Dancing with the Stars Season 17: The First Casualty
Aren’t I dramatic today?? 🙂 Casualty might not be the right word, although it’s possible. I think this is a self-inflicted wound. Anyway, according to someone who spoke to Derek last night at a corporate event where she was also working (Derek and Emma danced three dances), he is NOT going to be on DWTS Season 17. We haven’t heard this from his lips, but this woman said on Facebook (Lori Anderson) that he was working currently with Kate Hudson, it sounds like he’s doing movie(s) and has a lot of other stuff he wants to do before he turns 29. 🙂 If you don’t have facebook, go to PureDerekHough to read what Lori has to say.
I don’t know the context of the conversation and for all I know I could be spilling some beans that Derek didn’t want spilled just yet – always assuming that Lori was accurate in her reporting. But what it does is allow me to give our readers a bit of food for thought concerning all of the pro dancers and the show in general. We know that DWTS cut the results show because it wasn’t getting the ratings that they would like. There was also a lot of speculation that part of the reason is that the show is so expensive to produce that they had to cut it – it wasn’t giving them a return on their investment. We have also speculated that the elimination of the results show also eliminates a platform for the pro dancers, and Derek in particular this past season, to really create some amazing stuff and that elimination might be what causes Derek to move on to other things.
But what if, in the quest to cut costs so they get a better return on their investment, they only have room for one or two of the more popular (and, theoretically, much more expensive) professionals? You don’t really think that Derek, Maks, Mark and Cheryl are working for that same low rate that they signed on for years ago, do you?? Combine their salaries with the salaries of the troupe, the celebrities, the cost of a live orchestra, hand made costumes, three judges, two hosts and all the other people that go into running a LIVE show and you have a pretty expensive show. So what if Derek was told that “changes” were going to be made and he couldn’t wait until the last minute to commit to Season 17 and he had to decide now?? It’s possible, I think, that they are working with a new budget and we could see a lot of changes in the “new” show. Look at last season. Maks sat out and it had no appreciable affect on the ratings when he made his highly publicized return for one week. Maybe that made them decide that they only needed one or two of them at any given time? (Side Note: American Idol cut Nigel Lithgow as producer in their effort to revamp THEIR show – more food for thought.)
So, what other changes might we see? What can they change that will save them money but won’t have a negative impact on the ratings? I’m going to make a guess…and keep in mind this is ALL speculation. We don’t know anything for sure and we probably won’t know until it’s almost showtime. These are my guesses:
– All new professionals except for two or three OR a salary cut
– No Troupe
– Reduce the orchestra in some way
– Lots more recycling of costuming
– No Brooke
It’s entirely possible that NONE of these changes will happen and the elimination of the results show is all the budget cutting they need. But what happens when they conduct the show as usual (pimping, manipulating and so on) and the ratings decline continues?? So, they cut the show to one season per year. After that? See above. 🙂 You’ll note one other little tidbit in what Derek said to Lori. He said it will be “Harder” on the dancers. Why is it going to be harder?? What does he know about what’s going to happen that would make him say that?? Makes you wonder, doesn’t it?? 🙂
So….thoughts??
Yaaayyy! Hope Derek is doing a movie. Interesting post. If Brooke goes, my only request is they don’t replace her with Melissa Rycroft.
Wow, my mind is spinning. I’m not sure what to think of all the changes we might see? And yeah, what does Derek mean it will be harder on the dancers?
Anyway, I’m sad Derek won’t be back if true and yet, I totally wish him the best in this new project with Kate Hudson. I can’t wait to see what he’s up to. As long as he’s out there and we get to see him is all that counts.
Well if TPTB are predictable, they are probably thinking that without a Results Show, each pair have one more day to prepare for the following week. And, because they are who they are, they just can’t allow them to make things any EASIER on them…. So just a guess, but I think they will probably be giving more challenges straight out of the gate…. And I am almost afraid of what they will do, but it doesn’t surprise me that Derek said it was going to be harder on the dancers.
And I did take issue with what Derek said about his sister, that she just finished her 7th movie… I’m a fan of both of the Houghs, and thought to myself, “what does he mean, her 7th film??? Is there one she did that I don’t remember?” And I found he was right! Sort of.
Unless he’s counting something VERY recent that’s not on IMDB, he is counting HP.
