The Cast of Dancing with the Stars Season 23 is Announced on GMA – Live Blog
Well, sorta live. 🙂 I’m partially here. If you want to see our prediction posts or our season 23 Pro Watch to recap what we’ve said to date, click the links.
I missed the first minute or two but Courtney sez that Lochte appears to be one of the cast that is actually there.
GMA just confirmed Lochte on DWTS…said they’ll be talking to him about what “really happened in Rio and his new adventure on DWTS”.
Okay, here we go with Lochte…apparently he’s the big dog on DWTS this season as he’s getting a whole segment. Starting with the Rio scandal rehash. GMA – so lame.
Busted…she asked why did you lie. He’s not smart enough to catch it and say, “I exaggerated”.
He says that media has investigated and confirmed he never went in the bathroom. The exaggeration was the gun to his head. Says his team is dealing with the legal issues. He’s painful to watch, actually.
Getting better…Lochte was signed on to DWTS before all this stuff happened, asked if he thinks it’s a good idea to do the show. Emotionally hard, but all his fans and family have been positive and he thinks that the show is perfect to move forward. Yes, we are sick and tired of hearing about it.
Vogue here for a tiny bit while Heidi takes a shower. There was just an Olympian and Politician teaser. Oh my, I can’t wait to see Rick Perry in a cha cha costume. 😯
Heidi’s back!! Whew. Hard to get ready for work and blog at the same time. Imagine me sitting in front of my computer conditioning my hair and then putting on makeup.
Local news just said “We know Derek is back, we know Maks is back, we know Ryan Lochte is on…the rest coming up on GMA”.
Heh. Maks, Val and the rest?? They need to give the real star his due. 😉 Tom dusting off a massive Mirror Ball in Times Square.
Oh to be a fly on the wall when Val realized that he wasn’t going to be the center of attention this season like he is in the video they keep playing…at least two guys with more pull on that stage this season. Though they did still give him Laurie…he’s going to need the help, I’m thinking.
Damn you, Lochte!! The smile and the dimples are getting to me!
Laurie pops out of the massive Mirror Ball.
Tom pulling out the Comedy. LOL
Getting ready…putting in what we know...or think we know 😉 already. Nailed the stars!!
Derek – Marilu Henner
Maks – Amber Rose
Val – Laurie Hernandez
Gleb – Jana Kramer
Sasha – Terra Jole
Artem – Maureen McCormick
Cheryl – Ryan Lochte
Emma – Rick Perry
Witney – Vanilla Ice
Allison – Babyface Edmonds
Lindsay – Calvin Johnson
Jenna – Jake Austin
Sharna – James Hinchcliffe
Just what we need…more Val on TV looking…messy.
Cheryl! Looking fantastic. I’ve actually missed her. She’s one of the best – another reason for Val to worry. 😀
Well, I have to go to work!! Happy DWTS y’all!!
#DWTS Pair: @TheRealMarilu and @derekhough!#DancingOnGMA @DancingABC pic.twitter.com/CE8jz2UYCv
— Good Morning America (@GMA) August 30, 2016
#DWTS Pair: @lzhernandez02 and @iamValC!#DancingOnGMA @DancingABC #FinalFive #Gold #TeamUSA pic.twitter.com/mFsBtXCzRk
— Good Morning America (@GMA) August 30, 2016
.@JakeTAustin and @Dance10Jenna are ready for the Ballroom! #DWTS #DancingOnGMA pic.twitter.com/gLL8vhO6Yo
— Official DWTS (@DancingABC) August 30, 2016
.@Hinchtown is used to driving fast, but is he ready for the Quickstep with @SharnaBurgess? #DWTS #DancingOnGMA pic.twitter.com/bDxd4t53U2
— Official DWTS (@DancingABC) August 30, 2016
.@kramergirl and @Gleb_Savchenko are dancing up that hill and on to the dance floor! #DWTS #DancingOnGMA pic.twitter.com/fuD5CzExPl
— Official DWTS (@DancingABC) August 30, 2016
#DWTS Pair: @MoMcCormick7 and @artemchigvintse!#DancingOnGMA @DancingABC pic.twitter.com/dwfvee6t9O
— Good Morning America (@GMA) August 30, 2016
#DWTS Pair: @DaRealAmberRose and @MaksimC!#DancingOnGMA @DancingABC pic.twitter.com/uxQzrVQpp3
— Good Morning America (@GMA) August 30, 2016
Ryan is so boring….
