Dancing with the Stars Season 21 – Complete Cast List Live Blog!!
Good Reveal Day morning, Ya’ll!! Finally the tedium of the Day by Day (kinda sorta) reveal is over and it will all be out there for everyone to obsess over. If you haven’t been here in a while, or have never been here before, please do us the courtesy of reading the DWTS Season 21 Reveal Day-by-Day post and ALL of the comments before commenting here. It’s not fun for us to answer questions that have been asked (and answered) 500 times. ESPECIALLY if it’s something easily googled. Really, people, google is a wonderful thing. I’ve also added links to previous posts for couples that were revealed previously, so you have them for easy reference.
ETA: Figured out why Derek, at least, isn’t in NYC. His new TV show with Julianne and Maria Menounos started shooting last night. Yes, they turned their holiday dance battles into an ABC show. Very enterprising people, the Houghs…and Maria. I would imagine that the pros who are not present had other plans – and the power to say “can’t do it”. Or perhaps rehearsing with the celeb out of town who had previous plans, ala Allison.
ETA2: They brought out most of the announced celebs – those who could be there, obviously – and same with the pros. Looked like Val was expecting more of an ovation.
ETA3: Okay, I confess, Paula is cracking me up. Oh, look, the last celeb is down there!
REVEAL #1 – Bindi Irwin
REVEAL #2 – Victor Espinoza
REVEAL #3 – Nick Carter
REVEAL #4 – Hayes Grier
REVEAL #5 – Alexa Vega
REVEAL #6 – Carlos Pena, Jr.
REVEAL #7 – Chaka Kahn
REVEAL #8 – Andy Grammer
REVEAL #9 – Gary Busey
REVEAL #10 – Kim Zolciak
REVEAL #11 – Tamar Braxton
REVEAL #12 – Paula Deen
REVEAL #13 – Alek Skarlatos
And here are the pairings…will update as the show progresses.
ETA: Ugh. Louis is definitely back.
The Pairs!!
Celebrity | Height | Pro Height | Pro |
Paula Deen | 5ft. 5in. | 5ft. 10in. | Louis |
Bindi Irwin | 5ft. 1in. | 5ft. 10in. | Derek |
Alexa Vega | 5ft. 1in. | 5ft. 8in. | Mark |
Tamar Braxton | ?? | 5ft. 10/11in. | Val |
Kim Zolciak | 5ft. 9in. | 6ft. 1in. | Tony |
Chaka Khan | 5ft. 4in. | 6ft. 2in. | Keo |
Hayes Grier | ?? | 5ft.5in. | Emma |
Alek Skarlatos | ?? | 5ft. 3in. | Linday |
Victor Espinoza | 5ft. 2in. | 5ft. 5in. | Karina |
Andy Grammer | 6ft. 1in. | 5ft. 6in. | Allison |
Nick Carter | 6ft. 0in. | 5ft. 6in. | Sharna |
Carlos Pena, Jr. | 5ft.6in. | 5ft. 3in. | Witney |
Gary Busey | ?? | ?? | Anna |
*My old research has Val at 5’9″ but I met him in the middle since Google has grown him since then. 🙂 All heights are approximate. As I noted the other day – anyone can make any claim they want on the internet.
I can’t figure out why all the pros aren’t there (or at least appear to now be there) when their celebs are. In the back of the latest DWTS snap you can actually see cardboard cut outs of Witney and Emma. I’m ready for this to be over already.
and by appear to now be there I mean NOT be there. Thank you autocorrect.
I honestly don’t get why they’re even flying anyone to New York – the LA reveal has worked well for years, why change it?
The season really isn’t getting off to a great start – it’s just one big mess.
It doesn’t bode well for the season.
@Gitte The Fall season reveals are always done in NYC for some odd reason. I would rather them just do them in LA all the time but who knows why they even bring them to NY. Pretty pointless.
Hearing Tamar Braxton is on this season. I love her on “The Real” and I love how uncensored and crazy she is. She’s kinda like another NeNe Leakes so naturally I’m looking forward to seeing her dance!
I agree with you Gitte, it seems pretty pointless to have all the celebrities and some of the pros fly all the way to NY when most of the pairings have already been found out lol. I wonder if Derek’s there? He seems to be the pro not tweeting about it. If not, maybe that’s why he announced his partner ahead of time.
Oh god..Louis is on the dancingabc snapchat video…
@kay excuse me while I vomit at that. Of all the people to bring back it had to be him?
However, Lindsay looks GORGEOUS in that same snap.
@Lauren Agreed!!! On both accounts.
I’m very hopeful that Lindsay will do well this season
Someone on the internet mentioned Tamar Braxton. Well the Braxton’s were on Celebrity Family Feud along with the DWTS pros, so this could be true.
Oh Louis is back …. Sigh.
Idk, I never had a big problem with him but he’s still annoying. Lol
Wonder who his partner is.
@Kay I just saw that too. So annoyed that he is back. Sasha should have been pro over him.
Ugh Louis AND Tony?
Louis is so VERY jealous of Derek.
Sorry my computer is on slow mod… It takes forever for comments to appear. Looks like Tamar Braxton is already posted. Oops! Sorry ladies and gents
@Gitte – They almost always do the fall season reveal in NYC. The only reason they do the spring season reveal in LA is because it’s usually right after the Oscars so the entire GMA cast is already in LA. Doesn’t explain why all the pros aren’t there. Just means that Val gets to be the star since Derek and Mark aren’t there.
Too bad we are all too exhausted to enjoy the announcement. I hope the show never does this format again.
Louis is back? yuck!
so is Artem out?
Hmm… Louis back? I’m not surprised given he was supposed to be a pro last season until last minute apparently. Never disliked him but sometimes I found him a bit boring.
Looked like Paula Deen.
Tony and Louis? Why, just WHY?! Ugh.
wait… Louis is in? I thought they’re bringing back Anna who will be partnered with Gary Busey?
Oh god Louis, he’s the worst of the bunch …why not just use Sasha
I’m not too concerned about Tony and Louis doing the show. Neither is going to win.
the last male celeb is the only one I have no idea about. Didn’t they say earlier that it’s an American hero or something like that?
Guessing that whoever he is – he’s Lindsay’s partner
Oh, and it looked like we’ll see Bindi and Derek’s first meeting – can’t wait to see that 🙂
Why on earth are they making us deal with Louis again?!? Couldn’t they have just bumped Sasha up to pro (which he really deserves) and gotten someone else for the troupe? Do you producers know nothing about what we viewers actually want?
@kaitlyn I’m guessing that Louis will be Paula’s partner – so I understand why they went for Louis over Sasha.
Any chance the somewhat random celeb that doesn’t have a wiki is the American soldier (i think he was) who stopped that shooting or bombing recently? That’s the only mildly obscure American Hero I can think of….
American Hero? One of the guys who stopped the terrorist on the train in France??
AND WHY aren’t most of the Pros there?? CRAZY!
Oh geez…just GET ON with it already!! Dragging this out is ridiculous. What a mess of a cast reveal! Smh….. Announce the stars & who they’re paired with now!
Enough of the Whip, Whip, Nae, Nae. Let’s get on with it.
@JD That was de first thing that came to my mind aswell.
Louis’s Nae Nae stunk!! C’mon bud, you can do better than that.
Paula looks great! WTH! Val’s tee-shirt is hideous.
I wonder if Artem’s elbow injury kept him out.
Yup! He is one of the heroes from the French attempted terrorist attack in the train!
Worst and most chaotic cast reveal ever – if I hadn’t already known most celebs taking part beforehand I would be utterly confused by this.
Was that Hayley added into that promo commercial they just aired?
Usually, don’t they announce the Celeb and then their Pro immediately after?
This is ridiculous! Just all choppy and disorganized. I would expect this for a 1st or 2nd season but this is season 21 Rob Wade!!
Hey Vogue… It’s actually Tamar Braxton and not Tamara. I’m sure she gets that a lot lol
Alek Skarlatos? He’s from Oregon, I’m from Oregon… pretty sure we have a number of mutual friends on Facebook lmao.
Gary and Paula are cracking me up. They are going to be really funny!
But Louis is Sasha’s size – they could have given Sasha a shot.
I can say this is a really good cast for an entertaining show.
Do you all think the special guest is a 14th contestant or the first guest judge.
WOW! I cannot BELIEVE that Lindsey got hosed…WOW!
While I’m not happy that Lindsay did not get Andy, I still think she faired better with Alek over the unpredictable Gary. Still confused on what happened with Artem though. Wasn’t he even in a pre-season interview with Val talking about the upcoming season?
And look who got the ringer, of course Val
Got a good partner
No artem but we get Louis…….bad move there tptb. Anna is back 🙂
AL- I don’t know much about Tamar, aside from being a Braxton, but from what little I do know I don’t consider her a “ringer” in the slightest. Does she have dance background, etc? Asking sincerely, because I don’t know.
I guess my only reaction is… I’m glad Karina and Anna are back?
I hated this setup it even looked cheap. I want to see the pros together not photos splattered on a billboard. This was a huge let down.
I think Lindsay has a great partner. This could her time to shine.
And Thank You Jesus, I love seeing Nick Carter, anytime, anyway I can.
Alek is better for Lindsey than Gary. I’m glad they brought back Anna for Gary. He seems like he needs her type of teaching.
I hope they don’t do a winter tour. These pros need a break since they keep getting hurt (Peta & possibly Artem.)
Please DWTS, do not do a reveal like this one again. What a mess!
