DWTS Season 18: Artem Chigvintsev & Jenna Johnson

What a rowdy show! I hope you had as much fun as we did. It was a little crazy trying to get in all of our thoughts about Julianne Hough's judging, the Switch-Up, the low scores for Candace Cameron Bure and Macy's Stars of Dance.

Artem Chigvintsev and Jenna Johnson were so much fun. I hope to see Jenna back on the show when we kick SYTYCD back into high gear in late May.

If you missed the show, watch it below.

What are your thoughts on Candace's scores? Let me know in the comments below.

DWTS Season 18: The Switch Up

Okay, I'm officially confused. When they announced the partner switch on GMA this morning, there was very little explanation. In the official ABC press release, we got this:

When I read the statement, it sounded like it was a permanent switch at some point in the season. Then a very reliable source, The Hollywood Reporter, came up with this:

So ABC offers up no time frame while THR offers up one week. Which one is it? Well, I went straight to the source to ask the question.

ABC spokesperson Kristen Anders replied, "There is no official quote other than what's on the press release (which is up on abcmedianet.com). We haven't released any other details, it will be announced in show. Thanks!"

So the answer is that there is no official answer…yet. It's going to be up to Tom Bergeron and Erin Andrews to give us the inside scoop at some point in the season.

What do you think of The Switch Up? Let me know in the comments below.

Photo credit: DWTS/ABC/Instagram

DWTS Season 18: 3 Things You Need to Know

Well, yesterday was pretty epic…I am currently on set in San Francisco when the news started to trickle in to me. I would work, run off set and post a tweet. My Twitter feed exploded and there is no way I can respond to everyone the way I normally do. Here are 3 things to know.

1. Why didn't you confirm everyone?: I want to deliver good, truthful scoop to you. If I can't confirm a name from the sources I speak with, I won't mention it. It's my reputation on the line as an entertainment reporter, so giving you the truth is more important to me than giving you the whole list with errors on it.

UPDATE: I confirmed Derek IN, Sasha and Tristan OUT, Henry and Witney as PRO, Lindsay and Jenna in TROUPE. New confirmation…Tyne is OUT. 

2. What about Chelsie or…?: I know many of you adore Chelsie Hightower, but the writing has been on the wall for a few seasons regarding her future on the show. ABC signaled a change and I think they have moved on from her at this point. Sadly, I think Louis van Amstel is in that category, too. Read my post on DWTS contracts. The UPDATE in the article gives more information on ABC's policy.

3. Why is Maks back?: Like him or loathe him, Maks is newsworthy. With Derek apparently opting out this season, ABC needs a star. I love Val, but he's not as charismatic as his controversial brother. They needed Maks back and I imagine that situation also brought a very generous contract with it. UPDATE: Derek is IN…this will be a great season. A rivalry on the dance floor is back!

This season is bringing about some big changes with Erin Andrews replacing Brooke Burke-Charvet and Harold Wheeler out and Ray Chew in. Let's roll with the changes before watching the first episode. After the season begins, then everything is fair game! See you all on AfterBuzz TV on March 18.

3 Things to Know about the Firing of the DWTS Orchestra

I've received a lot of emails over the last few days asking if the news about the firing of the Dancing With the Stars orchestra is true. The answer is yes. I think it's a big mistake by ABC since it's one of the elements that makes the show so special, but the network is looking at the bottom line: money. I know the reason given for the elimination is to "attract a younger demographic,' but that is not the case.

Here are the three things you should know about the situation:

1. Rick Baptist: He's the person who original put the Facebook post on his page to call attention to the issue. Baptist has worked on DWTS for years and he's well-respected in the industry. Check out his IMDB credits to see his impressive résumé.