Okay, GMA enough questions already let’s get moving onto DWTS.
Ryan….ugh. I am excited to see the official cast. Enough with commercials and weather!! REVEAL!!!
Tom’s too funny…dusting that big MBT!
Thanks for doing the live blog!! I’m at work, but I’m able to keep checking here for the cast names. Just as I expected, though … GMA seems to be taking their good old time announcing the names. They really know how to drag things out, don’t they?!
Still debating if this season will be good or not. Haven’t been too impressed with names in rumor mill. Show has gone downhill so I go season to season.
Imagine being in the tinfoil reveal Mirrorball. You’d feel like a baked potato in the oven.
Laurie reminds me a bit looks wise of my daughter. Sigh………so wasted on Val.
I know Lochte is big news, but I’m not a fan of placing him front and center. I guess I better get used to it as I’m sure the show will continue the trend. I’d bet my life savings that he’ll be dancing last the first week.
EEK to Val’s hair!!
I am thrilled to see Laurie on this season. She is so adorable and seems like a total sweetheart. Not sure how I feel about the pairing with Val, but if I like a celeb, I cheer for that person regardless of their pro partner.
Other than Laurie, Vanilla Ice seems to be the best of the bunch. I don’t know who half these people are….I had to google half of them.
So no Emma Samms? And no Mark? Disappointed on both counts. 🙁
Excited for Cheryl!! Will help fill void of no Mark. Not so much Maks tho I was fine with him not being on show.
Val’s jammy shirt, formal pants and artfully tousled hair isn’t a good look.
Laurie looks gorgeous in that color of blue, hopefully she’ll get a costume that color at least once.
Ryan is playing humble fairly well. I hope for his sake it’s genuine and not a front.
Nice to Cheryl again. I laughed as she “casually” mentioned the show she produced.
Thank you mods for watching and posting, so I did not have to watch.
Wondering which couple will get tagged with the “showmance narrative” this season.
excited to see terra, jana, laurie, and vanilla.
Val needs a stylist and total makeover ASAP. He looks like Kramer from Seinfield who was just hit by lightening. That hair! Does he see what the world sees when he looks in the mirror?!
Thank you mods again for the cast reveal. I don’t really know much of the stars but with Derek back it is sure to be an exciting season!
Vogue, so sick of val hair too and it aint talking. How about going bald val? Now that shocking!
And , of course, in the group shot, Val is the only dancer without a shirt. Does he not think that we are over that?!
I think Val just wants attention with so many other hot topics to focus on. He seems a little unhappy that Ryan is the big talk of the day as well as Cheryl Maks and Derek returning.
Hi. Don’t know everyone in the group picture. Is that the pros and the troup for the season and could you give us named if they are. Thank you in advance
was it just me or did Cheryl look unrecognizable today? also I had some random hope that there was a secret JoJo/Mark pair that we didn’t here about lol but still a great cast. I think besides Laurie there is no clear frontrunner so I can’t wait I think anyone could walk away with MBT.
This cast is so good it almost makes up for the absence of Mark Ballas 🙁
Why is Mark Ballas not part of the cast? ? What did I miss?
I just watched to see the profited they used lol. I love this site becuase you guys got them all again :). It never ceases to amaze me. Cannot wait for season 23! Sidenote, Ryan is boring yet entertaining. It’s funny Watchin the wheels turn in his head as he answers questions.
Profile pic they used. Not profited. Dang it autocorrect.
