in the book to justify why this wasn’t a showmance.
I’m surprised they are not mad at Maks because he has used that word himself. They blame it on his accent or something LOL.
Those kooks wouldn’t know real love if it bit them in the ass…which is why the bulk of them spend so much time reading over-the-top Maksyl fan fiction on tumblr. Living vicariously, I guess.
Maksyl sounds like the name of a prescription medication for depression & anxiety.
Thank you Princess Heldi.
Correction- Princess Heidi.
#87 HAHAHA Courtney…exactly, OMG any shipper fan fiction is like swimming in a pool of barf. Gotta have cat reflexes to close my browser window if I ever encounter one LOL. 😀
It still baffles me why a 27-year old grown woman simply couldn’t tell Maks “No showmance. End of discussion”. It’s not like Maks is some scary Big Bad. As an Olympian, one would think she would have insisted on letting the work speak for itself. It’s a shame she couldn’t just be real instead of playing a false version of herself. And it’s not like she’s a good actress either lol. Zero personality.
Her agreeing to Maks’s plans, week after week, shows what little respect she truly had not only for the other couples, but for the entire show. I’m thinking Charlie was the one who really wanted to do the show, but she was indifferent so he and their team kind of had to cajole her into it.
So ridiculous. It was so obvious. What did they have to say about Maks being photographed this past week with a model? Just friends? LOL
#91. She likes the attention she is getting.
#92. Ughhh PH, they have more creative excuses for that one. They were saying that Maks really wanted to go with Meryl but since she couldn’t make it, he had no choice. Apparently, this model was Meryl approved. But then the panic kicked in and they’ve started sending hateful tweets to this model. The delusion has no boundaries HAHAHA. 😀
There is not a woman alive that would be okay with a model standing in for her with her man. These woman have either never dated, or they got married so long ago that they’ve lost touch with reality.
#58 Steven – I am not entirely convinced that they’ve started one. Just because they do stupid flirting (my nickname for their flirting) doesn’t mean they’ve got a showmance established. We’ll have to see when it comes…. Val is a horrible flirt so it wouldn’t surprise me if it doesn’t get any further than that. And his choreography is good…. He’s proven that he’s much more capable than maks
I hope some interviewer, someday, has the guts to ask her point-blank “Why did you agree to the showmance?”
I don’t mean to go on about this but reading the other posts here reminded me of my frustrations about last season.
The producers do put pressure on the couples. James did say they were asked to produce a samba that was sexy to the point of being controversial. And it was. Thought they made a striking pair but his dancing was rubbish apart from his foxtrot.
Incidentally, as far as romance goes, these two were still seeing each other until early august. Predictably, he has dropped Peta and is now back with his rich frat friends in their yacht surrounded by loads of girls in bikinis. Poor Peta, and a sure early exit this season.
P.S I could not think of a less likely couple than Maks/Meryl.Zero chemistry