Lindsey did NOT get hosed. She is a pro instead of in the troupe and has a young handsome man. NO ONE knows that Andy will be any good or at least better than Alek.
My inner tween heart is gearing up for Sharna & Nick this season FTW! Also, looking forward to seeing Lindsay & Alek – he could be one of the biggest (good) surprises of the season since we know so little of him. At the very least, things can only go up from here right this pre-season has been such a clusterf*ck? 🙂
My guess is that Artem was going to be with Tamar (or Paula), but Val’s celeb didn’t sign so they switched Artem out. Can’t have the returning champ not return. :::rolls eyes::: Kinda like what happened to Louis last season when Derek decided he could do the show. Val just has more history (and fans) than Artem does.
I don’t think Tamar is an actual ringer – but she’s not going to be a challenge like Val so desperately needs (along with an ego and reality check).
Artem > Val — in my humble opinion.
Makes since PH, but after seeing Artem with Miss Patti last season I was looking forward to seeing more of that side of him this time around. Per his Twitter, he was even posting 6 days ago that he was back at work for his first day at DWTS. I definitely think you’re right though that something like that had to have occurred to mess everything around.
Soooo yeah Val…his fans should stop complaining anything about Derek and his partners. They need to see and reevaluate who Val has gotten since he started the show.
I wasn’t sure about the return of Louis and Anna, but, they are a good match for the celebs they got. Same with Lindsay and Alek. !
Though sad about Artem. I liked him last season. I would have put him with Kym instead of Tony.
No Artem? 🙁 I think I’d prefer him much more than Tony or Louis. I’m surprised at so many people saying Lindsay got hosed. She didn’t get Gary, and we’ve seen multiple times how America tends to get behind the ‘American Hero’ that is casted. I’m excited for that pairing. Really excited for Anna to be back as well, she may be one of the few pros that could keep Gary in check.
I don’t understand why Louis instead of Sasha. I guess u need to be a whinny jealous bitter pain in the ass dancer to get a celeb.(Looking at u Louis)
I was surprised at Anna. She has also let it be known how jealous & bitter she is toward the show.(and certain pros) I would have thought she had burned all her bridges by now.
Overall I like most of the cast. The reveal was def a diaster of the highest magnitude.
Anna and Gary is going to be all sorts of interesting. I do miss seeing her dance, and maybe this is a bit of comeuppance for her snarky attitude, haha.
Good for Lindsay getting the Alex dude. I was just reading about him more last night – again, think that pairing makes more sense than Allison/Alex and Lindsay/Andy, although hopefully there wasn’t too much of a disruption in any kind of training and relationship building.
Hoping ABC listens and doesn’t pull this garbage again!!! Just do it all at once and let us speculate up to the reveal
Currently picturing in my head how a Gary/Anna livestream would go.
Happy that Karina and Anna are back, and of course Derek. I’m rather looking forward to watching Karina & Victor’s journey on the show…I’m guessing they have the potential to be two hot tamales!
We don’t know the true story yet, could be injury from the tour or were problems with his partner but other than the financial aspect of not being a pro Artem has probably dodged a bullet here. If he was on he would have had Paula and would probably be out week 1. There’s defo more to it though as they wouldn’t have announced him in the pro reveal otherwise. Something’s happened between the pro and cast reveal.
I’m guessing then for numbers purposes Lindsay won’t be replaced in the troupe? Has there been anything said on that front yet?
Yeah I don’t think Tamar is ringer either, I couldn’t find any about dance experience on the google. Also, it’s probably a good idea they brought some more experienced teachers like Anna and Karina to deal with celebs like Victor and Gary because I don’t they will be very good to be honest.
does anyone know what happened to Artem?
True to the mess TPTB have made with the announcement of this cast, before they revealed Alek, the DWTS commerical had his name in it. I saw the name and had no idea who he was. Then GMA came on and they introduced him.
The only great thing with this season is that we are going to hear gems from Tom Bergeron. This will be an Emmy season for him. Between Paula and Gary, Tom will be a kid in a candy store.
Wow, no Artem? Is he in the troupe or just off this season? Can’t say that I’m displeased to not have his smarmy face on my screen.
Louis had been uncharacteristically quiet the past week or two – made me wonder if he learned his lesson last season when he shot off his mouth and then didn’t make the pro cut.
So why bring Louis back if you have Artem who has no partner? I’m curious about Louis, he is dutch like me, and haven’t seen him before because I just discovered the show only since the season that Kelly Pickler won. But some of you dislike Louis, guess I have to find out myself.
I like Artem.. I feel is the most humble out of the whole family IMO
This is the best cast I’ve seen in awhile. Like that Lindsey got someone appropriate for her. Just read the article in People on Alek. Have high hopes for Anna. Gary might actually surprise. Don’t think Val got a ringer at first blush but don’t think they will make finals either unless she has some dance background we don’t know about
I just received an email from ABC with the announcement and the promotional poster is of Peta and Artem. 🙁 I think they will be really missed. Especially now that we have to deal with Louis..
Overall I thing the pairings are good.
I’m also happy that Lindsey got a second chance. I agree that she was not a great pro in her season with Victor but she is a great dancer and seems really nice and grateful to be on the show so I hope her teaching and choreography have matured since then.
thing= think
Actually I swear I remember someone saying that 7 females were supposed to cast. PH is probably right, either Artem (or Val’s) partner backed out last minute.
I’m so glad Lindsay didn’t get Gary! Alek seems pretty quite on this live stream, but I think they’ll be an interesting pair to watch. Viewers always get behind a hero. I’m disappointed about Artem, he did so well last season with Patti.
That was such a lame disorganized announcement. No excitement built for me. Over all I’m really meh about this cast. Thank goodness for Nick or I’d be only tuning in casually out of habit. As it stands only interested in Nick, Andy and Bindi but hopefully some of the others will grab my interest as the show starts.
Really bummed to see Tony and Louis and not Artem. But given the females in the cast there aren’t many good matches to be had, IMO, so hopefully he gets rewarded next seasons with a great partner.
I think Derek got the best partner for him and they could be a fan fav team for sure. Nick and Sharna should be smoking and def glad Andy gets Alison – seems a much better match for one of the better known current names of the cast and their styles should fit tog. well.
Nice Anna will be back, though it’s a tough assignment for her. And I fear Karina won’t be around long in her return.
Yep, that’s what I’m thinking too. Either Artem or Val or somebodies partner backed out at the last minute. Don’t think Artem was still injured was he?
As far as I can tell, this might be the season with the least amount of dance experience in a long while – Nick and Carlos being the glaring exception with their boy-band training.
Happy to see Anna back! (probably in the minority lol) Think good match with Gary. Louis, eh, take him or leave him…Going to miss Artem. Val really that tee shirt was so inappropriate/unnecessary. Will have to google Tamra ….
Will be a fun and chaotic season but seems to be what they are going for…
A few online ‘news’ sources had been reporting that Jodie Sweetin had to back out so Andy stepped in. Also, Paula said on the after party that she requested Louis, so that explains why him instead or Artem or Sasha.
If Lindsey replaced Peta, why wouldn’t she have inherited Peta’s partner? I know nothing about Lindsey’s partner..they did what on a train in Paris? Sorry but I think DWTS grasped at straws with that one. Smh…whatever. I’ll be voting for Bindi & Derek ?They’re making Allison into the female version of Val. Giving her ringer after ringer.
God, what a hot mess of an announcement. Nobody seemed to know what was going on or what was up next, Paula couldn’t hear and was shrieking across the stage at Val, Rumer awkwardly showing up to talk about nothing, and Alex looking terribly uncomfortable. I guess it should all be expected, though, with how haphazard the last few weeks have been – looks like TPTB are about as clueless as we are.
Happy Lindsay did NOT get saddled with Gary – that would have been a pretty rotten way to bring her back after 2.5 years. I have to laugh a bit at Anna getting Gary – seems a bit karmically perfect, with how bitter she’s been towards the show the last few years. Ditto for Louis – he’s finally back on the show he’s acted so “above” for the last few years, and he’s stuck with Paula. Hehe.
No clue what happened with Artem – only thing I can think is maybe his celeb ended up backing out, and whoever they signed as a replacement wasn’t really compatible. Who knows.
Kinda feel bad for Alex – I got the impression that this was something he maybe did for the money, or felt really pressured into it, because he seemed really nervous during the announcement. Hope he does ok.
@ Kelly, he along with some friends, stopped a terrorist attack on a train in Paris. It’s been all over the news and the American public always loves a good American hero. Poor guy did seem crazy nervous though.
#84 Alek, along with 2 of his friends and a French citizen, subdued a terrorist on a train who had guns and knives. They prevented a massacre. Only one man was shot, the French citizen who wrestled the first gun away from the terrorist. Aleks friend was also wounded with a box cutter. They have revived medals from France for their bravery.
Personally, I’m fine with him being on the show. He’s as relevant as any housewife and has-been to me.
PH: “My guess is that Artem was going to be with Tamar (or Paula), but Val’s celeb didn’t sign so they switched Artem out.”
Interesting as I didn’t get the feeling that Tamar was thrilled with Val so it wouldn’t surprise if she were part of a switchup. Not sure Tony’s too keen on his partner either. On the other side, also as to who Allison’s original partner was.
Happy to see that Anna is back. But where is Artem? Gary Busey? Really? Are they desperate? And I wish Lindsey would have gotten a better partner. I think my vote this year is going to Sharna and Nick. I at least know who Nick Carter is. If Anna had a better partner I would vote for her. I love Anna! All in all this cast to me is ‘meh’. I don’t think it will be very exiting. I will watch and see.
