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« Dancing With the Stars
March 19, 2007: Are You Ready for Some Dancing?
And they’re off! The 11 latest celebrities to put on their dancing shoes hit the ballroom live last night. It was step one of their quest for that fabulous, sparkling Dancing with the Stars trophy. Throughout the show, the hosts pointed out that this is “the most remarkable cast ever” and that we were watching “history-making” television. It’s good to know that they’re keeping this fun, lighthearted dance show in perspective.
OK, while they may have overstated things a bit, there were some firsts last night that did indeed set it apart from past seasons: their tallest contestant ever, NBA star Clyde Drexler, standing at 6-foot-7; their first contestant with an artificial limb, Heather Mills; and their youngest competitor, professional dancer Julianne Hough, who is all of 18.
Another big difference from last season was that, overall, most of the celebrities participating this year are pretty well known. There’s much less of the “Who’s that?” factor in play this season, with the exception of maybe Shandi Finnessey (unless I’m alone with my less-than-thorough knowledge of former beauty-pageant winners). I think having celebrities with name recognition really adds something to this show — it makes watching their performances more fun (e.g., look at Cliff Clavin dancing!).
One additional impressive change this season: no one was extremely awful right out of the gate. There were no Tucker Carlson “let me just sit in a chair” moves; no Master P “I’m just going to kind of walk and not wear the proper shoes” moves. Everyone really seemed to try. I know, you’re thinking, “What about Billy Ray Cyrus?” Well, someone does of course have to rank at the bottom of the pack, and his score of 13 deservedly reflects this. He didn’t quite dance a cha-cha-cha as the judges pointed out, but I think Hannah Montana’s dad did put in some effort. Now, he needs to put in some more. A lot more. He wasn’t completely stiff, and he showed an impressive ability to make fun of himself, dancing to his mullet song. Of course, that wig malfunction with Karina was unfortunate, though thankfully it didn’t result in a national crisis of the Janet Jackson/Justin Timberlake level.
Speaking of JT, let’s talk about his former fellow ‘N Sync buddy, Joey Fatone. He would be at the opposite end of the spectrum from Billy Ray, leading the scoreboard with his score of 24. Initially, I expected he would do fairly well in this competition, since he’s no stranger to choreographed movements from his boy-band days. Then they showed his behind-the-scenes clip-fest, and he seemed like an out-of-shape class clown who wasn’t taking practice seriously. Next thing you know, he’s busting moves from Saturday Night Fever out on the dance floor. Oh yeah, he can dance.
Close on his tail was the beautiful Laila Ali. I had high expectations for this athlete going into this competition, and she did not disappoint. But she did surprise, with her oh-so-graceful movements. Also, I think she and Maksim had the best chemistry of the night. And not far behind her was http://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/ian-ziering/154281">Ian Ziering with some impressive hip action. It looks like Steve Sanders is finally stepping out of Dylan and Brandon’s shadows, showing off hotter moves than he ever demonstrated at the West Beverly spring dance. And tying with him was another athlete, cutie Apolo Anton Ohno. He closed the show on a high note, with the judges crowning him as the star with perhaps “the most potential” — they just warned him that he needs to clean up some of the technical elements.
In the middle of the pack, we have two tall, elegant ladies: Paulina Porizkova and Shandi Finnessey. Paulina needs to get over her insecurities about feeling clumsy (she was quite graceful), and Shandi, like Apolo, needs to work on some technical elements. Oh, and she needs to stop bad-mouthing Russians (she shared how happy she was not to be paired with one of those mean Russian taskmasters, as she imitated them to be). Right behind these women was another elegant performer, Heather Mills. She was very candid about her leg in her practice footage, and her performance was good. Based on tabloid tales, she may not be the most popular star this season, but she is achieving her goal of serving as a role model for kids with prosthetic limbs.
Ranking just behind all of these ladies was last-minute replacement John Ratzenberger, whom the judges referred to as “surprisingly good” — and he was. The senior member of this competition had some fancy footwork, and I think his skill level is above that of last season’s token old guy, Jerry Springer. He just has to avoid the “heel leads.” On his heels was the least petite competitor ever, Clyde the Glide. A genuine sweetness seemed to shine through his performance, and the judges gave him some good advice about shedding his shy dance moves and instead embracing his size and expanding his moves on the ballroom floor.
