PureDWTS 10th Anniversary Special – Who Do You Hope to See Back?
After much speculation (and a lot of questions!) we now know that the 10th Anniversary Special is taping this coming Tuesday, April 21, and will air on April 28 May 7 (or May 14, depending on who you ask). What we aren’t so positive on is who will be returning to dance – Deep Throat has confirmed that Kelly & Alfonso will be participating, and thanks to Claire for the heads-up on this interesting post to Emmitt’s charity auction. So who else might we see? And who do we Pure girls want to see? Read on…
ETA1: Ok, got some new info that clarifies the format of the anniversary special a bit. Apparently the list of returning celebs is MASSIVE; HOWEVER – not everyone returning is going to be performing individually. Most of them are going to be performing in groups, and they’re doing brand new dances. For example – a bunch of the NFL players are going to be performing together (squeeeee!!!) and so far, it’s definitely going to be Emmitt, Kurt Warner, Jacoby, and Donald…and there may be more 😀 Not gonna lie – about crashed my car when I got that text from Deep Throat. I would guess that their respective pros are going to be performing with them. Now with that knowledge under our belts, I’m guessing that Kristi, Katherine (yes, I know she’s pregnant, but she’s on the list), Chelsea, and Sadie may be performing as a group with Mark. As far as Deep Throat knows right now, the only couples dancing individually are Kelly & Val, Alfonso & Witney, and Meryl & Maks.
ETA2: Guess I need to clarify a few things so that this post does not become a royal pain in my ass 🙂 First: I HAVE INSTAGRAM, TWITTER, FACEBOOK, ETC. TOO. If Melissa & Tony confirm they’re in, I will see it, and I will get around to posting it WHEN I’M NO LONGER ASLEEP. Repeatedly tweeting me and commenting here will not make it go any faster. Second: I mentioned above that the list of returning celebs is HUGE. The list below isn’t comprehensive, it was just what DT could remember off the top of his/her head. There is NO USE in getting bent outta shape about your favorite not being included (yet) – there is definitely more that what we have here. BREATHE. Three: some of you have tweeted me with some pretty flimsy findings that supposedly confirm that so-and-so is in or whatnot. Unless a celeb states “I’m going to be on the anniversary special” or I get confirmation from Deep Throat, they’re not going on the “confirmed” list. I added a new section for “random chatter” where I might post things like that, if I find them relevant. Fourth: Don’t be that annoying person that continually DM’s myself, Heidi, Vogue, or John begging to know if [insert celeb or pro here] is coming back for the special. All we know right now is posted here, and we’ll share more if we hear more. Fifth: hearing conflicting reports about when the special is airing – it’s either the 7th or 14th. At this point, all I care is that it’s NOT THIS WEEK…
ETA3: More names confirmed for the big NFL players group dance. Also: Anna will be performing in it, so she is back.
ETA4: Per Deep Throat, 3 of Derek’s former partners and 3 of Mark’s former partners are all dancing together (with Derek & Mark) in a “bromance”-themed dance. Sadie may have an individual dance.
ETA5: In yet another scheduling shakeup, Anniversary Special will now air next Tuesday, Apr. 28; first results show is pushed to the following Tuesday, May 5. Single elim in week 7; double elim moved to week 8. Discuss.
Confirmed for 10th Anniversary Special:
Kelly Monaco & Val (season 15 All-Stars, 3rd place) – doing their paso doble and/or their surfer flamenco
Alfonso Ribeiro & Witney (season 19 champions) – doing their salsa
Meryl Davis & Maks (season 18 champions) – some individual dance
Emmitt Smith (season 3 champion) – NFL player group dance
Jacoby Jones (season 16, 3rd place) – NFL player group dance
Kurt Warner (season 11, 5th place) – NFL player group dance
Donald Driver (season 14 champion) – NFL player group dance
Jerry Rice (season 2 runner-up) – NFL player group dance
Michael Irvin (season 9, 7th place) – NFL player group dance
Hines Ward (season 12 champion) – NFL player group dance
Chelsea Kane (season 12, 3rd place) – Derek/Mark “bromance” group dance
Kristi Yamaguchi (season 6 champion) – Derek/Mark “bromance” group dance
Katherine Jenkins (season 14 runner-up) – Derek/Mark “bromance” group dance
Sadie Robertson (season 19 runner-up) – individual dance (?)
Maria Menounos (season 14, 4th place) – Derek/Mark “bromance” group dance
Amber Riley (season 16 champion) – Derek/Mark “bromance” group dance
Amy Purdy (season 18 runner-up) – Derek/Mark “bromance” group dance
Chelsie Hightower – not sure who she’s dancing with or what they’re doing, but she confirmed she’ll be back
Anna Trebunskaya – dancing in the NFL players group dance (and possibly others)
Melissa Rycroft & Tony (season 8, 3rd place; season 15 All-Stars champions) – Tony confirmed on Instagram; I’m guessing they’re doing an individual dance
Confirmed as not involved:
Shawn Johnson (season 8 champion, season 15 All-Stars runner-up) – knee injury
Zendaya (season 16 runner-up) – had other commitments in NYC, per her mom
Random chatter – take with a grain of salt:
Bill Engvall – tweeted this the other day – see Emma’s response further down
Margaret Cho – could be her in the background of this Instagram pic posted by Allison
Janel Parrish – will be at the show – but unclear if she’s actually dancing or will just be in the audience
Court’s Anniversary Special Wish List:
Bill Engvall & Emma (season 17, 4th place) – doing their samba or paso doble. Wouldn’t be an anniversary show without a performance from one of my favorite DWTS couples of all time 🙂
Alfonso Ribeiro & Witney (season 19 champions) – doing their jazz. Their salsa was cute, but this is the one that will go down in history for me!
Kyle Massey & Lacey (season 11 runners-up) – doing their jive. Probably my favorite jive of all-time on the show.
Donald Driver & Peta (season 14 champions) doing their paso doble. Donald was just such a bright spot, and I got such a kick out of watching him channel Jimi Hendrix 😛
Jacoby Jones & Karina (season 16, 3rd place) doing their jive. Probably one of the most joyful jives we’ve ever seen on the show 😛
Vogue’s Anniversary Special Wish List:
George Hamilton & Edyta (season 2, 6th place) – I’d love to see them do their Quickstep again. It was so beautiful and dashing. Because of Edyta, I became a fan to the show.