So, 1) Harry Potter (uncredited along with Derek and Mark) then 2) Burlesque, then 3) Footloose, then 4) Rock of Ages, 5) Safe Haven, 6) Paradise (which was filmed BEFORE SH, it’s an independent Diablo Cody film that is supposed to be released…. Hopefully soon! Maybe hers and D’s movies can be released at around the same time?) And lastly, 7) Some cartoon Gladiators movie, she’s one of the voices, and that’s all I know about that.
I REALLY hope that the changes that TPTB make to the show don’t end up destroying it…. But again, I don’t have my hopes up on that.
@Voguerista, like you I’m sad thinking of next season without Derek. But I’m very excited about his project with Kate H. Hope it’s a movie. As for the changes in the show, I honestly don’t know what to expect. As Princess Heidi said, makes you wonder.
Thank you very much for the info you collect and give us, it’s very appreciated.
I can’t really get excited about Derek doing other projects and not being on DWTS until I hear more about the other projects and he’s literally not on DWTS while I’m watching it on TV.
That said, Derek is way too much of a jack of all trades, and the stuff that I would want him to do in the world of dance and music is ENDLESS, mentioning his sister’s movies barely does him justice, if we’re honest, which most never are.
So all I can do is wish him the absolute best of luck that one can get!
I remember reading somewhere that with the elimination of the results show, they would announce who had been voted off at the top of the performance show, then everyone else dances for votes. If that is to be the case, then perhaps harder on the dancers because they’ve had to train hard all week for a performance only to be kicked to the curb before they can dance it ?
I’m glad Derek has many many other exciting projects lined up. He’s paid his dues, been loyal to the hand that fed and is now poised to fly. I think him doing last season was a fluke, but so glad he did. Some very memorable routines with that Pickle-with-an-R gal LOL
I don’t really see that as making it “harder” on them…just unfortunate that they would have to prepare only to get voted out. But maybe that’s what he meant. I’m just afraid he knows something else. 🙂 He seems to be clued in before others are.
I agree with everything you said here, Heidi. No more results show would make the troupe an obvious cut. Since they will be cutting back the number of couples, the pros salary cost will automatically decrease as well. And Yes there could more new faces among the pros and judges, whether people like it or not!
Cutting the troupe seems like a no-brainer, since there won’t be a result show to feature them anyway. The orchestra and costumes could also be downgraded quite a bit and I can’t see anyone being particularly hartbroken if Brooke were not to return. However I don’t really see them making drastic changes to the pros just yet. That, imho, would be making too many changes in one go. If season 17 still goes down in ratings, I guess they can go there in the spring; either that, or they can produce the show just once a year I guess. Derek not coming back is already a good saving and we will see if rumors about Mark turn out to have any foundation. Cheryl already dismissed rumors about herself.
Wasn’t Kate Hudson on glee this last season? Maybe she’s coming back for season 5 and Derek is choreographing something for her? I think she’s portraying a dance teacher.
Cherry, what rumors did Cheryl dismiss?
Also, I don’t think the show is going to make all these changes in one season. I think they may send a few pros off on their own, but I don’t think they’ll get rid of almost everyone. I think if we cut Brooke, it might be beneficial but I don’t think they’re going to eliminate her.
Katie: Rumors that she was leaving dwts. She said in a recent interview that she’ll be back as long as they ask her to.
As you all know, Derek almost didn’t do last season but I’m so glad he did! I can understand him needing a break from the show and wanting to do other things with his career.
I’ve had a theory about executives in organizations after many years of observing their actions. They earn humongous salaries and they have to justify them so they decide there’s a need to change things. A monumental decision is proof that they are worth every penny they’re being paid. When their decisions end up screwing up everything they rationalize them and all the other executives console them and say “better luck next time” and all the little people end up jobless. Is anyone detecting my sarcasm?
With the elimination of the results show, pro numbers will have to be performed live during (or pre-taped with an audience right before or right after) the Monday shows. That could make Mondays a lot longer for the pro dancers.
What makes you so sure that there will be “pro numbers”? There can’t be, not in the same number, unless they drastically reduce the number of celebrities. They will have to do that anyway, but if they even only have 9 celebs that only leaves time for one pro dance on Week 1 and NONE on Week 2. There isn’t enough time.