I am totally here for James and Sharna (“Courtney GET IN THE HYPE CAR”) and Amber and Maks (WHAT? Dont look at me like that. I love me a bitch who could read anyone for FILTH as quick as James gets round a lap of the Indy 500).
Others I will look out for is Marilu and Derek who was great on celeb apprentice and Jana and Gleb. So yeah.
Val getting the big star of the olympics then *yawn* in the words of Detox from Drag Race “I’ve had it OFFICIALLY”
Sounds good to me, Metrojj! ickkk
Haha Vogue. Ickk indeed.
Will Ryan explain how he got Instagram to erase or block people from commenting on his pics since the “scandal”. I want to know. He has about ten pics with clearly deactivated comments (including his Rio statement) until his GMA appearance. No way nobody commented on those pics.
I’m already hating the best year of your life week when he’ll for sure pick this year. Not even excited about all the gags they’ll come up with because he’s a “liar” or “exaggerates”.
Val’s hair….for somebody who must look at pictures of himself everyday, old and/or new, he has to know he’s had way more better hair days than this. At least he cut it on the sides. So desperate to get a man bun since last season. However it’s not as bad as Mark’s hair last season or Derek’s hair since forever.
Ugh – Maks in front like he is the “star”. These C-bros are so attention hungry. Val shirtless as usual. So over it. He’s not all that. Why are his fans not saying he got a ringer? If it was Derek who got laurie they would have been tearing him from limb to limb.
Who are the two behind Emma?
I like that Babyface is doing this show. I suppose he’s loaded having been a huge producer and artist when it mattered and you could make millions off of it, so he doesn’t “need” this. He just wants to have fun and at his age, why not?
I wonder how many stars out there want to do this show and their agents, managers and/or studios go “Don’t even….”
I’m most excited for Laurie Hernandez. I think she’ll do a great job granted Val does her justice with the choreography and showcases her talent. I was kind of hoping she would be with Sasha though.
I also like Amber Rose, but I don’t really know if she can dance. Should be an interesting pairing with Maks as they both have strong personalities.
As a Brady Bunch fan, I’m looking forward to Maureen McCormick too. I think she’ll do well alongside Artem.
Hmm, my prediction for first boot at the moment is Babyface.
Exactly Mafer, I reckon loads of big stars would love to do DWTS, but their managers shut them down in a heartbeat.
I love how more people seem to be excited to see Cheryl than seeing Val paired with Laurie 🙂 . Also I feel like maks in the middle was a good idea since it kept Val out of there lol.
Not happy with the cast. I had to google 7 of them. Maureen McCormick looks fantastic and I hope she does well. I love Laurie Hernandez but hate that she has Val.
So very happy to have Derek back and I think he’s going to do great with Marilu Henner. I’m also happy to see Cheryl and Emma back. I’m assuming Karina isn’t back because there wasn’t a partner for her, unless there was another reason.
Where is Mark? Did he decide to not come back or was it lack of a partner? I can’t image TPTB wouldn’t have a partner for him.
And a big YES to Tony being gone. None of his boring choreography this season.
And thank you TPTB for NO bachelor or bachelorette!!! Could have done without Ryan Locate too, but with Cheryl won’t take anything from him and will work him. He’s going to have to put the time in if he’s hoping this will help repair his image.
Other than those thoughts, I’ll wait to see how it goes on premier night. Right now I like Marilu Henner, Laurie Hernandez, Maureen McCormick. I had to google most of the men, so I won’t make any comments until they dance.
Hope this season is a fun one! Thank you mods for doing this site again. Welcome back everyone!
I am excited about the returning pros, but will miss Mark. Could there be a surprise announcement of a 14th couple?
Several of the pairs seem promising and I’m always surprised to learn about the talents and personalities of celebrities. There’s at least one person every season who I was not familiar with, but end up loving and following.
overall I’m pretty excited about this cast. Some great pairings:
Maks with Amber Rose, Derek & Marilu, Sasha & Terra.
