Let the DWTS season nine buzz officially begin! ABC has unveiled the latest cast of "Dancing With The Stars," and no, LaToya Jackson isn't on the list. While I'll leave it to others to assess each contestant's potential talents at twirling and hoofing, let's check the "star" quality of each new DWTSer:
- Aaron Carter: a couple of platinum albums, TV, Broadway, Backstreet brother. Yeah, okay.
- Ashley Hamilton: son of George Hamilton, married to Shannen Doherty for about 12 minutes. No.
- Chuck Liddell: UFC Mixed Martial Arts champ and Hall of Famer. Great athletes have always been a part of the show's mix (and usually done well), and it'll be interesting to see whether MMA fans tune into DWTS. Great choice.
- Debi Mazar: more fun for the Entourage fans on this blog, though I'm old enough to remember her from GoodFellas and L.A. Law. Not exactly a star, but well-known enough.
- Donny Osmond: great pick! Just don't faint.
- Joanna Krupa: Maxim magazine calls the Polish-born model one of the sexiest women in the world. Does that make her a star? No. Do I care? No.
- Kathy Ireland: supermodel turned CEO of a billion-dollar design business... and she was the kicker in Necessary Roughness! Score!
- Kelly Osbourne: well, she's a reality TV star, and she'll undoubtedly be entertaining. Okay.
- Louie Vito: the snowboarder isn't as well-known as Liddell, but I suppose the same athlete principle applies.
- Macy Gray: I guess this is part of her latest comeback attempt. She's a Grammy winner, so sure.
- Mark Dacascos: he's the host of Iron Chef America and a Kung Fu champ, so he could be an interesting addition - especially if he and Liddell throw down after Chuck makes fun of Mark's Food Network gig.
- Melissa Joan Hart: she's starred in TV shows and movies, and with two young children, she figures to draw a good chunk of the mom vote.
- Michael Irvin: talented, egomaniacal athlete who can't keep his mouth shut. FANTASTIC selection.
- Mya: multi-talented performer (singing, dancing, acting), plus she also has the one-name thing going for her, which is nice.
- Natalie Coughlin: yet another athlete, and perhaps the most acclaimed of the bunch - 11 Olympic medals in swimming. Can she take the DWTS gold like gymnast Shawn Johnson?
- Tom DeLay: well, he's... wait, what?!? The former House Majority Leader? He's not even a star in DC anymore. Maybe producers told the bookers "get us The Hammer" and they misunderstood.
Okay, start arguing - what do you think of this season's cast?
I enjoy, cause I discovered exactly what I was taking a look for. You have ended my 4 day lengthy hunt! God Bless you man. Have a great day. Bye
Love the show.How many weeks is it on for?
Being an Osmond fan all my life, this will be good having the newer generations see Donny do his thing!! (I'm also a "metal head" so don't get ready and start jumping on me for being a "nerdy" Osmond fan!!) It's all good!!!
it is very obvious that none of you have done your homework!!! do you know who mark dacascos is?!!! he is one of the most amazing martial arts masters in the world!!! his flexibility is amazing...can jump into a middle split without dropping a bead of sweat! his kicks are literally over the moon....inside fan, outside fan....crazy good! he is a gymnast and is capable of doing back handsprings, back layouts, aerials....the list goes on!! mark is going to knock everyone out of the competition....he is the shock and awe value of the season...and boy is he going to come out kicking...literally! to have the reputation that he has today can only come from focus, determination, drive, commitment, discipline....he is in this to win!!! go mark, your my vote!
I am disappointed in most of the line-up. I don't think the contestants are chosen so much to see how well they can learn to dance as they are to provide some humor and be ridiculous. I am not happy with the way the voting is done–not when someone who can't even dance gets kept on over another person who is doing great. This last time, Giles was obviously the one who should have won. I think the judges should have more of a say as to who stays and who leaves–especially when it comes down to the final two.
Hey TC...We dont need partisan crap at all...but Tom Delay seems to live on it! Cry Cry Cry Tom...you are still a waste!
Right On BF...Im with you all the way! Anyone who believes Obama isnt a US Citizen does not deserve to be on TV. I will boycott this season also...lets all write to ABC and protest!
It Sucks big time. Tom Delay is no star...more like a criminal! Isnt he still under an indictment in Texas? I wont be watching this year....ABC better wake up and get some real starts on this show!