Seriously?? No more orchestra on #DWTS for S18. Big mistake, @DancingABC. pic.twitter.com/hknKqe7IAU
— Kristyn Burtt (@KristynBurtt) February 1, 2014

2. American Federation of Musicians International:  This is the official musicians' union representing professional performers in the entertainment industry. They issued a statement on Monday regarding their dismissal:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                         
February 3, 2014

CONTACT: Antoinette Follett
(315) 422-4488 ext. 104
afollett@bentley-hall.com

AFM President Blasts ABC for firing Dancing with the Stars Orchestra

New York, NY— After 17 hit seasons performing on one of the world’s most popular TV programs, Dancing with the Stars (DWTS), the 28 men and women of the show’s live backing band—the Harold Wheeler Orchestra and Singers—have been fired. Producers say the group will be replaced with pre-existing sound recordings and a “small electric band” to “attract a younger demographic.”
American Federation of Musicians International President Ray Hair blasted ABC-TV for its decision, asking supporters to e-mail Candace.a.ashton@abc.com to demand the orchestra’s return or risk viewer retaliation. “People who love Dancing with the Stars also love the superb performances of the orchestra because it is such an integral part of the show,” says Hair. “The tight, elaborate musical productions that catapulted the show into the top 10 in 17 countries can’t be duplicated by recordings and a small combo. Viewers, whether they are young or old, will reject that as artistic fraud.”
Network sources say that a recent shift in ABC/Disney’s executive staff in charge of primetime reality series programming led to pressure on DWTS producer BBC America to cut corners and pander to a younger viewing audience. “It’s not like ABC and Disney don’t have any money and can’t afford an orchestra. It’s about the insatiable thirst for profits at the expense of music, art, and those who create it,” says Hair. “Firing the band, using recordings, and hiring fewer musicians won’t boost ratings. It will kill the show.”

ABOUT THE AFM
Founded in 1896, the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada (AFM), AFL-CIO, is the largest organization in the world dedicated to representing the interests of professional musicians. With more than 90,000 members, the AFM represents all types of professional musicians, including those who record music for sound recordings, film scores, videogames, radio, television and commercial announcements, as well as perform music of every genre in every sort of venue from small jazz clubs to symphony orchestra halls to major stadiums. Whether negotiating fair agreements, protecting ownership of recorded music, securing benefits such as health care and pension, or lobbying legislators, the AFM is committed to raising industry standards and placing the professional musician in the foreground of the cultural landscape. For more information, contact the main number at (212) 869-1330 or visit the Web site at www.afm.org.
Follow the AFM on Twitter www.twitter.com/musiciansunion and Facebook www.facebook.com/afm.org

3. The Excuse: ABC can say it's about bringing in "a younger demographic," but having a live orchestra is a luxury. It's expensive to pay for song rights and to pay talent for rehearsals and the show. It's cheaper just to pay for a skeleton crew and song rights. However, it's a huge part of what made DWTS exciting to watch. It brought energy to the show each season and the audience will notice its absence in Season 18.

However, there is still time. The show doesn't launch until March 17, so support the Harold Wheeler Orchestra and Singers by emailing ABC: Candice.A.Ashton@abc.com (NOTE THE CORRECT SPELLING "I" VERSUS "A" in CANDICE'S NAME)

Let's make a difference!

UPDATE: Here's the official press release from BBC Worldwide and ABC regarding Harold Wheeler:

Our talented Music Director, Harold Wheeler, will not be joining us for season 18 of Dancing with the Stars. Since season one, Harold and his band have performed brilliant music in our ballroom for our dancers and the American viewers at home. We are grateful to him and his band for their amazing work and years of collaboration. We wish him the best of luck.

Derek Hough: Your Thoughts On The BuddyTV Article

Yesterday, I was forwarded an article (Thanks, Catherine!) from BuddyTV entitled "Should Derek Hough Retire from 'Dancing with the Stars'?" Let's be honest, this author knew that a controversial article would draw a ton of attention and comments. I wanted to hear what the Twitter audience had to say and I was surprised that many of his fans wanted him to go on to bigger things.