GARY BUSEY lolol! Did anyone see him on Celebrity Apprentice? He will be nothing if not entertaining. Just thinking back to some of his moments on CA still make me and my husband laugh out loud. Between him and Paula Deen… Lord help us all. Hahaha. And speaking of Paula Deen, I think she and Louis could have an interesting dynamic and I’m super intrigued to see how he reacts to her being… her. I’m excited, I think this could be one of the best casts in a long time.
So excited for Nick and Sharna. 🙂 And excited to FINALLY see Val be paired with something of a challenge.
Talk about someone being out of their element though – wow, Alek is going to have to get acclimated fast. I hope he and Lindsay hit it off.
Also did anyone watch the video of Gary on Jimmy Kimmel? When Jimmy asked him why he finally decided to do DWTS, he replied “because I didn’t have anything else to do.” and I LOL’d. He’s gonna get some trainwreck votes, that’s for sure.
Gary Busey won Celebrity Big Brother in the UK last year, he seems nice but the pressure and certain people in the house really got to him. Hope he’s gonna be okay on DWTS.
Is anyone following Strictly Come Dancing in the UK? Launch show on Saturday. It strikes me watching both over the years that Strictly is far superior to DWTS, genuine friendships are made and there’s no fakery between pros and celebs like there seems to be on DWTS. Strictly is a genuinely fun show to watch, the judges are great, tess and claudia are fantastic and the celebs and pros are always brilliant, be they bad dancers are good.
*or
Alex seemed to relax during the after questioning, seems humble and well paired with Lindsay (if not a tad smitten) and Paula all but adopted him, so I think he’ll be fine.
This weeks long announcement has been an anticlimactic ordeal I hope they never repeat again. Also, hope GMA posts a Q&A with the contestants who were announced prior to today, lest they didn’t fly across the country for naught.
“Between him and Paula Deen… Lord help us all. Hahaha”
Lol. With all these couples we’ll need a three hour premier – two for dancing and one for Gary’s and Paula’s mouths. lol
Actually, as a viewer, I would have preferred they’d left a few people off. With such a large cast, the early weeks are too busy and elims start right away so you/they don’t even get a chance to know each other.
Can anyone tell me where and how I can watch Strictly Come Dancing?
WTF? That Alek guy isn’t a ”star”…that’s a real stretch! His attitude kinda sucked too… he looked so disinterested about the whole thing! I hope he gets kicked out first!
Rooting for Nick, Andy, Carlos, Alexa and Bindi so far! Will vote for the one who dances the best..:)
Well, DWTSFan, your attitude kinda sucks, too, and yet we let you stay.
I also have to say, that as MUCH as I want Sasha on the show as a pro and wish he was there a thousand times over Louis, something tells me that Paula and Louis is a better partnership – not that Sasha couldn’t have done well by her, but I do think this was the right call for that particular celeb. Fingers crossed for next season, Sasha – and it looks like William Shatner is pushing hard for it, too!
Hell, if Shatner says “make it so” – I’m totally behind it 🙂
Fig #62, that’s why I think they put the article about pairing up when they did. I agree that those pairings will work better. Quick question, though: do you think the show knew that there would be a possibility that Peta would bow out? Otherwise, I don’t think they would have come up with a backup plan so quickly.
@DWTSFan – I kind of like Alex. So I’m fine with it. Nah, his attitude was fine, just a bad case of nerves. I think it’s fair to at least give him a chance.
Call Alex a Hero, a Star, or whatever. I think it’s just fine that he is on the show and I hope he does well.
I think anyone that serves our country is a hero – therefore, even if the stuff didn’t go down on that train, I’m all for Alex on the show. Just hope his nerves don’t get to him.
I didn’t think Alek was disinterested, he just seemed crazy nervous. He got thrown into the public eye by doing something heroic and saving peoples lives. He’s totally out of his element so it’s not surprsing to me that he was nervous this morning. Maybe he signed on for the money or someone pressured him to, but I don’t think he’ll go first unless he is just totally terrible. People have been really drawn to the story of that those guys and the train attack. For me, he is better than some random reality or vine star.
@wynn – So true about elims starting right away and not getting a chance to really know some celebs and couples. I wish the first week was a free pass with no elim. Victor is the perfect example – he seems really sweet and I would love to see how he does over a few weeks, but I’m worried about himbased on his naenae video lol.
” I’m rather looking forward to watching Karina & Victor’s journey on the show…”
Me too, DW! Actually, in one of the GMA bumpers he showed some good rhythm and movement (plus he makes me smile) and you could hear his gusto when they announced his partner, so I have hope they can stick it out a bit amongst what is bound to be a season of big personalities and dancing.
I haven’t seen the announcement yet nor do I know much about Tamar but I might ACTUALLY root for a Val partner for the first time since maybe S16. I think she’ll give it right back to Val when he gets an attitude. Again, I know very little about her. Anyone watch her reality show???
I have a soft spot for Victor also…hoping he isn’t the first one out. I worry about people voting for him.
It’s time for Rob Wade to go !!!!
Also, re Alek, I think that’s why Lindsay’s a good partner for him. So You Think is kind of like being thrown into the national spotlight, even if not to the same extreme as what happened to Alek, so she knows what that’s like and she can help him out.
I think that because, unlike Derek’s surprise injury last season, Peta’s ankle has been bothering her for months and months – I think TPTB were at least somewhat prepared (relative to their planning) that she might need to bow out. Hell, some here thought it was very likely she’d be sidelined, and although maybe I’m giving the producers way too much credit – it’s very likely they weren’t caught completely off-guard but it.
I wonder why some people are calling Andy a ”ringer” or Allison as the female Val?! We don’t even know how he dances yet..and he’s no Riker as he has 0 dance experience. Allison’s only ringer was Riker.
Sharna has 2 -Charlie and now Nick. Witney has 1 -Alfonso (the biggest male ringer ever!). All the female pros (except Emma) had their ringers and stinkers.
I’m glad that Alek is on the show. I don’t think he had a bad attitude! He’s just not accustomed to being on TV. He and Lindsay could be great.
The most annoying thing is that they brought back Louis instead of letting Artem or Sasha be pro this season. Why?
DWTSFan, just shut up. You’re outta your element.
Chaka didn’t look all that thrilled either and she’s used to the cameras, etc.
One thing that worries me it that Bindi seems as the type that will be annoying. ( I have always liked her and her family, but she’s got to contain her excitement a wee bit.)
I’ll be surprised if the general audience relates to Kim, Tamar, Hayes, or maybe even Victor.
My predictions still remain Nick, Alexa, Carlos and maybe even Andy.
DWTSFAN, I felt that Mario Lopez and Corbin Bleu were the biggest male ringers who unfortunately (for me lol) never won. Donny Osmond being the biggest male ringer who did win.
@Lex – I’m glad I’m not the only one who thought that with Bindi. I was excited at first – she seems cute, bubbly, and eager, and I love her conservation work and attempt to be a role model of sorts – but after seeing a few interviews she definitely is coming on strong. Can’t wait to see how she and Derek work together.
Nobody seemed terribly comfortable during the announcement. I think Alexa & Carlos came across the most “normal”, but even they seemed a little bewildered. Just such a mess that everyone seemed to feel the strain.
So was Allison originally supposed to get Alek? That seems like a very weird pairing to me. I think I saw on Twitter that she hadn’t gotten one yet, maybe? That would make more sense to me than her and Alek, who seems perhaps like a last-minute add. I’m wondering if they had yet to really lock in Allison’s, then Peta got injured so they decided to ship her off to Andy and then brought in Alek, who should be a good fit for Lindsay.
Glad I never watch these reveals live. Sounds like this was an even bigger goat-rope than usual. TPTB really need to get their act together.
I feel sorry for Alek Skarlatos. He’s totally out of his element. What he did on the Paris train was in line with his military training. This being under the microscope and dancing in front of a live audience and millions of TV viewers is not. Lindsay probably is a better pro for him than Allison, but I hope she’s matured as a teacher. I think he’s going to need a lot of kind support from his pro. Also, I’m glad Paula Deen is on board because despite her issues, I think she’s less “Hollywood” than many of the others in the cast and can play the grandmother role for this young man from Oregon.
Not looking forward to Louis at all. I’m on the fence about Anna. She was a favorite of mine, but her bitterness has soured me on her quite a lot.
Very curious about Artem. If he’s NOT injured, then his omission from the pro lineup is very strange.
@Kelly I would definitely not consider Andy a ringer. He posted a little video of him dancing a little Salsa with Gina Rodriguez of “Jane the Virgin” and needless to say he needs some work. Of course it wouldn’t be fair to judge his dancing skills on that little video, but he definitely did not look like someone who has had any sort of dancing experience. So I don’t agree much that they are turning Allison into Val but it does seem like they are trying to keep her around for longer and just overall make her look good.
As for the cast? I’m pretty pleased with it. Very surprised that Anna is back but just find the fact that she is paired with Gary hilarious. Don’t seem them lasting longer than Week 2.. poor Anna 😛 Same with Louis.
I’m very excited to see Lindsay work with Alek. He’s pretty much like Noah.. he is just a regular guy who isn’t familiar with being on TV unlike everyone else in the cast. Hopefully his nerves don’t get the best of him and is able to enjoy the experience.
