The rumors have been swirling for months. Will he? Will she? In recent weeks, the $64,000 question around Hollywood has been: “Who will compete on the fourth season of ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars?”
Last season’s contestant Jerry Springer answered the question a couple hours ago on “Good Morning America.” Some of the names were real shockers (to me anyway).
Drum roll please.
Heather Mills. In a previous blog I wrote about the possibility that Paul McCartney’s estranged wife may be hitting the dance floor, but I never truly thought she’d commit, especially since she has faced so much public scrutiny following their breakup. But, I was wrong. Perhaps, her people thought it would be good PR for her? Show execs have a different take. They say they chose Mills because they “wanted to prove that dancing is something anyone can do.” (For those of you who don’t know, in 1993 a motorcycle hit Mills. The accident necessitated an amputation of her left leg below the knee—as a result, she wears a prosthetic device.) As for Mills, she tells reporters she “wants to prove to people that a disability doesn’t hamper you in any way.”
Billy Ray Cyrus. The 45-year-old country singer has a tie to the ABC dancing show in that he currently stars with his daughter Miley Cyrus on the Disney Channel’s hit show “Hanna Montana.” (Disney owns ABC.) Cyrus is reportedly “terrified” to compete on the show. More scary news: Some have already tagged him as the first to get the boot.
Leeza Gibbons. Gibbons is a former “Entertainment Tonight” and “Extra” anchorwoman, who now hosts her own syndicated radio show. Show producers believe “there will be a lot of women around the country who will really associate with her and what she’s doing.” We’ll see about that.
Joey Fatone. His name leaked out early in the selection process so I am not surprised that he decided to sign on. After all, the former ‘N Sync member is no stranger to fancy footwork. However, Fatone maintains that dancing in a boy band is a lot different than ballroom dancing. We’ll see if he turns out to be as good as another former “boy bander,” Drew Lachey.
Laila Ali. She is the daughter of boxing legend Muhammad Ali, and has entered the ring herself a few times. Show executives say Ali’s challenge will be “being light enough on her feet.”
Apolo Anton Ohno. This is the name that shocked me the most. You’ll remember Ohno as the popular Olympic speed-skating champion. Well, now he’s trading in the skates for dancing shoes. He’s cute and has quite a following already—my bet is on this guy (if he can dance).
Paulina Porizkova. The former supermodel is a self-professed “Dancing with the Stars” fanatic. Show executives say the 41-year-old (who happens to be married to Ric Ocasek from the rock band The Cars) “just wanted to get out there and dance.”
Clyde Drexler. There is little doubt that the basketball Hall of Famer was picked to follow in the footsteps of fellow “Dancing” athletes Emmitt Smith and Jerry Rice. “He’s a legend,” says ABC execs. “Along with people like Emmitt and Jerry, he’s one of those people who’s the very best at their sport.” But, can he dance?
Ian Ziering. He may be best known for playing Steve Sanders on the hit show “Beverly Hills 90210,” but I have a feeling he’s in it to win it. Keep your eye on him.
Shandi Finnessey. She’s a 28-year-old former Miss USA who, according to show execs, brings “poise” and a “vivacious personality” to “Dancing with the Stars.”
Vincent Pastore. If you missed his stint on the “Soprano’s” then you may have caught him on last season’s “Celebrity Fit Club.” Now, he is lacing up his dance shoes to appear on yet another reality show that contestants lose weight on.
The new season kicks off next month.
Who will you be cheering for?
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