Do you guys still watch Dancing With The Stars? I watched the first few seasons because it was a new thing and there were far less stereotypical castings than they have now. Let’s see who fits what role this season. It turns out the rumors were true about Kim Biermann being on the show. She is paired with the beleaguered Tony Dovoloni who has partnered with Kate Gosselin, Wendy Williams and Nene Leakes in the past. Clearly, the casting folks don’t expect Kim to do any better than I do. I think Tony should get paid the most out of any of the pro dancers because he works the hardest. I love seeing Kim and her tribe being silly on TV, but I don’t think she will last three weeks on this show. She will be dying to be voted out after week one. She doesn’t have the work ethic of Nene Leakes and she will miss her babies. She will probably have to hang in a couple of weeks while Gary Busey and Paula Deen get voted out. I’d love to see some interaction between Kim and Paula though.
The big surprise was the casting of Alek Skarlatos, one of the American heroes who recently thwarted a terrorist attack on a rapid train in France. He’s 22 and just your average military guy who suddenly found himself famous worldwide for his bravery.
This cast seems to be aiming for a very young demographic with several the addition of Hayes Grier, Bindi Irwin and Nick Carter.
The ringers seem to be Tamar Braxton who is paired with Val Chmerkovskiy, and American Pharaoh Jockey Victor Espinoza who is paired with Karina Smirnoff. Nick Carter and his partner Sharna Burgess should also go a long way. Derek Hough might be able to carry Bindi Irwin a long way; however, I read that Bindi was learning how to WALK in heels for the show. That will be a disadvantage. Married couple Alexa and Carlos Penevega both seem to have a dance background and either could be a dark horse winner.
Click through for the complete press release on all the participants…
TAMAR BRAXTON is a Grammy-nominated singer, talk show host, and reality television personality. A veteran performer who began singing backup vocals for her older sister Toni at age 12, Tamar Braxton was also a founding member of R&B group The Braxtons with Toni and their siblings Traci, Towanda and Trina. Tamar’s third solo album, Calling All Lovers, releases September 11, 2015. Tamar executive produces and stars with her sisters in the WE tv reality hit Braxton Family Values, as well as the spinoff Tamar & Vince, with her music manager husband Vince Herbert. Elsewhere on the TV front, Braxton co-hosts and produces the daytime talk show, The Real. PRO DANCE PARTNER: VALENTIN CHMERKOVSKIY
GARY BUSEY Gary Busey celebrates his 45th Anniversary in show business during 2015. Busey rose to fame in Hollywood when he became an Academy Award nominee for Best Actor for his performance in the title role of Buddy Holly in The Buddy Holly Story. His other feature film credits include memorable roles in The Firm, Under Siege, Point Break, and Lethal Weapon. He’s also appeared on Celebrity Wife Swap and Celebrity Apprentice, and became the first American to win Celebrity Big Brother U.K. in 2014. PRO DANCE PARTNER: ANNA TREBUNSKAYA
NICK CARTER The singer, songwriter and actor sparked his career at the tender age of 12 as the youngest member of the iconic boy band Backstreet Boys, which has sold over 130 million records worldwide and earned five Grammy nominations. Carter was named one of People Magazine’s “50 Most Beautiful People in the World,” has released two solo albums, and starred with his fiancé in the VH1 reality series, I Heart Nick Carter. PRO DANCE PARTNER: SHARNA BURGESS
PAULA DEEN One of the best-known personalities in the world of cooking, Paula Deen is the author of 14 cookbooks that have sold more than 8 million copies. In addition to her many television successes, Paula launched Paula Deen Live! in 2014, a nationwide tour of 90 minute shows featuring Paula making her favorite seasonal dishes. On her digital lifestyle network, the Paula Deen Network, Paula provides viewers with cooking tips, new recipes and step-by-step instruction on how to cook her signature Southern dishes in an unscripted format. PRO DANCE PARTNER: LOUIS VAN AMSTEL
VICTOR ESPINOZA After coming close twice, jockey Victor Espinoza earned the famous Triple Crown earlier this year, winning the Kentucky Derby, The Preakness and The Belmont Stakes aboard speedy American Pharoah. It was the first time in 37 years the feat had been accomplished. The first Hispanic jockey to ever win the Triple Crown, Espinoza has won over 3000 races in his career and donates 10% of his weekly winnings to The City of Hope for childhood cancer research. PRO DANCE PARTNER: KARINA SMIRNOFF
