What’s Going On With The Older Pros And New Producers Of Dancing With The Stars?
What’s going on with the older pros and the new producers of Dancing With The Stars? Some of you have been commenting on this in comments. In some new interviews with Access Hollywood and an ESPY interview in Glamour, Cheryl Burke has mentioned that she wasn’t sure if she was coming back to the show.
Earlier in the day on Access Hollywood Live, Cheryl Burke revealed to Billy Bush and Kit Hoover that she wasn’t quite sure if she’d be returning to Dancing With the Stars this season. When I caught up with the stylish star (seriously, has she ever looked better?), she admitted that indeed, she may not be returning. “I have spent a decade on the show, and it may be time for me to move on. I don’t know. I’ll decide in a month from now. I love my Dancing family, and I will always be a part of it. Would I still love to do it? Absolutely. But is it time [to move on]? Who knows.”
Also, George Pennacchio posted a tweet yesterday saying this about Cheryl.
Look who’s joined the reporter world! @CherylBurke is working for #ABC, interviewing stars of the fall season.
It sure makes one wonder if Cheryl has other things in the works like reporting on the show for ABC instead of dancing?
And what about Maks Chmerkovksiy? In a new Ballroom With Twist interview (see in a previous post), Maks said he “didn’t know” he was coming back to Dancing With Stars and couldn’t say yet as “life gets in the way” sometimes.
Also, Life & Style (thanks Lori, you are just in time), are reporting Maks is itching to take Len Goodman’s place at the judging table. He’s just waiting to see what Len decides.
Life & Style has exclusively learned that reigning champ Maksim Chmerkovskiy is itching to take his place. “Maks really, really wants to be a judge,” a DWTS insider dishes to Life & Style. “He’s just waiting to see what Len decides before he makes his announcement.”
In light of this news, Maks’ recent confession to Life & Style about his future with the dancing competition series makes a lot more sense: “Len and I will get together and think about [whether I will return],” Maks recently told the mag. “When the season’s over, I’m depleted. I have nothing left.” Sounds like he’s ready to take a seat at the judges’ table!
Derek Hough is a big question mark as well. Though at the Denver “Move Live On Show” (and this I witnessed for myself.), he said (when asked if he was coming back for the new season) he will always be a part of Dancing With The Stars, but, he didn’t know in what role yet.
“Role”? What did he mean by role exactly? Dancing, producing, choreographing for Macy’s …or something else?
I just hope the show isn’t going to rid of old pros too much if that’s what happening? I love Cheryl and Derek as pros and I don’t want them to leave (not to mention that these are my Dad’s two favorites and I’m not sure he’ll watch the show without them). Then again, if they are still staying on the show in another way, I’m open to seeing what they are doing to before deciding.
As for Maks, I really would rather not see him be a pro if his heart isn’t into it. I wouldn’t care if he was a judge as long as it was just a one time thing.
Also, what about Tony? No word on him …yet. I’d like to see him retire from Dancing With The Stars and concentrate more on reporting. He’s excellent for Extra…especially when Leah Remini is around.
Let’s see what Heidi and Courtney think?
Courtney: Well, I think we’ve been predicting this for a few seasons now – that some of the “old guard” would finally hang up their dancing shoes and move on. Cheryl & I are pretty close in age, and if she’s anything like me, the big 3-0 tends to bring with it a shift in priorities – you start to think more about what you really want to do with your life, and how to make it happen. She’s had a great run on the show (particularly the past two seasons), she looks fantastic, and she’s got a lot of opportunities opening up for her – now may be the perfect time to bow out and pursue other endeavors. And we’ve been bittersweetly hoping that Derek moves onto bigger and better things for the better part of 2 years now – and I think he’d probably already be gone if the show didn’t keep finding new ways to challenge him. But he’s done it all now – is there really anything that could top the thrill of helping a double amputee make it all the way to 2nd place? I get the feeling that’s a memory that he might not want to even try to top. And as always, he’s got 15 bajillion other irons in the fire – a book, a national tour, tv shows, movies, etc. I could see him returning to the show in some other capacity (more choreographing, guest judging, etc.), but I think he’s probably gotten all he’s going to get out of being a pro. As for Maks – in the 3-ring circus of ridiculous publicity that has become his post-season 18 legacy, I just find myself rolling my eyes and going “Yeah, whatever” to basically everything he says/that’s said about him. Part of me thinks he doesn’t want another stab