Willa Ford & Maks Chmerkovskiy (season 3, eliminated in 5th week) – Waltz!! I’m not so much of a Maks fan now (thanks to his time with Hope Solo), but, I was in the early days. I was shipping these two terribly as I was clueless (was there something going on between them at time? I still wonder.). I was so drawn to them.
Emmitt Smith & Cheryl Burke (season 3 champs) – This one is for my Dad. This is when he became a fan to Cheryl and the show. Since then, we’ve been reviewing the show afterwards every season. #DWTSBringsFamiliesTogether We’ll take their freestyle dance again please.
Apolo Anton Ohno & Julianne Hough (season 4 champs) – I’ll take any of their dances.
Joanna Krupa & Derek Hough (season 9, 4th place) – What I’d give to see their Futuristic Paso again. This is probably the dance I’ve watched the most over the years…over and over again. This is also when I became a huge fan to Derek. I also loved when Maks stood in for Derek (when Derek got sick) and did an Argentine Tango with her. Remember that? That was just hot!
Ralph Macchio & Karina Smirnoff (season 12, 4th place) – Their Fox Trot! It was so classy, charming, and romantic.
Donald Driver & Peta (season 14 champions) – Ditto to Court. The Paso Doble! Actually, I would take any dance by these two. I loved all the muscle in their dances.
Lisa Vanderpump & Gleb Savchenko (season 16, eliminated 2nd) – Their Foxtrot was beautiful. I became a huge fan to Gleb in this season for how gentle and fun he was with Lisa.
Amber Riley & Derek Hough (season 17 champs) – I’d like to see them do their Freestyle dance again (my favorite Freestyle ever). I’d also take a replay of the Foxing Awesome group dance. 😀
Sadie Robertson & Mark Ballas (season 19 runner up) – I loved all of their dances, but, their Samba to “Hunter” by Pharrell Williams sold me and then some. Unforgettable!
Heidi’s Anniversary Special Wish List:
I think it’s highly unlikely that I will get any of my wishes, since I don’t see how Derek can be involved, but I guess you never know!!
Derek and Nicole Scherzinger (Season 10 champs) – just about any dance they did, but the iconic ones are the 50’s Paso Doble, Proud Mary Jive, and the Michael Buble Foxtrot. Also the Lady in Red rumba that CAI called a lift on even thought he dance was over.
Derek and Kellie Pickler (Season 16 Champs) – that Jazz!! And the amazing freestyle. And the Flamenco. 🙂
Derek and Amber Riley (Season 17 Champs) – The freestyle was killer. Loved it.
Sadie Robertson and Mark (season 19 runners-up) – gotta go with Vogue and her selection of their Samba to “Hunter”. That was killer.
Shawn Johnson and Derek (season 15 all-stars runners-up) – mambo
I also have fond memories of the very first team dance, lead by Derek and Brooke Burke (season 7 champions).
One of Maks‘ dances that I remember to this day is his paso with Mel B. Awesome.
So those are our picks…what are yours??? Let’s hear your wishlists for the anniversary special! 🙂
i would lovvvvvveee to see VALDAYA back at it. Zendaya and Val were a great team. Should of won the whole thing IMO.
Maks with any partner not named Meryl Davis.
I would love to see Kyle and Lacey, Bill and Emma and Sadie and Mark. Any dance, I’m not picky, I would just like to see them dance again. Too bad Shawn is injured because I would like her back with Derek, but if he could manage doing this, which I doubt, I would like to see him Kellie.
Also, I would love to see Tristan, but I know that’s wishful thinking.
How could you leave out Sabrina?! She is still in California and I KNOW for a fact she would come back regardless. Also Mark posted a picture with Chelsea Kane! I have a feeling about how many of Mark’s partners are coming back but not certain. Also we can’t forget Kristi either!
When I found the Charity Auction Post I noticed that Emmitt’s charity donated the same package but for one under Jake Pavelka’s name! It doesn’t say explicitly that he is dancing like Emmit’s does however. I am willing to bet that, he might be dancing with Chelsie as there is no chance ABC does not have Bachelor representation.
I really hope they have some of the pros who were there at the very start off with the opening number together, like Karina, Maks, Louis, Cheryl, Edyta, Alec, Tony, Anna and then bring in Derek, Mark, Julianne, and then the new wave of pros, Val, Peta, Witney, Emma, etc.
For Celebs:
Bill E & Emma!
Ralph Macchio & Karina
Drew & Cheryl (their freestyle!!)
Apolo & Julianne (maybe incorporate Karina in there)
Jacoby & Karina
JR & Karina (I wouldn’t be surprised if JR came back bc he’s been at a few shows over the years)
Lacey & Kyle
Nicole & Derek
Amber & Derek
Emmitt & Cheryl
Sadie & Mark
Chelsie & Mark
Hines & Kim
Jack & Kelly Osborne
I have a feeling Zendaya and Melissa Rycroft will be back as well
Zendaya and Val I would love to watch them dancing again.When they dance its like they have a special bond and its shows in their performance.
Does derek even have time to stay for the tuesday taping of the special..he has a early 2pm show on Wednesday.
Chelsea Kane was rehearsing with Mark too (see Mark’s Instagram). She’s on my wish list and I would sooo love to see either their Jive or Viennese Waltz again.
My wishlist also includes:
Joanna Krupa & Derek – Paso Doble : quite possibly my favorite dance ever on the show.
Jennifer Grey & Derek – Argentine Tango
Apolo Ohno & Julianne – Samba
Zendaya & Val – Jive
James Maslow & Peta – Contemporary
Kyle Massey & Lacey – Jive / Samba
Alfonso Ribeiro & Witney – Jazz
Carson Kressley & Anna – ChaChaCha (Funniest dance ever)
J.R. Martinez & Karina – Freestyle (One of my faves)
Bill Engvall & Emma – Freestyle
Snooki & Sasha – Quickstep / Jazz
Sabrina Bryan & Mark – Paso Doble
I was thinking the same thing Suzanne.
I’m with Vogue – would love to see Apolianne again 🙂
It’s too bad that Shawn is recovering from knee surgery because I would have loved to see her & Mark do their PYT Cha-Cha (or their Freestyle) again as well as her & Derek do their Knight Rider Bhangra (or their Mambo or Quickstep).
I would also love to see Jack & Cheryl do their Top Hat Freestyle again, one of the few dances on DWTS that made me cry.