Near the bottom of the scoreboard, there was Leeza Gibbons, whose dancing was a little stiff. But, no worries, the always-smiling Leeza still managed to put a positive spin on things in her backstage interview. And at the very bottom was Billy Ray, whom I've already discussed. And no worries for him this week either, because this was a non-elimination week. I’m not a big fan of this tactic — we’ve waited several months for this show to come back on the air, so let’s get things moving! But no, this show would rather proceed slowly and give all the stars one more week to improve (it’s still gonna hurt someone’s ego to be the first one out, whether it’s this week or next week). These scores will be totaled with next week’s, so the voting and judges’ scores still matter. Just like this show matters — it’s “history-making” television after all! Until next week....
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Mar 20, 2007 12:21 AM
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My favorite thing about this show is that the "stars" know that they are really going to have to work to stay in the game...they can't just rely on playing cute or expecting every to "like them, really like them." The behind-the-scenes views of the work that goes into the week's performance show that they're just plain folks, but they also earn our respect for their commitment.
And I think that may be one more thing that's changed from each season to the next...the "stars" want to "shine" more than ever.
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Mar 20, 2007 12:39 AM
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While watching Heather Mills I wondered whether her experience on DWTS was being watched (scrutinized...) by the British media. Anyone from Great Britain around who can shed some light? Or do they just not care?
I do wonder if she'll lose votes because of what's happening right now...
And did Edyta seem obscenely tan to anyone else?
But overall I was glad to see that there were no Master Ps. Yeah yeah, so he stepped in for his son that season--but he could have at least put on the damn dancing shoes! Everyone was trying and appeared to be working hard--sometimes to varying degrees of success, but trying nonetheless.
In the first season did the contestants have weeks beforehand to practice? I don't seem to remember them making a big deal about it then (maybe since the show was new?) It just seems that these past few seasons everyone is much more prepared than that first season. Maybe they have higher caliber contestants or they've been given more time to practice. Anyone know?
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Mar 20, 2007 12:46 AM
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I missed seeing smiley Ashley Delgrosso as a professional partner. Anyone hear why she didn't participate this year?
Overall, the talent this year is better and will entertaining as always!
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Mar 20, 2007 5:55 AM
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did anyone noticed the camera kept panning down onto heather mills leg at every chance they got....just in case it might fall off or something? Anyway I still dont know who this Paulina is. I wonder if we will get to see Laila's daddy Mohommed this season. And why are they not doing an elimination for this Tuesdays show? I must of missed the reason why.
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Mar 20, 2007 6:46 AM
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Paulina was a super model in the 80's. She's married to Ric Ocasec of THE CARS, a rock band from the 80's. I hope I've got the correct spelling of his name. I think she has a great personality.
This season looks to be fun. We've got quite a cross section of celebrities and ages and abilities.
I don't think I'm going way out on a limb here by saying that Billy Ray Cyrus will be the first to go. I could be wrong if he has a big country music fan base, but he is the least talented, IMO.
I was enchanted with Laila Ali and voted for her, though I had lots of trouble making the phone connection. I voted once and then I kept getting a recording that I'd voted my limit, which obviously wasn't true.
I also liked Joey Fatone. And John Ratzenberger (Cliff) made me smile.
I'm so happy this show is back on. I was so looking forward to it. One thing I don't look forward to is the guest singer of the week. I think we could do without that. Last year's crop was not the best...some were and some weren't.
I also don't mind waiting for the second week to eliminate. Seems more fair to the dancers to get a handle on what's expected and it lets us get to know them a little better.
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Mar 20, 2007 7:26 AM
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Oh ok now I remeber her Paulina. I remember her from that video. Thanks pinkie.
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Mar 20, 2007 7:42 AM
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I love the fact that DWTS finds the nicest athletes around to participate. Clyde just seems so nice, and he can really glide. I can't wait to see him further in the competition when he loses some of that shyness. I was prepared not to like Heather Mills, but I had to give her props for even participating, and she was pretty good. John Ratzenberger also surprised me. He was pretty good, considering he only had 2 weeks to practice. However, when he was in front of the judges I expected him to say, "You know, it's a little known fact..."
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Mar 20, 2007 7:59 AM
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In seasons one through three I've predicted a winner after the first show and I've been right. This one I'm not so sure about it. I think it'll come down between Ian and Joey. I honestly think Ian will end up winning because even though Joey was better last night, I think Ian will do a better job with the waltz, tango, fox trot, etc. BUT, I'm not sure the show wants a professional dancer to win three seasons in a row so the judges may be more involved in the decision this year than they were last year when their voting ended up being a tie which left it completely to the audience to decide.