at being a pro, because he likely will never win again (unless they set him up with the same primo situation they did this season); but part of me thinks he wants the attention badly enough that he’d begrudgingly accept a pro spot again if they don’t give him the judging job he apparently wants. And the worst part? I think TPTB just might be dumb enough to give it to him, if Len really is passing the judging torch. Since they’ve apparently decided that Maks is the lifeblood of this show (not the case – the show is bigger than any single pro), I could see them figuring that his season 18 win is the perfect lead-in for his segue into judging. Nevermind the fact that he’d be judging not only his own brother, his best bud, and two of his ex-girlfriends, he’d also being lecturing some far more experienced and successful pros on how to win. No thank you…
Heidi: In terms of Maks, we should also look at this Glamour article I posted the other day that says that Len says he’s coming back. So if Maks wants a spot it’s as judge number 4. It’s also pretty stupid of Maks to claim that he and Len will discuss it; it’s not up to EITHER of them as to whether Maks is a judge or not. The only reason he could plausibly make such a claim is if the producers told him he could have Len’s spot if Len decided to leave. Well, in the article I linked, the producers said that all three judges would be back. All that said, I have to agree with Courtney that it seems like a natural segue to the producers. And considering the fact that the BWAT show on Saturday is less than half sold, I think he should probably jump at it. This may also explain the 3-ring circus around him. And really, if you want people to stop speculating about your private life, STOP TALKING ABOUT IT. Cheryl? I can see people saying, “Oh, she always says that at this time of year because they don’t know if they have partners.” No, listen to what she says in the second video on this earlier post by Vogue. She explicitly says SHE hasn’t decided yet. Not that she hasn’t heard. She goes on to say that she’s been on the show for 10 years, which is a really long time. None of the usual claptrap about “oh, I have to wait to see if I get a partner.” Very telling, IMO. They might lure her back…but they might not. Maybe Billy and the other AH chick are right and she’s negotiating her contract. I’ve thought that Derek has been going season to season for a while, I imagine Cheryl (and others) are too. As for Derek….well, I may have to fly to LA and slap him if he signs up for a partner after such a great, DWTS-career defining one as Amy. Dude, please. But besides that, if he actually gets a partner he will have been dancing nearly every day 8 months, assuming he yet again makes a trip to the finals. This on top of all the other stuff he has going on. When I saw him in June, it certainly sounded like he wouldn’t have a partner if he was on again. I’m thinking Macy’s. Interestingly, Julianne was asked the question too and didn’t say an outright “no” which also makes you wonder. Perhaps Maks has some competition in the judge department? 😉
Courtney: Ooh! About Tony – some of you probably saw me talk about it on Twitter, but the bf actually had dinner with Tony last Friday when he was in town doing a meet-and-greet at a dance wear store in Indy (they go back to Tony’s competition days – they hated each other back then, but get along well now). Tony didn’t say anything SPECIFICALLY, but the bf said that Tony “spoke as if he were planning on coming back”. The bf is of the opinion that Tony can probably stay on the show as long as he wants, as he played a “pretty pivotal role” in getting a lot of the pros to do the show back in the early days, and gave the producers a lot of suggestions about the format itself. For that reason, a lot of the pro ballroom world kind of looks at him as the “godfather of DWTS”. That probably has a lot to do with his longevity on the show – and if Cheryl does opt not to return this season, Tony will become the longest-tenured pro on the show. But anywho – random fun fact: Tony is apparently a big cigar enthusiast, and convinced the bf to go to a cigar bar after dinner. Take note, fangirls looking to woo him 😛
Heidi: Ugh. The man needs to retire. But Courtney…which fangirls are you talking about? Tony’s or your bf’s? 😀
Courtney: Tony’s. My bf’s already got too many fan girls (his students) and his newfound fondness for cigars is a habit I’d rather not encourage. 🙂
Regarding lecturing some far more experienced and successful pros, that’s nothing new they’ve been lecturing Karina for many seasons!
As far as Maks goes, I couldn’t care less if “life gets in the way” and he never returns.
I can’t imagine the show losing Cheryl AND Derek AND Maks all at once. The three pros with the largest fan bases on the show. Yes, I do think it could end up being a good thing for the show in the long run, but all three all at once will have people in an uproar.
Maks as judge? Not permanently, please. I’d love to see Shirley as a judge.