I actually think Val is gonna get a bit challenged this season. Just a bit. I don’t think Tamar has any sort of dance experience unlike his previous partner so he’s finally going to actually have to teach. I also don’t see her being all that great. Maybe they’ll make it to Week 7 or so but I don’t see them going all the way. But who knows, if they decide to pimp Val yet again, it won’t really matter how good (or bad) of a dancer Tamar is. I still like her though. She’s wild and crazy. Maybe, hopefully, she’ll bring out a more fun side of Val.
As of now I would say my favorite partnerships are Bindi & Derek, Alek & Lindsay, Alexa & Mark, Carlos & Witney and Nick & Sharna.
@CC NY, Is there a fun side of Val to bring out? Probably when he’s with his family, but not when he’s on DWTS. There he’s always Mr. “Eye on the Prize” who’s desperate to prove (to himself) that he’s better than everybody else on the show.
@MP (108): I second that. Rob, you need to do a little better in organizing this.
Because yeah, I’m gonna echo a lot of what was said above: kind of a mess and too much dragging it out.
The only plus that I can see right now is this: There doesn’t really seem to be anyone they can pimp? Not right out of the gate anyway? I mean, I guess Tamar will if TPTB are still hot for Val. But at the same time I don’t see Tamar winning. Not right now, anyway. So who knows.
I don’t get why some people might be upset with Alek. We’ve had TWO army vets on the show before in JR and Noah. Why should Alek not get a chance to do the show then? I kind of like the idea of him. He’s a good looking guy and he looks good with Lindsay. I’ll give them a chance.
I think my favorites right now have to be Nick, Alexa, Bindi and Carlos. Those four for sure are getting my votes.
I will miss Artem. Of the ‘fam’ he seems the most kind. If Paula requested LVA (which WHY?? He is annoying), hopefully this is just for S21. Maybe it’s a combo of LVA being requested & the fact that artem was injured on tour. I hope this isn’t fallout from Henroid being fired or anything since Artem & Henry are BFFs.
Okay, I saw the cast….. And I am bound and determined to keep an open mind about all of them.
I do think I’m going to enjoy Carlos and Witney. He posted an instagram introducing his partner, and corrected her grammar.
It doesn’t surprise me in the least that Paula may have requested Louis. Some older celebs gravitate more toward their own needs and wants over what’s cool and hip. I rather enjoyed Paula this morning.
I could care less one way or the other if Artem is a pro or not. I don’t think he’s Hot or handsome, instead he kind of gives me the creepy vibe.
I’m glad that Lindsey has Alek. I think she will do well with him. I think someone like Allison wouldn’t have been good for him. Allison is just too high energy & he will be totally new to this level of energy & performance.
I’m really glad that didn’t put Lindsey with Gary. Gary is nuttier than squirrel turds & Anna can handle the older crazy people. She handled Carson’s zaniness well. I do think it’s funny though that she comes back & gets a partner who will probAbly be an early out. If they think Gary will be another Tommy I think they have another one coming!
I love Val & I love Tamar. I watch the Braxton’s show and she has a big personality so I’m curious how that pairing is going to work. I’m excited to see sharna and nick though.
LOL – while I wouldn’t call Tamar a ringer, I would hardly call her a “challenge”. Of course, it’s all relative…
Lol exactly – challenge in relation to recent Val partners 🙂
Allison isn’t turning into the new Val, she’s turning into the new (early days) Peta: somehow always ending up with young, able-bodied partners and a halfway-decent skill set, despite being a newer pro without a whole lot of clout, while pros with more seniority struggle with some craptastic partners. And Peta even had to deal with Metta her first season…so far, we’ve only seen Allison with Jonathan (not terrible), Riker (fantastic), and now Andy (who I doubt will be terrible, even if he has no experience). My question: why are they trying so hard to make her a thing? She barely scrapes by in the ballroom, and the routines she does do tend to throw technique and rules out the window. Why is she so important to this show?
Lots of people are heroes. Doctors, nurses, most cops…I’m not saying I’m totally against Alek being on the show, I had just hoped for someone bigger. Alek wasn’t signed just because he’s a hero, but because he made a lot of news recently.
I do feel like he signed at the last minute because some others may have fallen through.
I’m surprised there is so much negativity toward Alex being on the show. Heck, his actions on the train alone will get some votes from me. If one of my loved ones was traveling on that train I would be kissing his *dancing* feet week after week. Alex is a Hero.
Saw on twitter that Alek knows Noah, and Noah has been prepping him for DWTS for the last week.
So is Artem in the troupe? what about the supposed new guy addition?
I agree with so many of you, Louis AND Tony? Ugh. They’re both jealous of Derek, Louis more so than Tony. Nothing against Paula Deen at all, but Louis probably won’t be around for long. Sasha should have had that spot. And let’s see what Val can do with a partner that isn’t a ringer. Again, nothing against her, but I wouldn’t be sad to see him go early. I’m hoping he doesn’t make further than halfway. He expected bigger applause? Uh, Val, people have caught on to you awhile ago. And everyone knows you were handed that MBT last year, so don’t expect a standing ovation.
Looking for to the start of the season and see how everyone does. Tom is going to have great one liners this season with some of these celebrities. I won’t make any predictions right now, I don’t know enough about most of them and I want to see how they do. I’m going to be fair, except when it comes to Louis and Val. I am predicting now I will be switching channels or leaving the room when they’re on. I just don’t care for either one of them.
It seems weird that they would bring Louis in and not pair Artem with Paula. I guess we will find out in the coming weeks.
The only thing I’m sure of this season is this: it’s definately full of personalities and I love it. Saw on artems Instagram that he is (and I quote) “back at work” so troupe I guess lol.
Oh and bindi is officially my favorite. I love how she was like I’m more worried about judges than crocs lol. she is normal and I love it.
So glad to see Lindsay getting another shot. Her first time several seasons ago was with Victor, the boxer, and she did get him through three weeks (4th eliminated). As far as I can tell, she gives 100% to every dance she does, both in rehearsals and live. (And I read some pros have said that about her.) Alek should be a good partner.
@#130 Courtney. In my opinion (and shared by a lot of others, of whom I am sure Derek is one), Allison is one of the very top female dancers in the industry, therefore good for the show for somebody like her to be on it.
@Lee – I don’t care if she’s a “top dancer in the industry” – she can’t dance ballroom, which is the bread and butter of this show. She is of no use to me when we have plenty of competent ballroom dancers to choose from. And that’s the disturbing trend I’m seeing with this show – chucking the ballroom dancers out with the trash & hiring on a bunch of contemporary dancers with little to no ballroom experience. They need to stop with the nonsense of thinking they can give contemporary dancers a crash course in ballroom – it didn’t work for Tyne, it’s only worked marginally well with Allison, and it appears to be failing with Hayley. Done humoring people that come to like “But Court, Allison is really good for the show, yadda yadda yadda…” How? By being a mediocre ballroom teacher with a penchant for rule-breaking? And now I see that she’s already bragging about winning this season? I’m done. It’s gonna take her being nothing short of MIRACULOUS with Andy before I acknowledge her as a good ballroom teacher.
Not sure why you decided to name drop Derek – I don’t live and die by his opinions. Do you?
I’ve suspected for a while that with Allison they are trying to grab onto some of SYTYCD’s fading audience. They were adding new dance styles before they added Allison, so it makes one wonder – perhaps they also wanted someone trained in contemporary.
As of this moment, my faves are:
Val & Tamar (I love her, she is a hoot)
Alexa & Mark
Carlos & Whitney
Victor & Karina (only because I love Karina)
OMG but Gary Busey looked awful this morning on GMA, YIKES!!!
I think Kim Z will be a hoot.
Bindi was on for a few minutes and annoyed the heck out of me, no thanks!!
I didn’t watch the reveal – but is Bindi kind of like Sabrina? I know some people thought she was a little too over-the-top nice and enthusiastic, shitting rainbows and puking unicorns.
Well, she’s 17 and Australian. I thought she was cute.
I liked everyone, even (shockingly) Paula. I think Val may have his hands full with Tamar. She didn’t look that thrilled.
Alex – he has newfound celebrity, so what? Its still celebrity.
Paula – wow. Doubt she will be gone first, but those rehearsals are gonna be difficult if she cant keep her mouth shut the whole time.
Anna – has her hands full, but she prob is the best match for gary
Kim – typical choice to give to Tony the taskmaster. No need to script the tension there
.
Most of the celebs were right down the middle for me – we don’t know who has musicality and who doesn’t.
Val – this is gonna be fun. Tamar will call him out every chance she gets. Forget whether she can dance or not, this should be pure entertainment for a few weeks. Then we will see about her dancing skills.
What a small world that Tamar shares the same stylist as Vals little sister…lol
Anybody know about troupe? With all these surprises – are we even sure who sit still in/out?
I thought Bindi was cute and annoying, but a lot of 17 year olds are. Also, I seem to remember her dad being like that…his speech was always pressured, he was so up-beat. I think when you consider it in that manner…it is really expected.
My fave pairing as of now is Andy and Allison. They seem exciting! I think Allison is one of the best decisions DWTS ever made! Also super excited for Lindsay! So happy shes getting another chance. Shes so bubbly, I love her!
I wouldn’t mind a fun, sassy relationship for Tamar and Val – please let me see that he’s not always a serious-minded turd. Maybe they’ll have that kind of “friction” that he’s always saying partnerships need.
PH – Bindi is one that I’m very interested in seeing, and I don’t mind a perky personality (as long as it’s genuine).