The one quote that stood out to me was, "The point is that Derek has become bigger than the show…" I purposely cut out the second half of that quote which was "...and it seems like an unfair advantage" because when has DWTS ever been fair? Never. I actually agree with the first half of the quote because he is bigger than the show in many ways…popularity, talent and an Emmy win. This season his star wattage does seem bigger than the ABC show.

Many of you told me that you thought it should be his choice to stay or go, but I think argument is a moot point. Derek is welcome on the show as long as he wants to stay and ABC wants (needs?) him to stay on the show.

A part of me would like Derek to go on to bigger things while keeping a presence on the show. I think of SYTYCD's Spencer Liff. He has a great career outside of the FOX dance show, but he still comes back to choreograph numbers for the contestants. He is currently the choreographer for the revival of Hedwig and the Angry Inch that's headed to Broadway with Neil Patrick Harris and he's NPH's go-to guy for awards shows and dance pieces on How I Met Your Mother. I would love to see Derek choreographing a Broadway show or film, but somehow come back to mount opening numbers or artist performance pieces on DWTS.

On the flip side, fans wouldn't get to see him dance each and every week with a celebrity partner and that's the draw to many viewers who watch the show. If Derek isn't on, DWTS loses a bit of its magic. Even with Val, Karina and other longtime pros bringing their fans to the table, ABC probably wants to hang onto Derek for as long as possible.

I thought I would share with you some (There were a ton!) of the responses that resonated with me on Twitter. Do you agree? Let me know in the comments below:

@KristynBurtt I never think it is a good idea for someone to leave a good situation, maybe he'll do better maybe he'll fade away. I'd stay.
— Mathieas (@Mathieas) November 7, 2013

@KristynBurtt @allisgood4ever If he has other offers he should do them if he wants but come back in between if the schedule works.
— Perri Parks (@perriparks) November 7, 2013

@KristynBurtt yeah Derek Hough has won a lot, I think after this season he should retire whether he wins or not he should do other things.
— John Walker (@Walkerjoh) November 7, 2013

@KristynBurtt NOOOOOOO! Derek can't retire, if he leaves I won't watch...
— jacqui gerritsen (@shrinkyydink) November 7, 2013

@KristynBurtt I certainly hope not. His choreo is always amazing and he's a great partner.
— Matty (@LilMatt9889) November 7, 2013

DWTS Season 17: Week 2 Preview

I hope you all like the photo.

Yes, Henry Byalikov is our guest on Tuesday. Many of you saw the announcement on Twitter earlier this week and you've been eagerly awaiting this post. It's been a busy week, but I finally had a free minute to get this up.

The wonderful thing about having Henry on the show is that it is great timing. He and Sharna Burgess are choreographing the opening number this week, so we will get the inside scoop on how it all came together.

The whole team is expected to be in studio this week: Anna, me, Jake and Suri.

Time to get those questions in! Fire away in the comments section below. We will see you all on Tuesday at 8pm PT on AfterBuzz TV.

SPOILER ALERT: DWTS Season 17 Updated Pro List

Okay, there have been a few shake-ups in the DWTS world. We've all been fed information about the pros. The list looked really solid and then it started to fall apart less than 24 hours before the big reveal.

You know what? It happens. ABC is clamping down on loose lips around the network especially after multiple seasons of The Bachelor/Bachelorette being spoiled.

I spoke with a reliable source and I believe this is your pro list for Season 17:

Men:
Sasha
Mark
Derek
Tony
Val
Tristan

Women:
Tyne Stecklein-NEW name. Follow her on Twitter!!!
Sharna
Karina
Peta
Emma
Cheryl

Troupe: Will perform every episode!
Gleb
Lindsay
Henry
Witney

Tyne's Wikipedia bio--Dancer on the ill-fated Michael Jackson This Is It tour, so you know this girl can DANCE!
Tyne's IMDB page

See Tyne in action:


Disclaimer: This is what I was told. We all know things are subject to change and there could be errors here. We all run the risk of that when we publish spoilers. However, my source is solid, so I feel comfortable publishing this list. 