I love DWTS, but will boycott this season if Tom Delay remains a contestant. The guy is a disgraced politician who (along with the other wing nuts) does not believe President Obama is a nationalized citizen. Delay does not deserve the recognition.
I think I recall it was Tom DeLay who encouraged people to vote for Sarah Evans, who had to leave early for personal reasons..
It's interesting to see the talent side of politicians and what their personalities are like under stress; it's revealing to see famous people angry or crying, frustrated when they realize how difficult dancing on deadline and live TV is.
I have no reason to watch because I don't care about any of these people. Well. I guess maybe Donnie Osmond. That's it. I think old ABC may have a ratings decline with this group....Not to mention that network TV is having a harder time keeping viewers because their programming choices are stinkers.
And I don't even watch NBC anymore because their hands are dirty with the SELECTION of our president. And guess what, they got paid back, their guy IMMELT is on Obamas "economic advisory board".
YAY!! Donny Osmond all the way. What are the phone numbers so I can begin calling in right away!!! LOL!!
Think about it...last year most people had never heard of Gilles Marini and look what they would have missed!! I believe that this year's surprise will be Mark Decascos! He is HOT!!! I watch the Iron Chef just to see him!! Check out his website and the photos...there is a hot body under that suit! I will be rooting for him and, of course, Donny Osmond (a childhood crush!). It's reality TV and it's entertainment...chill out, sit back and enjoy or get out there and try it yourself! It's not that easy!
People kevetching about Tom DeLay – just shut up. We don't need your partisan crap on an entertainment show. If you're that damn partisan that you're going to let it affect your enjoyment of DWTS, then I have three words for you – Get A LIfe. I dont' like the guy either, but this ISN'T Washington...geez...
As to those predicting rattings tumbles – not a chance. Here's the simple reasoning: They have opened up two entirely new ratings taps in UFC and Extreme Sports. Remember when nobody thought Ty Murray would make it past the first two weeks? SOMEONE emerged to take him to the friggin finals – RODEO Fans. The same thing is going to happen this season. I have always been a fan of DWTS, but I 've been campaigning for an extreme star for three seasons now. I'm in Vito's corner all the way – and he's a good candidate for the US Mens Snowboard olympic team as well, which they can promote the heck out of. And I'll be pushing him to everyone I know that watches and votes. And Liddell is already a star in UFC. He could bring the UFC fans in and overwhelm Osmond, Mya, and other "ringers".
To the person who suggested "stars" like Brad Pitt and others – all of these people are stars in their own right within their own circle of operation. Huge stars are NEVER going to agree to appear on a goofy show like DWTS and risk their box office. So get over it, you silly people. GO with the flow...and watch ABC run ripshod over SYTYCD this fall...
I'm with Evelyn from Canada, I enjoy the show no matter who's on. It's about entertainment no matter how you cut it. Some folks have really surprised me with their competivness, some with their lack of rhythm and some with their sense of humor. Some possibilities for the future; Eva Longoria, David Hasselhoff, Oscar Dela Hoya, Sylvester Stallone, Maury Povich, Tanya Tucker, Christina Appleegate, Mark Lowery, Katey Segall, Amber Tamblyn, Jamie Lee Curtis, etc. just a thought..
As a whole, this list is not a very exciting bunch for me. Maybe Kelly Osborne will stir up some interest. She used to be capable of doing just that on The Osbournes old reality show.
Donnie Osmond will take this competition so seriously. He'll be very competitive. We may get sick of him.
Usually several of them turn out better than we expect. Maybe that will be the case this season as well.
I love Dancing With the Stars, but not having a country person is the pits. I love to see a good Country Star on there. It was great last year. We do need to get more Stars. Hope you choose better next year.
I'll accept anyone as a contestant on Dancing With The Stars if they'll just GET RID OF THE AIRHEAD CO-HOST SAMANTHA HARRIS!!! I haven't talked to anyone that likes this ditz.
Tom DeLay? This man has no integrity left. He disgraced himself and his party by his self centered and irresponsible behavior.
What an example for the young people watching the show.
Getting Donny Osmond is the saving grace of the new season in my opinion! He'll be great, and Donny vs Aaron will be fun! Yesterday's teenybopper idol versus current teenybopper idol.
I don't understand why all of the people are complaining about Tom Delay being in cast. He has more name recognition than at least four of the others. You think he is a bad choice just because he is a politician. I bet if Bill Clinton was in the cast all of the complainers about Delay would be ecsatatic!
