PureDWTS Season 22: Court, Heidi, & Vogue’s First Impressions

So we’re still a week away from showtime, and not yet a week out from the cast announcement – and we’ve seen relatively little of the celebs rehearsing so far.  But like you guys, we Angels also get first impressions of the couples that start to shape our opinions over the season – so like so many of you have shared your early assessments, we thought we’d share ours as well 🙂

Courtney:

Who Stood Out At the Cast Announcement: I’ve said it multiple times already, but Wanya & Lindsay.  They were one of the few couples that seemed completely at ease with one another, and came out confident and ready to have fun.  That goes farther than you might think, coming right out of the gate – especially when so many of the other couples seemed very awkward & sedate at the announcement. As for who stood out in a not-so-good way – I’d have to say Mischa.  Could have just been nerves, but the impression I got from her was “I would rather be anywhere else in the world right now.” Artem came across very excited and pleasant, though, so I’m hoping he might be able to bring some of that out in her.

Who Will Be the First Elimination: As much as it pains me to say it, Marla & Tony.  I thought she was absolutely lovely at the cast announcement, but I really don’t know how much of a fanbase she’s going to have up against some of this season’s powerhouses – plus she’s got the stigma of being a Trump ex attached to her.

Who Could Be a “Shocking” Elimination: I should expand this to say “shocking, but not really when you actually think about it”.  Because I think Paige & Mark are in real danger of this happening, regardless of how awesome of a dancer she might be – I just don’t know how many UFC fans are going to tune in & vote, and I don’t know if it’s something Mark’s fanbase is going to be able to overcome.  The 2 previous UFC stars to do DWTS have both been early outs; and Mark himself has had a few partners who suffered from the “good dancer, but no fanbase” issue (Kristin, Christina, even Willow). I’m getting a real Chelsea Kane vibe from her right now – good dancer, but may need a bit of a helping hand from TPTB if they want her to stick around…and with so many fanbase juggernauts in the cast this season, are they really going to stick their neck out very far for a UFC fighter and a pro that’s already got 2 MBT’s under his belt?

Who Will Make The Finals: I go back and forth on this one a lot – and really, the only couple I have a fair degree of certainty about is Antonio & Sharna.  He seems to have both the fanbase and the skill set, and Sharna’s choreography prowess, but I think he probably needs to come out of his shell a bit more to nab more votes.  I also think there could be a push for Jodie & Keo – I think TPTB really want Keo to “happen”, and Jodie seems to have a lot of support from nostalgic Full House fans. As for the other 1-2 spots (depending on how many finalists they opt to have), I’m thinking Ginger & Val could slide on in there – Ginger is looking better than anticipated, and Val seems to have that MBT gleam in his eye again. The question will be, though, which TPTB want more: Sharna or Keo to win their first MBT, or Val to win his 2nd (and start him on the path of being “the new Derek”). If there’s a 4th spot, I think it could be a complete wildcard between Nyle & Peta, Paige & Mark, Wanya & Lindsay, and possibly Von & Witney (although my gut is telling me that the finals will likely only have 1 NFL player in them).  I think a lot will depend on what TPTB has decided is the narrative for this season – and anyone in the group I just mentioned that poses a threat Antonio, Jodie, or Ginger winning may suddenly be getting nitpicked by the judges come weeks 8 & 9.

 

Vogue:

Who Stood Out at the Cast Announcement: I knew I’d be so happy to see Edyta, but, I wasn’t prepared for what a ‘ray of light’ she was when she entered the stage. I loved how she danced all around Geraldo. His smile was so cute. They twinkled. I don’t know how far they will go, but, I’m going to enjoy every moment of their ride in that Richard Gere and “Pretty Woman” feel (that Metro mentioned in comments). Edyta also is in the shape of her life and she looked just beautiful! I have missed her so much on the show. And then there was Kim & Sasha. Sasha smile lit up the entire room and I loved his energy. I can’t imagine how excited he must be to finally get another chance as a Pro. I also thought Antonio was so smooth and sexy with his moves and smile. Goodness! 😯

Who Will Be the First Elimination: It’s funny. If you would have asked me this before we saw them, I would have picked Jodie & Keo since Keo’s track record has been so poor as a teaching Pro and whoever he was partnered with in the past. I’m still worried on that a little, but, is he going to prove me wrong and are we going to see another side to him we haven’t seen before as there seems to be such a magnetism so far between the two. So, I’m not going with Keo and Jodie this time. I think I’m going with Marla and Tony for the same reasons as Courtney. But, right now, I’m really liking them, so, I hope it won’t be her.

Who Could be a “Shocking” Elimination: It seems they use Mark for a “shocking elimination” every season and for a while now. I really hope they don’t do this to him again if he and Paige are bringing the goods. With Derek gone now, he’s the only pro who is producing theatrical and creative choreography and who has the biggest chances of getting the show an Emmy. So, for the shocking elimination, I think I’ll go with Doug and Karina. I think he will be doing well and then out of no where, they will get eliminated as his fan base might not be there like they use to be in his earlier days and instead the football fans will want to support Von or Antonio instead.