I would also love to see Charlie & Sharna’s Mary Poppins Jazz – without any more mishaps. Break the Mary Poppins curse!
Zendaya’s mom confirmed on twitter that DWTS (or Val who knows) asked her to participate in the special but she’ll be in NYC so she won’t be there. She is one of my favorites and probably the only Val partner I’ve ever really liked (she humanized him IMO) so it’s a shame she won’t be back…especially since she’s such a dynamic performer.
I would have loved to see Shawn or Mel B back. Really at the end of the day I just want to see Kyle do the Tootsie Roll again! I want to see more former male celebs back though…come on Bill E, where are you???
I would love to add Donald Driver back!
Honestly, I’ve seen the show since season 3, but it was Julianne and Derek Hough that made me LOVE the show like I do.
I’m not sure if Derek will be able to tape something with his 3 former partners, but hopefully he will, and we can at least see ONE of the Houghs dance.
I would REALLY LOVE to see Julianne dance, but I’m thinking it’s beyond hope, and I understand that her role on the show is a judge, and she won’t be dancing on the celebration. It’s too bad, because she’s one of the 3 reasons why (my opinion) the show is still around, and why the quality of the dancing is as high as it is. I have heard nothing to indicate she’s even been asked, so I’m thinking she isn’t. Derek, I’m sure, will be on if he can figure out how, he is the Big Draw. Too bad they didn’t seem to ask his sister.
Just a few off the top of my head:
Kyle & Lacey doing their AT, Jive, or Freestyle (one of my absolute favorites)
Derek & Nicole Paso or Foxtrot
Ralph & Karina Romeo & Juliet Waltz
Sadie & Mark – samba was my favorite, but since they already danced it again for the finals I’d take their V. Waltz or freestyle.
Amber & Derek – freestyle – definitely one of my favorites
I know it won’t happen, but my favorite Quickstep ever is Karina and Aaron Carter’s Muppet dance – so good, so fun, so cute – their jive was amazing too
Apolo ANYTHING but especially his Julianne Samba or his Foxtrot with Karina
Chelsea Kane & Mark – Jive or V waltz
Amy & Derek – Jazz, Contemporary, or AT
Romeo & Chelsie – Waltz
Although he turned out to be a douche, I friggen loved Gilles & Cheryl’s AT and salsa
Oh and I’ll also add that if Shawn wasn’t injured, I’d take MOST of her dances – chacha, quickstep, or freestyle with Mark, or the Knight Rider, rumba, or trio dance with Derek as particular favorites
Zendaya’s mom said on twitter that she was asked to come back but she can’t because she will be in New York for work. I’m sad, I loved Zendaya and Val as a partnership and she is such a beautiful dancer.
I would love to see Kellie and Derek again! I loved her! Also, anything from Sadie and Mark.
I loved Zendaya and Val too. It was the last time I actually liked his choreography and she is kind of a cool chick. Didn’t like how they both behaved after she lost but I still like those routines.
I second wanting to see Charlie and Sharna and a couple of props! But there’s not a chance since he’s getting married in a few days.
Too bad about Shawn! I’d love to see her Mambo with Derek again!
Has anyone heard if Kristi Yamagucci (sp??) will be returning. I would love to see her and Mark dance their paso or jive. Great partnership!
OMG how did I forget about Charlie?!?!?!! I’d LOVE if he could be back – dancing anything. Standing there smiling. But it’s highly unlikely given his prior commitments.
Instead we’ll be subjected to Meryl/Maks stuff that just flames the dying embers of the shippers. Joy.
Just a few: Julianne and Apollo, Helio and chelsie, Leah and tony, Stacey and tony, lance and Lacey, Joey and kym, Donny and kym, Chelsea and mark, James and peta, and Joey and eydta. Also if we can get George Hamilton out there dancing that would make my life. Maybe cloris too.
Kym & Hines
Kristi & Mark
Maks & Mel (!!)
Charlie & Sharna
Do we know whether certain pros are having more than one partner & more than one dance?
I don’t think Charlie will make it…he’s getting married next weekend. With that and a honeymoon would he have the time?
I’d love to see Karina and JR, and Karina and Jacoby; Kym and Hines: Mark and Sadie; Emma and Bill E; Derek and Nicole, Lil Kim, Amy, Maria, and I know we can’t have Shawn but I’d love to see so many of their S15 dances; Sasha and Snicole; and I’m sure there are plenty others I’d love to see if I gave it some thought. Oh, how is Valerie Harper these days, how about she and Tristan or Dorothy and Tristan!
I’m excited for this! Also excited about Kelly and Val. Would love to see snooki and Sasha. Maks and Mel b as they were probably my favorite pairing altogether. Can’t wait for May 7th
My wish list, besides the ones you’ve already mentioned, would be:
-Sabrina and Mark doing their cha cha
-Kristi and Mark doing their mambo (love that dance)
-Kellie Pickler and Derek doing the Argentine Tango, my favorite AT in the history of the show!
-Chelsie and Mark doing the Harry Potter Waltz (she’ll be back for the anniversary special as well)
-Julianne and Helio doing their Quickstep
-Sadie and Mark doing the Foxtrot trio with Emma
-Sabrina and Louis doing the Quickstep
-Corbin and Karina doing their Jazz trio with Witney, and their Paso Doble
-Nicole and Derek doing their Finale Rumba, AMAZING!
-Kelly Osbourne and Louis doing their Viennese Waltz
-Gilles and Cheryl doing the Argentine Tango
-Charlie White and Sharna doing either the Mary Poppins Jazz or their Jive
I think that’s about it =)
My wish list:
Charlie White and Sharna: Mary Poppins Jazz
Kellie Pickler and Derek: freestyle or samba
Tommy Chong and Peta: Rumba
JR and Karina: rumba or freestyle
Kristi Yamaguchi and Mark: Any dance
Corbin and Karina: freestyle or jazz
Alfonso and Witney: freestyle
Melissa and Tony: season 15 samba
Romeo and Chelsie: waltz
I would LOVE to see Witney and Alfonso’s Batman and Robyn Ch Cha and Julianne and Apollo’s Samba. My fave Cha Cha and Samba ever!
Ok I was never a huge lover of the NFL stars on the show (only one I really liked was Donald) but the whole “NFL Players Group Dance” sounds AWESOME! Being that Donald is in it just makes this even better!
