S21: Before The Episode

[Uke]

Sure enough, Gary Busey...on a horse. I kept waiting for Kimmel to say "juuuuust kidding". But he didn't.

So Wade's idea of an "epic" season is a bunch of nutjobs and crazies?

Whatever happened to the idea of pros teaching celebs to ballroom dance?

[PhD-Purgatory15]

....and Kimmel makes Busey official. He rode into the studio on a horse too. Best case scenario, he ends up like a hyped up or super caffeinated Tommy Chong.

 

In Busey's intro, Jimmy did state that there are 13 contestants so we'll see if Paula, Nick V., Kim Z. and Shay Mitchell round out the cast as expected tomorrow morning on GMA.

 

Uke won the typing race....well played.

Edited September 2, 2015 by PhD-Purgatory15

[legaleagle53]

Gary Busey?

 

Not if there's a God in Heaven.  He was bad enough on Celebrity Apprentice (and even worse on Celebrity Big Brother UK last year).  I will NOT have his particular brand of brain-damaged cray-cray inflicted on any of our poor female pros!

[legaleagle53]

It's gonna be EPIC. I saw him on Celebrity Apprentice, and this guy knows how to bring the crazy.

 

He was even worse on Celebrity Big Brother UK last year (which he inexplicably won).  Which of our female pros does the show hate so much as to stick it to her like this?

[Mbeaker]

... and Anna is his partner. Per Kristyn Burtt. Yay for her return! Boo for who she got stuck with.

[PTVjones]

... and Anna is his partner. Per Kristyn Burtt. Yay for her return! Boo for who she got stuck with.

 

Anna's back? Yay!

Anna's back with Busey? Noooooooo

[MrsRafaelBarba]

Not if there's a God in Heaven.  He was bad enough on Celebrity Apprentice (and even worse on Celebrity Big Brother UK last year).  I will NOT have his particular brand of brain-damaged cray-cray inflicted on any of our poor female pros!

Unfortunately his casting was announced on Jimmy Kimmel last night.

[BubblingKettle]

Why oh why does America (and the UK, with Celebrity Big Brother 15) keep employing Gary Busey??  I remember when he was on Celebrity Rehab ages ago, and Dr. Drew was shocked at the level of brain damage visible on his scans. I pity Anna T as his partner, because I always think 'bad breath' when I look at him. 

 

Good Lord, it's getting trashier by the minute.....the many faces of Kim Zolciak, loudmouth Tamar Braxton, prejudice ass Paula Deen. I don't know many of the teens (except for Bindi), but I hope they all kick that trash out of the ballroom. 

 

Chaka Khan was workin her Menopause Fan on GMA this morning.....better crank up that AC in the ballroom, so we don't have another fainter. Plus, she had extreme stank face throughout the segment, so I wonder if there will be some attitude during practice footage. 

 

I had to do some Wikipedia for Alexa Penavega, and then I figured that I knew her from Lifetime movies. I have no idea who her husband is. Hope their marriage is strong. 

 

So glad Louis Van A is back - love him.

ETA: Was wondering about Peta, and then read Uke's post, so nevermind! 

Edited September 2, 2015 by CoolWhipLite

[kitcloudkicker]

Anyone know what happened with Artem? Is he also injured?

[CED9]

Artem hurt his elbow during the DWTS tour, but seemed fine. He did the pro reveal interview with Val.

I wonder if Paula requested Louis, and if so, why?

[truthaboutluv]

I had to do some Wikipedia for Alexa Penavega, and then I figured that I knew her from Lifetime movies. I have no idea who her husband is.

 

 

Her husband was on the show/group Big Time Rush, the same that James Maslow was in. By the way I'm speaking in past tense but I don't know for sure if the group split up or not. 

[mtlchick]

Well, Louis , Karina and Anna are back so that's good.  As a BSB fan, I'm rooting for Nick by default though the guy is a head case. 

