Wow. I like everyone they spoke to in this clip from the Insider – I particularly like Jennifer’s comments about Dirty Dancing. It seems she bears no ill will toward the movie, which was something I wondered about. This also shows Brandy and Bristol as likeable.

via The Insider

Some paparazzi video with quite a few different people – warning, it’s long. Hasselhoff = HAM.

Access Hollywood cracks me up, for obvious reasons. LOL

Wow, Maks wrote a very nice blog! I think maybe he learned a lesson last season too.

Brandy is quite a personality. She is hilarious! We get along really well and are having a lot of fun. She’s very free and very willing to experiment. She’s not afraid to experiment even though she appears to be a bit of scaredy-cat. She’s a perfectionist, but she’s a fun perfectionist. She’s not one who drills herself. She can laugh at herself and . definitely has natural potential and talent. I’ll be honest: When I found out I got Brandy, my immediate thought was, “Please let her have some dance experience!” Why? I felt like the off-season went by in a week! It’s crazy. I’ve just been flying around the whole summer with a lot of projects in the works — just super busy. For me, this summer, I spent it on a plane. I still feel the aches from last season. It’s crazy. To me, the show just finished. Now we’re back in it, so it’s kind of funny. It would help if Brandy if had been an amazing dancer. But she’s not — and obviously I don’t mean that in a bad way. Her strength, though, is definitely her personality. I think I just need to be able to package her and present her to the viewers and we’re going to be good. I’m still trying to get myself in the right mindset. Last season was very difficult because there were weeks where, toward the end, I did nothing but Dancing with the Stars. It was literally just rehearse, eat, sleep, eat, rehearse. It gets a little crazy after a while because you feel like you’re missing out on life. But then you realize this is what life is!

The cast this season is very eclectic. I think there a re a lot of people who have potential. I think Jennifer Grey is a dancer at heart. I haven’t seen anyone take a step, so I don’t know her level of experience, but I think she’s in great shape. I think Audrina is someone who can pull away. She has Tony, who’s very excited to work with her. I think there are a few from the men’s side who can be good. Kurt Warner and Rick Fox — they know what it’s like to do something over and over again being athletes. I think Michael Bolton will know how to put on a performance. Of course, I don’t know how limber he is. I think this cast is more even than in some seasons past.

One last thing I want to mention for the first and last time: romance rumors. There was a lot of stuff last season about Erin and me, and I already see stuff this season and the cast was just announced! I just want everyone to know that there’s absolutely no way that anybody will get me to talk about anything about my personal life. I think our fans are amazing. I’ve had incredible support in the tough times and I try to give back with what I do on the dance floor. I love our extended family, but there are certain things that one must keep to themselves. I put out a lot out there — I know that — but everyone has a right to a personal life. One thing I promise is that like last season, I’m very focused on dancing, getting Brandy into the final and getting the trophy. She’s very talented and very capable of winning. We’re going to give our best. I just want everyone to understand that they will never get an answer from me or her or anyone else now or even in the next three years, God-willing, if we’re still doing this. But I want you to know that I’m not blind and I do see the rumors, but I’m not going to address them. And I’m saying that with a smile on my face.

See all of them at Entertainment Tonight’s site

The Viennese Waltz and the Cha Cha are the dances, and judging by the rehearsal photos, Derek and Jennifer got the V Waltz, as did Louis and Margaret while Tony and Audrina got Cha Cha. The rest I can’t tell based on the photos.

Some very goofy rehearsal pics tweeted since my last post? Um, yeah.

First picture I’ve seen from a title shoot – Audrina and Tony! From Audrina’s Blog:

Ryan Seacrest’s strategy worked and he predicted right! I am dancing with Tony Dovolani! The pic above is a sneak peak to our promo photo shoot – thanks Kelsey for the pic!

I hope you guys all watch me on Dancing With the Stars! Now, I have to go catch up on my rest!

According to The Hollywood Reporter, we dodged a SERIOUS bullet this season:

Who turned down ‘Dancing With the Stars’

According to a source involved with casting, the network approached Facebook creator Mark Zuckerberg to join the dance card for the show’s 11th cycle but was unable to secure him. The network also lobbied unsuccessfully for Sylvester Stallone, political commentator Ann Coulter, former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, the real Erin Brockovich, billionaire Richard Branson, comic actor Tim Allen and former TV darling Suzanne Somers.

“We’ve approached a lot of people over the years,” executive producer Conrad Green told THR. “People say no for a variety of reasons. Some people like the show but think they suck at dancing. It’s a lot easier to say no than it is to say yes.”

If you think I can be mean? You ain’t SEEN mean until you’ve seen my reaction to the likes of Ann Coulter. I may have quit the website over her.

Although lobbying for a spot on the roster has proved successful in the past — hello, Melissa Joan Hart — the casting source said those who push usually have little success.

“Melanie Griffith tries to get on every season,” the source said.