C,what you mentioned about Tony being the “godfather” of DWTS and what he did for the show early on was interesting to me, because I remember Louis V mentioning similar things, saying that he was the one to ask Pro A, B, C, D etc to audition, he was the one to hire them for the tour, he was the one who taught the pros….. If Louis was the one to get all of these pros hired, why doesn’t he have carte blanche to stay on the show as long as he wants also?
Very interesting topic.
From Cheryl’s recent interviews, it does sound as though she will be hanging up her dancing shoes. Not sure if permanently from the show but at least for one season. IMO she should take at least one season off as 10 years is a very long time. TBH, I think we’ve seen the last season of Derek competing on DWTS. I see him returning with Macy’s or even as a judge but never competing. His accomplishments on the show are to great IMO for him to return as a contestant. Plus he has so many different projects in the works. Hope he wins that EMMY!!
Lori,
I have to agree with you about Louis being the one to bring in several of the pros, ie, Julianne, Derek & Mark. I remember him saying as much in interviews. I think Julianne mentioned it as well. Maybe Tony new more people production wise but I believe Louis had more of a connection with the pro end of it all.
Courtney,
Godfather of DWTS or not Tony needs to step down-LOL
Have a great weekend everyone.
Well the celeb lineup will be revealed in 5 weeks give or take a few days so they better make their minds up quickly
I would far rather see Tony, Louis, Karina or Cheryl judging. I would say Kym but she has feathered her nest in Oz. I tell you she is a GOOD judge
Just relaying what the bf gathered at dinner, guys. Don’t know who had the bigger role at the beginning of the show – Louis or Tony – but I get the impression that Louis has a tendency to inflate his own importance with regards to DWTS.
Maks judging is no different than Julianne judging her bro and ex, or Shirley judging her two sons.
I rather see someone less connected like Louis or Anna or Tony.
Can Cheryl replace Len 🙂 My whole motto towards replacing Len is ABM (anybody but Maks).
I doubt the show will let go of some many old pros, but if they do that’s great news for me bc I’m bored to tears by some choreographers like Tony, Cheryl, Maks,Karina. From the 4 mentioned I believe Tony will always come back bc I don t think he has much going on outside DWTS. Pros like Sharna, Emma, Gleb, Henry, Sasha did great and I’d love to see new blood on the show. I don t care how many fans the old pros have, I doubt their absence will affect the ratings. Many have taken seasons off and nothing happened ratings wise. That part I think has more to do with the casting than with a pro’s popularity. As far as judges, Shirley would be awesome bc I saw her on After Buzz and she was fantastic. She had so much to say and she has a way of making you understand what the problems were and what needs improving. Anna is a great option as well.
When asked about the guest judges, Tom Bergeron singled out Julianne as the one he thought did a great job. Maybe there’s a connection between that and Julianne not immediately shooting down the idea of returning to DWTS. For the record, I am entirely opposed to adding a 4th full time or guest judge. BRING BACK THE CONFESSIONALS!!!!
As for Maks, I just see him as an embarrassment all the way around. I don’t think he will ever come back as a pro because I think he knows on some level that he could never top, or even equal, last season — althought with Derek gone he might be nurturing the fantasy that “his time has come.” I think he would be a nightmare as a judge. I think the same thing of Louis because he seems like a very bitter person.
I actually think it would be a good idea to completely refresh the show. I think there’s ample new pro talent that’s been introduced the last couple of seasons and I think they should run with the young’uns.
If you truly believe there is no difference between Maks, Julianne or Shirley when it comes to judging, Jennifer, then I think you’re being VERY kind to Maks and a tad naive when it comes to Shirley and Julianne. Maks would NEVER dream of saying anything harsh to Val or Tony – the same can surely not be said for either Julianne or Shirley. For those reasons – I’d go with Julianne or Shirley over Maks any day. We’ve got enough judges who are willing to let crap slide or give preferential treatment. We don’t need another one.
Funny though – Maks fans like yourself were totally out of their mind when Julianne was going to be judging Derek and Mark for ONE night, but you certainly have no trouble with Maks getting the job permanently. But then, Maks fans tend to take after Maks himself and land on the hypocritical side of the equation.
I hope Derek takes some time off, as much as I would miss seeing him every Monday night. He hasn’t had any time off this year, and is going straight into a book tour. I’d rather see him work on Macy’s dances, and have time for all of his other projects.
Not in favor of 4 judges and especially not in favor of Maks as a judge unless its for 1 night only.
Oh god, I wouldn’t want Maks as a permanent judge…. I wouldn’t want Julianne as a permanent one either. I like both of them, but I’d prefer someone with substance replacing Len…, like Shirley. I don’t think any of the pros should be a judge.