Who Will Make the Finals: I think Antonio & Sharna will make it ……but, Sharna needs to bring the choreo full out and challenge herself as well as him. She can’t go easy one week like she did with Nick last year. They have to both bring the A game every …single ….week. I think Paige and Mark might make it too. I like how she mentioned she wants to bring a different “dimension” to the show. With Mark’s skills as a choreographer, I can’t imagine what they might be cooking up. I also have always had a really good feeling on Ginger after seeing her dance with Derek on GMA. Like Sharna, if Val can really step it up, I think they may be top contenders as well. I’m so curious for what we’ll see with Nyle & Peta too. Wouldn’t it be something if they made the finals and with an inspiring message for us all? It’s going to be a fun season.

 

Heidi:

I reserve the right to change all my predictions after seeing them dance week 1. 🙂

Who Stood Out at the Cast Announcement: Hmmm…I thought that Marla and Tony stood out in a good way – she was getting down and she seems comfortable with Tony. But I also agree that Lindsay and Wanya stood out very well. As for who stood out in a not-so-good way, I’d go with Mischa as well. I’m sure she’s a very nice girl, but her personality is not made for live TV. She’s too much of…either an introvert, or shy, or snobby. Very hard to tell in this setting and unfortunately for her, people are more judgmental than ever and they will leap to the “snobby” characterization. It’s not fair, but it’s likely what will happen. Too many seem incapable of not leaping to the worst conclusions.

Who Will Be the First Elimination: First elimination? Geraldo Rivera or Mischa Barton – can’t quite decide. It’s tempting to say Marla, but I think she’s going to be able to move and Geraldo is less likely to have any ability. Also, Tony is a fan favorite – more so than Edyta, I’m afraid – and he’s been around forever. To top it off, people are less likely to vote for Geraldo, IMO, than they are Marla – for numerous reasons.  I’m leaning toward Geraldo, but Mischa is right there, for reasons stated above and the fact that she’s had very little exposure in the last few years and I don’t think that Artem has the fanbase that either Tony or Edyta has.

Who Could be a “Shocking” Elimination: Truly shocking would be Jodie and Keo – and I think it could happen, and it will all be on Keo and if he has learned anything at all in his first three seasons. Keeping in mind that “shocking” for them would be week 8 or 9. Ringers actually take MORE work, than non-ringers do, and you can’t just coast through and expect to win. Val hasn’t really figured this out yet, has Keo??  I think, sadly, that Paige & Mark are likely to be an early out, also, but it won’t be “shocking” in the least. All you have to do is look at the cast, see the big names and realize that Paige isn’t one of them. But I do think that her scores will carry her past the halfway point, and she seems to be having a blast with Mark, based on their snapchats. The other thing to consider is the absence of Derek. A good many Derek fans will vote for Mark out of loyalty if they like his partner.  Keo doesn’t have that. He has a partner with a nostalgic fanbase, and experience, for sure – but Keo is going to have to KILL it in terms of teaching and choreography (and relationship/chemistry) because he’s surrounded by BIG names, other nostalgic stars, and huge fanbases. Jodie, in most seasons, would have a clear shot at the MBT, but this season? Tough call.

Who Will Make the Finals: I think the only lock for the finals is Ginger and Val – it will be tough to beat the combination of previous dance experience and a DAILY platform for pimpage on GMA. While I don’t think she has as many actual fans as many of the other couples, that daily platform for pimpage (DPfP – TM Heidi) will be invaluable. I don’t know that she wins, because it doesn’t benefit the producers the same way as, say, a Sharna/Antonio win does – and they are my second pick for the finals. 🙂 He’s a Steeler, come on. The fact that he’s a current player means he practically has “fanbase ringer” tattoo’d across his forehead.  Sharna will really have to step up and if she’s a great choreographer sans boyfriend, then they have a real shot at winning.  The third finalist? Tough call. I’m leaning toward Von/Witney simple because dude just won the Superbowl – but it hinges on Witney and the choreography. If there are four spots, I think Jodie/Keo could slide in there but go out at fourth (hence the “shocking” elimination)…or they could go out at 5th and Lindsay/Wanya could slide into fourth.  And we should never count out Mark/Paige for that forth spot.  Tough call, having seen none of them dance yet.

So who do you guys think stood out at the cast announcement? Who will be first out? Who will be a “shocking” elimination? Who will make the finale? Talk to us!

Update: John was feeling left out, so here his initial reactions:

Who Stood Out At the Cast Announcement: Honestly I was distracted by Edyta the whole time. So, I guess that means she stood out for me.

Who Will Be the First Elimination: Doesn’t matter to me as long as it’s not Edyta.

Who Could Be a “Shocking” Elimination: If Edyta was ever eliminated it would be shocking to me.

Who Will Make The Finals: Edyta!