I am so excited to see what the others stars are doing! Of course they had to give Meryl and Maks an individual dance… BARF. Whatever.
I actually really enjoyed Kelly and Val so I’m looking forward to seeing them dance again.I LOVED their Paso Doble so hopefully they do that one again.
Don’t text and drive.
My wish list-
Alfonso and Witney: Jazz/Freestyle
Sadie and Mark: Trio
Kellie and Derek: Argentine Tango
Amy and Derek: Contemporary
Jack and Cheryl: Freestyle
Amber and Derek: Freestyle
Tommy and Peta: Cha Cha/Rumba
Corbin and Karina: Freestyle
James and Peta: Argentine Tago
Was using the voice text option, jimmbboe 🙂
I loved that the NFL guys are doing a group dance! That sounds like so much fun. Courtney, do you know if Hines & Jerry Rice are going to be in it as well? I hope so. Also, do you know who’s choreographing their routine?
I think it would be nice too if the Olympic figure skaters did a group dance – Kristi, Evan, Meryl, Charlie, Dorothy. I can envision a beautiful contemporary-esque dance.
Mark’s group dance w/ some of his former partners also sounds exciting. If only Derek can do a group dance w/ some of HIS former partners (Nicole, Jennifer, Shawn, Kellie, Amber, Amy, Lil’ Kim, etc.) – that would be freakin’ awesome.
OMG OMG, so my number one wish was that they’d perform NEW dances, but I didn’t think that was going to happen in a million years, so THIS IS SO MUCH BETTER THAN I HAD ORIGINALLY HOPED. YAY! Plus Jacoby, Donald, and Kurt – my three favorite NFL’ers on the show, YAY! Kristi, Katherine, and Sadie?! YAY! Maria, Amber, and Amy?! YAY!
Seriously, this is great news. Thanks for the update – really looking forward to this now.
Great news about Kristi, Katherine, Chelsea and Sadie will be performing a group dance with Mark. To bad Shawn will not be able to be there.
@Jane – Emmitt, Kurt, Jacoby, and Donald were the only names DT could remember off the top of his/her head…but there are apparently a LOT. So I think it’s certainly possible that Hines & Jerry could also be involved 🙂
And just something to keep in mind: I don’t have confirmation that all of Mark’s partners (or all of Derek’s partners) are dancing together – that’s just conjecture on my part, based on the fact that DT says most of the returning celebs are in group dances, as opposed to performing individually.
@Fig – I thought you would enjoy this update 🙂 It certainly made me a lot more hyped for the anniversary special!!!
Court, I’m so glad you didn’t wreck your car!! lol xx
I’m so excited. I love hearing that there will be a football number! I hope Jerry Rice is among them too!
Could derek choreograph a dance in NYC and have him dance it during his free time on the radio city stage/central park etc… possibly with laura jared nastia and the rockettes. Like a Montage dancing around nyc. That be pretty epic and really cool
So I looked up every NFL guy that’s competed on DWTS & looks like I forgot quite a few: Jason Taylor (can’t believe I forgot about him – one of the hottest guys to ever compete on DWTS, IMO), Warren Sapp, LT, Michael Irvin, Ochocinco, Keyshawn Johnson, Michael Sam. I seriously hope everyone of them can do the group dance – it would be so much fun!
And I agree w/ Figmentation #38, I love that they’re doing new dances. I’m even more excited for the anniversary show now.
Lori, think positive abut Julianne. I’m keeping my fingers crossed!
Just based on the photo Chelsea Kane posted, Amy was in the back also dancing, maybe? So maybe the group dances are mixed, not just Mark’s partners.
FYI according to Tom Burgeron’s twitter the special airs on the 14th not the 7th
Looks like Heidi and I, share a preference. My Anniversary Special Wish List, would also be Kellie and Derek, dancing their Jazz routine. It was so hot and I think it would be easier for Kellie to quickly relearn than their other dances. Since she is my favorite partner of Derek’s, I really wanted to see her there more than anybody, but I’ve about given up any hope of her even going, much less dancing with Derek… tonight, she was at the ACM’s in Texas. And yes, it would be nice to see Sadie and Mark dance together again.
Bill E has defo been at McCadden’s recently. Him, Emma and DWTS tweeted about it.
I hate to be a moaning git but how do Kelly and Val manage to blag an individual dance when champions such as Donald, Kristi and Amber have to settle for a group dance?
Also if Chelsie Hightower has been asked back, hopefully all the ex DWTS pros from the Dance Pros Live tour have been asked back as well.
Fair play to DWTS for managing to get all these back, Mark’s ex’s are especially game! Hope it doesn’t get awkward for him seeing them all together 😀 I wonder if we’ll see any ex stars in the audience on the show tomorrow.
I would legit squee like a fangirl if Edyta, Karina and Anna came back to dance for the special. It seems like a lot of my faves are back but that would take the cake.
Court – YES, this is seriously the best DWTS-related news I can remember hearing. I love that they aren’t trying to “recreate” old magic because I can always go back and watch them on YouTube, and they are rarely better later on. Create new memories to appreciate, even if the routines aren’t as long or focused on one person.
M8 – all of Mark’s ex’s? Do you mean ex partners or ex-girlfriends? I wasn’t aware of him dating anyone on the show except some possible Sabrina Bryan hookups, but I don’t even know if that was ever confirmed or not. If you just mean ex-partners, then nevermind! 🙂
OMG, I’d love if Jonathan and Tristan were there too – LOVE LOVE LOVE.
So I gotta ask: is karina not involved at all it just keeping hush about it? Side note I love the group dance concept. Marks should be amazing!
Vogue, not holding much hope. :/
I figure there’s been no indication whatsoever that she is going to be dancing, and in a way, why should she, since she’s now a judge? Her role can never be a dancer on DWTS anymore.
@m8: that bill news is great!!!! Super psyched to see him back out there. I was super tough on him in his season towards the end but after watching redfoo and billy dee I would love to see him and Emma again 🙂
My favorite partnerships on the show were Apolo/Julianne, and Helio/Julianne. I’m so disappointed they are not going to be included in the anniversary show.
I’m super amped about the anniversary show! Wow, lots of goodies! I like that there will be new dances, although I’d be happy if there will repeat dances. Hopefully, these repeat dances will equal/recreate the magic when they were first danced, or be even better.
Thank you, Courtney, for this wonderful update. Thanks to DT, too!