And even before rehearsals begin, whispers of on-set drama are running rampant.

Bristol Palin, daughter of former GOP vice presidential hopeful Sarah Palin, already has been dubbed this season’s Kate Gosselin, who was famously difficult at times last season.

“Bristol was really annoyed by all the questions about whether her mom would be in the audience to support her,” the source said. “She kept complaining about the amount of press she had to do. She is acting like this is all a big pain.”

Oh dear. Click the link above to read the whole article. It’s very interesting and talks about compensation structure – much of which I’ve heard before, but it’s still interesting.

Hee. Joan was snubbed??

Joan Rivers Snubbed by ‘Dancing With the Stars’: Comedian Has Some Choice (4 Letter) Words for ABC

Joan Rivers is furious—and not it’s not with Lindsay Lohan this time. The Season 11 cast of ‘Dancing With the Stars’ has been revealed, and Joan Rivers’ name wasn’t on the list. The longtime Hollywood fixture was passed over for a spot on the hit ABC ballroom show. Despite telling producers of her interest in appearing on ‘Dancing With the Stars,’ Joan Rivers has gotten nothing but crickets for her lobbying efforts.

ETA: Jennifer Grey is hilarious. She tweeted this:
@therealjgrey: It’s not DWTS til you look like a tranny. I love these, wore em to bed. Woke up looking like Hitler.

This was the picture:

Okay, here’s what I gleaned from Twitter since GMA is tape delayed in my time zone. Turns out GMA only announced Jennifer, The Situ, Brandy, Audrina and David – but some said it was so fast (and not good) that they had to check ABC.com for the full list.

Who’s Dancing with Who? For real!

So, did I only switch two of the women? Hey, that’s not bad. I usually suck at the pairs. I think there was enough leaks to do the math this time.

It’s widely variable, from what I can see.

First, the press conference that Marianya so thoughtfully transcribed.

Watch with Kristin, from E!:

Warning: David Hasselhoff Thinks Dancing With the Stars Is a Dating Show
We just chatted up the new “stars” of Dancing With the Stars after last night’s big cast announcement and have some things you must know. Like, for starters, not only is Sarah Palin herself expected in the audience (unless she can see the stage from Alaska?) to cheer on her daughter Bristol, but David Hasselhoff’s partner should be afraid—very afraid…

Unless she’s totally crushing on The Hoff!

‘Cause apparently he is crushing on her. Big time.

We can’t yet reveal who David’s partner is, but he does tell us the first thing he did when he was cast on the show: He asked his daughters whether she’s single.

Damn. Wish I would have thought of that “seeing the stage from Alaska” crack. GOOD ONE.

E! has paparazzi video! Take note of who is with Mark and who remains amazingly, shockingly SILENT.

Here’s an excerpt of the article that goes with E! video:

Bristol Palin, though, did make it to the party, and she left her baby Tripp at home.

But that doesn’t mean he won’t be seen on the set. “She’s bringing him to set with her Tuesday for the first time,” a source tells me.

And get this: Bristol, who’s paired with Mark Ballas, supposedly drove herself all the way to from Wasilla to Los Angeles with her baby in tow.

“She’s actually a very sweet girl,” one insider says.

Audrina Patridge was one of the last people to leave to the party and stayed behind to hang with her partner Tony Dovolani and Maksim Chmerkovskiy.

While Audrina’s probably a little easier to handle than Tony’s last partner, Kate Gosselin, insiders are already pegging Audrina as “the new Kim Kardashian.” As in, she looks hot in skimpy costumes but can’t really dance.

I recommend reading the whole articles since I may not include something you want to see.

Here’s a new category for Courtney…from MTV:

‘Dancing With The Stars’ Carries On Tradition Of Casting MTV Stars
New castmembers the Situation and Audrina Patridge join the ranks of Steve-O, Kelly Osbourne and Drew Lachey.

While we won’t know how Patridge or the Situation will fair until the first step is executed when the show premieres in three weeks, they both have a lot to live up to. MTV stars repeatedly show up as castmembers on “Dancing With the Stars,” and while their level of success has been mixed, they always leave an impression.

One of them even won once. Drew Lachey, the former member of 98 Degrees and a staple on the hit MTV reality show “Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica,” took home the mirror-ball trophy back in February of 2006. In the finals, Lachey narrowly beat out Jerry Rice (the former NFL wide receiver and a big fan favorite) and Stacy Keibler (a former WWE performer who has a bit of MTV history of her own — she appeared on the wrestling promotion’s “Heat” show on MTV at the beginning of the decade).

Niecy talks to MTV about the new cast:

‘Dancing With The Stars’ Alum Sizes Up Bristol Palin, The Situation
‘The Situation seems very disciplined,’ Niecy Nash tells MTV News of the ‘Jersey Shore’ star’s famous abs.
MTV News caught up with last season’s sassy comic relief, Niecy Nash, who offered a few thoughts on the new castmembers — namely Palin and “Jersey Shore” standout Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino.