I’m thrilled Cheryl is back (even if she has to suffer with Ryan). I would have loved to see Mark with Laurie over Val. Witney and Vanilla Ice seem like an odd pair. I would have preferred him with Emma over the dud she got.
I’ll be cheering for fellow Canadian James Hinchcliffe & Sharna.
So excited for Laurie. Also wanna see what amber rose can do but I’m sensing Kim k vibes. Hopefully I’m wrong. They could’ve done without today’s GMA and just did the whole cast announcement next week lol
Ice ice baby.
Yay, new season! Hoping this one is better than some of the previous seasons. I’m disappointed that Mark won’t be a pro, but I’m happy Emma, Derek, & Allison are back. Not a huge fan of Val but I absolutely adore Laurie Hernandez so I’ll be excited to see her dance and be on the show. To be honest, I think Ryan Lochte shouldn’t have done the show, especially after the scandal, I’d be surprised if he even makes it halfway with the votes. Crossing fingers that things aren’t terribly swung to one couple or are terrible in general, but after all it’s DWTS and a reality show soo.. I’m just glad some of the people who make the show worth watching are on it this season.
Did anyone on GMA mention the lack of Mark this season? Was it acknowledged at all? He hasn’t said anything about it on Twitter either, so I was just wondering if it’s just not the right time to address it or if there’s still something being worked on in the background. I’m guessing it’s the former, but of course would rather it be the latter.
I am so sad that Mark isn’t on this season. As for Ryan Lochte – he looked totally uncomfortable and I hope he’s the first one gone. I’m also looking forward to Laurie/ Val and Amber/Maks, Maureen, James, Marilu. I guess I can deal with Ice Ice Baby too. I have no opinion on the other couples. Let the games begin kids!!
For the 500th time, Mark is Out this season!!
No mention, Fig…but I don’t recall Derek being mentioned either when he was absent last season.
Princess Heidi, I knew ABC/DWTS won’t address why Tony, Mark and Karina aren’t on this season. But of course fans are going to wonder and gossip! The 2 oldest pros and an Emmy nominated pro who finished 2nd last season just out. Poof! Even while they are including Jenna as a pro and bringing back past pros but dropping those 3 while including others who are younger but not as awarded.
I expect they didn’t mention Derek’s absence in last season’s announcement because it would be ABC/DWTS policy since they have the power and drop staff often. But it was also well publicized that Derek was preparing for 2 amazing opportunities. Or, was expected to be rehearsing for them. I’m sure Derek will do some publicity for Hairspray later this year yet and a great deal before SitR opens on Broadway. His name will be bigger than ever!
Laurie’s def the ringer this season, so I believe she’ll be in the finals.
I feel so bad for Emma. At least the misfortune will be brief.
Vanilla Ice, Jake, and Marilu seem like contenders. I can see her continuing Derek’s Top 4 streak.
I’m sure that Cheryl will have a better time with Ryan Lochte than she did with Ian Ziering, lol.
I’m not as excited as I was the past couple of seasons, but I hope the other dancers will pleasantly surprise me.
You’ll never know Hedi… They didn’t even reveal the entire cast… Maybe something is up and no one has said anything…That’s what I wanna believe even though I know that is definitely not the case. In the mean time since he’s out they should have a reason why unless they are going to reveal why when they announce the entire cast on Sept. 7th… Rumor has it is because Beverley Mitchell from 7th Heaven was supposed to be his partner but backed out and plus they started bringing back other pros and it got to a point where they could not find anyone else for him (which if that was the case; if I were them, I would have at least considered BC Jean).
Emma has a ringer again!!
Ugh….already the idiots who are saying Marilu, at age 64 who had dance training 40yrs ago, is a ringer. Like hello?? A member of the Final Five isn’t a bigger ringer? Sheesh….only with Derek is a 64 yr old called a ringer…smh.
Thanks for the info PH – I just wondered if they had an explanation, or if it’ll just come out eventually. Of course there’s the tiny hope that he’d be a late addition, but I gather that’s more than highly unlikely. Shame, because he adds a flavor and aesthetic that is just so different than anyone else on the show.