If they still have a 10 week series they probably need 10 celebs. Then you have two weeks with no eliminations. The problem is if they reduce the number of celebrities by too much, then they will have several weeks with no elimination. If they go higher than 10 there will be no time for ANY pro dances.
I just made myself even more curious as to how they’re planning to handle this.
You and me both. *so curious….and nervous too. I pray the changes won’t hurt the show.
Having a full orchestra is very expensive. It’s the reason the New York City Ballet doesn’t tour very much. If you book the company you must also book a full orchestra as they never dance to canned music
As much as we sometimes complain about how the band sounds, I would miss it if they weren’t there. Dancing to canned music takes away some of the spontaneity of the dance.
Brooke talking to the celebs in the skybox eats up a lot of time. You never learn anything interesting or memorable from those moments. I’d get rid of that right off the bat.
I will miss seeing the confessionals on the results show. The celebs and pros seem so unguarded and downright endearingly goofy on those.
One way to cut costs would be to downsize the production aspects that have sometimes overwhelmed the dances lately.
Why worry about Derek? He lied last season saying he wasn’t coming back he’s lying again!
Honestly, call me a fair weather fan, but if Derek isn’t going to be on the show anymore, imho, it’s not worth watching. Cheryl checked out a few seasons ago, I don’t care all that much for Maks after his behavior with Hope Solo. Val REALLY disappointed me with his online twitter behavior after coming in 2nd to Kellie and Derek. And we all know he chokes in the finals with his Freestyles. I can take or leave Mark Ballas and he seems more interested in promoting his music than dancing at this point of the game. I’m kind of meh on Kym too!
I would like to see Henry Byalikov promoted to Pro and he’s an obvious replacement for Derek if he does indeed sit S17 out. So if that happens I may watch. Derek is destined for better things but I do enjoy seeing him dance on my tv screen for 10 weeks 😉
Susan2, I wonder with so much emphasis of online videos that they might tell folks to go to the ABC site to see the confessionals?
If they don’t eliminate the troupe entirely, maybe a downsize or limit the number of appearances. Quite frankly, I found the addition of too many new troupe members an overload. It didn’t a chance to at least get to know them or figure out who was a new troupe member except that one time they introduced them.
Regarding pro numbers, I’m considering Tom’s comments about dropping the results shows: “We’ve gone from sometimes stretching to fill the three hours to now saying, okay, we’ve got an embarrassment of riches here with what we can do in two. Interestingly the research we’ve had over the past few years shows that only about 40 percent of our Tuesday viewers have watched the Monday show.”
There were other quotes (don’t remember the source) that they want to drive those Tuesday-only viewers to Monday. That would require keeping some of the variety elements of the Tuesday show, imho. (And they did promise at least one inspirational piece to feature Adrianne Haslet-Davis.) I’m speculating here, but can imagine a basic schedule like:
Week 1 10 couples
Week 2 10 couples
Week 3 9 couples
Week 4 8 couples
Week 5 7 side-by-sides
Week 6 6 couples + 2 teams
Week 7 5 couples + 5 trios
Week 8 4 couples x 2
Week 9 3 couples + 3 freestyles
Week 10 Season Finale
Assuming they can keep the eliminations somewhat brief (~10 min), then with pre-taping they could squeeze 1-3 pro numbers into most weeks, imho. They already show pro numbers on Mondays when they have 7-9 competion dances, plus “competitive filler” like celebrity group dances, marathons, immunity dances, relays, etc.. If they keep the competitive filler, then pro numbers and musical acts would probably go. But if they keep pro numbers and musical acts in hopes of driving Tuesday-only viewers to Mondays, then the competitive filler may have to go. But admittedly, I’m speculating.
In the french version, we had 10 couples last season with no results show and there were still a few pro numbers, usually with Jean-Marc Généreux (our head judge, but the Bruno type) since he’s better than most (if not all) of our pros.
I think they are just shorter than the DWTS ones.
And there is a musical guest whose performance is scheduled between the dance-off for the bottom 2 couples and the elimination since it’s the audience who vote in the dance-off.
Yeah right, Tanya. Are you saying YOU lied if and when you’ve changed your mind about doing something? You act as if people don’t have that right and it’s federal sin. *rolleyes
Tanya, peoples plans change. I really doubt he lied about it
I forgot about the next season being “harder” for the dancers according to Derek.