Photo Credit: ABC/FlynetPictures.com

UPDATED: DWTS Pro Watch: Contracts

I know things are heating up with speculation about the pros and who is returning for Season 17. One thing that has raised my eyebrows though was yesterday's news that Kym Johnson wasn't returning. She is reportedly headed to DWTS Australia to work as a judge for the next season, although she has yet to confirm that news. I found the announcement rather curious because of this: Contracts are pretty ironclad and it's hard to get out of a DWTS U.S. contract.  Yes, it's not one big happy family of DWTS shows, it isn't easy to jump from one country's show to another. That's not to say that it hasn't been done before, we know it has. I'm just saying a DWTS U.S. contract is more challenging than others. Is there subtext in this post? Perhaps.

UPDATE: 
While this was written about last season's pro cast, I learned something interesting about contracts that could affect some pros we haven't seen in awhile. According to an insider, DWTS U.S. contracts are for five years. That means you have to ask permission to do outside work during this time period. While I didn't get specifics on this aspect of the contract, it usually means other TV shows or anything related to ballroom or using the DWTS name. (It is most likely a typical non-compete clause in the entertainment industry.)

Here's where it gets even more interesting, if ABC does not use you as talent for two seasons in a row, you are free to do what you want. We didn't see a few DWTS pros at all in Season 17. With the show down to one-night a week, it makes sense to use the eliminated pro from the prior week in group dances. However, we may see a few former pros gone for good if they aren't used for Season 18. (Chelsie, Louis, etc) ABC has signaled a change not only with the format, but with the pros they are using.

Season 17 was a big shift and it might get even bigger with Season 18. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!

AfterBuzz TV DWTS: Sharna Burgess & Lindsay Arnold

Ahhh, what a season! I cannot believe it's over.  It's been a wild ride over the last 10 weeks. My wish for next season is that we are all good to each other...no matter who we are rooting for. We are so lucky to live in a world where we can have our own opinions and thoughts, but it is important to be respectful of the opposing side.  Kellie and Zendaya are both beautiful dancers and women. While they each brought different things to the table, we watched because we love dance.  While Kellie went home with that mirror ball trophy, I think we are all going to watch Zendaya become a superstar in Hollywood...way beyond the confines of Disney/ABC. Whether she hits the music scene or takes on the film world, mark my words, she will be wildly successful.

My SheKnows.com article about the DWTS finale >>

I know many of you aren't satisfied with the voting explanation. ABC should have done a better job with explaining what happened much like NBC did with The Voice when they had a similar issue in early May. Legally, they did the right thing by throwing out the ABC.com votes. It leveled the playing field for both coasts.  While viewers were left with phone, text, and Facebook votes, I know some of you will argue it isn't fair.  Well, I can never text since I'm not an AT&T customer.....so that's not fair. I also only have a public FB page, so I cannot vote via social media. I have to pick up the phone. We could go in circles about this over and over. Remember, all networks have to abide by FCC regulations and Broadcast Standards and Practices. Here are ABC's guidelines for their entire network. What ABC failed to do is explain the situation to the viewers...that is a PR misstep.

Our pre-show Vine video >>

I also think Lindsay and Sharna addressed the footwear issue very well.  There are so many other issues to deal with when you are trying to teach a celebrity to dance.  While it may not be the preferable choice for viewers with a dance background, the pros chose what they felt was best for their celebs. I prefer the line of a heel, but once I heard Lindsay and Sharna's explanations, I feel like I understand the reasoning a bit better...even if I prefer true ballroom footwear.

One crazy photo post-show >>

Thank you all for such a great season. We really cannot do it without you. Your input, comments, questions and artful debate have been so much fun. Even when we don't agree, I love discussing the show with you.  For those of you that are fans of SYTYCD, I hope you join me, Jake, AJ Gibson, and Chloe West for a fun season. Next week, we will slide into DWTS' old time slot on AfterBuzz TV at 9pm PT, so you know where to find us. We will also be bringing in some DWTS and SYTYCD guests to join us once the Top 20 is announced.