I agree that Derek needs a real break, Jane, but I’m not convinced that he won’t be back in September. I read today that the country singing beauty, Shania Twain is interested in doing this season and is “very, very” close to signing the deal. Derek said in a Nashville interview last year that she was his favorite country singer. (His type, gorgeous brunette with a great body.) If the producers of DWTS entice him with her, I can’t see him refusing the chance to work with her. Besides, he really loves being a part of the show, and let’s not forget, he was recently begged by a 90 year old woman during his and Julianne’s tour to come back to DWTS, because she didn’t have much time left to watch him.
My dad smoked cigars when I was growing up (still does). Combine that smell with his beer farts and we had one atrociously stinky house.
I hope the Len rumor that he’s returning is true. Mostly because that means Maks can’t replace him, although I have a soft spot for Len too.
Although I don’t like to see dancers lose their jobs, I think it’s time to cull some of the more senior members. At this point we’ve seen so many Cheryl and Tony cha cha’s, foxtrots, etc., that they all start to look alike after a while, especially Tony’s. I realize that Karina has been on the show as long as those two, although she at least had a season or two off. What makes Karina the exception is that I still think she has some creative juice in her cup. She still has the ability to surprise us.
Cheryl looks to be in a great place personally. Maybe that’s giving her the courage to test the waters a bit in her professional life. I keep forgetting that she joined the show so young.
I get the feeling that Derek has a very zen like approach to big decisions in his life. Like believing that the universe places you where you need to be at this moment in time. Hopefully the universe is telling him that he needs to spread his wings and fly. Although I would be very happy if he came back to do Macy’s dances again.
Yes, bring back the confessionals and the behind the scenes footage! I’m not watching the show for a 4th judge to eat up all the remaining air time.
I actually wouldn’t mind if Tony, Cheryl and Maks didn’t return. I would like to see Cheryl back but if she goes onto a new career, good for her. I would love to keep Karina for as long as she wants to be on the show. I miss Kym but am so thrilled for her to build a new life and career in the same work field back in her homeland. As long as they’re happy, I’m happy for them.
Would love to see new blood. I’m sure it’ll be hit or miss who the audience takes to but at least it’s something fresh. Hopefully they get some good ones with personalities and ability that are worth watching
Don’t want to see Julianne or Maks judging. Would love Shirley to take CAI’s place. Just not 4 judges please!
Oh no, Tony is coming back?! Maybe he won’t be coming back to DWTS once he has a walker in front of him. His choreo is getting old, just like him. If Maks is back as a judge I’m sure he and Tony’s agenda is to get Val a mirror ball. I never doubt them as good dancers, just can’t stand their ego.
Are Chelsie, Lacey, Anna off for good. Agree with many, have Shirley as a judge should one not return.
I would MAYBE like to see Maks as a judge if he replaced CA and bring in Shirley Ballas. I LOVE Shirley every time she goes on Afterbuzz because she actually has great critiques and praises that make sense.
I don’t know about Cheryl leaving for good but maybe a season or two off? I don’t know if she’s ever had one since she’s started.
I, for one, wouldn’t mind life getting into Maks’ way, so that he’ll never ever grace my screen again when I watch my favorite dancing show. For me, it’s “Toodle-loo, Maks and Tony!.” Wishes do come true, right?
Re: comment #10 – Just a tad naive?! Heidi, YOU are being very kind! lol
Caught me in a weak moment, Jim. 🙂
As far as the older ones not coming back: It might not be a good thing for the show to lose too many all at once. Some of the new ones are just beginning to show us their talents and need more time to do that, so keeping the older ones around and slowly working in the new would seem less of a drastic change. IMO.
As for judges: Anyone connected to pro dancer (as a co-worker or family) really wouldn’t be a good idea to fill Len’s spot (if he should leave DWTS). There would always be those fans who will rampage all over the internet, in media articles, etc. about how unfair having a business partner or family member judging. Even though, I think Shirley would not be bias, there’s always those who will disagree. (even though Shirley has never been a pro dancer on DWTS and would be a great choice)
As far as Cheryl: I have always liked her dancing. She has had some big challenges and she never showed any drama about it. She’s a good sport. If she gets better opportunities (offers) I will be happy for her, if she in back in the fall, well that’s good also.
As far as Tony: He has been around a while also, and I’d rather see Henry for a change. Simple as that.