ANDY GRAMMER With his 2011 self-titled debut album, pop singer Andy Grammer became the first male pop star in a decade to reach the Top 10 at Adult Pop Radio on his first two singles, “Keep Your Head Up” and “Fine By Me,” certified platinum and gold respectively. Andy’s second album, 2014’s critically acclaimed Magazines or Novels, continues his disarming success with his huge hit “Honey, I’m Good.” PRO DANCE PARTNER: ALLISON HOLKER
HAYES GRIER At just 15 years old, Hayes Grier is a rising star in the social media world, with more 3.5 million followers on Vine and more than 2 million Twitter follows. The North Carolina teen shot to fame with his personal videos and is currently on a live tour across the United States. PRO DANCE PARTNER: EMMA SLATER
BINDI IRWIN The 17 year-old Australian wildlife conservationist and actress has continued the legacy of her parents, Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin and Terri Irwin, starring in a series of wildlife shows, including “Bindi: The Jungle Girl,” “Bindi’s Bootcamp,” and “Steve Irwin’s Wildlife Warriors.” As an actress, Bindi starred in the films Free Willy: Escape from Pirate’s Cove and Return to Nim’s Island. In 2014, Bindi was awarded the prestigious Australian Geographic Society’s Young Conservationist of the Year, an honor that she dedicated to her late father, Steve Irwin. PRO DANCE PARTNER: DEREK HOUGH
CHAKA KHAN is an international music icon who has influenced multiple generations of artists and continues to do so as an a singer, songwriter, producer, visual artist, author, actor, philanthropist, entrepreneur, activist and mother. A a ten-time GRAMMY® Award winner who has the rare ability to sing in eight music genres, Chaka has released 22 albums and racked up ten #1 Billboard magazine charted songs. Chaka is currently at work on a series of mixed media visual works with a planned gallery exhibition in 2016, as well as a new CD, set for release later in 2015. PRO DANCE PARTNER: KEO MOTSEPE
ALEXA PENAVEGA Alexa is known worldwide for her role as Carmen Cortez in four blockbuster Spy Kids films, as well as Machette Kills and From Prada to Nada. PenaVega made her Broadway debut in 2007 when she played Penny Pingleton in the Tony Award winning Broadway version of Hairspray. Fans of the ABC hit drama Nashville also know her for her turn as Kiley Brenner. Alexa is married to actor/singer Carlos PenaVega, who will also compete in Season 21 of Dancing with the Stars. PRO DANCE PARTNER: MARK BALLAS
CARLOS PENAVEGA Actor/singer Carlos PenaVega shot to fame and cult status after starring on the highly successful Nickelodeon musical comedy Big Time Rush, which also took to the road and toured with the ensemble cast around the globe. Having studied musical theater at the Boston Conservatory, Carlos recently released his first solo single in Spanish, Electrico, which charted in the Top 10 on the Latin iTunes songs charts. Carlos is married to actress Alex PenaVega, who will also compete in Season 21 of Dancing with the Stars. PRO DANCE PARTNER: WITNEY CARSON
ALEK SKARLATOS Army National Guard Specialist Alek Skarlatos has joined the Dancing with the Stars Season 21 cast! Alek became a worldwide hero in August when he helped avert a massacre aboard a Belgian train. While on vacation after a deployment in Afghanistan, the 22 year-old sprang into action when an armed attacker began shooting on the train. Alek and two of his friends, Airman 1st Class Spencer Stone and student Anthony Sadler, disarmed and subdued the attacker, who was armed with guns and a box cutter. The California native is an avid painter and military history buff. In between National Guard deployments, Alek studies at a local community college and plans to enter the police force. PRO DANCE PARTNER: LINDSAY ARNOLD
KIM ZOLCIAK BIERMANN Known for her blonde wigs, catchy pop songs and her vivacious personality, Kim is also the mother of 6 children. Her socialite status amongst Atlanta’s elite snagged her the reality spot on Bravo’s hit show, Real Housewives of Atlanta. Her debut single, “Tardy for the Party,” reached the number three spot on iTunes. In 2012, Kim released her second single, “Google Me.” In April 2012, Kim’s spin off Don’t be Tardy for the Wedding debuted on Bravo. The series revolved around Kim’s extravagant wedding to NFL Falcons player Kroy Biermann. The series was a huge hit for Bravo, and is currently on air for its fourth season. PRO DANCE PARTNER: TONY DOVOLANI
I love Kim and her show, but socialite status got her on RHOA? Come. on. Please.