 

But it's another season of "Who are half of these people?" 

[HoodlumSheep]

So happy to hear that Anna's back, but sad about the dance partner she's stuck with. Same with Louis. It's definitely an eclectic mess this year. I only recognize half the names.

[boyznkatz]

So happy to hear that Anna's back, but sad about the dance partner she's stuck with. Same with Louis. It's definitely an eclectic mess this year. I only recognize half the names.

 

I don't recognize anyone but Gary Busey (yuck!), Paula Deen (ugh) and Chaka Khan. Ever since Rob Wade came on board this show has really gone down. I think I'll probably just root for the American hero or Bindi. Poor Anna and Louis...why bring them back to get stuck with hot messes?

[Saylii]

I really have to wonder if the back third of the cast was renegotiated after Peta's injury. Gary Busey seems like a perpetual backup celeb, Alex Skarlatos only got famous within the last few weeks, and Tamar Braxton was at VMAs and dropped no hints whatsoever which is unlike her. Then there's the exclusion of Artem and the fact that we knew Peta was Andy's original partner and not Allison.

Edited September 2, 2015 by Saylii

[Buggin]

What a mess. I really think it's time ABC considers moving this show to once a year. Rob Wade has dunked this show further in the toilet than Conrad Green did.

[truthaboutluv]

Ever since Rob Wade came on board this show has really gone down.

 

 

I agree. Yes, DWTS has never shied from a controversial contestant but Wade seems to be dipping in the really ratchet world of reality television for contestants. That seems to be his idea of interesting and exciting and I for one am not here for that kind of DWTS. As I understand it, Conrad left to go produce that Fox show Utopia that ended up a massive flop so what does he have doing right now? He needs to come back.

[classique]

I wonder if Paula requested Louis, and if so, why?

 

         Paula said she requested Louis, so that must have meant no spot for Artem.

Edited September 2, 2015 by radishcake

[kayma]

At least this season doesn't have anyone standing out as a lock for the finals. That should calm the ringer accusations for a season. Aside from the two that definitely shouldn't have been cast in the first place, I have no feelings about any of them, yet.

I'm interested to see what Allison can do now with someone who'll need teaching. Sorry to see Artem's out. Wish Emma had gotten an adult. Looks like Keo should manage to stick around at least 3 weeks. I'm glad Mark got an adult and am interested to see how Derek and Val do with their partners.

[boyznkatz]

I agree. Yes, DWTS has never shied from a controversial contestant but Wade seems to be dipping in the really ratchet world of reality television for contestants. That seems to be his idea of interesting and exciting and I for one am not here for that kind of DWTS. As I understand it, Conrad left to go produce that Fox show Utopia that ended up a massive flop so what does he have doing right now? He needs to come back.

 

I think he's trying to appeal to the younger crowd that doesn't watch this show and never will. At least Conrad understood the audience who watched the show. I didn't like everyone he picked, but there was usually someone to root for.  Now, just no...

[Buggin]

Maybe being the models for the promo posters is a curse.

 

[legaleagle53]

I have a sinking feeling that Paula and Gary will both be around for a while due to the trainwreck factor.  That's how Gary won Celebrity BB UK last year -- the viewers felt sorry for him because they thought he was being bullied when he really had driven everyone else in the house bonkers and the other housemates kept calling him out on it, so they kept voting to keep him in until he won in the end.

[Qoass]

To me, a "star" is someone famous for performing in some way:  movies/tv, music, sports.  Having your own perfume or business is wonderful but I don't really want to watch someone who could be my boss dance.  I can save that for the annual holiday party.

[legaleagle53]

To me, a "star" is someone famous for performing in some way:  movies/tv, music, sports.  Having your own perfume or business is wonderful but I don't really want to watch someone who could be my boss dance.  I can save that for the annual holiday party.