I read people's comments and it makes me laugh to think how credical everyone can be. The show is about different celebraties trying to dance no mattter what the line up is. I have watched for the past few years and haven't known half the people on the show ,but it was always entertaining to cheer them on. I'm glad to see that the Stars like a challange also, they are human after all. I'm from Canada and I watch this show faithfully no matter who is on.
I'm voting Tom Delay off as soon as possible.
Why are you glorifying a crook like Tom Delay? He should be in jail, not being held up as some kind of hero. Do you know the crimes this man is accused of. Are you totally irresponsible as a News organization. Give me a break. Astonished!
Mark Dacascos is why I'll be tuning in this season. Can't wait to see if he has dancing ability.
i think mya might win this thing. have you seen her dance ? she was in chicago, for example. she has this thing in the bag.
I assure you I won't watch it, Tom Delay should be doing the Texas Two Step with Abramoff in the slammer. I will never watch that show again.
This is supposed to be a STARS list. Geez – this is so sad. A few qualify but another football player and then there is the representative from the Olympics. And, the old guy – Tom DeLay and lets hope that is a quick goodbye. So, which of the pros are returning? That's the deal breaker for this sad season.
Should be called "Dancing with Whichever B-List Stars Accept Our Invitation".
I have watched from the beginning with John O'Hurley and Kelly Monaco as the finalists. It was about stars who were out of their element when it comes 2 dancing. At least everyone was known. This season ABC is definitely reaching. Why not have all the past winners dance off among themselves. This could be BEST ratings that ABC would have for this show!
I made a mistake in my first post. Terri Schiavo was terminally brain-damaged and her family finally got legal permission to take her off of life support. Still, Tom DeLay used her as a human shield to hide behind while his own legal problems mounted. And a major television network is allowing this creature to reinvent himself on one of their primetime TV shows? I don't see how anybody can think it's cool or even funny. It sends a very bad, one-sided message to the public regarding politicians accused of criminal wrong-doing. 🙁
It's still "Dancing with the Stars". but now the stars are the professional dancers. The Has-been-wanna-be's showcase the professionalism and skills of the real stars – the ones with the patience to put up will all the egos of the non-talented. Donny is the exception in this go round. He's the only star who will be dancing with a star.
Joanna Krupa one of the sexiest woman ???? ew.....she was on Superstars.....had never heard of or seen her prior to that....not only does she have the face of a drag queen....but more importantly she was unbearably RUDE....and a very sore loser....why would they choose her for this "family" show???.....UGH......hopefully she'll be gone the first week!
To Chuck: Ha, yeah! Tom Delay probably is one Happy Felon if ABC's allowed him to be on DWTS. XD
I will be watching...AFTER DeLay gets booted...SHAME on ABC for putting this crook on a wholesome family show. Disgusting.
This is part of the problem with America. Politicians are not STARS. They are public SERVANTS!
And if Tom Delay is good on Dancing with the Stars, perhaps he will star in a remake of "Most Happy Felon."
Tom DeLay, for those who don't remember, is the man who got involved in the Terri Schiavo (the terminally ill woman who was allowed to starve herself to death) incident to cover his dirty political tracks. And ABC chooses him to be on their "Dancing with the Stars" show?? For that reason, the network should change this show's name to "Dancing with the Criminals" and have Bernie Madoff, O.J. Simpson, Michael Vick, and Charles Manson, and every AIG board member on as future contestants with Clarence Thomas, Anthony Scalia, John Walsh, and Nancy Grace as the judges.
Dancing With the Stars needs to cast Candis Cayne!!!
Well I guess I can tell my friends to go ahead and call me on Monday and Tuesday nights this fall and I'll pick up – not the answering machine. I will probably watch just to have something to do. And the professional dancers are GREAT.
This is the sorriest list of 'Stars' that I've seen. Really scraping the bottom of the barrel this year. This line up does nothing to peek my interest in watching this year.
ABC...PLEASE NOTE: Get some real stars, with some real talent; then I might watch again...but I won't be watching until then.
Tom Delay????? You have got to be kidding. Hope he's booted off immediately......
Tom DeLay? I am not a fan but will be tuning in to see how he takes on harsh criticisms from the judges.
It's not these dodos ... it's Edyta, Sheryl & the gang that counts!
They will introduce this atrocious bunch as "stars" ? How sick. Which one is the star?