I’m completely stumped by this one. Any ideas?
Other than those already listed of course.
Tanya, he said in an interview that he decided the day before they needed to know that he was going to do the next season. He was in the hospital with his mother and had an overwhelming feeling after talking to her neighbor about the show. As Jimmboee said, I would really call that lying rather than his plans changing.
Kathleen, I can definitely see that being the format that they use. I forgot that they would have to have the freestyles in week 9 because week 10 would most likely be the celebration/reveal/ending to the season like they did on so you think.
Did somebody read somewhere that the elimination definitely was at the top of the show (I might have missed something)? I couldn’t imagine them doing any way other than at the end of the show. I guess I wouldn’t be surprised, but that would be horrible to have a couple rehearse for a week to just go home and not even dance. I could see them throwing in that weeks judges scores as well so it makes it that much more important for their new dance.
All lots of good info! Thanks for giving us some food for thought!
Whoops! said would when I meant wouldn’t…I wouldn’t really call that lying.
Two thumbs ups, @Voguerista #22 and @jimmbboe #23!
Gee, Tanya. I didn’t know that a change of mind/heart is equivalent to lying.
Ooops, sorry! That should be “up” not “ups.”
I really want Derek back even though it is his time to move on. He’s worked hard to get where he is and he deserves to start getting the rewards. But it will sad to not see his incredible dances every week.
I think it’s going to be harder on the dancers because with only one show a week, everyone is still going to have to learn their dances as if they weren’t eliminated and the couple that does get eliminated has learned them for nothing.
Getting rid of Brooke would be no loss in my opinion. Tom could handle it without blinking. Brooke just stands there and repeats what’s said in her ear anyway. But if they do let her go, she shouldn’t be replaced with anyone. I agree Jane, #1, especially not Melissa.
Losing Maks, Val, Cheryl and Peta would be no great loss either. Let some of the troupe take their places. Less TPTB would have to pay and they would probably be thrilled to have the chance to be a pro. I’m betting Sasha and Henri would come up with some great choreography.
Thanks for all the food for thought 🙂 I wouldn’t mind if they got rid of the troupe, and promoted Henry to pro. I wouldn’t miss Brooke either, and agree with those who said she shouldn’t be replaced.
However, I think it’s really sad for a couple to have to practise their dance only to find out that they’re eliminated at the top of the performance show. They will have learned it for nothing. 🙁 I was imagining them having the elimination at the end of the performance show. Guess we’ll have to wait and see how it all works out.
It does work if they have 10 couples. No elimination week 1 and/or 2, the competition goes as usual after that. Fillers start by week 4-5 in normal season (replace them with pro dances.) No more 2-3 dances per couples. To much time to fill was one of the reasons they made couples dance 2-3 dances a week. No more 2-3 performers, 1 performer per week is enough.
I don’t think time will be an issue; BUT I’m curious to know why Derek thinks it will be more difficult on the dancers.
You guys, that was such obvious baiting…really, why bother when their only goal is to get a rise out of someone? Why give them what they want? Now, if they had said he always gets ringers….. 😀 Then beyotch going down. I can take someone being an asshole, but stupid?? NEVER. LOL
But the point really is, Jennifer, compared to what they had to do when they had the results show, two pro dances is NOTHING. And I bet they absolutely will continue with the 2-3 dances per couple. Cuz it’s stupid, so they’ll continue doing it. It’s who they are. Two hours is a REALLY long time when you only have four couples.
I bet money right now that we still see a lot of stupid crap in the place of dancing. They certainly could go back to the old formula of 1 dance per week until week 7 when they do the team dance, then double dances after that – that would leave time for pro dances and other entertainment. But I will be shocked if they hold on to the pro dances and not fill it with crap.
I have yet to see anything that explains why Derek thinks it will be harder on the dancers, though. It should be EASIER, not harder. The only thing I can think of is that he’s heard they ARE getting rid of the Troupe, they’re only having 8 couples and the pros will have to do all the pro dances. THAT would make it harder, because if you look at past few seasons, most of the pro dances were done by troupe members and eliminated pros, besides week 1 and week 10. The competing pros can concentrate on their partners and let others do the pro dances. Get rid of the troupe and keep the pro dances means you go back to the time before the troupe where the pros had to choreo for their partner AND for the pro dances. That would be harder than normal.
