What is life like for someone who has just walked away with a glittery mirrored disco ball trophy and the title of America’s best celebrity fox-trotter? According to season four “Dancing with the Stars” champ Apolo Ohno, life without dancing is… well… hard to get used to.
“After the show I started training again for the Olympics but realized quickly that I couldn’t go on without at least one more week of Samba,” the 25-year-old super speed-skater recently told reporters.
To cure his withdrawal from shaking and shimming on the dance floor the Olympian announced he would be joining the live summer tour generated by the hit ABC show.
The two-time Olympic speed-skating gold medallist will be reunited with his with his dance partner Julianne Hough with whom he was crowned “Dancing” champ in May.
As a fan of the show (and one who was rooting for Ohno to win) I was thrilled to learn the “Dancing” tour was coming to the city I reside. Unfortunately, I won’t be able to see Ohno in action. His appearances on the tour will only be in five select cities, starting in Raleigh, North Carolina, on Saturday. He’ll also show up in Hershey, Pennsylvania, on July 2; Bridgeport, Connecticut, on July 3; Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania, on July 5 and Atlantic City, New Jersey, on July 6th.
And a note to all of you John Ratzenberger fans. The former “Dancing” contestant (and “Cheers” star) will also make a one-night only guest appearance in his hometown of Bridgeport.
Other stars who are currently on the “Dancing” tour include, Joey McIntyre, Joey Lawrence, Drew Lachey and Joey Fatone.
Speaking of Joey Fatone… the “Dancing With the Stars” runner-up will be starting a new job once the tour ends. NBC just announced they hired Fatone to host their upcoming karaoke-themed game show.
Dubbed “The Singing Bee,” the show begins airing on Tuesday, July 10, following “America’s Got Talent.” According to show producers, “The Singing Bee” will feature contestants attempting to belt out lyrics to the most popular songs of all time.
The former ‘N Sync-er will face competition from a similar show set to air on FOX. According to network representatives, On July 9, FOX will debut its own sing-along game show, “Don’t Forget the Lyrics,” to be hosted by Wayne Brady.