I agree with all the negative comments. Where are the stars????? Donny, Kathy, and the swimmer I get. A politician is not a star. I was so looking forward to the fall show. I guess you are pulling from the bottom of the barrel. I will probably not watch every episode since there are other new show I may be interested in watching. Too bad.
Jesus – what a bunch of hacks. Change the name of the show to "Used Star Lot".
Each new season has been adding two or three undesirable people that is making the show lose its excitement to look forward to. DeLay? Osborne? Pleeeez change your minds.
I will always watch DWTS because I love it. I wish they would get more well known stars but they probably are busy and don't have the time. Most of the past winners I was not familiar with ......didn't know who Kelly Monaco, Drew Lachey or Emmet Smith were....I never watched Sex in the City so last season, I didn't know Giles Marini...(I know him now !!!) .for 3 weeks there will be double eliminations so hopefully we will say goodbye to Tom DeLay soon..... I don't see the "star" power in him at all ... and if they do get Sarah Palin, I will be a FORMER fan of the show. Could she see Russia from the dance floor?
Not worth watching this year.
I also think Mr Delay might do better? than that guy from MSNBC who was cute and could've been a contender but he didn't even try.. Have they tried Ann Coulter or Mary Matalin?
very unknown; and Tom Delay? Which reminds me, whatever happened to I'm a celebrity, get me outta here! - The former governor of Chicago's wife was a contender. This sort of reminds me..
Funny thing about the show; you start out with unknowns and people you don't really care about; and then you suddenly get vested in them, and maybe even start to care or become amused ..
I will NOT be watching Dancing wtih the Stars this year.
Tom Delay should be walking in a jail cell. Not dancing on TV.
Good-bye ABC
I think the dance partners of the celebs are FAR better looking and SOOOOOO much sexier than any of the celebrities..They should get alot more credit than they do..I'm glad to see that in the last 2 seasons the partners are finally getting the recognition and credit that they really do deserve!!
they are all more famous than the average person, so I guess that makes them all stars. ;o)
Woo...Can't wait to watch Donny Osmond. I've been waiting for two seasons for this moment.
4-5 months and this is the best they can come up with ?? NO THANKS.
My wife will probably watch this season, but I won't be.
Every season I think what A BUNCH! and every season I am pleasantly surprised. DWTS is what it is. A DANCE Show. I will watch faithfully. Watching non-dancers become dancers.............that is what keeps me coming back.
Donny is a stud, the rest are duds.
What??? Tom DeLay?? What next, Sarah Palin? Nooooooooo!!!!
have never watched...don't instend to start now with these "stars"
oh yeah, and I like Donny Osmond, everyone else-booooo!
I like Michael Irwin, everyone else, I'm totally disappointed in. This show needs "bigger stars" than that. Not sure I'll stay tuned all season.
I agree with Kevin. I saw Donny at the Flamingo and he has the moves. Yea, Donny.
I'm with Bonnie. It's a dancing contest, so let's see who can dance. You have the option to vote for those you like.
Outside of Donny and Kathy Ireland, these are the worst picks ever! I don't know if I will even watch this year. And Tom Delay, really!! We don't need to make this (or any other) politico's head any bigger – who in the world defined this word for DWTS??? Sorry, ABC. You blew it big time this season.
Well I didn't watch DWTS last season and it looks like I won't be watching it again this season. I just can't understand ABC lowering their shows by putting a criminal like Tom Delay on this show.!!!!!! Oh I know he must be needing the $$ they get paid to be on the show!
It will be fun to watch Tom Delay FAIL. I can't wait.
Everyone else is fine. And who cares if they don't meet your definition of "stars"?
What do you want to call it, "Dancing With People Who May or May Not Be Famous Or May be Stars But Have Decided to Spend a Few Weeks Dancing on TV in order to Become More Famous." ? Hmmm?
Hmm, I guess Love Boat and Fantasy Island are gone, so where else will the has beens go? And while I don't dislike Donny, he already is a dancer and I thought this show was for non-dancers. Still, I watch because I like dancing, but I prefer So You Think You Can Dance to DWTS!
I agree with all who are very disappointed by the Tom Delay pick. I just hope producers pay attention to bloggers. I love the dancing and enjoy seeing many competetors but we don't want to watch any politicians. Please eliminate.
Is Tom De Lay on DWTS as some sort of court ordered community service?
Tom Delay? Barf. I agree with Gin, Louise and Bill. I won't watch him!
If the producers are tired and dont want this popular series picked up for another season this is a great start!