 

I think part of it is that it's the show's way of bringing "real" people into the competition.  Many of us secretly wish we could have a chance to show our stuff with the pro of our choice (I'd dance with Louis or Anna in a heartbeat!), so I think this casting is their idea of giving us the opportunity to live that fantasy by proxy.  I think that's why Alek Skarlatos was cast -- like Noah and J.R., he's the closest this show has come to casting a "regular" person who could be any one of us.  

[truthaboutluv]

I think he's trying to appeal to the younger crowd that doesn't watch this show and never will.

 

In what universe is Gary Busey and Paula Deen going to appeal to a younger crowd. It's amazing but the inclusion of these hot messes make the Hayes kid suddenly seem not so bad.

[katha]

I think they just have difficulty finding willing celebs after 20 seasons. DWTS is not an easy show to do. At this point everyone should know that you have to put in quite a bit of work and if you don't, you get called out on it on national television. You're doing something totally new (unless you're a ringer...cue discussion what a ringer even is LOL), you don't know if you'll be good at it. You get assigned a teacher who you'll have to spend loads of time with and you have to hope that you two get on because otherwise the experience turns into hell. There's the distinct possibility that you'll get embarassed and humiliated in front of millions of viewers. I can understand that people stay away. Perhaps they should think about doing it once a year?

[boyznkatz]

I think part of it is that it's the show's way of bringing "real" people into the competition.  Many of us secretly wish we could have a chance to show our stuff with the pro of our choice (I'd dance with Louis or Anna in a heartbeat!), so I think this casting is their idea of giving us the opportunity to live that fantasy by proxy.  I think that's why Alek Skarlatos was cast -- like Noah and J.R., he's the closest this show has come to casting a "regular" person who could be any one of us.  

 

J.R. was a popular character on All My Children, though. He's actually a really good actor. I thought he would get a big boost from DWTS, but surprisingly he didn't. 

[Stitsch]

Not even Anna's return can hype me up for this cast. Literally what the fuck, ABC. 

Edited September 2, 2015 by Stitsch

[leighdear]

Praise the sweet baby Jeebus that none of the lame cast from the past Bachelorette season were included!  *LOL*  I absolutely could not stand seeing or hearing about any of them on this show!  

[boyznkatz]

Not even Anna's return can hype me up for this cast. Literally what the fuck, ABC. 

 

I hear ya. I thought season 19 was bad, and then there was last season which I thought couldn't possibly get any worse. But it did :-(

[PhD-Purgatory15]

This cast might have the least in-your-face athleticism of any DWTS cast I can remember. The only truly professional athlete is Victor who also happens to be a jockey and the oldest male competitor after Gary Busey.

 

Now, I do think there are some natural athletes like the American Hero , Nick and Carlos (dance backgrounds), Bindi (being an all around outdoors person), and one would hope that at 15, Hayes has some athletic ability (the fact that one older brother is starting at QB for the Florida Gators this year can't hurt the genetics argument). Andy, Alexa and Tamar as well. But we seriously don't have the usual suspects from the NFL, gymnastics, skating etc...and I have no clue who might surprise out of the rest of the cast.

 

In review...it's probably the most WTF cast, but it also might be one the most wide-open casts to date. Will the usual pro suspects make their way to end, probably. However, I'm not sure I'd pick out anyone as a stone cold lock for the finale just yet.

Edited September 2, 2015 by PhD-Purgatory15

[fishcakes]

What a crapfest this is going to be.

[BoogieBurns]

I guess I like Alexa the best, and her husband is cute. So those are my top two based on nothing. 

[DollEyes]

As a BSB fan I'm rooting for Nick by default though the guy is a head case.

 

  I'd much rather watch him being crazy than Gary Busey.

[skittl3862]

I'm torn between being sad Artem isn't a pro this season and being relieved he wasn't saddled with Paula Deen.

 

Calling the finale now- Nick Carter, Bindi Irwin...probably Alexa Vega.

