Normally I’m not into television’s new pseudo-competitions like “American Idol” or “The Great Race” but somehow I got sucked into ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars.” If you haven’t seen it, six celebrities are paired up with professional ballroom dancers and they perform dance routines in front of a live audience and three judges. The couple with the lowest score is taken out of the next week’s competition. The whole voting system is ridiculous, but the fun is in watching the dancing. Here is the list of odd celebrity dancers:
In the beginning, they had weeks to practice and learn their first dance routine but the last couple of weeks, they’ve had only one week per dance, and starting now, the remaining contestants will have to learn two dance routines in a week. The best part of the show is the “behind the scenes” montage where they show each couple working on their routine. O’Hurley’s partner made him run stairs in order to help build his stamina for their quickstep routine and they announced that he has lost 13 lbs. since he started this competition. Ballroom dancing is hard work!
It’s a fun, mindless summer replacement series and will probably drive thousands of people to Arthur Murray Dance Studios for lessons. In fact, Arthur Murray seems to be a sponsor which is brilliant as every week they get a one hour commercial for their product. My sister and brother-in-law took lessons there (this was obviously B.K. — Before Kids, when they had time to themselves) and they can still cut a rug as the saying goes. Randy’s parents are also great dancers being of the generation who all knew how to dance.
In case you’re curious, the best celebrity dancers are John O’Hurley and Rachel Hunter; the judges just gush over their performances. Trista Sutter and Kelly Monaco look great in their outfits but that’s about it. Evander Holyfield really tried hard but it would be difficult for anyone weighing 250 lbs. to look light on his feet. Joey McIntyre does well and may be the dark horse in this fancy-footed race.
This is the kind of reality t.v. I like: family friendly (well, the costumes are a little revealing), full of good-natured competition, and so far, scandal-free. “American Idol” it ain’t and I’m all the happier for it.
I’ve been sucked into this show too! Joe is, shall we say, less than interested . . . .
I thought Evander tried hard, but like you said, didn’t appear light on his feet. I’m impressed with Rachel Hunter. She did an awesome tango. Sadly, I missed John O’Hurley’s dance as I was tending to the little guy.
I’m glad to know I’m not the only person who is watching and enjoying the show!
I Love this show too!. I was very skeptical when I first saw the commercials for it. I said to Paul, “I am never going to watch that!” Never say never.
My favorite is John O’Hurley and his partner. They really get into it. Joe and his partner have real chemistry between them. It would be a great add to the show if there was a romance. Maybe the romance could be a spin off. Ha! Ha! I would definitely watch that.
Poor Evander! They should have given him points for just trying.
I have to admit that I like that fact that this is a BBC show repackaged for the U.S. It’s like “Who’s Line Is It Anyway?”
I can’t decide if I want John or Rachel to win since they are both so good and are really working at this. Joey would be fine too but it’s nice to see the “old” folks are outdoing the young whippersnappers. It’s like “Survivor: Palau” winner Tom Westman (yeah, I watched the last two episodes) — it’s good to see the nice “old” guy win. (Tom just made TV Guide’s list of TV’s Sexiest Men. )
[...] I’ve got a new secret passion: “Project Runway” on Bravo. I sort of stumbled upon this show, flipping through channels and I got sucked in. Yeah, I like the lighter side of reality television, like “Dancing with the Stars” or “Skating with Celebrities” but I’m not sure that “Project Runway” fits that category as the participants are inherently interesting and they are aspiring to something real. [...]