The podcast is available to listen to here. 

Now feel free to comment away about the season, but be respectful of others and their opinions. Thank you! 

DWTS: It's Time To End The Zendaya Debate

Enough with Zendaya.

She's not a ringer, she's a girl who has had Hip Hop classes. I might take this debate more seriously if she were a trained ballet dancer or ballroom dancer, but it's time to stop.  Here are my reasons for ending the Zendaya discussion on DWTS:

1. It's a TV show: Having great dancers and bad dancers all lumped into one variety show is fun. I cheered on Andy Dick as much as I have cheered Zendaya and Kellie Pickler this season.  I did make fun of Sean Lowe's dancing a bit, but it made for some interesting topics of discussion on our AfterBuzz TV show.
    And guess what? By constantly debating that "Zendaya is a ringer" and "Kellie is being underscored"(Although the "7" from Len was ridiculous, it also made for good TV.) topics, you are playing into exactly what ABC wants...controversy.  It makes for good television and it gets us all watching each week.
    One other argument is that ABC wants to promote its own network stars. If you look at the statistics, this is a bad argument.  Let's look at the ABC stars who have won DWTS:  Season 1 Kelly Monaco, General Hospital. That's it, kids.  You could argue Melissa Rycroft from Season 15 as she is a former ABC employee with The Bachelor franchise/former GMA & Bachelor Pad host, but ABC has not used her in that capacity since April 2012. If there were a series of ABC winners, I would agree with you. 1 winner out of 15 does not make for an ABC push for a winner.
 
Supplemental reading: Carrie Ann Inaba talks Kellie Pickler 

2.  Zendaya Hears You:  If you think this 16-year-old doesn't hear your criticism, she does...and she takes it personally.  If you read her Access Hollywood blog, she knows exactly what is going on in the forums.  I feel badly for her because I remember being 16 and we don't need to help anyone's teen insecurities along.

Supplemental reading: Zendaya's blog

Even with dance training, Zendaya doesn't have lines like Kellie does. Beautiful!

3.  Twitter followers:  Yep, Zendaya has more followers than anyone, but she's also of a generation that is more tuned into social media than say...Wynonna's fans.  Different generations, different demographics, different use of social media.
      I know many of you are upset that Zendaya got Hip Hop this week. She asked for it, the fans gave it to her. Aly asked for Afro-Jazz, Kellie asked for Flamenco, everyone got the exact dance they wanted. While Flamenco might be harder for Kellie than Hip Hop is for Zendaya, it is Derek who wanted this dance. He has something in mind choreographically just the same way Mark wanted to try Afro-Jazz on Aly.  They know their partner's strengths.
      Also, ABC is trying to keep up with the times and keep this show as interactive as possible for all of the fans.  Twitter is social media site that keeps growing while Facebook's growth has stagnated over the last two years, that's why they are using it for voting.  While not every experiment on DWTS works, I like that they are trying to keep current and relevant.

Supplemental reading: Carrie Ann Inaba names best DWTS dancer ever

Honestly, I would rather talk about the great dancing we are seeing from Zendaya and Kellie this season and how much I've enjoyed watching them each week.  Val and Derek have both stepped up their game choreographically and it's been a treat for the viewers.  With two weeks left, let's end the debate and see who's going to come out on top.  Remember last year, we all thought Shawn Johnson was going to win.

Let's end the debate. You are missing some good dancing.

Okay, your turn to comment. Please post in the comments below...

UPDATE:  Thanks for all of your responses so far. While some of you agree with me, I want to address those that don't agree with me...of course, I respect your opinion. However, hurling insults my way weakens your case. Instead, why don't you comment below and give me some facts to back up your argument.  I am totally up for rational discussions. It's refreshing to hear a different perspective when it's done with respect.  