[legaleagle53]

I'm torn between being sad Artem isn't a pro this season and being relieved he wasn't saddled with Paula Deen.

 

Ditto for Kym.  I think she dodged a bullet this time, because you just know she would have been stuck with Gary otherwise (unless Gary specifically requested Anna the way Paula requested Louis).

[CED9]

Ditto for Kym. I think she dodged a bullet this time, because you just know she would have been stuck with Gary otherwise (unless Gary specifically requested Anna the way Paula requested Louis).

Depends on when Gary signed, I think. Judging from Anna's Instagram pic (her on a plane with a caption about life throwing her a curve ball) she had no idea until 2 days ago.

[galax-arena]

A Vine star? Ew. And one of the Grier kids on top of that? HELL NO. The Griers are insufferable brats. Well, Nash more so than Hayes, but still, Hayes' casting means that we'll definitely be seeing Nash, so...

[McManda]

Yay Anna! WTF... Gary Busey?

I'm eh on Louis. He can get bitter sometimes and I don't think he's innovative with his choreography, especially if he doesn't have a stellar celeb. Honestly, I think he and Paula will be boring.

What I'm moody said about is that my eye candy, Artem, is MIA.

Go Nick Carter ... this could be yours to lose.

But I'll also be interested in Bindi, maaaybe the PenaVegas, Victor, and possibly the train hero dude (who knows, he could be fantastic like Gilles 1.0). Everyone else ... I don't even care.

[Danseur]

You guys have already provided my laughs for the day. I love some of the comedians here. If anybody has ever watched Gary Busey on one of the "reality" shows he has done, you know that this show is going to be Tom Bergeron's dream show. Between KimZ, Paula Deen and Gary, It holds far more promise for great comedy than even mediocre dancing. I can already hear the quips coming.

I've always felt pained when Gary is cast on these shows because he does have significant brain damage which affects not only his thinking but his emotions. I usually end up feeling sorry for him but desperately wanting him off my tv at the same time. He becomes the butt of jokes and he seriously gets hurt by it. He isn't able to comprehend why people respond to him the way they do and the other competitors can't help their responses. He drives them crazy. When people like this are cast, it makes me wonder if the producers have seen the handwriting on the wall [ literally translated from the original story: "you have been weighed in the balances and found wanting"] and chosen to go for farce rather than a dancing show in the twilight years of its life.

I have never seen Paula Deen but vaguely knew of her because of the "racist comment brouhaha". Just a few minutes of this morning's "reveal" and I'm praying for a first elimination. Does she always speak at that decibel level? Does she always speak speak so much?

As for Artem, I'm disappointed he won't be a Pro but glad he doesn't have to dance with Paula. I would love to have seen him have a true MBT contender because he's such an elegant, graceful dancer.

I'm thrilled that Lindsey is back and think she and Alex make a cute couple at least. Anna T will be far better able to handle Gary and I'm glad she (Linds) wasn't saddled with that task.

[MakeMeLaugh]

New movie night at the MML house. I'm out.

[kitcloudkicker]

Just for fun, and with little knowledge of everyone, here's my preseason prediction elimination order: 

 

13. Out first: Hayes (Sorry Emma. Doesn't seem like he can move, and I don't think his fans will vote.) 

12. Victor
11. Kim Z

10. Chaka Kahn

9. Paula Deen

8. Gary Buesey (Either Paula or Gary or both are going to hang on annoyingly long. Maybe even longer than this.) 

7. Tamar (Never heard of her, so this is a wild guess? Maybe I am alone in being surprised that Toni had siblings.) 

6. Alek (based on Noah's finish last year, patriotism gets you a long way.) 

5. Carlos Penavega (He'll be up against Alexa in the "Not necessarily the bottom two") 

4. Andy Grammar (May switch him with Carlos, depending on how he moves) 

3. Bindi Irwin

2. Alexa Penavega (Has had the best nae nae video of the celebs so far - seems willing to have fun and has got some moves, I think she'll win people over.) 