I pretty much knew all of the cast save for Jake T Austin and Terra Jole. I grew up watching Brady Bunch Reruns and Taxi with my parents. Vanilla Ice well his song came out my Senior year of high school. BabyFace–listened to him during my college years.
I think they’ve got a good cast. I know there’s a LOT of backlash over Ryan Lochte. It is what it is. Let him dance and repair his image.
@kellyk – those were the only 2 I didn’t know too.
I’m liking this cast. It has a better variety than some seasons. I especially excited to see Cheryl back in the ballroom. She keeps it real.
I’m already hyped about what they will do for Halloween since it is on a Monday.
I have a sort of off topic question.
How far ahead of the premiere do the couples meet/start rehearsals?
Two or threes weeks before usually depending on their schedules, etc.
Makes sense that they would go with Laurie and Ryan since the Olympics is still so fresh in peoples’ minds. Cheryl came back to promote her tour, and couldn’t have gotten a more high profile partner. I’m guessing she is pretty happy. We already heard Val is thrilled, who wouldn’t be?
Poor Laurie. Such a cutie pie. She won’t get my vote. Sorry. For me sometimes, it’s not about the dancin’ but about TPTB crapola that initially sways my vote.
No CH, they don’t have to state a reason why for anything. And once again, you need to stop assuming why he’s not on and let it go. We’ll see Mark back on the show again one day. I was just saying at PDH that time away can inspire and so much more like it has with Derek. He’ll have time to work on his music and maybe even get married. Maybe we’ll see him in some pro numbers too? #THINKPOSITIVE
a small side note….Marilu Henner is well-known for her photographic memory. Let’s hope remembering steps won’t be a problem, and that she can pull it all together from head to toe. The more I think about it the more creepy it is to me for Val to be with Laurie. Okay—I’ll get off that soapbox.
Maybe Mark will be a surprise announcement! The first one-liner the season? UH OH
So excited for the new season! I’m happy with the line up, it may seem like Laurie has no competition but we know that personality and story takes them sometimes further than just good dancing, lets hope for good choreo from Val because we all expect her to be good, I can see her being like Aly Raisman
I wouldnt sleep on Marilu, Babyface or even Calvin, can’t wait for week 1
Also, excited for Derek, Maks and Cheryl to be back( and Julianne) and might be and unpopular opinion but Im happy Mark is taking this season off, he is been doing very well w Alexander Jean and his music maybe he wants to focus on that at the moment, will miss his creative numbers though
Looking forward to visit Pure every week ladies!
I wouldn’t go so far as to say Laurie has no competition, but I already believe it would be the mother of all upsets if she doesn’t win. JMO. She has huge momentum coming off such a successful Olympics, not to mention her talent and that she is very familiar with the show and how it works. The only variable for me is her partner, but I don’t think he’s going to let this slip away.
@Rose1 #63, I tend to agree with you, but at the same time I wouldn’t count out Calvin Johnson. If he has Emmitt Smith/Donald Driver levels of charisma, combined with Lindsay, he could be a dark horse. And I just have a good feeling on Amber and Marilu too!
Really impressed with the celeb dancers this season! I knew almost everyone:) Hope Jana Kramer does well, I loved her last cd. Happy to see Gleb and Emma back too. I’m looking forward to a very entertaining season 🙂
I agree Vogue. I think the season off will be good for Mark. He had a very busy season with Paige followed by a music tour with BC. Sometimes you just need time to chill and just LIVE.
I remember BC surprised Mark with a trip to Hawaii right after the season ended because he was so drained. Mark is a pro who gives every ounce of his effort into his partner. I’d rather he be rested, happy and recharged rather than drained and tired.