Also looking forward to Nick & Sharna, Mark & Alexa, Allison & Andy, Karina & Victor – and also Anna & Gary (for popcorn moments).
I really think Paula and Louis might be good together – I wonder if there will be any focus on her diabetes and weight-loss, since Louis is such a health nut.
I’m with Princess Heidi on this – not only were new dance styles brought to the show before Allison, SYTYCD started to be where DWTS pulled its troupe members from. Even if they were cross trained. Also, SYTYCD is now in its last couple of weeks so I can see DWTS using all this to take all their viewers in its offseason. Not that it makes much sense, but I get it.
What I actually came to say was about Tamar. I used to watch The Real religiously and have seen a couple of episodes of Tamar and Vince. And although I love Tamar and think she’s super funny, she is also incredibly self-centered. Another thing, she is very opinionated and has got quite the loud mouth on her and we all know Val likes to do what HE wants. I can definitely see them clashing this season – and often.
No showmance for Val this season? Excellent. I like Tamar on The Real and I can definitely see her and Val butting heads over…well anything and everything. It’s gonna be entertaining for us hehe
Louis is back. Groan. Anna too. Double groan.
I may be the only one who thinks this but with Peta out, I wish they put Andy with Emma and Hayes with Allison. Oh well.
So, Louis and Anna are back. Those two have been to bitter toward the show that I’m shocked they’re back. And they’re with two of the most awful “stars”. Karma? Payback? I don’t know.
And to me, Sasha dodged a bullet. Do you really want him stuck with Paula Deen? I wouldn’t have been able to root for him if that had happened. Maybe he will get another chance to be a pro with someone way more worthy.
Gary Busey? That guy is a mess. So, I want him, Paula Deen, and that Hayes child as the first three out. The order doesn’t matter. Just let them be the first three gone.
Agree with you Courtney that Allison seems a bit like an early Peta when it comes to her partners, but it’s only her third season, so maybe she will get a worse celeb next time?? As said here before, we know nothing about Andy’s dancing yet and at the moment he seems more like a Jonathan to me (still young, fit, body-abled, but no dance experience) than a Riker. Riker was a fantastic dancer from day 1 and no way Andy will be as great as him.
I would love Allison and Andy to do well, but maybe he won’t be all that good, it could go either way. But yes, I doubt he’ll be terrible!
Have to say I’m a bit underwhelmed with the remaining celebs we found out about today! Very interesting to see some old pros returning and I’m glad the producers picked Lindsay over Jenna! I think Nick will probably be the one to beat this season, he has the biggest star power and also the most dance experience (along with Carlos maybe)out of all celebs.
I’ve been reading your coverage and some of the older articles during the past week and I love it! Great work!
Not having Sasha as a pro as well as Artem being out is a disappointment, but I’m really happy for Lindsay and am looking forward to her and Alek. I think they’ll look great together.
Happy about Anna being back even if it might be only for a short time (her partner seems crazy) and very excited about Nick and Sharna as well as Bindi and Derek. I hope that Emma and Hayes stay on for a bit because I’m curious about how she’ll make it work and I love hearing her talk and watching her dance.
And I hope they’ll do the live rehearsals again. They were really entertaining and educational to watch and made me appreciate and care about some couples I didn’t really care about when the season started.
Small rant here: Whether Alek Skarlatos is a “star” or “hero” or any other descriptor we’d care to apply, I think it would be kind to do him the courtesy of getting his name right — it’s Alek – with a “K” not Alex.
I actually like that most of the celebs on this season don’t have a ton of dance experience. Wasn’t that the whole point of the show in its early days? Carlos & Nick may have the most experience with dancing but it’s a different kind of dancing. I’m curious to see who will shine this season & who won’t.
Thanks Cidra! I hadn’t noticed my error.
@Audrey – I think so too! At this point I think Nick may be the one to beat. Not to mention he still looks mighty fine.
I think Nick may be the one to beat, but I think it will have more to do with star power and showmanship – if I recall, he was probably the second-worst dancer in BSB, hehe. AJ & Howie always competed for the title of “best dancer”, Brian was kinda in the middle, Nick was second-to-last, and poor old Kevin was the worst. Saw him about 4 years ago in concert – still kind of a goofball dancer. As long as Sharna can get him to focus, he should be able to improve.
140 @ Courtney – Totally agree!!! You hit it right on the nail! No idea why they brought her in and now Hayley, who is also not a ballroom dancer. I even read somewhere, not sure if it was one of the commenters here, that she is struggling with the latin dances!
So true that every time Allison dances, the judges completely bypass the fact that the technique is not there. She knows it too! I just don’t know why she doesn’t do anything about it. Oh that’s right…because she is NOT a ballroom dancer!
Don’t care if she’s recognized on SYTYCD. DWTS is all about ballroom, and she just doesn’t cut it.
I was hoping that Louis was going to be coming back as a judge, but, I’m still glad that he’s back as a pro. It’s great to see that both Louis and Anna can come back after many seasons gone, some real OGs. I have such a softspot for Louis because his and Cheryl’s pro dance to copacabana was the first episode I ever watched and what kept me. I dislike when people are like give Jenna a celebrity or keep Allison, but, I don’t think either of them could handle a Gary Busey. Same goes to Louis, as great as a lot of these male pros are, I don’t think a lot could handle a Paula Deen. A true pro should be able to work with any partner. After all the craziness of the pre-season, I’m glad with the result and very excited. Nick is still who I’m rooting for though.
I don’t usually go for the front runner but I just can’t stop watching Nicks whip video (mark and Derek vids close second)
I’m still on fence with Allison need more than 2 seasons but I don’t feel the pimpage for her yet I do see how she has possibly different set of “standards” for lack of a better term
Riker was fantastic but Jonathan was just painful to watch beyond his enthusiasm and positive attitude
Didn’t watch the reveal, but yeah kinda disappointed for the last remaining celebs. oh well.
As for Bindi, I believe I read somewhere on here that Derek described her as the “most positvie person he had ever met.” Wow. I wish someone could describe me that way. I try, but it is hard when there is so much negativity in our lives.
This show is based in the middle of HOLLYWOOD and these people are ALL they could manage for a show called dancing with the Stars? I have been b**ching for a few seasons about lack of stars on this show but reallY?? I really am concerned about this season being able to attract that solid 14 million they usually get. I can barely remember anyone even after just reading the list!!
I agree with whoever said that several stars must have fallen through because there just can’t be any other explanation for the lack of star-power. I also agree about the not so gradual slide AWAY from ballroom. Its as annoying as the lack of stars and normally I would be excited to see what Karina can do but the visual distortion from standard ballroom pairings, for me, is like fingernails on a chalkboard.
As upset as I am about Derek not getting a hottie his age so we can see hot and beautiful ballroom dancing, out of this group I’m VERY glad he got Bindi. But she does need to dial back the overly enthusiastic gestures and such and if she mutes that a little and if she has any sense of rhythm she and Derek will certainly be great to watch together because I’m confident he will produce some great choreo for her
And Rumer was at GMA just to give Val more screen time? push another win for the chosen one? how was she relevant to this am’s announcement?? And just in case anyone thinks I just pick on Val–I think Lindsay is gorg to watch but not a teacher, Allison is too harsh and contemporary-geared for this show, although she has had a couple of stand-out dances. I have never seen anything very remarkable about Whitney and am baffled HOW she is nominated for an EMMY!?! She danced one really cute dance with Drew Carey and otherwise I haven’t been impressed. She won with Alfonso because of the nostalgia vote. Keo is a no as a teacher and in ballroom technique. Tony and Van Amstel – back in the day when they just danced and kept all their biases and problems and chosen favorites to themselves I loved to watch them–now I can’t see past all sh*t and shade they’ve thrown at fellow pros.
Oh, Anna’s back? Nice, I’ve missed her! Shame she’s with Gary Busey
Gee, Raine, you just told us the other day that you weren’t upset about Derek’s partner…
I’m actually thrilled with this cast. I feel like many of these celebs have a shot at going far. Hayes reminds me of Cody Simpsons so i think he will be voted out early. In my opinion Carlos & Alexa could definitely be the front runners of this season!
I’m very excited for this season! Happy to see Anna back I would have love to see Paula with Val just based on what I saw on GMA but it should be interesting with Tamar
Nick may well be the frontrunner, not least because he has Sharna.
PH- and I’m not upset about his PARTNER, just about some of what we rarely get to see from Derek because of the types of partners the show almost always pairs him with, some steamy rumbas and salsas and really romantic waltzes.
I think Bindi will be fun and interesting to watch her learn the dances..Just praying she has some natural rhythm and the audience really warms to her
I will leave you this…. Rumer being at the reveal isn’t weird or to give Val more air time… Alfonso was at the last reveal so they do it everytime…. and before anyone comments, yes I am a fan of Val but just pointing out that they bring back the winners every season.As for this season, I’m REALLY excited for Sharna and Nick.
I saw some people saying Tamar has dance training so I tried to find some videos or info and didn’t find anything legit but did see this:
http://www.wetv.com/braxton-family-values/videos/braxton-family-values-tamars-dance-class
Now she doesn’t actually dance really in the clip but it gives you an idea. Not sure if this is the way she is all the time or she’s just playing a role for the cameras.
@Clare – But they at least gave Alfonso something relevant to the current season to do at the last cast announcement: he brought out the damn golden MBT and talked about some of the “twists” that season. Rumer? Talked about Chicago, awkwardly gave advice to Tamar (who didn’t look too appreciative), and took up airtime.