I can’t say I’m surprised he’s leaving, but nonetheless I’ll miss him.
I’m hoping these changes include getting rid of the troupe.
I will not miss the troupe. Especially all the Peta Mini-Me blondes. Ugh.
Out there guess to save money. Maybe there will be a ‘forced’ time-off day–like Tuesday, following the performance/elimination night. Cuts down on renting those rehearsal spaces for sure. Regarding costumes. They recycle those puppies quite a bit as per “who wore it best”.
Someone mentioned previously that Sharna was actually a blonde, I don’t know if that is true or not, but as a brunette she is absolutely stunning.
Read Lori’s FB post. Darn—all 3 judges are coming back.
Of course all 3 judges are coming back. Someone new could come in and fight the system and judge fairly. Keeping them means TPTB will maintain control.
Has it been said somewhere that the eliminations would be at the beginning of the show? On DWTS Australia (which also has no results show)they had it at the end of the show. I believe they combined the judges votes for the current week’s dances with the audience vote from the previous week. So no one had to learn a new dance they never got to perform. I think that would be better, IMO.
Just a thought: I have been a big fan of the accapella singing show called The Sing Off and I like the way they do the eliminations. Each week ONE group (these are groups singing, not individuals – if you haven’t seen it before) is eliminated, based on the judges, alone. When they get down to the final few (not sure of the exact number) THEN the audience votes. The judges don’t seem to have favorites, or if they do, I agree with their choices. They give specific reasons for their votes and tell why the group is off. The group sings it’s “swan song” and leaves the floor. It keeps the ratings up because if you miss ONE show, you don’t know who was off or why.
As for DWTS, I have always been a Maks fan and I thought I’d miss him more than I did. As for Mark, I’m GLAD he’s going. He always danced AROUND his partner and drew a lot of attention to himself – I thought he was cocky and full of himself. Derek has shot a country music video with Kellie Pickler and will probably do more of that, so we CAN see him dance. As far as my feelings, they can take Val off, too. He’s either arrogant or he needs to work on how he presents himself. The line between “arrogant” and “confident” CAN be a hard line to walk. All of my favorite dancers are pretty much off, if the changes you all spoke of come about. About the judges: I REALLY enjoyed Paula Abdul as the guest judge – and I’ve never been her biggest fan. She brought a freshness and different outlook to the judges table. But, we MUST have a judge like Len – one who knows the ballroom dance rules and enforces them – but without his personal prejudices so obvious. Can’t wait for the new season – I will NOT miss the results show – I usually watched something else anyway and only turned in the last 5 minutes or so to see who was off. Well, that’s my two-cents worth.
These are some ideas I had in mind:
-Bring back Samantha Harris
-Have Paula Abdul as a judge
-Only ask back pros who haven’t won yet (except for Peta)
-Promote a few troupe members to pro
-Have only a few theme weeks
-Have at least one A-Lister on the cast
-NO PAULA DEEN
-Have a web star (Jenna Marbles) and a pro skater (Tony Hawk) compete
-Break the Nickelodeon barrier
-Cast a child star that hasn’t screwed up their life
I agree with Ryan, with all of the things that Paula Dean is going through right now, I don’t think she should do the show beacause it will lead to a huge backlash. Doing DWTS may not help her career with a situation that bad. But on the other hand, Nickalodion star Ariana Grande should be called to do the show… She does have experience… She played Cat on Victorious and even did some dancing on the show…Her music career is now about to take and adding DWTS to the list will make her an even bigger succsess. Another thing is some of the best pro like Mark and Maks should stay, although keeping some of the best pros and getting more new pros would be a great idea of getting more viewers to watch…
I just do not understand why people think that pros like Peta, Cheryl, Maks, Val, Mark, Derek should leave… I did not even hear about about Val’s rant on twitter after him and Zendaya came in second this season. If there was a rant, maybe he did not mean whatever he said. He was probably just frustrated after Zendaya was at the top of the leader board. As for Maks, I think the reason why people want him gone is because of his critisizm of the judges especially when was paired with Brandy in season 11 and Hope Solo in Season 13… And Peta has only been on the show for 4 seasons and won her second season paired with Donald Driver. She deserved after her and Ron Artest (Meta World Peice) were the first voted off on her first season. I say keep these pros…