Laurie has competition definitely. Calvin is a massive threat if he turns out to be a good dancer and having Lindsay is a huge weapon in his arsenal. I don’t know James but I’m told he’s very charismatic funny and positive, if he can dance then he can also win. We know about Marilu’s history and her memory but she has Derek, no reason why she can’t be the best Jennifer Grey if she does well, plus she’ll have the older demographic on her side if she’s there to end. Plus you’ve got Jana who is young, looks in good shape and is gorgeous. Look it’s gonna be sad without Mark but I have no doubt he’ll be back next season. Unfortunately Tony will probably be back next season as well but that’s life.
Exactly, Susan. After touring, I bet he is exhausted and BC will be sure to take good care of him. They are so cute. I love them.
Wow, just looked at Mark’s Twitter bio and no mention of dancing or DWTS. I’m fairly sure that is rather new. Lame. Hope he’s not done for good. 🙁
Anyway, as far as the couples go I’m most interested in Marilu and Derek, Amber and Maks, Babyface and Allison, maaaaaybe Lindsay and Calvin.
I also look forward to seeing Vanilla Ice and Laurie, but not really their partners. Same goes for Gleb, Emma and Sasha, but not really amped about their celebs yet. Everyone else I’m not familiar enough with or do not care enough about.
Oh, and then there’s the Ryan Lochte mess, which I guess might make for fascinating TV. I do love me a redemption story, though.
Ah that time of the year again! I’ve been quietly checking in over the summer and can say I am so excited for the season to begin.
I CANNOT believe that Cheryl is back. I really do wonder if TPTB read all the comments on this site. Derek, Cheryl and Maks?! I thought Cheryl was committed to NBC, so I did NOT see that coming, but I’m happy it happened. 😀 (glad Peta’s not on at the same time as her).
I had a gut feeling Mark was taking off this season since he had a stellar season and probably would have won if it wasn’t for a few of my own conspiracy theories hehe.
Well, all this hoopla around DMC coming back may explain why DWTS never gave a true sendoff to any of them, well I expected one for Cheryl because I didn’t think you could flip flop between networks.
DOes anyone know if she left NBC or was it just a 2 year or limited contract? Interested to know lol
EmnEm, her NBC show ‘I Can Do That’ was cancelled so she didn’t really have any affiliation with NBC anymore. She must have been on a limited contract related to that show being on the air.
I don’t think DWTS gives pros true sendoffs because they always leave the door open for them to return one day especially for the more popular pros like Cheryl, Derek, Maks and Karina. Like I said earlier in the thread, I fully expect both Mark and Tony to return next season which means there’s no real point in DWTS giving them a ‘send off’ so to speak.
Well, now that I’ve seen the full line-up, I know I’ll definitely be recording the show and only watching a few couples.
Marilu/Derek – Yay! If Derek can’t stay away, I’m glad he got someone I can support and whom I think he’ll working with.
Calvin/Lindsay – Interesting. If Calvin brings the right attitude and work ethic, I could like these two. Linds will have tackle the height issue right away and make sure he learns good posture right away.
Hinch/Sharna – He seems like a nice guy. Hope he’ll be able to bring back the Sharna I loved. My concern is he’ll be charming but have zero dance talent and be considered cannon-fodder by TPTB.
Babyface/Allison – He should have musicality for days; and hopefully Allison has figured out that sometimes less is more.
I’m with Fig as far as Gleb, Emma, and Sasha go. Happy for them that they’re back on the show and wishing them a great season, but not enthused about their celebs.
Can’t wait for Over-the-Hill Maks, Liar Lochte, and Pea-brain Perry to get the boot.
Secretly hoping Mark is announced with a surprise 14th celen on Sept 7
Also is it just me or did Val’s hair look like a poor attempt at looking like Mark’s hair.
I must admit this cast is certainly an interesting one. I won’t go so far to say as the most innovative or eye-catching cast but it is interesting. Sad to see Mark, Karina, Edyta, Peta, and Tony go but I’m quite content with Keo moving to the troupe a great dancer he was a great teacher he was not. However, I am very excited to see Gleb and Cheryl back.