Most series last due to having a popular cast and this sure is not it!
Come on you guys! Do you call these people stars! I thought that DWTS are suppose to be celebrities from TV & movies who are willing to dance for this trophy competition. I just hope season ten will have bigger celebrities like Tom Hanks, Renee Zellweger, Brad Pitt, Gerard Butler, Jamie Foxx, John Travolta, Uma Thurman, Cameron Diaz, and on and on and on. Wake up executives, you going to lose ratings on show!
I call it Dancing with the Wanna Be's or Dancing with the Has Beens.
TOMDelay, one of the most despicable persons I know. Absolutely NO NO NO. i WOULD NOT WATCH A SINGLE EPISODE.
If this is the best they can come up with we have a problem. Going from a favorite show to one I won't waste my time on. Put on stars that everyone knows.
I think they should re-name the show....and to think I was excited to see who the "newly announced" stars were going to be when I turned on Good Morning America this am.
Couldn't they have actually found STARS!! I am a relatively new viewer to this show and Donny is the only one I would consider an actual star.
I'm really disappointed in their picks this time, may be the last season or they should rename the show Dancing With Who?.
Thank goodness for reality TV now that Hollywood Squares is gone. It is gone, right?
Ashley Hamilton...are you kidding me? What is his claim to fame, his dad? Give me a break. Kelly Osbourne should be a hoot!
Hey, isn't the show about "dancing"? Does it really matter who's a contestant? We watch it for the unknown talent, not the celebrity status...come on guys. When you vote, vote for the best dancer, NOT who you like or dislike as a celebrity.
I don't follow sports and haven't heard of half these guys....will check it out anyway.
Never heard of all if not most of them...uninspired....
Donny is still very much a star, recently seen on Broadway in Beauty and the Beast, and he and sis packed the house in Vegas!!
Can't wait to see him outdo his sis I have to admit, I do believe he will beat his sister at this, go Donny go!
Bad selection of "stars" in my opinion!!
Yawn
Well, he danced around and lied about political issues for years, so why shouldn't he do well on the show?
Tom DeLay should be doing the Texas two-step in a federal prison. Maybe he should team up with his buddy Jack Abramoff.
Not happy with the picks. It gets worse with each season on who have they on the show. Let the people vote who should be on the show. Very boring season.
I agree with rosey, who was in charge of picking this group? Seriously, Tom Delay? Kelly Osbourne, a foul-mouth, no-talent little wanna-be? please....shoot me now. Yeah, ABC will lose a lot of viewers with this pathetic lot, including me.
Tom Delay? Please... Ashley Hamilton? The name of the show is not Dancing with the Children of the Stars!
Are they kidding? I mean, each season there are some who aren't that well known, and it can be fun trying to pick who I think might go all the way. But Tom DeLay? Really? I agree – I don't want to see politicians on the news channels, much less on an entertainment show!
Does not impress me but I will watch any way
I'll be watching So You Think You Can Dance.
I have been waiting for Donnie be on.. About time.
Who picked these guys???? I really believe ABC will lose some veiwers on this go round. Maybe half of the group is really even known. I won't be rushing home to catch the show.
Donny O. all the way.. Have you seen the Vegas show?
This man can dance!
Once again, a crap list of faux celebrities. My days watching this show are officially over.
Surely you could have found someone else other than Tom Delay. He must be a friend of someone on the show cause he really is a nobody. Especially in Texas. I could have thought of so many others to take his place. It's not to late, is it?
Joanna Krupka was on the Superstars show this year and could have been awarded the worst sportsmanship award if they had given one. I would hate to see her kind of venom infect this seemingly family friendly, entertaining show. What a shame....
Maybe the UFC can partner with DWTS and have a no-holds-barred match between Dacascos and Liddell for elimination....
GO DONNY GO! I know who I will be cheering for.
Tom DeLay?!! Are you kidding me? Don't we see enough of politicians (current and has-beens)? I don't watch Dancing with The Stars to see politicians - actually, NOT having to see them is my prime reason for watching the show. PLEASE do NOT ruin this show by crowding it full of political wannabes trying to prove how cool they are so we'll vote for them in the future. I'd have to turn it off if this becomes a habit.
Wow, I'm doing better in recognizing "stars". I've actually heard of 6 out of 16!
Seems they left out the country crowd this season in lieu of the MMA and politico crowd.
i'd watch just for Joanna Krupa, she's real purdy...