Melissa posted a photo of her and Tony rehearsing. I always liked Melissa so I’m happy to see them again. And not surprised since they’ll try and promote her, good call guys!
My wishlist in as close to chronological order as I can….
Cheryl and Drew Freestyle
Jerry Rice and Anna in the NFL number
Emmit and Cheryl in NFL number
Mario and Karina tango
Apollo and Julianne Rumba w/chair, or Samba
Helio and Julianne Quickstep
Mel B and Maks Paso
Mark and Sabrina cha cha
Gilles and Cheryl Argentine Tango
Mark and Kristi fix trot
Joanna Krupa and Derek Paso
Nicole and Derek Paso or Jive or AT
Chelsea and Mark Viennese waltz
Derek and Maria Jive
Derek and Kellie…Jazz, freestyle. Or Argentine tango
Derek and Amber…Jazz, Cha cha, or Freestyle!!
Mark and Candace contemporary or Trio
Mark and Sadie Samba
Anna and Evan argentine tango
Alfonso and Whitney Jazz
Sharnya and Charlie: Jazz or contemporary
Is love to see Jack and Cheryl
Kyle and Lacey
Joey and edyta
Mel b and Maks
Kelly and Val
Kelly and Louis
Nah Fig I mean ex as in Mark’s ex dance partners 🙂 Although I’m surprised he didn’t consider hooking up with any of them. If you look back Mark has had a lot of good looking partners down the seasons (well attractive in my eyes anyway).
I’m confused. Tom Bergeron tweeted a couple of days ago that the anniversary show was going to air on May 14th but your post says May 7th. Has the May 7th date been confirmed officially. Thanks
Oh geez, apparently someone sent a memo to the Zendaya fanclub that they needed to come here and share? Great.
I’d love for Hines to be back too! Him & Kym were always electric together.
Excited about Meryl & Maks! Anxious to see exactly what routine they’ll end up encoring! Honestly would love to see them repeat anything–from their Rumba, Tango, Argentine Tango, Swing, or that beautiful Freestyle!
Surprised to not see Nicole Sherzing not here? 🙁 Definitely my favorite Derek partner.
Also surprised not to see JR! He’s been at the show a lot lately…
Alas, sad about not being to see Zendaya again. Would have loved to see her & Val do their week 2 Jive again :/ But at least we might be getting Val & Kelly’s flamenco, lmao.
Gee, M8, you and I are on the same page – how do Kelly and Val warrant an individual dance when so many better and more interesting dancers don’t??
So wait, Val, Maks, Witney and Tony get individual dances but the dude who has more MBTs then all of them combined doesn’t? How does that work?
First one that came to mind is Karina and Corbin’s jazz trio with Witney. Then Derek and Ricki’s Psycho tango. Plus Sabrina and Mark’s rumba.
Would also love to see any Argentine tango with Cheryl and Charlie and Sharna’s freestyle that should have been.
What about Jennifer Grey???
My faves to see individual dances from would be Derek and Jennifer Grey and Mark and Kristi Y…and sorry to upset some of you, but Val and Zendaya.
Almost anything by Apolo
J.R. & Karina’s samba
Hines & Kym’s Foxtrot
Derek & Maria’s Rumba
Kyle & Lacey’s Instant Jive
Derek & Kelly’s freestyle
just to name a few 🙂
Melissa Rycroft essentially confirmed she and Tony are dancing. She posted a photo in her Latin heels with Tony rehearsing.
Likely a solo dance as she’s the All Star winner and going on the tour.
I would love to see Evan Lysacek perform either his Argentine Tango or Pasa Doble with Anna. Evan & Anna are one of my favorite DWTS couples.
What a joy it will be to see Donald Driver on the dancefloor once again. I love him. I would love to see Hines as well.
What NO Donny Osmond? LOL I would think him and his swelled ego would be ready to dance again.
I love this site! So many juicy tidbits all the time. Thanks
Tom Bergeron had said on Twitter the special would be the 14th. Now it’s the 7th?
Meryl Davis with anyone but Maks. Heck, I’d kill to see her perform a full routine with Val again.
Hines & Kym!!! Their Argentine Tango was so powerful, after her injury, and beautiful at the same time. I would love to see it again now that she is healthy. Also loved their Foxtrot and Paso Doble.
J.R & Karina: almost any of their dances. Loved their Samba.
Charlie White & Sharna: anything…love him & Sharna together
Romeo & Chelsie: Foxtrot, Waltz
Sabrina & Mark: Cha Cha was fun!
I actually want to see a trio dance by Maks, Meryl and Peta….kidding! 😀 My top of the list are: Apollo and Julianne samba, any of Mark and Kristi, Emmitt and Cheryl, Derek and Nicole 50’s Paso, Derek and Amber Freestyle, Alfonso and Whitney Freestyle.
I was busy this weekend with family stuff and didn’t check the Pure site, so imagine my happiness when I saw this post on this dreary, overcast, blah Monday morning! Like a ray of sunshine. Thanks guys!
I have no clue how they picked certain couples for individual dances and others for group dances. I certainly wouldn’t have picked Meryl and Maks. Mel B and Maks are the ones I want to see dance again. I feel she was his best partner. She was stood up to him, poked fun at him and made him relax, have fun and produce some of his best choreography.
I’m sitting here scratching my head at the inclusion of Kelly and Val dancing a solo dance.
Why the hell isn’t Karina, Cheryl, Derek, Mark, Kym and some of the other long term pros not getting a solo dance?
I’d also like to see Len dance with a pro, preferably Karina or Kym. Something elegant. Also want to see Tom dance, maybe with Cheryl.
Love to see the following:
Karina and Mario#1’s Mambo or Karina and Jacoby’s Jive.
Cheryl and before he became douche, Gilles’ Argentine Tango
Derek and Nicole’s 50’s Paso. My all-time favorite dance
Donald and Peta’s freestyle
Mark and Chelsie’s Harry Potter Waltz
Emma and Bill. I don’t care what dance they do, I just want to see them dance again.
Lacey and Kyle’s freestyle
Fig#51, yes please to Jonathan and Tristan being there.
I’d second that dance with Maks, Meryl and Peta. Or a solo dance with Maks AND Peta. Ha-ha. I’m sure the shippers’ head will explode.
Motherpuss bucket! I just realized that Val and wee Val will be making an appearance again in the surfer flamingo. Why? Dear God why?
