Reality Bytes- Part 4

The show pairs a number of celebrities with professional ballroom dancers, who each week compete by performing dances, which are then given scores by a panel of judges. Viewers are given a certain amount of time to place votes on their favorite dancers, either by telephone or  by the Internet. The couple with the lowest combined score is eliminated and does not go on to the next week. This process continues until there are only two or three couples left, at which point one couple is declared the champion.
This season’s of Dancing with the Stars premieres March 9th. Usually a “take it or leave it” show for me, this is going to be one interesting season. They have released the Season 8 contestants who I believe to be the most interesting, crazy, unpredictable group to date.

Singer/songwriter Jewel. I am a huge music fan of hers. I have seen her on a few specials shaking her ‘thang’ and from what I can tell there is a reason she is a singer and not a dancer.
*Edited 3/5/09* As reported this past week, Jewel has injured her knee while practicing for DWTH. Rumor has it, if she is not able to compete, former Girls Next Door’s Holly Madison will take her spot, hmmm….

Ty Murray, “King of the Cowboys” is the most accomplished rodeo athlete in the history of the sport. He is married to Jewel, which will be the first time a married couple will compete against each other on the show.
(I have a friend who has met and spent time with Jewel and Ty and says they are a genuinely nice couple….so far I’m rooting for them him!)

Nancy O’Dell, best known for Access Hollywood, she is one of the country’s most respected and leading entertainment journalists. In her early forties, she remains in tip-top shape and may give these others a run for their money!
*Edited 3/6/09* O’Dell is said to be the latest victim of the DWTS curse, she has a torn meniscus (cartilage) that will require surgery. No word yet on her replacement. Wishing both, Nancy and Jewel a speedy recovery!

Probably one of the most unlikelys for this show is, Steve “The Woz” Wozniak. He Apple co-founder, philanthropist, and author of New York Times Best Selling autobiography, iWoz: From Computer Geek to Cult Icon.He briefly dated My Life on the D List’s, Kathy Griffin. He is a geek, obsessed with Bob’s Big Boy….because of all the B’s and B’s are the 2nd letter of the alphabet….As nice as he seems, somebody is going to have their work cut out for them!

Stephen Glover, better known as Steve-O from MTV’s Jackass and Wildboyz. Need I say more? The guy is crazy and has and will try anything. He has a history with the law and a history of drug problems. I have heard he is taking this new role serious and giving it all he has….who knows, this could be a life changing experience for the bad boy!

Fashion model turned actress, Denise Richards has also joined the cast. Known for her sexy roles in Starship Troopers, Wild Things and The World Is Not Enough. She had a highly publicized divorce from Charlie Sheen, followed by a controversial relationship with Richie Sambora, the estranged husband of one time best friend, Heather Locklear. Losing respect of many of her fans. I think she has what it takes to do this, however if it’s based on popularity, don’t unpack your bags just yet Denise.

Former Go-Go’s lead singer, turned solo artist, Belinda Carlisle, if nothing else is going to be in shape for 2009. She has recently also been appointed the new spokesperson for NutriSystem. I’ve always been a fan of hers, and she has always claimed, “She’s (We) Got The Beat!”

The youngest dancer in the show’s history is, Shawn Johnson. At 17, she is the 2008 Olympic women’s balance beam gold medalist, the individual all-around silver medalist, the 2007 all-around World Champion, and the 2007 and 2008 U.S. all-around champion. All of which have their advantages, if she’s got even a bit of bee-bop in her I think she’ll be a top contender!

Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor is widely regarded as the greatest defensive player in the history of the National Football League. The first player in the history to be selected to the Pro Bowl in ten consecutive seasons, “LT” has also written 2 best selling books and appeared in feature films. From what I have observed, this is either a sink or swim competition for most NFL players. Tune in!!

Actor/Comedian David Alan Grier is sure to provide entertainment for all. His personality alone, in my opinion leaves the door open for him being a favorite. Now let’s see if he can cha-cha!!

Also in this season’s line-up are country singer Chuck Wicks, rapper Lil’ Kim and actor Gilles Marini.

Good mix of gender, age, personality,  and drama….