The other thing you must remember is that I compliment both Zendaya and Kellie in this post. I like them both. I haven't chosen sides.  

I also want to disclose I have interviewed Zendaya many times, so I was very familiar with her work pre-DWTS. If you want to see some of that coverage, go here and here. 

Anyway, thanks for all of your feedback. I appreciate it!   

AfterBuzz TV Dancing With the Stars, Week 7 Preview

We did let one of our guest's names slip on last week's show. We had her on last year and she provided a tremendous amount of insight, commentary, and opinions on Season 15. It's going to be great to hear what she has to say about Season 16.

Wednesday night's guest is...Shirley Ballas!  Joining her will be professional dancer Yegor Novikov who has had incredible success in competition.  Of course, Anna will also be in the house, so start sending in your questions. Post them in the comments below.

Don't forget to watch the show on AfterBuzz TV at 9pm PT. Link is here.

AfterBuzz TV DWTS, Week 6: The Twitter Controversy

Even at Disneyland, there is no escape from DWTS!

I think this is our most hotly debated show of the season.  Team Zendaya thinks we hate Zendaya. If you have followed our shows over the last month and a half, you know that isn't true. I'm a big fan of the 16-year-old as a celeb and as great role model. I personally don't care how many Twitter followers she has and I don't think she is a ringer for ABC. I just want to see the girl dance! I think we all know where I stand and I believe my co-hosts are in the same boat on that. Any other interpretation of our opinions is erroneous.

Phew! Okay, I think we are good on that...until the next controversy. You guys like to keep me on my toes!

Don't forget to send in your red carpet questions on Mondays and Tuesdays to JC Rubio and Jackie Miranne. We are featuring one question each week on the Wednesday show. (Click on their names to tweet your questions.)

As a fan of SYTYCD, I am super excited that tWitch and Allison Holker will be performing together on Tuesday's show. Their dancing is amazing and they are a cute couple.  It's a great reminder that Season 10 is just around the corner....

If you missed this week's episode, you can watch it below:

AfterBuzz TV DWTS, Week 6 Preview

This is when it gets tougher and tougher to book guests because the rehearsals become more demanding with group dances and the competition gets even stiffer. Everyone wants to win.

We had two great guests for you, but they had to pull out late last night due to rehearsal. We are hoping to have them on later in the season.

However, we still have the amazing Anna Trebunskaya with us this week and she choreographed two numbers while Stevie Wonder sang live.  I have to admit, I am pretty jealous because it was an incredible opportunity for the pros and celebs to work with a living legend.

So, here's the week to ask Anna your questions about choreography, about how the show is run, how the contestants feel at this stage of the game, etc.  Ask away! Use the comments section below to ask your questions. The comments section will be the ONLY place I will take questions for tonight's show.

A couple of things I want to note:
   1. Voting:  We talked a lot about it this week on Twitter. Some of you are having issues, but this is probably not a topic we will address on AfterBuzz since there are so many dance topics to discuss. Technology is not perfect, so there are often glitches in the online voting system. As @DWTSGossip pointed out, voting is NOT run by ABC. It is run by an outside firm to adhere to broadcast standards and practices.  If you have complaints about the system, contact ABC here. There is also a People magazine article about it here. (If there is time, we will try to address Twitter voting tonight. That topic makes more sense for this week's team dances/results.)

2.  Autograph Requests:  Thanks for watching the show and supporting us, we really appreciate it. Many of you have asked for photos/autographs from the AfterBuzz crew. We are happy to do it, but here's the process:

A. Print up a photo of your choice at this Pinterest page.
B. Send a Self-Addressed, Stamped Envelope and Photo to:
   Kristyn Burtt
   c/o M4PR
   11684 Ventura Blvd.
   Suite 213
   Studio City, CA 91604
   USA

Let me know if you have any questions. You can always find the contact information here, too. 

