Can D.L. and Cheryl add some humor to the ballroom? Tune in tonight to find out! (Photo by ABC’s Craig Sjodin)
By: Jacob Elyachar
Tonight! Dancing with the Stars returns for its 16th season on ABC.
So before Tom Bergeron and Brooke Burke-Charvet cue the Harold Wheeler Orchestra to bring them down to America’s favorite ballroom, here are some of my thoughts of this season’s pairings.
Zendaya & Val Chmerkovskiy: Val just got off finishing third in the All-Stars season and this author thinks that he will be pushing his partner towards the finals. However, Zendaya is still an unknown to the audience minus a couple of Disney Channel fanatics. But that fact did not stop Sabrina Bryan or Kyle Massey from advancing deep into the competition.
Andy Dick & Sharna Burgess: Andy Dick joins Bristol Palin, the Situation and Kate Gosselin in the ranks of DWTS’s most controversial contestants category. However, the comedian might be able to stay around a couple of weeks if longtime Troupe member turned pro Sharna could whip into shape.
The Olympic legend will go for the gold with her partner Tristan MacManus. (Photo by ABC’s Craig Sjodin)
Dorothy Hamill & Tristan MacManus: In the past, Dancing’s producers have paired show’s resident Irishman with a lot of older women (Gladys Knight, Nancy Grace). However, his luck might change for the better, as skaters have been known to get into the season finale (Kristi Yamaguchi, Evan Lysacek)
D.L. Hughley & Cheryl Burke: The two-time champion may have her work cut out for her this season as entertainment sites including EW.com have predicted that the actor-comedian might be one of the first four couples to go. But can the Hughleys’ fanbase help them out?
Jacoby Jones will go after the perfect score with his partner: two-time champion Karina Smirnoff. (Photo by ABC’s Craig Sjodin)
Jacoby Jones & Karina Smirnoff: Baltimore Raven Jacoby Jones was among the first members of this cast to be announced to compete in this season. He is definitely in good hands as the one-time champion Karina has delivered Ralph Macchio, Mario Lopez and J.R. Martinez in the semi-finals and finals respectively.
Wynona Judd & Tony Dovolani: Dancing’s reigning champ may have the advantage by rallying some of the country diva’s fanbase but in order to make sure that they reach the quarterfinals, Wynonna and Tony need to show chemistry in every single dance. Another problem is that there is another country singer in the competition…. (More on her later).
Sean Lowe & Peta Murgatroyd: Bachelor stars (except for Melissa Rycroft) have the tendency to have bad luck on the dance floor. However, Peta might utilize his assets, which would make the ladies scream for joy, fans will probably vote them through the first four weeks of the competition.
Victor Ortiz & Lindsay Arnold: Garden City’s native son may pack a powerful punch in the ring but could he deliver a K.O. on the dance floor? He has a strong chance of making it through the first couple of weeks but might face problems with the show’s voting if boxing fans do not pick up the phone.
Could Kellie Pickler become the first “American Idol” alum to win a Mirror Ball Trophy? (Photo by ABC’s Craig Sjodin)
Kellie Pickler & Derek Hough: Pickler becomes the first American Idol alum to hit the ABC ballroom. Kellie has a massive fanbase and is in good hands with the judges’ “favorite son,” but could have a hard time convincing America to give her partner another Mirror Ball Trophy.
Ingo Rademacher & Kym Johnson: Ingo’s appearance on the show corresponds with General Hospital’s 50th anniversary, which will definitely rally the soap’s fanbase to keep him on the show. In addition, it would be interesting to see how two Aussies interact with each other on the dance floor.
Aly Raisman & Mark Ballas: On paper, Aly and Mark might walk away with this season, given Aly’s showmanship and Mark’s track record with Olympic athletes. However, the only thing going against this duo is that the judges might compare her routines to Shawn’s previous show-stopping performances from the All-Star season.
Lisa Vanderpump & Gleb Savchenko: The Real Housewife of Beverly Hills is a fan-favorite amongst the franchise that could bring in Bravo viewers and dog lovers. Unfortunately, if fans looked at Gleb’s track record from Dancing with the Stars Australia, where he placed last in the 2012 season, they might be the first ones to leave.
Who do you think is going to win? Tune into Dancing with the Stars tonight to find out!
For more information on the show, visit Dancing’s website: http://beta.abc.go.com/shows/dancing-with-the-stars