Kinda unrelated but did anyone spill on what dance they have in week one yet? (Fingers crossed they keep the jive far far far far away from week one).
It all reads the same when you’re ranting, Raine.
Actually, NO, they don’t do it every season. Just the last two, as I recall. I don’t remember one of Derek’s winning partners being there for the next reveal, for example.
Hit submit too quickly: also I know rumer is the reigning champ and stuff but could have lived without her there. Would have liked to see maybe a little more questions or even the judges on the big screen to surprise them or something.
Mantra for this season: “It’s gonna be a good season. I am going to have an open mind and enjoy the show. The clustertruck of a mess so far is going away. They are gonna do better.”
:-/
There are so many dynamics in these pairings, it’s hard to know where to start! Wow, what a season this is going to be!! Even Hayes and Emma will have my attention. There’s only one couple I don’t care to see at all, and that’s Paula and Louis. I like her well enough, but he grates on my nerves. I can’t bear a man with too much ego and Louis is one of those who thinks too highly of himself. Unfortunately, it’s why Henry is gone. Speaking of egos, it’s great to see Val finally getting more of a challenge this time, man oh man, I see the fireworks already. For me, Artem is just meh, so I can’t honestly say I miss him. And unlike most women, I don’t find him attractive. But I do think he looks much better than Louis. And Sasha is cuter than both of them combined, IMO, and I wished he could have been a pro again. Anyway, I’m happy for Lindsay for obvious reasons, and payback or not, I feel for Anna because the things she has said about DWTS and their shenanigans is true. On the other hand, it’s going to be so fun to watch her, trying to whip Busey into shape, considering how she has bragged about the way she would deal with an unruly partner! Ha! As others have said, I think, there’s going to be more bumping heads this season. As for Allison, I just see her as a fierce performer and a fierce competitor, I don’t get the sense that she’s egotistical at all. In fact, in every interview I’ve seen of her, she’s seems like a sweet and down-to-earth person. However, I am tired of so much contemporary on the show and would like to see more ballroom than we’ve been getting lately. As for Bindi, she is definitely wired, but so was her much beloved dad, so she gets it honestly. And add to the fact that she’s a teenager with a whole new, exciting world that is opening up her, it’s to be expected. Besides, if there’s one person who can match her energy, it’s Derek! I can only imagine what a joy it is for him to teach this little fireball. She is everything he has said he loves in a student, a good personality, energetic, and a hard worker. This may not be the most “star-studded” season we’ve ever had, but I think it’s going to be a very fascinating one. I just hope we get to see all the couples rehearsing like last season! Yes, I’m excited and ready to watch DWTS Season 21!
To the moderators, I am having trouble getting email notifications of comments. I get som,but not all, then none. What have I done? 🙁
I get on Pure via iphone. I have tried to get on via desktop thru Mozilla but it freezes up and I am too impatient to wait it out. Any suggestions?
Since my comments/opinions come across as rants, I’ll stop commenting.
I’ll tell John, K Ryan – he’s the expert on such things.
Thank you Heidi! Just don’t want to miss out.
Poll up: https://www.puredwts.com/2015/09/02/puredwts-season-21-preliminary-poll-which-couple-is-your-favorite-who-will-win/
It might just be me but I feel like the female lineup is a lot weaker than the male one and one of the weakest of recent seasons. Only Alexa really stands out to me as stone wall finalist potential winner material. Bindi will obviously do well with Derek as a partner as well but she doesn’t stand out to me as automatically as Alexia does. I feel like the female lineup is lacking one more really good/potential winner on paper celeb. My guess is like PH said earlier that it may have been someone who was supposed to be with Val but pulled out last minute. So instead they’ve had to switch out Artem and give Tamar (the next best dancer after Alexa and Bindi) to Val instead.
my inner BSB fan-girl is coming out with Nick Carter (side note: BSB was the first concert I went too) so I’m excited for him and Sharna!
also, Carlos seems like a sweet heart, from some videos I’ve seen of him and him on the DWTS snapchat
I’m loving that Alex is actually on the show. I knew who he was prior to the announcement because I “try” and keep up with global news and I always love when they have heroes or veterans on the show.
K Ryan, you might have to subscribe to posts again since John had to clear them out.
Okay, I’ll resubscribe. Thanks Vogue 🙂
YW and thank you!!! 😉
Apologies if i missed it, but why is Henry no longer part of the show?
Just a couple of things…was I the only one that thought Bindi reminded them of Janel? I got the exact same feeling about her as I did when I saw Janel for the first time — girl, tone it down…..
I also think that Kim may have requested Tony as a pro. Her and NeNe have rekindling their friendship so it makes sense.
Bindi like Janel? Not even, Jill L!
@sophie – Tired of repeating the story. Look in the comments of this post.
This is my theory as to why Bindi may seem a bit too “overly excited” to some people:
I’ve been watching the Australian version of DWTS and I have noticed that Australians seem to have this way of speaking where they just sound very excited most of the time. Their accent combined with the way they articulate I feel has to do a lot with that too. And of course, Bindi is also only a 17 year old girl who is excited about being on the show so, can you really blame her?
As another person who commented said: if it’s genuine excitement and not fake or forced, then I’m all for it.
Anyone who ever saw Steve Irwin’s shows will know that he was one of the most positive people on television. Always such a lovely, kind-hearted man who cared so much for wildlife and his family.
I don’t think Bindi’s overly excited at all – I think she’s just grown up in a positive environment with wonderful role models. I love getting to see her because she reminds me so much of Steve.
Well I thought Bindi and Janel were both a little over the top….JMPO
Bindi actually reminds me more of how Ingo was initially: exuberant, but maybe nervous to the point where he talked too much and came across awkward. Maybe it’s an Aussie thing.
Bindi is so much like her father in personality. Yes, she is a bit over excited, but I don’t think that is unique to this experience… that’s just how she goes through life. Watch any old recording over her father Steve and he speaks the same way and is excited over the simplest things. Steve Irwin loved life and that transpired on to and lives on through Bindi.
And yes, someone earlier mentioned Derek saying something about her being the most positive person he’s ever worked with – he did. He also called her a person “who literally finds joy in every second of day” and that there’s “a sense of just wonderment, joy and just life just spilling out of her that’s contagious and amazing and literally just wants to make you be a better person”
This cast is very interesting – including some of the pro choices. There are 2 people I’m totally not rooting for, but other than them (Paula and Gary), I’m open to seeing how everyone does. Off the bat Alexa Vega and Nick Carter win me over the both, but we shall see
@189 Jill L are you thinking of Danika McKeller?? She almost jumped over the judges table the first show on s18.
Bindi isn’t like Janel. Bindi reminds me of her dad, Steve, who sometimes seemed overly excited over anything especially his animals…”crikey, look at that beauty. Such a beautiful thing, that Komodo.” You know, things like that 🙂 Some people also overcompensate their nervousness by laughing a lot, too talkative, etc. Others, you can really see their nervousness just like Alek…this guy can stopped a terrorist without hesitation but looked extremely nervous and uncomfortable in front of Live audience. Some people become extremely quiet. I guess everyone are different in handling their nerves. In the case of Janel…remember when Sasha pranked her by coming out of the refrig? Yeah her extended screaming and running looked so fake.
I forgot to mention it earlier, but I’m really uncomfortable with Gary Busey doing the show. The poor guy has genuine mental problems like I don’t he’ll be able to walk in a straight line let alone learn a 90 second dance off by heart. I truly hope for his own health and wellbeing that he gets voted out straight away. DWTS should be ashamed for having him on, it makes you wonder what sort of medical and physical checks they do before having people compete on the show. I don’t know if anyone knows about his antics in CBB in UK, if not then my lord you’ve missed a treat!
Feel so sorry for Anna, I wonder if she knows what she’s in for.
I’m not a big fan of Anna as a pro but I am a little worried about her being paired with Gary Busey. Other than the fact that he is an older person, his brain injury causing him to speak/act impulsively is a little worrying for Anna and himself really. I truly do hope that Anna can somehow manage it and pull of something really special but I do feel it’s more of a casting problem in the first place. They’re have been people with diseases/injuries/missing a limb but not really a mental condition. Good luck to Anna really and truly.
Other than that, Louis AND Tony being on the show makes me go UGH. But other than that, I’m excited for what the other pros will bring to the show this season. I’m also hoping that Sharna’s partner will go all the way since I’ll really like to see her full creativity, since Charlie’s “elimination”. I’m very excited to see Lindsey on the show as a pro again as well.
I’m just REALLY hoping that the shoving a couple down the throat thing doesn’t happen this season as badly as last. Hoping anyway.
Its not always just about your show favorites. Its Reality TV which is about train wrecks and making the audience mad. Looks like the producers have done a good job in getting you fired up already.
Lindsay has PETAs slot and is lucky to get any partner this season. I am confident she will make the best of it as all of the producers will. Anna is not bitter. She is working hard to support her family. The original pros were all ‘real’ competitive dancers not just entertainers, Anna T is a world champ and that does not come without being competitive as hell. Same with Louis. Louis is a blackpool champ who won by fighting his way with Julie Fryer through thousands of dancers and they were grand slam champs also. That degree of competitiveness doesn’t go away. its in their cells. The pros get along well! unless they are playing catchphrase! then its worse than the dance floor!
Funny enough the one you bash the most has long standing relationships with all but 1 (kendra suprrise surprise) celebrity over many years Cidra.