More Val/Kelly, Maks/Meryl. I feel like TPTB have already stuffed these couples down my throat, and as much as I like Alfonso I’m starting to feel the same way about he and Whitney. All the footballers in a routine sounds like it will be a lot of fun, and two of my favorites would be Bill E and Jerry Rice.
I’m sick that Charlie is not included. I would love to see his SWDOI dance with Sharna. It was terrific. And he did it with almost no rehearsal with her. Or just show up with Tanith in the audience.
In a perfect world, we would get the Argentine Tangos that James & Peta and Charlie & Sharna should have done in S18.
Thank you Mods for giving us more exciting fun to contemplate!! I love that idea of a group number with the Olympic figure skaters: Kristi, Evan, Meryl, Charlie, & Dorothy. I also think it might be fun to see the judges do a waltz, such as Len with CAI and Bruno with Julianne. As for Meryl & Max again: no, no. And Kellie Monaco & Val: Huh? Is that the best TPTB can do? Also would like to see Julianne dance; she, Derek & Mark are the reason I became such an avid fan, and I watched the show from Season One. I feel her best talent is as a dancer.
My wish list:
Julianne and Derek doIng an AT or Paso.
Julianne and Apolo dancing anything
Trio dance with Mark, Julianne and Derek
Charlie and Sharna “Mary Poppins” dance
Mark and Kristi freestyle
Derek and Nicole 50’s Paso
Derek and Kellie AT or freestyle
Derek & Jennifer AT
Donny & Kym freestyle
Addressing random things I’ve seen in the comments…sorry if I don’t address you guys specifically…
*There may be more individual dances – as I said above, what we have here is just what DT could remember of the top of his/her head. Honestly, though, I think those getting to do group dances are probably better off – they’re new dances, so it’s likely going to be more entertaining than seeing Kelly’s paso doble for a 3rd or 4th time.
*Mel B = tied up with judging America’s Got Talent right now, so I doubt she’d be available, anyway. As for some of the other NFL players: last I heard, Lawrence Taylor, Warren Sapp, and Chad Ocho-whatever had all had run-ins with the law…so I’m not sure they’re available (or a hot commodity). Charlie getting married = likely negates his participation.
Probably gonna sound real random, but I think the woman in the background of Allison’s Instagram photo is the stand-in judge for Carrie Ann on dress rehearsal – they’ve shown her a couple of times in the last couple seasons when they do the ‘dress rehearsal footage’ on finale night.
My inner ’90s dork would love to see a “boy band” group. They could bring back Joey M, Joey F, Lance and Drew. They could even include Riker if they were using current DWTS dancers.
I don’t remember or care about half of these former contestants. The pairing, or couple that drew me into the show was Apollo and Julianne, or Apolianne…. since then, I’ve been hooked on this show and on the Houghs!…
If Val could not dance with Zendaya I would bring back Sherry!! Ugh I dislike the Showman with Kelly!!
I began watching DWTS on Season 14. So this is my wish list 😀
Alfonso and Witney – Paso or Jazz
Sadie and Mark – Samba
Amy and Derek – Contemporary, Jive or Freestyle
Amber and Derek – Any dance. Can’t choose 😀
Kellie and Derek – Freestyle, Samba or Flamanco
Jocoby and Karina – Jive
Aly and Mark – Salsa
Shawn and Derek – Mambo, Quickstep or Tango/Paso
Melissa and Tony – Viennese Waltz or Jittlebug
Kelly and Val – Paso
Katherine and Mark – Foxtrot, Jive or Waltz
Donald and Peta – Paso or Freestyle
Maria and Derek – Rumba or Viennese Waltz
Thank goodness no Zendaya or Donny! I forgot all about them until I read the posts and have no desire to see either one.
If I could see Kellie and Derek do any dance together, I would be thrilled. Also Mark and Sadie.
I’m really happy that meryl and maks are coming back!! I LOVED them, and I am so excited that Amy Purdy is back too. 😀 Would love to see sabrina bryan back, I think she’s a fantastic dancer. Eww about kelly monaco though, don’t really like her. 🙁 would love to see kellie pickler back though 🙂 her freestyle and argentine tango and flamenco with derek were fabulous. 🙂 i also kind of wish they would perform all new dances! Although I seriously doubt that will happen. Would love to see gleb back too but doubt that’s happening since he’s doing dwts russia.
Sorry for my double post, but I started watching DWTS season 18 🙁 kind of late, so a lot of my suggestions are just from videos ive seen on youtube of who I think I like lol
Courtney #83, I forgot about the legal troubles LT, Ochocino & Sapp have had. I wouldn’t be surprised if TPTB didn’t invite them back. Still looking forward to the NFL group dance anyway.
And I agree that a new group dance number is going to be more interesting than an old individual dance number. I can just watch those on YouTube anytime.
Also, do you think the reason (or one of the reasons) why Henry isn’t filling in for Derek anymore is because he may be helping w/ the dance routines for the anniversary special?
@Jane – RE: Henry – no. It’s something else. Sorry, can’t say more than that out here 😉
One day when installing a new computer, I used YouTube to check out video playing, and on a whim I watched every Derek/Nicole S. clip I could find. Those two had a real chemistry. If she could choreograph and teach, I don’t see how she couldn’t be a professional dancer a well. My favorite contestant of all time. Really hoping she will be on the show.
I’d LOVE to see Derek and Nicole Scherzinger dance again…I think she was my favorite partner of his….next would be Kellie Pickler.
Courtney, I understand if you can’t say any more about the Henry situation. Although I am secretly hoping that you & the other mods @ Pure will one day reveal all the juicy tidbits you have gathered over the years. Perhaps you guys can write a tell-all book about all the behind-the-scenes drama once the show is over & done with? 🙂
I just remembered misty may. They should bring her back to do her mambo with maks. Or the jive she injured herself on. Although I’d understand if she didn’t wanna do that. Lol
Most of my wishes have been captured already, but I’ll call out:
1) My #1 wish would be an Apolo and Julianne dance reunion. They are one of my all-time favorite dance couples. I remember all of their dances (even their reunion Viennese Waltz), their packages, and I think the judges comments too! 🙂
2) #52 – I agree with you, Fig. I miss Jonathan Roberts and would love to see him on the dance floor again.
Does anyone know what Jonathan is up to nowadays?
Would love to see Julianne & Helio’s Quick Step again. That was the season I got hooked on DWTS.