That was hysterical, Toddy. I agree. The PR for all of these people is pretty funny. That is why I included them all.
I also don’t think Kim has the fan base to keep her on.
I agree, TripleT! But I still think she will stick around longer than she wants to.
I agree…I actually think this will shine a spotlight on her bad attitude that works for Bravo, but not for America. I don’t see anyone really remembering her presence.
I saw them on GMA this morning. It seems like the ones with accents, bindi Irwin and Paula Deen, love to hear themselves talk orl maybe they were just nervous. I’m going to watch this season because of the jockey and the french train hero. Oh and Bindi Irwin, I love her. My prediction is that Alexa Penavega and Mark Ballas will win. Oh my! Gary Busey? He’s Tom Bergeron’s worst nightmare.
Did you notice on Busey’s profile they neglected to state that he was also on Celebrity Rehab??
Back in the day I did some modeling and a bunch of extra spots on movies. I was on a movie called The Bear, no no not the popular movie, another one about Bear Bryant and Busey was the star. The word leech comes to mind. In the scary old man sense. If that was not happening he was rude to everyone. This was BEFORE his (alleged) brain damage or whatever. He was NOT a nice person to be on set with.
And yes all of the PR’s are ridiculous which is why I included them all in their entirety. 🙂
Dang Tamara – I love old school tea like this. I think I remember that movie too. I wonder what he was on, other than letting the Buddy Holly fame go to his head. I do think he had brain damage (I was an avid watcher of Celebrity Rehab – they showed brain scans, etc.) but I also think he already had some brain damage from drugs. I can’t remember – used to know his history better.
He’s a hot mess. But I’m a bit sad and feeling old because he is one of the few damn people I’ve even heard of!!! Oh… and Paula, trying to revive her career.
Predictions on numbers – even though I don’t really watch the show. I youtube dance numbers people talk about a lot on social media (like the Carlton 🙂 and Jennifer’s Dirty Dancing number)
I suspect if they make it far enough, we’ll see the following numbers.
Bindi will do a number with Crocodile Rock.
Gary will do one a Buddy Holly song – my votes are Rave On, Peggy Sue, or Everyday. They could do a cute Peggy Sue thing.
Chaka will do one of her own songs – Life is a Dance? I’m Every Woman? The outfit better be the best of 70s gold lame though!
The jockey will do a horse themed song – in a jockey outfit?? – too many possibilities… I do think Black Horse and the Cherry Tree would be great.
Now inquiring minds want to know: Is there a butter themed song for Paula out there? Will Kim dance to Don’t Be Tardy for the Party? Will Kandi get paid for it?
Several years back a book came out written by four escorts detailing their encounters with celebrities – You’ll Never Make Love in This Town Again – Buddy was called “Scarey Abusey” due to his creepiness – it was pre injury, too.
I still watch and saw the new cast earlier and thought the same thing about Kim. She’s going to be saying my feet hurt, I need to sit down, somebody go get me a ciggie and a drink! Poor Tony….smh. I’m thrilled Louis Van Amstel is back but he’s stuck with Paula Deen…love the pic but everyone deserves a second chance. Gary Busy will bring laughs. Excited for Chaka Khan. I’m not a Tamar fan, nor a fan of The Real, and just hope she doesn’t come in with her stank attitude. Aside from Bindi, I don’t recognize the younger cast. I’m excited for Alex.
Unless Chaka Khan has mellowed, she’s the one I expect to have some kind of tv friendly freak out moment.
Love Chaka!
Umm Paula? Really? Aside from the obvious, I don’t see her making it past Week 1. I agree with TT. Unless Kim quits ,I see her there for at least 3 weeks. She definitely has the fan base per her ratings DBT. Although many may watch for her beautiful kids, I love the entire damn family.
You can do it Mrs. Zolciak-Biermann!