I think if Ryan hadn’t had quite a scandal to his name he might have been a frontrunner. He is easy-on-the-eyes-man candy. He should have some good coordination and grace (Natalie Coughlin comes to mind). Cheryl for me is a bit too much of a wild card when she gets the attractive men she tends to let them doff their shirts and let that carry them far otherwise she has a tendency to check-out. However, that might not matter if the scandal keeps him from getting votes.
I AM NOT a Rick Perry fan and I don’t think he will impress anyone but Emma has a tendency to work miracles and conservative politicians have a tendency to last longer than expected so I won’t count them out but I hope they don’t stay past their due date.
Jana Kramer is a bit of a one-hit-wonder in country music but country music fans due tend to stick behind their own (Billy Ray Cyrus, Kellie Pickler, and Sara Evans) so I think she has a solid fan base. As for Gleb I am in the minority when I say I think he will give Derek and Lindsay a run for their money in the choreography department. I watched him on Strictly Come Dance last year (I tend to like Strictly more than DWTS more technique less drama) and he made his pigeon-toed partner look pretty good and his concepts were really legit. So I am excited to see these two.
I don’t know much about Babyface but he seems really popular and is buzzing around on twitter with the lot say he should have great musicality. However, Im kind of scratching my head at the fact he has Allison who is just coming back from having a baby and I doubt has continued to work on her Ballroom technique. I might be wrong so I won’t count them out yet but I doubt I will be surprised.
I think Calvin Johnson has the potential to be the Dark horse of this competition. NFL players tend to do well whether they want to or not and with Lindsay in his corner I am predicting at LEAST the semi finals unless he literally swan dives head first into a whiny stick in the mud (Keyshawn Johnson).
I am expecting to see Lauren Hernandez in the finals. I might not be much of a Val fan but if he took Zendaya to the finals I am expecting him to take Lauren to the finals as well. His choreography does have a tendency to be a bit repetitive and stop and go but I chalk that up to the competition circuit in him. I think he might have a good shot to update his choreography now he has an olympian and big bro in the house….speaking off…..
I think our most dramatic couple has entered the house in Amber Rose and Maksim. If Amber is as vocal in the dance room as she is on twitter I think we are in for some DRAMA. However, she could flip a switch and be a NeNe personality but I HIGHLY doubt it.
Marilu and Derek Hough. Derek hasn’t gotten less than 4th place since season 8 when he went home in the semi’s with Lil Kim so I doubt this ‘more refined’ woman is going to break his streak. I am eager to see them dance I think this will be interesting.
James Hinchcliffe I don’t know much about him but from what I saw I am expecting more Michael Waltrip rather than Helio Castroneves. Charming but has no rhythm. Sharna might be able to make him watchable but with her past two partners (Nick Carter and Antonio Brown being as they were) I’m not holding my breathe.
Vanilla Ice on DWTS?!?!?! Somebody wake me up I must be dreaming. I am rather excited to see this. I think he could surprise us all by being a rather decent dancer and with Drill Sargent Barbie as his partner I think this couple might be an entertaining one to watch.
Terra Jole seems energetic and enthusiastic to learn and with Sasha I think this couple might bring entertainment to the floor. I think the height difference might be a bit challenging but I think they are going to win the ‘cutest couple on the floor’ award hands down.
I am really a bit afraid that Maureen might be a little bit Lea Thompson and Misha Barton fragile for Artem. Artem is a serious Ice cold russian who is a very strict disciplinarian. He is a great dance and a great teacher as I have witnessed also on Strictly come dancing but again if Artem’s history on DWTS is any indication this might be a bit too much for Maureen to handle. Hopefully I’m wrong.
Finally, Jake T Austin our disney star. Disney stars tend to go relatively far at least to the quarter finals because they bring so much joy and spunk to the floor even if they lack a little technique. I think the real test is going to be how Jenna holds up to the more seasoned pros. I think she has a great first partner in someone who is younger and more enthusiastic but I am very eager to see how she teaches and how she will handle her celeb.