My wish list:
Hines and Kym
Lacey and Kyle
Chelsie
Tristan
Karina – dancing anything with anyone, TBH
Derek dancing with Kelli
Mark dancing with Sadie
Peta and Tommy
I’d love to see Derek & Nicole’s foxtrot again. I love that dance! Also, even though it’s not a dance, I’d love it if they’d revive the original DWTS theme song again! Please! 🙂
Man, if this was football Kurt Warner would have a field day with all those wide recievers and Emmitt Smith
I hope Sadie has an individual dance but mostly because she is just so much fun to watch when its just her and Mark having a blast. That football dance should be fun. Kurt and Jerry and Emmitt alone make it the dance I am most excited to see. I hope they get Michael Sam in there too.
Dang, with Derek injured, bromance dance is done probably. Too bad
I think everyone just needs to take a nice, deep breath and not jump to conclusions until we’ve gotten confirmation on Derek’s prognosis.
According to Janel’s instagram, she is filming for the anniversary special. I have a screen shot of the post in case you need proof.
I personally am looking forward to the ‘bromance’ dance. I don’t see Derek letting the injury get him down.
@Crystal – Hmmm…the way I interpreted her post, she just made it seem like she’d be in the audience. I’ll add it to the chatter section, but I don’t think it’s hardcore confirmation that she’s actually performing.
Thank you for the updates, Courtney! Wow, such a huge cast! And there might be more, right? Is the anniversary special a two-hour show? Even if it is, how would they fit in all the numbers? I am guessing that they will be including footage from past season and interviews from former contestants, pros, production staff, producers, etc., plus the individual and group dances.
@nobleze – There IS more – the list is a mile long.
You could be right. Sorry about jumping the gun!
@Crystal – No worries 🙂 The Janel fans are just one group whose hopes I would rather NOT falsely get up – I might catch some serious hell on Twitter if I said she was performing and she ended up not. lol
A mile long list…Okay, I’m not going to over-think this as it’s not my job to put the show together, LOL! I’ll just patiently wait for when it airs and enjoy it.
Thank you for replying, Courtney!
I wonder if they are going to get Drew Lachey out there again doing the freestyle. I know he has done it before (the Big and Rich live performance) but would still love to see that.
I’m really excited for this show! I’m hoping that we see a recap of each season -I think that would be pretty cool!
Question for Court/DT – I understand that we don’t have the full celeb list and that said list is huge, but most of the All-Stars celebs had already been invited back once, so do you think all of them will be invited back again?
So my earlier cast wishes were for some of the better/more memorable dancers, but now I realize I want to see some of the funny guys just as much –
Steve-O PLEASE!
Kenny Mayne
Jeff Ross
Cloris Leachman
Niecy Nash
Ty Murray
Tommy Chong
Kelly & Jack Osbourne
Also super-excited about the “bromance” number – if they are able to do it!
no Bethany???
@Anna – You really need to do a better job of reading the post. THIS IS NOT COMPLETE LIST. Bethany may or may not be involved – we don’t know for sure. This is just the names we can confirm right now. Calm your tits.
I am SO looking forward to the Derek/Mark’s partners routines and the football players!
(plus many of the football players listed have amazing/hot pros; Anna, Kym, Karina, Cheryl, Peta — so it should be a great number)
Again, as my wish-list said, I hope they have some of the old-school pros come back! Alec, Edyta, etc.
A couple dances I would love to see again:
Charlie & Sharna paso -not crazy about the song but choreo was FIERCE. Also loved thier Cha Cha with glow sticks
JR & Karina – Freestyle or their AT
Erin (I know, she’s hosting) & Maks – AT That jump off the stage!!
Sabrina & Mark – Paso or Cha Cha
Lacey & Kyle – Cha cha
Donald & Peta – Freestyle to CBT!!
Derek and Kellie – Freestyle
Roshon & Chelsie – Cha Cha or Samba (or Salsa) – the one where it looked like they were in a Jungle
William Levy & Cheryl – AT
Giles & Cheryl – AT
Donald & Peta – AT
Melissa & Tony -Dirty Diana AT
I also want to see some of the people that weren’t amazing dancers but who we LOVED. Tommy, Ty and Bill Engvall. Let Bill do his ‘drink a beer’ dance like he asked Emma!! Ok and I know he was terrible but Mike Catherwood. His troupe tryout (Macarena champ) had me in stitches
I think a ROBBED segment would be cool too. People who were great dancers but lacked votes like Brandy, Elizabeth, Christina Milian, Sabrina
Definitely excited to see the Mark/Derek partners dance. I loved Sadie & Katherine with Mark. I would’ve loved to see Katherine’s jive or AT again.
Yes Joey Fatone would be fabulous! I loved him!!
Can’t believe I forgot to add Kellie Pickler and Derek to my previous list! Just re-watched their freestyle on YouTube. So cool!!
From Tom’s Twitter account 5 minutes ago:
ABC Schedule Juggle Update: @DancingABC 10th Anniversary Special moved to Tues, 4/28. Results Show & Double Elimination moved to 5/5.
So there is no results show Tuesday now apparently. And the Anniversary Special is Tuesday.
Yeah, I’ve been sitting on that intel since this morning – was just waiting on the all-clear from Deep Throat. Oh well.
Sorry Court. Didn’t mean to overstep.
Not your fault. Just one of the difficulties of having an inside source and trying to protect them 🙂
Do u think that wud be to accommodate Derek s injury and may be he can’t dance or rehearse tonight?
And just to hopefully squash any suspicions that might arise from the change: DT says it was the network’s decision – went way above the heads of Rob & Co. So I doubt there was any sort of elaborate scheme behind it.
@derekluv – No official word on Derek. I’d rather not speculate.
Well it might save Robert this week, the margins are now smaller, and I think he could have the votes to get past Chris, I suspect he was the real bottom 2 with Patti
Not sure how I feel about the anniversary episode being shown during the season. Oh well, it probably won’t matter much.
I am *trying* not to think this has to do with unforeseen voting results, but the scheduling change and adjustment to the double-elimination is interesting.
Any speculation on why the changes or is it just another example of flying by the seat of their pants. I would have thought that the Special would be good for ratings which are done in May I thought.