Tamara and friends, do you think she can manage being away from the kiddies and its football season? That’s my only worry for her.
I honestly don’t see anything about this being in her wheelhouse other than being on TV. That is the only part she will like. Missing kids and football season will not make her happy. Sweating will not make her happy. Working out 7 hours a day will not make her happy. DWTS production who tends to make the participants as miserable as possible for the drama factor will not make her happy. I don’t think this will be a good look for her.
I hope I am wrong and wish her all the best!
It is also very hard to maintain their practice schedule while smoking cigarettes.
She cracks me up! Being so honest about being lazy is so refreshing. The love she has for her husband and kids is a joy to watch. Watching her in those wigs gives me hot flashes…why she wears them is a mystery to me. I saw a photo of her without a wig and she’s gorgeous. Will she dance in a wig? Will it go flying off? LOL
Carie, I tried jogging once, but my ciggie kept going out LOL
I hear that JeJune! My favorite sport was hacky sack…beer in one hand cig in the other!
LOL BeetsWhy!
Maybe she’s thought “Well I could get a check and a workout at the same time”. Honestly, I don’t know why she is doing this other than Kroy, Brielle, and Arianna thought it was a good idea and encouraged her to do it.
The big questions are: Will she wear her wigs or her natural hair? How is she going to squeeze those enormous boobs into a tiny costume? Will her time on the pole translate better than NeNe’s did?
Isn’t it about time they pared Louis Van Amstel with a gay male ‘star’. They had a M4M ballroom dance couple on Americas Got Talent last season so it’s not like DWTS would take any heat for it. Also Len Goodman, the neutered voice of reason on the show, will be sorely missed IMHO. They really should have gotten rid of the ridiculously over the top Bruno Tonioli or the obsequiously perky Julianne Hough. I’ll probably watch a few weeks but I haven’t made it to a mirror ball finale since Kristi Yamaguchi graced the dance floor, and might I add that when gay men stop watching a show like DWTS (or RHW for that matter) the show is in serious trouble.
Good luck Kim, you’re gonna need it.
I hate to see Bindi whoring herself out this way…
That’s a poor choice of words for a 17 year old girl, MTP. She is taxed with continuing her family’s legacy and for that she needs publicity. I know you didn’t mean it in that sense, but she’s 17 and learning new things. I support her being on the show fully.
Seriously… this is the one show that is the furthest thing from hooking, IMO. It is probably one of the most family friendly out there, esp. for celebrities to appear on. I think it is kind of sweet – and gives her a chance to spend some extended time in her mother’s home country.
The Duck Dynasty girl was on the show and she was wonderful. No whoring whatsoever. They would Skype with her father to get his approval for her costumes, and if he didn’t approve she didn’t wear it. It was really cute.
Maybe she wants to learn how to dance.
*giggles*
Good for Kim! She’ll get some extra money and off the show soon enough.
I hope Victor does well he’s a great guy but I will say I’ve seen him bust a move at a few functions and well maybe he’s a quick study! Plus I don’t know how tall his partner is but he’s a tiny, tiny man (which is his job & has provided him a wonderful life) but still I hope she is on the shorter side! I really don’t see Kim being into this but I guess she wanted to try a non-Bravo show. Should we start a pool on what week\ excuse she uses? I’ll go with week 2 and some kind of back injury (she’ll throw her back out requiring bed rest!)
Funny, this was my first thought too so I looked up what the internets noted as his & her heights––she’s got 3 inches on him. Without the heels! It will be interesting. Lots of bosoms, a petite man, an animal tamer. And Chaka Kahn <3 <3 thats all I wanna do.
I predict another housewife passing out if Kim goes longer then she can handled. I am so curious to see how Kim handles being out of her comfort zone! Go Biermann,GO!
I love this show. So pleased to get to see Bendi. I was obsessed with the Croc Hunter when it was on. It was so sad when Steve passed. I remember when Bendi was born. Can’t wait to see her almost grown up. It’s gonna be funny to see which one of the older group: Chaka,Gary or Paula will have a hissy fit first. Who will act like the bigger diva Kim or Tamar? Then of coarse which one of the youngsters will take the trophy.
Gary will be the biggest prima donna out of all of them. Trust me.
I like kym and her new show. However, a dancer she is not.