Today was the day we have all been waiting for (and by we, I mean me). The DANCING WITH THE STARS: ALL STARS cast was announced and by golly, is going to be a good one.
Here are my snap reactions:
Pamela Anderson (season 10, 6th place): At first I scoffed, not the best name to start off the list. Then I remembered that she was actually pretty good and funny. I like funny. Also she was unfairly judged by viewers, being that they’re hardly her type of fan base. I’m all for second chances and redemption.
Emmitt Smith (season 3, winner): Football player with twinkle toes and a shining personality. He set the bar for all the footballers and I’d argue that none of them have raised it yet. Everyone should watch out for this guy, last season proved this is the kind of contestant that the voters like to see win.
Kelly Monaco (season 1, winner): I love the idea of seeing how the very first DWTS champion holds up! And lets not forget the ridiculous rematch she was subjected to and “lost”. She deserves this spot.
Shawn Johnson (season 8, winner): Not my favorite champ, some may say others should have taken the trophy that year (but worry not, they’re back too!). After having to drop out of the Olympic trials due to injury, it’s nice that Shawn will have this to keep her busy. But will her injury play a supporting role this season? Don’t go all Jennifer Grey on us!
Melissa Rycroft (season 8, 3rd place): A finalist in Shawn’s winning season, she was probably my favorite partner of the charming Tony Dovolani. Other reasons to vote for her include her cute baby girl, her cute husband, oh and her dancing is great. Yes dance is important.
Joey Fatone (season 4, 2nd place): A major ham with major enthusiasm for the ballroom. He will be competing against the man who took the title his season, which will be fun. Pair him with Kym again and I’m sold.
Drew Lachey (season 2, winner): Who doesn’t like this guy? He gave us the most infamous freestyle of DWTS history, Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy. But is he a one trick pony? Can he live up to his own legacy?
Bristol Palin (season 11, 3rd place): Oh good, I feared I would have nothing to be snarky about this season…
Kirstie Alley (season 12, 2nd place): She was hilarious and surprisingly great throughout her season. And Maks can’t bully this one, she dishes it right back! Don’t know how she’ll compare to all of these heavy hitters, but I’m going to enjoy her.
Helio Castroneves (season 5, winner): Adorable and fun, he gave our beloved Julianne Hough her second consecutive mirror ball. I could root for this guy, but how can I when we have…
Apolo Anton Ohno (season 4, winner): My all time favorite contestant, I am THRILLED that he is returning. Earlier I mentioned my impossible dream of Apolo and Julianne competing together again. We are half way to making that dream possible! Could it be?
Gilles Marini (season 8, 2nd place): Arguably the most robbed of the title, Mr. Charming is back to battle BOTH of his finalist competitors (Shawn and Melissa) as well as everyone else. Should be a breeze for him though, he is slick and sexy and the viewers love him. Do I smell a winner already?
Bonus contestant: Kyle Massey, Sabrina Bryan, or Carson Kressley. We get to vote! Feeling torn? As much as I love Carson, this one must go to Sabrina! Voting starts today on ABC.com and closes August 24th
So what do you guys think? Personally I’m impressed by the caliber of people they got to return, almost all being finalists or winners. My only complaint would be that not everyone will get their original partner. Half the fun of this group was their dynamics with their partners, but on the bright side, there is hope for Tristan yet! We’ll find out pairings on August 13th, I absolutely cannot wait!
The show premieres Monday, September 24th with results show September 25th.