As far as Maks: I done see him being interested anymore to be on the cast list with a celebrate. I’d rather see him in the Showcase dancing, etc.
As far as Karina, she’s a sweetie and great dancer, she always adds great choreographing.
As far as Derek: Whatever opportunities happen for this young “genius,” I will be absolutely thrilled for him. He deserves it all!!! However, if he were to appear on the cast list this fall, then that’s where the hand of fate lands him. I am sure his legendary choreography will still be in demand for the Macy’s dance or Showcase dancing with the pro dancers.
I would think that the TPTB would have to decide on which pros to bring back accordingly to who is on the celebrate cast list. It would seem they would have to take several things into consideration in matching the pairs. (height, personalities,etc)
I hope it goes back to 2 nights, because some things got cut too short and announcing who was leaving was so in bad taste.
EXACTLY #KreativeKat
“Anyone connected to pro dancer (as a co-worker or family) really wouldn’t be a good idea to fill Len’s spot (if he should leave DWTS).”
Since TPTB don’t seem to care, IMO Maks is as good a judge as Julianne or Shirley.
As for judges: Anyone connected to pro dancer (as a co-worker or family) really wouldn’t be a good idea to fill Len’s spot (if he should leave DWTS). There would always be those fans who will rampage all over the internet, in media articles, etc. about how unfair having a business partner or family member judging. Even though, I think Shirley would not be bias, there’s always those who will disagree. (even though Shirley has never been a pro dancer on DWTS and would be a great choice)
@Jennifer….I also did say that “Shirley hasn’t been a pro dancer on the show” Therefore, she hasn’t been a competitor with any pro on DWTS. Julianne & Maks have competed against each other. There is a difference between Shirley and Julianne & Maks. Besides, Julianne is more interested in a different direction than judging on DWTS. I really have no problem actually with whoever would be put on as a judge, because I would hope, if either Shirley or Maks, they would be smart enough to know that showing bias to a family member (if there is one on the cast list) could give a negative result towards that couple anyway. JMHO
I’ve seen it repeated that Shirley Ballas wouldn’t be a good idea as a judge because of her connection to Mark & Derek, but I think certain people are forgetting she’s got more than enough credentials to be a judge on the show. Yea, she’s Mark’s mom and Derek’s 2nd mom. But at some point or another, a lot of (if not most of) the dancers in DWTS franchises have passed under her wing. So yea, she’s trained Mark & the Houghs. But she’s also coached Karina, Val, Anna, Julz, and plenty more. She’s practically the Fairy Godmother of the Ballroom/Latin world. She’s renowned, respected, and well-liked. I prefer the 3 judge format, but I’d at least love her as a guest judge for S19. If the show’s around for S20 she can replace CAI.
Kay, well stated. Shirley Ballas is by far the most qualified and best person to be judge on that show. As you pointed out, she has trained all these pros and cares about them individually and would be fair and constructive in her critiques of them. I would love to see her replace Len or Carrie Ann, but I prefer a 3 judge format as well. And please, NO to Maks being a judge! The man hasn’t earned that high position, IMO. As for Derek, he said in an interview last year that he and Cheryl had been talking about just how special it was to have been a part of Dancing with the Stars for so many years and how tough it will be for him when it goes off the air. Yes, Derek wants to be a part of the show as long as possible, and since there is always more inspiration for him to find, I’ll support him, whether he finds it on the show or not. 🙂
I wonder if Derek would come back if they offered him Shania Twain as his celeb. It would be great for his career, I think, as it would expose him to an “upper echelon” of celebs for more choreography opportunities. As well, I think he and Shania share the same zen-like philosophy on life these days, so I wouldn’t be surprised if she would request him as a partner. They would get along well. I know this is all hypothetical, but my question is: Is Shania too tall for Derek in the ballroom?
Thanks, Mods, for all the great info in the off season! Love it!
@Meggie #27
Shania Twain is perfect with Derek.
He is 5 ft. 10 inches; 155 lbs.
She is 5 ft. 4 inches; 110 lbs.
She is 49 in age; has green eyes, brown hair,
shoe size: 6; built: 34-28-36
Thanks, KreativeKat! Sounds good on paper! Guess we’ll just have to wait and see what happens.
Now that I’ve read that Derek is meeting with Oprah in two weeks time (with Amy), and Shania did a documentary of her life on OWN, I wonder if Oprah would comment to Derek that Shania wants to be on DWTS – if it’s true, of course.