dwts-season13

 

So as you probably heard, last night ABC unveiled the latest cast competing for a tacky mirrorball trophy on Dancing With The Stars, season 13.

And the response was… well completely predictable!

As usual when these kind of announcements are made, bloggers and commentators across the web are weighing in today with their usual ‘where are the stars’ sniping. Nikki Finke is as sneering as ever, proving once again that while she’s a great industry reporter she’s pretty out of touch when it comes to pop culture.

I’ll be totally honest – I’m not a Dancing With The Stars fan. I’ve tried to get into the show many times in the past but I find it corny, silly and frankly rather dull. For me there are no stakes or real jeopardy and I honestly don’t understand the show’s appeal.

But I do think the Stars casting team have made some really strong bookings over the years – and the trend continues for the Fall 2011 cast. Okay so reality ‘stars’ like Kristin Cavallari and Rob Kardashian are easy gets and pretty lame. And casting George Clooney’s ex girlfriend, Elisabetta Canalis is definitely a bit desperate. But there are also some really intriguing names in the mix here.

Firstly there’s Nancy Grace, the viper tongued cable news star who’s notorious for her vicious, take no prisoners approach. Will Nancy prove to be the show bitch – or reveal a softer, sweeter side to herself? She really can’t fall any further on the popularity front!

Then there’s Chaz Bono, who famously went through gender reassignment surgery, filming the process for a recent OWN documentary. Chaz is going to be quite a shock to Dancing’s middle America audience – and how amazing would it be if he were able to get that audience on his side and end up in the Top 3? (I doubt it will happen though – I suspect Chaz is an awkward dancer)

Next we’ve David Arquette, a legitimately successful actor who’s most famous for the Scream movies and being married to Courtney Cox. David may not be an A-list name but he’s a really good booking for the show, recently out of rehab and looking to turn his career around. A successful run could really help David’s career and help him land his own TV project in 2012.

 Ricki Lake

Ricki Lake is also in the mix this year. Sure she’s been awol for the last few years but let’s not forget how big Ricki was a decade or so ago. She’s also very likable and may still have those Hairspray moves.

And finally we’ve Carson Kressley – a man I find a walking, talking gay stereotype – but whose colorful personality is definitely going to bring a lot more to the show than the likes of Kristin and Rob. What I hope is that Carson dials it back a bit and shows a more serious side. But maybe that’s like expecting Richard Simmons to ditch the perma-perm and day-glo clothes…

Sure that’s not the whole cast – there’s a few more names, a mix of soap and sports stars and a former 90’s singer (Chynna Phillips). But I think the five names above are definitely very strong bookings.

As I always say to the naysayers whenever these kind of casts are announced – who the heck were you expecting? Somehow I don’t see Brad and Angelina ditching their multi million dollar movie careers in exchange for the chance to win a mirrorball trophy. So get realistic! This is a pretty good cast by the standards of reality TV. And while I won’t be watching I know millions will… so quit complaining!

But what do you think? What do you make of the Dancing cast? Who do you think should join the show? And if you’re a fan of the show – please tell me why!