” ‘Dancing With the Stars’ is the hardest and most fun thing I’ve ever done,” she said. “I will tell you, for people who are untrained, it is a challenge.”

Nash added that if Sorrentino’s dedication to his famous stomach muscles is any indication, he might have the stamina to stay on the show for a while. “The Situation seems very disciplined,” Nash said. “You gotta do something to get 45 abs. So maybe he has what it takes to stick with it.”

Nash worried that juggling long rehearsals and taking care of baby Tripp could prove to be a challenge for Bristol.

“Bristol, you know, she’s been through a lot,” Nash said of Sarah Palin’s 20-year-old daughter. “It might be hard on her. But, you know, if you could get together with Levi [Johnston], you ought to be able to do anything,” she joked.

The Wall Street Journal! They handicap the race for the mirrorball and make a few good points. Click to read all of it.

Bristol Palin, Florence Henderson, Margaret Cho, Kurt Warner, Kyle Massey and the New Cast of ‘Dancing with the Stars’ Season 11: Who Will Win?

Most of the contestants on the new season of “Dancing with the Stars” aren’t really stars, of course, but “Dancing with the Formerly Notable” doesn’t quite have the same ring to it. ABC recently announced the new cast for the coming season of the show and it includes such semi-famous folks as Bristol Palin, Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino, David Hasselhoff, Florence Henderson, Audrina Patridge, Margaret Cho, Kurt Warner, Kyle Massey, and Jennifer Grey. The 11th season of the show begins on September 20. Who will will? Here’s Speakeasy’s pre-season analysis:

Entertainment Weekly scopes out the competition with a slideshow:

‘Dancing With the Stars’: Sizing Up the New Cast
Who’s got the inside track on ballroom glory this fall? See our scouting reports, weigh in by voting in our polls

MIKE ”THE SITUATION” SORRENTINO
Occupation: Having spectacular abs on reality smash Jersey Shore
Outlook: The Sitch has definitely found his niche — said spectacular abs will benefit him at least as much on Dancing as it does on Shore. Even better, he’ll come with his own spray tan.

The Washington Post

Bristol Palin’s next step: The next edition of ‘Dancing With the Stars’

The teenager joins mom Sarah, who has a reality series on TLC debuting in November, and Bristol’s baby-daddy Levi Johnston, who is shopping around a reality series in which he runs for mayor of Wasilla, Alaska.

Bristol is going to dance circles around Mom and Levi in the ratings: “Dancing” has recently become an “American Idol”-esque ratings behemoth, thanks to some very savvy casting.

ABC made the “Dancing” Season 11 cast announcement Monday night during two interludes in a two-hour episode of “Bachelor Pad,” in which a bevy of hot men and women make a mockery of the abstinence that Bristol is all about these days, in order to win a $250,000 purse.

Hehehehe…..

Or is it a wishlist?? For the most part, I’m just ecstatic that Derek is on the show, so everything else is gravy. Frankly, I think everyone should look at it that way, since there are a good number of professionals that did not make the cut. But that’s just me.

Here are my guesses as to who is with who. Although the Bristol/Mark thing is no longer a guess – from what I understand the two of them were on GMA together. Also, the Jennifer/Derek thing is no longer a guess, since there are pictures out there of the two of them together….and, well, this:

Who’s Dancing?

Here you go, sans Bachelor Pad. Many thanks to Codebear for getting it up on Youtube so promptly.

You be the judge. Brooke, Derek, Maks and Cheryl were all at the Entertainment Tonight Emmy Party last night and spoke to TV Guide. Tony was there too, but didn’t warrant a mention, apparently.  Brooke Burke is either spilling the beans or is Miss Red Herring herself.  Oh, and Maks? Forgotten Erin so soon? Dude, please tell me you were joking.

Burke, a former winner, admitted “all the rumors seem to be true” regarding the new cast. Most notably, there has been a huge buzz surroundingDWTS‘ most controversial rumored cast member,Jersey Shore‘s Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino. When asked why the show’s producers are interested in Sorrentino, Burke pondered, “I think last season kind of proved reality shows and tabloids play a big part of it. Casting is a big part of the success of the show. Everybody seems to be talking more about The Situation than anybody else. I guess it makes sense.”

Chmerkovskiy told TV Guide Magazine he does not care who his new partner is as long as it’s “somebody young, fit, athletic, and really nice.”

He doesn’t ask for much, does he?

This Player should have the press conference live (or so the site says) and follow-up questions (web only) from the media afterwards. Color me skeptical. You should be able to watch it here – I think. If not, it’s on ABC.com. I have a feeling both sites (ABC and this one) may be difficult to get to tomorrow night so, if you have Twitter follow one of these three: @tvblog, @PureDWTS or @PureDerekHough and I’ll tweet as I go. If I don’t explode.