I do not believe Louis is jealous of Derek, Louis cast Derek and Julianne and brought them to the attention of producers when Louis was casting the first tour as Julianne recently remarked in an interview. Louis was the correct choice for Paula because Paula wants to lose weight and improve her health. Love him or hate him, Louis’ LaBlast program is fantastic, he packs them in and believe it or not he is very funny. His DVDs are fantastic and he has worked over the last 6 years to become a real fitness guru and combine it with dance. He will get to laugh with and Paula will be healthier for knowing Louis!
Wow! Enews reporter just said DWTS isn’t about dancing. It’s about the drama. They only mentioned the controversial Busey and Deen. And all they talked about was whether or not the celebs could help save the show due to falling ratings. I know The Voice usually wins in ratings but seriously 14+ million people watching is a lot of trucking people!! Grrr…
This an interesting grouping of stars. I am looking forward to Paula and Alexa. I am glad to see that Anna is back, but can’t believe that she got Gary Busey. That man is nuts!
Carlos and Alek have the potential to be interesting. I could have done without the Vine kid and Kim Z. Maybe her wig flying off mid-dance could be funny. Poor Tony! Not sure what to expect from Victor, but I am thrilled that Karina is back.
I have never heard of the Braxton girl. Chaka will be good for some nostalgia. The only thing I know of Andy is that he sang twice last season. I would have pulled for Bindi and Nick if they were with other partners.
edwinamagnatroyd I think you put it perfectly! What the show is lacking in all these young pros and contemporary dancers (Allison and Hayley) is that ballroom competitiveness. I do enjoy SYTYCD so I do like Witney and Lindsay, but, they trained as little kids to be on the show. For a lot of the long time pros, they started ballroom dancing to compete and be the best ballroom dancer. Thanks for making me realize what I really miss about the show.
Enjoyed Val’s moment of fake insight with “The chip is off the shoulder …” Yeah, right. But I’m not worried because I think Tamar is just the one to make sure it’s dislodged.
I highly recommend that anyone who doesn’t know Bindi’s dad watch 15 seconds of the man. It’s in the DNA.
What I thought the weirdest about Rumer being there was they make it this whole “special mystery guest” thing, and then she walks out from behind a bedsheet slung over some posts, the whole thing looking like something left over from the last time Andy Hardy put on a show in his backyard. What was that?? While I missed not seeing him I’m kind of glad Derek didn’t get stuck amid that mess.
I think Chaka and Keo might be highly dull. Gary Busey makes me think of Adam Corolla on a unicycle. I think Paula Deen will be very entertaining, even with the dour LVA. And Tom Bergeron will be happy as a pig in, well, you know …
Again with the feeling sorry for professional dancers who get to be on TV! I just can’t relate to feeling sorry for Anna when DWTS likely pays more than anything else she was doing. Good lord. Dancers with paying jobs are likely extremely envied by the thousands of dancers who can’t get work at all.
IN YOUR OPINION, Anna is not bitter. I think she definitely is.
As for Louis, many of them are champions in ballroom – most are, actually. But this is a TV show and you have to adapt to that. He’s absolutely jealous of Derek – the fact that he suggested Derek and Julianne for the show likely makes Derek’s success (which he was on his way to BEFORE DWTS) all that much harder to take. All you have to do is go look at any video of Louis talking about Derek from about Season 10 on. That bitterness creeps through quite a bit.
Actually, The Voice only wins in the demo, it doesn’t win “usually” in the total viewers. And really, entertainment news programs don’t really practice critical thinking.
I agree Heidi. I just got ticked because they approached it like it shouldn’t be on tv anymore. I got defensive lol.
I watched the reveal on youtube. Glad I didn’t watch live. The first words I came up with were:
Forced
Uncomfortable
Boring
Lame
Ugggghh people. What was with that stupid jumbo tron team pairings reveal?? Are we trying to look like an 80s game show??
Chaka looked bored. Tamar looked annoyed with everyone.
Dear Tony, you are not as relevant as you think you are and a lot of the ‘fans’ don’t want you….just saying….can you please retire and do interviews or something?
The Val “Now I have that chip off my shoulder…” Dude. What the heck? Why did you have it in the first place? What gave you the sense of entitlement? How many other pros never have won a ball? Chelsie, Louis, Anna, Edyta, Tristan, Lacey……….Maybe all of them should stomp around and pout until someone BUYS them a ball. It took Tony 13 seasons to win…………Karina 11 seasons to win………….
And who yelled I love you Val during his portion? Can someone please find that person and examine thier head?
Okay okay, I am getting carried away. I know its ‘just a show’ but sometimes its just hard to take this nonsense. Why does ol Val get to talk so much? I don’t think Keo got to say 2 words. No wonder Tristan is gone to SCD 🙁 And poor Sasha. Sasha would have been adorbs with Bindi!!
I fully agree with you on the sympathy issue PH with them being paid well. But seriously Gary Busey is a step too far. I wouldn’t wish him on anyone, I hope she’s being paid well because being stuck with him makes me shudder and I live across the world from him. I also think Anna’s bitter and I reckon Rob knows that and he’s smirking at the thought of her being stuck with him. Hopefully they go out straight away for his own health but I have a bad feeling he’s going to get some car crash sympathy votes which keeps him in.
Val got to talk more because he can’t shut up….and Derek wasn’t there. 😉
@PH I completely agree with you about Louis being jealous. His attitude in interviews is horrible towards Derek and his twitter feed last season giving back handed insults about choreography to all of the pros was uncalled for. I think he is jealous that he never gathered a following or became a major household name like many of the other pros who came after him. I sure haven’t missed him since he was last on in season 15.
I used to be a huge BSB fan back in the day, and Nick was my favorite. So I’m really excited to see how he’ll do. Kind of wished he was paired with Karina but oh well… she’s back this season and I’m happy about that!
Also kind of wished Artem was pro over Keo. In my opinion, I think Artem > Keo in terms of maturity and teaching. Plus I thought he did a great job with Patti last season and was such a gentleman to her… would’ve liked to see that side of him again if he was paired with Chaka Khan.
And I’m happy Lindsay is back at pro – even though it was at the expense of an injured pro. Hope Peta gets better real soon.
Well I admit that I don’t watch the news…between working full time 3rd shift and taking my son to football practices and games, I had NO idea who this Alek guy is. I still say that if Lindsay was put in to replace Peta..she should’ve been assigned to Peta’s partner, which was Andy. I honestly think Andy will be a better dancer than Alek. Guess we’ll see in 11 days 😉
Anna has made some pretty rude comments, especially last season while hosting Afterbuzz with Kristyn Burtt regarding Derek & Nastia. She STILL isn’t over coming in 2nd with Evan Lysacek to Nicole Scherzinger and Derek.
Hey, I’m a nurse. Maybe someday I could be on DWTS? 😀 I would DEFINITELY request Derek, hands down. 2nd would be Mark and then Artem.
Of course, I would need to do something that would get me on the cover of People Magazine, like Alek was this past week. I get the magazine via subscription and the Subscribers got the cover with the 3 American Heroes while the Duggars were on the Newstand issue :/
I’d like to see some of the dwts pros (derek, artem, Emma, sharna and maybe sasha) on Strictly. Like both shows but dwts feels too cliquey and b*tchy with the pros, strictly feels friendlier and a better quality show
@Kelly – I’m fine with Alek being cast this season. I wish there were more people in the world brave enough to actually do something as opposed to just stand there and do nothing. He’s an American Hero, and rightfully so, and if he wants to lace up his dancing shoes… he can.
Is there a reason Artem didn’t come back, as I thought we guessed him as confirmed? I apologize if this was posted, I tried looking through all the comments, specifically at what you mods say.
Did I say I had an issue with it Sandy? No. Just that I didn’t know who he is. My bad for not being glued to my TV 24-7. Better someone like him than a Duggar 😮
I only know Tamar Braxton from the time she was a guest judge on RuPaul’s Drag Race. My impression of her from that is not good. She was loud, obnoxious and a top notch “Look at me! Look at me!” type of person.
For those who know her better, is she like that all the time?
I’m curious to see Victor dancing with Karina. I can’t recall a time when we had a male celeb several inches shorter than his partner. I do have faith that Karina will do a great job of making it work.
@Susan2 Me too, and Roxxxy Andrews’ Snatch Game impression 2 years ago. I think that’s just her, but it takes a lot to come across as needy and obnoxious as a guest in a competition for Drag queens and she did it. I look forward to seeing Val have to deal with that. :p
I think there’s more than the pay that makes it VERY worth it for past pros to get a spot again, the pros get A LOT of mileage out of being connected to the show. In Annas case I’m sure it helps her studio, probably helps toward getting acting gigs, probably helps keep bwat and other things she might participate in being relevant…Louis gets this giant platform to promote his fitness program…It must be hugely better to be thought of as a current pro who gets rotated in vs a past pro that doesn’t get asked back, possibly viewed as a has been.
I like to watch Anna dance. She used to be one of my favorites and I’m kind of glad she’s back. I don’t care about Louis if I don’t listen to his “knowledgeable opinions”. I get it that there are fans who still like him and are happy he’s back. I don’t need to love every pro. I get it that tptb try to appeal to a wide range of people who like their coffee different than I like mine.
@jess, you’re right there’s tons of advantages to former pros like Anna and Louis to be back on DWTS. I’m just surprised TPTB would want them back after the rather negative, bitter remarks both have made over the last few seasons. As Court said a while back, most employers want employees who just do their jobs, don’t complain, and don’t cause problems. So I can’t imagine why they’d recycle two “malcontents”. Maybe they needed pros with some age on them to partner the older celebs.