I also think Apollo was really good and could be a real contender but all the traveling and competing will probably drag him down at some point.
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Mar 20, 2007 8:14 AM
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How can you not know Shandi as the co- host from GSN's Lingo? Me and my two kids watch it every night at 7pm(it helps their spelling skills while they are having fun but don't tell them that). She is really funny with Chuck Woolery(sp). She is very pretty but I'm not sure I liked her hair last night. How did they keep it in place?
I think the show was off to a good start. I agree we more know the stars this time around but I'm not sure if they are as likeable in previous seasons.
I kind of like the idea of them having more than one dance before being eliminated. It seems more fair and gives them a chance to show off a little more. After all they have been working really hard for a few weeks.
I think Billy Ray was awful and should be the first to go but I thought that last time around with Sara Evans. The country music fans might keep him in it like they did with Sara.
My favorite of the night by far was Laila Ali. So smooth, so graceful, she seemed miles ahead of the other ladies. I also loved her dress and the color was good for her. She had a great attitude and her and her partner seem to work well together.
I also really liked Leeza Gibbons. I thought the judges were a tad too harsh on her. She was a little stiff but not all that bad.
I also don't think it's a lock that Cheryl is going to win again. Ian was good, but not great. I know it's early but I picture Laila Ali and Joey Fatone going head to head in the end.
And one more thing, Ian,were you so busy practicing that you didn't have time to shave?
My one complaint about last nights show. Too many commercials. The commercial breaks too a lot longer than normal commercial breaks. They seemed to really break up the pace of the show.
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Mar 20, 2007 8:25 AM
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I think it was a very good start for the season, and nobody did an embarrassing job. I hope Paulina improves and stays around. Who wouldn't want to watch her, even if she was just standing still? I remember her from her supermodel days, which wasn't all THAT long ago.
Speaking of supermodels, I still maintain that Edyta could be a very successful one--drop dead gorgeous from head to toe! I wouldn't want to see her drop out too soon either, with John Ratzenberger doing just okay last night.
About Heather Mills--she's still technically Mills-McCartney, isn't she? DWTS is really tiptoe-ing around that one, and referring to her as an "animal activist." Geez, talk about a pink elephant in the room. This is so plainly a publicist-engineered stunt to portray her in a more sympathetic light. Someone even taught her how to smile! But it's not working on me. Artificial leg or not, she's not my cup of tea.
But overall, DWTS continues to be a very entertaining show!
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Mar 20, 2007 8:33 AM
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Can't believe the judges said Heather Mills was an inspiration!!
Wake up judges, she is a gold digger. Unless you want your kids to be a gold digger too, don't call her an inspiration!
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Mar 20, 2007 8:49 AM
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First off, for the blogger who wanted to know about the weeks of dancing before the show; in the previous years the stars and their partners had 6 weeks. This year they only had 4. John Ratzenberger had only 2 b/c he was replacing that guy from the Sopranos and Apollo had just as little time b/c he was still competing in the Olympic games in Italy.
Now at this point I see the top 3 as Joey, Laila and Ian. I worry about Joey, I think he will rock the fast dances but I am holding back b/c I want to see him do a slow one. Also just b/c Ian was stiff in the fast dance does not mean he will be good for the slow ones but I do think once he loosens up he will be OK. Remember Emmit didn't do great his first week and he ended up winning! 
I agree that Laila was fanstastic, the top so far as the women were concerned and she did it in a slow dance. Next week is the Mambo I think for the ladies so we will see.
I am a little concerned about Billy Ray. I hope it is not a repeat of Sara Evans, the fans keeping him in while others go home who are better. My daughter made me vote for him 3 times b/c he is Hannah Montana's dad (on Disney)
I did have to give props to Heather Mills. For one minute when she did that kick I thought it looked all wrong but then I remembered that was b/c she should have pointed her foot and she couldn't b/c it was her artificial leg.
Well, we just have to wait and see.
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Mar 20, 2007 8:55 AM
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Heather Mills needs to go. She is not a celebrity, even a minor one. Her only claim to fame is that she duped Paul McCartney into marrying her . Her "title" Public Activist" is ridiculous. Bet she wishes she could use "Lady McCartney". Yes, it is too bad she lost a leg but there are lots of people way worse of than she who aren't trying to cash in. No one should vote for her - she needs to go off the show asap.
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Mar 20, 2007 9:05 AM
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Chris1215tine,
I echo you!! She should not be here in the first place. Why America want to embrace a British reject!!
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Mar 20, 2007 9:22 AM
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