I think this cast is going to be certainly interesting. I’m eager to see how this plays out.
Gymnasts and skaters are the most popular Olympians to be on DWTS and have experience most closely related to DWTS. But it’s not a guarantee of a win. Not even with the best choreographer on the show.
Apolo – Won/Lost
Kristi – Won
Shawn – won/Lost
Evan Lysacek – lost
Aly Raisman – lost
Meryl – Won
Charlie – Lost
Nastia – lost
Those are the skaters and the gymnasts…all the other Olympians have lost. Derek didn’t win with any Olympians and he has by far the best record. If Val doesn’t pick up the pace on the choreo, and others are good dancers with great personality, he could find himself out. Of course, if they pimp the crap out of him like normal, all bets are off. But maybe not. It’s not a sure thing.
ITA PHeidi (#75)
I have reading through postings to see if anyone has noticed this:
If you go into DWTS ABC website and click on Home and check out the Judges & Cast, you will not find a picture of Julianne with the other 3 Judges (Carrie Anne, Bruno, and Len)you will see. Wasn’t Julianne suppose to be returning to Season 23??? I thought Len retired or doesn’t do the Fall Season in USA DWTS.
Wonder why Julianne’s photo is missing? COULD SHE BE THE SECRET ANNOUNCEMENT??
Could she be returning to the floor as a Pro with a surprise celeb???
Kkat, Len is retiring from the UK version of DWTS (not this season but the next). Julianne is returning as a Judge this season. We’ve reported on it in several posts. If they don’t have her photo up at the official site, it’s probably because they haven’t had time to update the site yet.
Maybe a break is what Mark needs with his injury last season and his tour during the summer a bit of time off could do him the world of good.
And did I miss something? Where has it been said there is a “secret announcement”?
Thank you, Vogue for clearing that up with Julianne and Len retiring from UK Version.
About the secret announcement, isn’t there going to be something revealed on August 7th? Or am I just confused? LOL
Thank you, ladies, for this site! You truly are the best at what you do.
The celebs are very interesting. I look forward to the premier night. So glad to have Derek and Cheryl back. I missed them. Glad Gleb is back, too. So happy for you, Mz V. But I am sad Mark is out this season. I hope, like everyone else who has said it, that he gets to rest and recharge after season 22 and his tour with BC. I wish him the best.
I wonder if this is why people keep insisting that Mark is going to surprise us with a celeb…people assume that because they are going to be on GMA on the 7th that there must be some REASON for it other than they’re just running behind and a clusterfuck as per usual.
Occam’s Razor – odds are good there is no mystery, they just want to properly pimp the cast, since this past week was so poorly done. Because they’re a clusterfuck. 😀
YW KKat, I know what you mean…I get confused too sometimes.
Thanks Nobleze. I am indeed so happy about Gleb. I can’t wait until his title shoot photos and interviews come out.
Thanks for the list of pros + stars!
I am excited to see what Jenna has in store for us as a pro. If her pro numbers look anything like her dances from the troupe days, we might be in store for some sultry, but super skillful, dances!
For the stars, I will be placing my votes for Babyface. I was am a fan of his 80’s RnB group, The Deele. The Deele performed on dance shows like Soul Train, and Babyface would dance with the group. So he has that experience to serve him on this journey, plus the gift of musicality as many folks here are noting.
We all know the mods are amazing but it seems the rest of the internet is noticing it too.
Shout out to Court who’s mentioned in this article along with Pure itself.
http://us.blastingnews.com/showbiz-tv/2016/08/mark-ballas-isn-t-on-dancing-with-the-stars-season-23-what-s-known-about-his-break-001090351.html
So glad to see Court and Pure getting some love from others, as they should!
On another note, I don’t have a twitter account, but want to say to Court,” I listened and you sounded awesome! Good luck!”
I’m loving that shout out. Thanks Lisa C!
Plus, I had to read Miss Heidi’s summary again. The parts on Val are killing me. lol