By Mary Cavaliere

 

I am really excited that Dancing With The Stars is back for its 8th season, but honestly this is the first season where I know very little about the “stars” that will be competing. Because I’m a fan of So You Think You Can Dance I was not only excited to see Lacy Schwimmer return as one of the pros, but also Chelsie Hightower and Dmitry Chaplin. Welcome So You Think You Can Dance alumni! To add to the excitement, my favorite pro, Julianne Hough is returning with her real-life boyfriend as her partner, country singer Chuck Wicks. There is also a new set of rules this season. If someone doesn’t do well on Monday night’s competition, they will have to perform again for new scores from the judges on the results show (this might be a great alternative to all the normal “fluff” they usually have as filler on the results show). This will give the stars and their partners one more chance to stay in the competition. Seems fair enough to me!

 

Before I introduce this season’s thirteen stars and their partners, I need to note that this is the first season where two competitors dropped out prior to the airing of the very first show. Unfortunately both recording artist Jewel and television host Nancy O'Dell are unable to compete due to injuries. I have noted who replaced them in the following line-up:

 

Lil’ Kim (Rap Recording Artist) & Derek Hough ~ This is definitely a good dance combo. I thought they did a great job with their Cha-Cha-Cha. After all, it was not only their first dance together but they were also the first ones out of the gate. Judges Score = 21

 

Belinda Carlisle (Recording Artist) & Jonathan Roberts ~ This couple tackled a Waltz on their very first dance, and I thought it was very fluid and beautiful. I thought they did a better job than what the judges thought. Judges Score = 17

 

Lawrence Taylor (NY Giants Linebacker) & Edyta Sliwinska ~ Edyta shined in this couple’s first dance, the Cha-Cha-Cha, but linebacker Lawrence Taylor seemed a bit invisible to me. The judges seemed to agree. Judges Score = 16

 

Steve-O (MTV’s Jackass Star) & Lacey Schwimmer ~ So when did circus clowns become stars? Was the show THAT desperate for talent this season? In spite of how I feel about Steve-O being chosen as a “star” contestant, this couple’s first dance (the Waltz) was pretty cool. I do believe I enjoyed it more than the judges did. I also want to pass along “kudos” to Steve for his success in rehab. Judges Score = 17

 

Gilles Marini (Actor) & Cheryl Burke ~ Sex & The City’s “sexy neighbor” may not have a big fan base right now, but I can guarantee you after this show he will! Cheryl’s choreography for their first dance (the Cha-Cha-Cha) was hot hot hot! There is no doubt this couple will be around for the duration. Judges Score = 24

 

Chuck Wicks (Country Recording Artist) & Julianne Hough ~ Julianne is another master of choreography like Cheryl, and she made her real-life sweetheart look real good during their first professional dance together (the Waltz). Judges Score = 20

 

Holly Madison (Playboy Model / Television Star) & Dmitry Chaplin ~ Holly is Jewel’s replacement in this competition. I thought their first dance (the Cha-Cha-Cha) was a bit awkward at times, but Holly only had five days to prepare vs. four weeks that the other couples had to practice, so let’s give her credit where credit is due. Judges Score = 14

 

Ty Murray (Rodeo Champion) & Chelsie Hightower ~ I was a little disappointed in this couple’s first dance, mainly because I would love for Chelsie to stick around for a long period of time in this competition. But the couple’s first dance, the Cha-Cha-Cha, left much to be desired, and I’m afraid Ty will be joining his wife Jewel on the sidelines to watch real soon. Judges Score = 14

 

Shawn Johnson (Olympic Gold Medalist-Gymnastics) & Mark Ballas ~ This couple did a beautiful job with their first dance of the season, a Waltz. She is the youngest competitor yet on the show, but her gold-medalist status will definitely be an advantage. Although ballroom dancing is very different than gymnastics, Shawn has the physical strength to endure the bodily changes that take place during the dance competition more so than some of the other stars. Judges score = 23

 

Steve Wozniak (Apple Computer Founder) & Karina Smirnoff ~ Since when did computer geeks become “stars”? I guess Steve’s stint on My Life On The D-List with Kathy Griffin got him here, but honestly he’s not someone I consider a “star” nor do I want to see him try and dance especially after last night’s first attempt. I’ll quote my daughter on this one. “Mom, he looks like a little kid in a recital.” Yup….this one is going to be painful to watch. Judges score = 13

 

David Alan Grier (Comedian) & Kym Johnson ~ This couple performed a Waltz for their first dance of the season and it was not a comedy routine in spite of David’s hilarious sense of humor (which Kym needs to understand). I thought it was nicely done. Judges score = 19

 

Denise Richards (Actress) & Maksim Chmerkovskiy ~ The last couple out of the gate performed a Cha-Cha-Cha for their first dance. Denise is certainly a beautiful woman but I found her dancing to be awkward at times. Judges Score = 18

 

Melissa Rycroft (Reality TV Star) & Tony Dovolani ~ They saved the best for last. I watched The Bachelor this past season and was rooting for Melissa the entire way. I was so excited when Jason chose her, and I am extremely disappointed in how Jason chose to end his relationship with her. She is sooooo better off without him! I’m also happy to see she has bounced back quickly and am very excited to see her become part of this show. I was even more excited once I saw her dance. She is again at the top of MY leader board and I’m thrilled she has Tony as a dance partner as he is one of my DWTS favorites as well. As a last-minute replacement for Nancy O'Dell, and after only 48 hours of practice with her dance partner, she still beat rest of the pack during last night’s show! Judges Score = 23

 

Scoring at the top of the leader board is Gilles & Cheryl (24), Melissa & Tony (23), and Shawn & Mark (23). At risk are Steve & Karina (13), Holly & Dmitri (14), and Ty & Chelsie (14). My favorites for the night were Melissa & Tony and Gilles & Cheryl.

There is no voting this week. The scores earned last night will be combined with scores for next Monday’s show, and that tally will determine who will be in the bottom two.

 

You can read more of Mary’s television blogs at www.myspace.com/italiangirl57

 

(Photo courtesy of ABC)

 

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