subject: Dancing With The Stars Season 12 [print this page] Dancing With The Stars Season 12 Dancing With The Stars Season 12
I've noted acommon theme among some of the female names being floated around... ladies with drug-addled baggage. Most likely it's the handlers of these'stars' who are pushing for an invite from the show rather than the other way around. Imagine the benefits that the 12 week disciplined and rigorous program of dance training could bring to these women personally, physically, and professionally, if they could endure it. The one word that springs to mind when I hear of these women is simply: liability.
Lindsay Lohan: Rumored to have been in talks with the producers, and her family issued statements that enhanced the speculation. Lindsay needs a job, but withher widely reported erratic behavior and rehab/jail stints, could the show assume the Lohan liability?
Jodie Sweetin: Has made an unabashed attempt to create buzz andget the show's attention in pointed statements to the press. Same deal here though, she needs a job, but her personal issues may be too risky for the show.
Brooke Mueller: Estranged wife of Charlie Sheen who has been laying low lately. On the one hand, Brooke could use a distraction in her life.Conversely, the ongoing Charlie saga could prove to distract her focus from the show. I tend to think that her rehab stint in November is too recent for the producers' comfort, and they too can envision Charlie as a big distraction for Brooke.
Ratings aside, Iwould be surprised if this tightly run show would assume the risk of working with rehabbing' celebrities. If nothing else, the producers need a commitment that contestants could actually show up for work7 days a week, let alone last for the duration of the show. There's also the physical exam a contestant needs to pass at the outset. Enough said.
What about some of our favorite pros from last season? I think these guys deserve more focus, as they have the hardest jobs on the show hands down.They have also become celebrities in their own right, more so than some of the contestants the show triesto pass off as'stars'. And in some cases, even worthierof the distinction. The list of returning pros is as secretive as the 'stars' list, and the revolving door at the studio makes them grist for the rumor mill as well:
Maksim Chmerkovskiy: The sexy wild card of the group. It's been speculated, even by himself, that his antics' last season (go Maks!) may have harmed his relationship with the show. Regardless, the show got some good press mileage out of him. Also, his eye candy popularity with viewers as well as his dance floor prowess should ensure he is asked back. Maks wasn't too thrilled with the controversy he found himself embroiled in either, and may not even want to return. Definitely a wild card.
Mark Ballas: A two time champ and fan favorite. Mark has never caused any controversy even while being paired with the most controversial of partners, Bristol Palin. Mark weathered that storm very well, remaining professional andhigh above all the fray. He's a network brass pleaser and a crowd pleaser, and the show would be foolish not to bring him back. Mark's been busy with his music career, promoting his new album HurtLoveBox around the country. So the question is, does he have the time or desire to return?
Corky Ballas: Always the debonair gentleman and ready and willing to partner with the older ladies who have no shot at winning. For this, Corky has managed to differentiate himself among the other pros, while pleasing both viewers and producers. Corky also has the distinction of having trained and coached many of the other pros on the show. To snag him and the far end of the demographic, producers would have to cough up another spirited cougar. Corky, age 50, has always maintained he wants the "right partner". Translation = age appropriate, no young chicks. Lacey Schwimmer: One of the youngest of the pros who went the farthest of her DWTS career this past season, coming in second place with partner andformer Disney starKyle Massey. Lacey taking Kyle as far as she did was a pleasant surprise for the show, as the pair bordered on elimination for many weeks. Her superb skills aside, they are probably taking a closer look at her ability to help win over the Disney Channel demographic and its parents, and will probably be asked to return.
Cheryl Burke: Steadfast in her loyalty to the show, having participated in all but the first season. Cheryl is a two time champ and viewers do like her. She's currently busy promoting her new book Dancing Lessons, but I can't find any reason why she wouldn't return to the show next month. Barring more prestigious professional commitments, Cheryl is a DWTS staple.
The one confirmed rumor is the departure (temporary we hope) of pro dancerand three time Mirror Ball winner Derek Hough. Derek is set to film the movie Cobu 3D this spring duringSeason 12's run. This will disappoint thousands of female DWTS fans no doubt. On the other hand, his absence will leave a hole in the top 3, paving the way for some fresh blood in the finals.
Season 12 of Dancing with the Stars premieres March 21, 2011