1. Nick Carter

[Boofish]

Tamar Braxton can move and she has quite a fan base. I think her and Val might just be the dark horse couple this season.

 

My final three predictions are Bindi, Tamar and Nick (with the possibility of Carlos or Andy Grammar taking his spot)

Edited September 2, 2015 by Boofish

[limecoke]

Don't think I'll be watching because there's really...nothing.  So they bring Anna back (Yay!) and they pair her with a whackjob who, on previous TV outings makes me feel very uncomfortable.  A bunch of teens I've never heard of and don't care about (exception: Bindi).  Paula Deen, who drives me nuts.  Another random internet person and assorted actors I've never heard of.  At the last minute they throw in a true hero who sparks my interest but not enough to endure the rest.  Yeah, that's gonna make me want to watch.  Add to that the fact that Len is gone and Derek is back for yet another season when he keeps saying he's going to leave and then there's his sister.

 

Worst offense of all?  Still no Tristan.  Yep, looks like it will be binge-watching something on my iPad while hubs watches football.  Better than this load of crap.

Edited September 2, 2015 by limecoke

[stonehaven]

The hero from the train is who I am excited about...and he's "not" a star but he' the only reason I'll be tuning in...that and Tom Bergeron..but this show will make me suffer...I just know it...

If it hadn't been for the "hero" being cast I would be done..Gary Busey did me in..and it bothers me that reality shows hire him...as I'm old enough to know when he was a competent actor and played Buddy Holly...

[legaleagle53]

Worst offense of all?  Still no Tristan.  Yep, looks like it will be binge-watching something on my iPad while hubs watches football.  Better than this load of crap.

 

Tristan is busy in London working as a pro on Strictly Come Dancing (and he may actually get a contender this year!).  You'll be able to watch the dance clips on YouTube.

[Stitsch]

My final predictions are Tamar, Nick, and Alexa. Bindi is a tossup. I'd prefer to never see Derek in another finale again. Actually, come to think of it, I'm also tired of Val and Sharna. Mark usually turns insufferable somewhere along the way. I don't think Gary is going to be getting Anna into the finals, though, so... bleh. All around bleh. Same shit, different celebrities. 

[Mattipoo]

I am strangely excited for this season due to the inclusion of Gary Busey and Paula Deen, 2 of the craziest trainwrecks that ever wrecked. Can't wait to see them shimmy and shake in sequins. Could they just team Gary and Paula up together? They would be wonderfully hilarious and GIF worthy. There are surprisingly several more names I actually recognize, like Nick Carter, Chaka Khan and Tamar Braxton. I think Nick Carter or Tamar will win this because they are pop stars with previous dancing experience. Wish they would cast more crazies like Bai Ling or Phoebe Price next time. I would be here for that!

Edited September 2, 2015 by Mattipoo

[spanana]

I really hate this cast on paper.

 

Why do people think Tamar is destined to be finals bound?  Even if she can move, she is also very loud and has a very big personality.  I don't mind her, but I'm not sure that is exactly going to go over well with middle America.  I expect she will be fairly polarizing, just not as much as people like Paula and Gary.  To me she seems more like a midseason- 3/4 of the season boot.   Since when is winning this show based on dance ability?

 

But as there are no mega ringers here or anybody with runaway fanbases, I honestly have no idea how this is going to go.  Most of these people looked horrible in their nae nae vids.  I think if Andy has any skill he has the potential to go far.  I've heard he's very nice, so he might be a palate cleanser from some of these others.

 

I'm glad Lindsay finally got another shot.  

Edited September 2, 2015 by spanana

[boyznkatz]

At least Andy had a recent hit, so although I'm not that familiar with him, I would call him a legitimate star unlike these other folks. Unfortunately I think Paula Deen will be in the finals. The same people who voted for Bristol Palin will vote for her.