@Susan2 #222 – Tamar is most definitely like that all the time. Super funny, but wants everything to be about her.
Hey Cids, :), I wonder if maybe when they were still actively on the show they were fine? and maybe tptb don’t really listen to afterbuzz or read LVA blogs, or maybe they don’t really care if they generate discussion/buzz?
It would be very very interesting to be inside producers heads when they are assigning partners. Maybe they knew that to give one of the ones they hope to be “raising stars” someone so difficult as GB it would be a disaster and make that pro look not good, lets not taint their chosen ones with failure kind of thing. Or MAYBE they do want him to stick around for a few weeks and they know they need experience, life, teaching, and dwts experience to make that happen. I’m pretty sure Anna will get more out of him than any of the new crop, current or troupe.
And Paula said she requested Louis. And although he’s not popular with those of us who congregate here there are some people who are vocal about wanting him on. She, PD, sure looked like she wanted Val during the cast reveal. Makes me wonder if perhaps a couple of pros were off limits to her in terms of requests, you know, the ones they want to last a long time.
@Cidra But the regime has changed since the last time Louis and Anna were on. Not sure they have issues with Rob Wade & Co (yet) ?
Saying that Lindsay should have gotten Peta’s partner simply ignores the method that they use to pair people up. A method that has been highly successful for YEARS. Pairs are important.
Why anyone thinks otherwise, I don’t get. If the pros were so interchangable, they wouldn’t work so hard to keep Derek.
Tamar was just ridiculous on Celebrity Family Feud. I had to stop watching it so I’m curious to see what type of behavior she portrays on DWTS.
PH Since Witney is shorter than Karina I’ve been wondering why Karina got Victor instead of Witney. Is Witney now considered to be more a “regular” — just curious what your thoughts might be.
I don’t think it has anything to do with people being “regular”. I think Derek is ALWAYS going to get a partner as long as he wants one, because he’s number 1 – and I’m not even being biased. He just is and it’s obvious in many ways. I think Mark and Val will always have partners as long as they want them. Mark is a good get and Val is getting there because the audience is being very manipulated to make Val happen. To this day, there are people claiming that it’s Derek that always gets the good (young, fit, ringer) partners, while Val – who has by ANY measure – gotten the best run of partners of any pro on the show is never mentioned in that way. That’s largely a testament to Derek’s skill and popularity and Val’s lack obvious ability to win on his own. Not to mention an unsubtle campaign by the rest of the pros to sell everyone on the fact that the only reason Derek does as well as he does is because he always gets the good partners. Some of the pros aren’t any smarter than a large segment of the audience. 🙂
EVERY other pro is at the whim of who signs on to the show. I don’t think any of them are safe because they’ve been on longer. I think, when it comes down to picking, that it is simply comes down to who the celebs WANT, personality, look – everything that Rob Wade said it comes down to. Based on Artem’s instagram and Val’s behavior, I think it is VERY obvious that Val’s partner didn’t sign and Artem was with Tamar, and got bumped in favor of Val. In terms of Karina and Witney, I think Karina is likely with Victor because of age – much like Tony will get the older women, I think they will default to giving Karina the older guy, especially if Witney’s personality works better with someone else. Not to mention the fact that Victor could very well have asked for Karina, if he’s a fan of the show.
Good example?? Louis hasn’t been on in FIVE seasons, yet he’s back over Artem. Why? Because Paula asked for him.
Thanks PH.
That’s a great explanation PH. I feel like the Fam fans will still find a way to blame Derek for Artem not getting a partner.
1st. I want to thank you, PHeidi, for creating this thread and keeping us posted on the announces. I wasn’t sure if I’d want to watch this season after the last one; but I could never resist watching the amazing Derek, and was happy with his partner. It will be exciting to see him work his perfection in dance and choreography, and from what I am seeing, Bindi has loads of personality, so they won’t be perfectly boring! 🙂
I missed the GMA reveal of the cast. I know some of the celebs.
I just watched a whole half hour last week about Alec Skarlatos. It was aired on Fox News all about the terrorist on the train in France. They showed clips of the heroic take down of the terrorist. All 3 heroes were given a Medal of Honor by France. I was shocked to find out that Alec was going to be on DWTS. He has a nice personality and I think he will loosen up because he will be in a different atmosphere when he’s on the show. He has a great masculine physic; will be anxious to see if he can be turned into a twinkle toes.
I think Bindi is such a bubbly girl and she and Derek will have a great journey. She was so close to her father, and I am glad to see she is continuing in loving animals as he did, and can’t wait to see her and Derek out on the dance floor.
I also think Alexa is beautiful, but haven’t known her until now. I’m glad Mark got her as a partner. It’s time for him to have an older woman.
Paula should bring some drama and laughs. Louis will need to show patience, I’m thinking. He didn’t stand out as a dancer with his celebs. He’s a good dancer, but if I remember right, his choreography was lackluster.
I did know who Gary Busey is, and I used to like Anna until she got on the Afterbuzz and showed her jealousy (like Louis) of Derek.
I just hope that the producers cool it with the pimping and manipulation forcing one couple in our faces all season. It would just be nice to have it go it’s own way and let the chips fall where they may. It really does make it better, especially if the couple we have voted for does win. If, not, I will just be watching for the dancing purpose and ignore the rest. Just seeing Derek on will be enough.
IMO Tamar is not a ringer. She’s a singer though, and her nae nae looked good so it’s pretty safe to say she’ll be a natural performer. Tamar is such a hoot on The Real lol…even Val with his monotone personality will have to crack up with her. Either that or they’ll butt heads. She tells it like it is. More a type Tony would get actually. Such a different personality for Val that idk if they’ll match. I’ll be rooting for her though.
Very Sad Artem’s not returning. Loved him so much last season. He was such a sweetie and great eye candy. I’m guessing there was a last minute switch up as he was in the Pro a Reveal. Maybe like what PH said, he was originally given Tamar? I think I would’ve liked that pairing better.
And poor Peta! I hope she recovers soon! Best not to aggravate her injury but I will miss her dancing. She’s such a powerhouse. I’m wondering, does anyone know if it’s the same ankle giving her problems that made her have to give up dancing en pointe…?
So yeah, Amber is a natural performer just like Tamar. Amber isn’t a ringer either. We’ll see if TPTB will challenge Val the way they challenged Derek and Amber or every one of his partners. Give Val something say like Charleston. Rumer was given dances right up her alley last season. Even Janel. When it comes to dance such as Charleston, TPTB only give it to Derek and his partner. Why?. Who am I kidding right? No surprise if Val only have to choreo samba, jazz, hip hop, disco, contemporary, burlesque, freestyle this, freestyle that for Tamar. I don’t think the babysitting for Val is ever going to end. Sooooo predictable.
Great explanation PH. I noticed a lot of Artem’s US fans directing their anger at Paula & Louis for his omission when to be fair they should actually be directing it at Val.
Well, they’re idiots, M8. They need to get real. Neither Louis nor Val is at fault here – it’s the producer. And I don’t like either guy, but that’s the way it is. Val is more of a draw than Artem. Paula asked for Louis. Suck it up, children.
Now, check back in a few seasons and see if Val is still more of a draw than Artem. If he comes back next season, his more humble (yes, that bar is set LOW) personality could give Val a run for his money.
These people do know that the pros don’t do the casting or the couple placements don’t they?
Hopefully we’ll be able to enjoy Artem in some pro numbers.
Hi Jess (#227) 🙂 True, they probably kept pretty quiet while they were pros on the show, and Rob & Co. could be banking on that again now that they’ve been given a pro spot again. As PH said, Paula Deen apparently requested Louis and giving Busey to anyone other than a seasoned pro probably would be a recipe for disaster.
CM (#228) They were both on the show when Rob Wade was associated with DWTS in the early years. So it’s possible Rob has good relationships with them and was looking for an opportunity to bring them back.
Oh well, in the end it’s Rob’s problem not mine. 😉
Excuse the late replies 🙂
@237 Thiana, just wanted to point out that Val kinda sucks epically at jazz, so I don’t think TPTB do him any favors when he gets that style 😛 If anything it highlights his weakness as a choreographer.
The gears in my head are working….I feel like they should’ve made Allison a sort of choreography consultant for non ballroom. I know it must kill her inside to see a ballroom trained pros put together a series of lifts and get it passed as “contemporary” and completely failing to get the concept of jazz.
God yeah. Val and Rumer’s Bootylicious Jazz last season was dreadful. With regards to Artem, I know from Strictly just how good he is, and I’ll miss him, but I understand why, in the 2 seasons he had, he didn’t impress enough to get a third. I don’t know that I get requesting Louis as a pro from all the past and present options, but she made her choice.
Well, it probably kills the ballroom pros to see some of Allison’s choreography in ballroom dances.
That said, at least Allison has been taking classes. I think Val feels like he’s above that sort of thing.
Just a heads up just looke up the heights of Anna and Gary Busey 5’4 Anna 6’0 Gary
Lol exactly @PH. If Allison were a consultant rather than a teaching pro, then nobody would be personally offended by anyone’s lack of mastery of the dance styles.
IMO Artem did very well his first 2 seasons, especially with Patti.Judging by the scrambled up pro & cast reveal process, it seems Artem was slated for a partner, but things got shuffled around when a star backed out…and that leaves Artem partner-less in troupe.