So guess we’re still on track for a 3 person finale unless there is no elimination in week 9 (which wouldn’t make sense at all). Guess they are trying to ensure a Rumer win no matter what. Even Meryl had a 4 person final.
oh okay Thank u court 🙂
Please see my response above, Judy. Network decision – way above the heads of TPTB. I’m guessing they were wanting to take advantage of the show still being “in-season” in order to raise viewership for the special. Pushing it outside of the regular season might have risked low viewership.
Okay see, I hate when I throw on a tin-foil hat too soon. Good to know, Court.
If it came at the network level, perhaps it has to do with a competitive network schedule. Does The Voice have anything happening that ABC wants to challenge next Tuesday? Thanks for the intel Courtney!
ok I am a bit confused the anniversary party is today and the dances will be taped today and that will be aired on a 28th April am I understanding this correctly
@mishti – Yes. They’re taping it tonight, airing it a week from tonight.
@Fig – I said the same thing, but then DT was like “Nah, this came from way up top – kinda made everyone at DWTS scramble to accomodate.” Oh well – at least we know if something funny happens as a result, it’s likely just a coincidence, and not due to any sort of engineering by TPTB.
Yeah, and really I should have known better – TPTB have some ways to really help out those couples that they want to stick around, but I’m pretty sure they wouldn’t go so far as to reschedule broadcasts and uproot sponsor placement, etc. Makes way more sense that it’s at the network level.
Seems like there’s a lot of last-minute decision-making and switching things around this season Feels unfair to the couples competing – never sure if there’s an elimination happening.
Wonder if the grand celebration TPTB built the 10th anniversary/20th season up to be is not coming across so well. Last night was not exactly fun and uplifting. I think putting off the double elimination until May 5th is a public relations move. But happy that it keeps Robert and Noah around for a few more weeks.
Would love to see Edyta again! And Louis!
Henry has started snap chatting from the taping. So far I’ve seen Chelsie & Louis appear in it. There’s a brunette next to Chelsie posing for a picture with Tom that I can’t put a name to, but definitely saw Louis.
I love the idea of a “bromance” dance from Derek & Mark & their partners. I so wish Shawn wasn’t injured b/c I think she would have been a good person to bridge the concept together since she danced w/ both Mark & Derek (for a full season).
So I’m seeing some of the pictures on social media and omg, the football guys look amazing in their costumes! That is the one number I’m looking forward too! (besides the Mark/Derrick one)
also, Samantha Harris is coming back? LOVE IT! I wonder if Brooke will also make an appearance in the audience
just a question about Val’s IG pic is he saying he’s leaving the show or that Maks isn’t going to dance on DWTS anymore? I’m a little confused about his wording
Kat, I think he’s just being dramatic….saying we “probably” won’t see he and Maks dancing together like they did last night on the special (being Maks isn’t part of the show anymore), but, you never know?
I think that is all it is #Kat. I wonder if they did a bro dance instead of Mark and Derek though. If that Special is only an hour,mand taking into consideration all the commercial breaks, it must be very jam packed!
I’m excited about the anniversary special, and a recap of the highlights of the past ten years…but WOW – my sympathy goes to the pros! Talk about ups and downs! My head is spinning from all the changes over the season – switch up/NOT; no elim/elim; double elim/results show; single elim/anniversary special. It’s hard for us to keep up with – and we’re not choreographing, teaching and providing emotional support for our celeb students! Kudos to all of the pros!
Question: Did all the celebs who were on DWTS got invited or did the producers picked and choose?
I see that there are several Apolo & Julianne fans here! Yay! They are my favorites on the show! I loved all their dances, especially their chair Rumba. They had so much real chemistry together!
The Houghs are the reason why I love this show!! It won’t be a true anniversary celebration if Derek and Julianne are not dancing!
Jane (up thread) had a great idea to have all the Olympic skaters including Apolo do a group dance!
From NFL players , I like Warren Sapp from season 8 with Kym Johnson ..
Ricki Lake with Derek.
Myà with Dmitry
And some old season couples 🙂
What no Apolo???????
Nancy, for the sake of my sanity, READ THE WHOLE POST.
*trying not to pull a Miss Piggy…*
Can somebody please explain to me what was the purpose of Val and Kelly stripping to their underwear for a tango? I did not see that on the regular show since I have been skipping DWTS a lot after a few seasons. I don’t think I will watch this dance after seeing pics of them either. No interest in M&M or their tango/paso whatever – I’ve OD’d on them after Season 18. In fact I never finished watching Season 18 when Charlie left.
@Heart I had the same idea. I would have thought at least Meryl and Kristi; both Olympic gold medal-winning figure skaters, both DWTS winners and I think Kristi mentored Meryl at some point. It’s why I was surprised Kristi and Meryl were dressed for different numbers. I really liked Meryl in her series, and I didn’t object to her winning, just the way it was done and the whole Maks storyline. Kristi and Apollo, Meryl and Charlie would be a perfect routine, but I guess we aren’t getting it. I really hope Kelly and Val are doing their paso, which was their best dance, and not their oh-my-God-Val’s-wearing-a-Speedo-why-God-why Flamenco, which for me showed the worst of them on and off the dancefloor.
I would have loved to see nicole and derek’s rumba. Did anyone else think that he looked nervous the first few rehearsals with her? Lol. Happy that M&M are back, would like to see their freestyle or waltz. 😀 excited for that. Would be really pained to see val and kelly do their surfer flamenco…eww. Actually, was not a big fan of kelly and val period, lol, :(. Happy that sadie is back, I loved her and mark. 😀 I would have liked to see giles marini and cheryl burke do their tango, and I would have LOVED to see janel and val. 🙁 For some strange reason, even though Janel was kind of sloppy in her dancing sometimes, I loved them. But I guess since they seem to have some kind of silent beef or whatever it’s not going to happen. Happy to see amy back though, really wish derek could have danced with everyone :,( but as long as he gets better its ok. 🙂
Doesn’t anybody else want to see Marlee Matlin? I enjoyed her dancing a lot, and I was as impressed with her ability to dance as I was with Amy’s. Both of them were able to do impressive things despite their physical hindrances.
Nicole Scherzinger is not going to be on the show? She and Derek was my best dancecouple of all all.
@ Autumn Nicole Scherzinger is on the new upcoming NBC show “I Can Do That” with Cheryl Burke. So I think their contracts prevent them from working for or supporting the ABC network in any way.
The show was awesome!
Just picked my jaw up from the floor after parti and Amber but that was a great show. Patti and Amber should pull a gaga and tony and record and album together.