See you tonight at 9pm PT on AfterBuzz TV! Watch here.

AfterBuzz TV DWTS Week #1 Guests Are...

We are coming back on Wednesday, March 20th at 9pm PT LIVE on AfterBuzz TV for the after show of Dancing with the Stars!

Have you heard who our first guests are?

New pro Sharna Burgess and her celeb partner Andy Dick!  

Suri Serano and I are so excited to be back and joining you for Season 16! Get ready for all of the fun and the drama.

A huge thanks to AfterBuzz TV supporter, Adrian, for creating this amazing promo for our new season.  If you have questions for Sharna or Andy, hit me up in the comments below.  See you on Wednesday!

Behind The Red Carpet Live With Kelly Lynch of Socialite Life

Hello from somewhere in Central Jersey! If you weren't able to catch yesterday's edition of Behind The Red Carpet Live on Spreecast, I had guest Kelly Lynch from Socialite Life on yesterday.  Kelly and I bonded over classic 90210 episodes on Twitter, but I love this little bit of Boston trivia:  her dad is a well-known TV personality in Boston, Mike Lynch.  He has worked for ABC for years as a sportscaster, so he is a familiar face to those of you in Massachusetts.  Kelly has become quite the royal expert, so she gave us the inside scoop on Kate and Will and the London Games while we also chatted about the Aniston engagement, Beyonce's family photos, and whether Taylor Swift is a Kennedy stalker.  If you missed the show, watch it here:

What Does the Oscars Red Carpet Really Look Like?

The express lane in the center of the red carpet.

This might be one of my favorite videos this year because we decided to give you a full walk through the red carpet.  Did you ever wonder how long that red carpet was?  Well, it's 500 feet filled with media, cameras, and reporters all waiting to interview the celebrities. Did you know there was an express lane on the red carpet due to the crowds and traffic jams?  That express lane leads right to Tim Gunn's spot for the ABC show. So, come join me on the walk from arrivals tent to the grand staircase up to the theatre.  It's a long way in five inch heels. (And I was wearing my super tall Jessica Simpson shoes that day.)  Take a look and let me know what surprised you the most on that red carpet walk:

Bachelor Pad 2: Vienna Girardi

I've been notoriously critical of The Bachelor franchise, but we all know it is my own fault for even watching the manipulative, scripted (UPDATED:  One of my Bachelor pals corrected me and she would know, there is no scripting whatsoever on The Bachelor franchise.) reality show.  After spending another Monday night wasted on the couch watching Bachelor Pad 2 with the immature shenanigans of Kasey and Vienna, I was reminded of an interview I did with Vienna Girardi in September 2010 during Emmys Week.  I spoke a bit about my interview in a post I did after the event.  Hmmm, after last night's episode, I am not sure my 2010 assessment was correct.  If she hated the manipulation of The Bachelor franchise so much, why is she appearing on Bachelor Pad 2?  If it was so bad, wouldn't you stay far away from ever participating in a reality show again?  Money talks and when Mike Fleiss calls, most former Bachelor contestants say "yes".  Watch my interview with Vienna Girardi and let me know what you think:

Cady McClain Questions

It's amazing, I write one or two articles about the ABC Daytime cancellation of two iconic shows and then an interview falls right in my lap.  I am thrilled that people are paying attention to my coverage and the importance of what is happening in this arena of television.  I will be interviewing Cady McClain AKA "Dixie Martin" from All My Children on Friday morning for Starpulse.  Here is your opportunity to ask Cady your questions.  She's returning to AMC and in fact, she filmed her scenes this week.  Does Dixie return as a ghost?  What's the mood like on the AMC set?  What are her personal thoughts on the end of the long-running show?   So, get those questions in before tomorrow.  I will take all questions until 9AM PT.  Fire away in the comments section below.  Ready, set, go!

Make It Or Break It

As I sit here waiting for another episode of ABC Family's Make It Or Break It, I cannot believe the continued response to my soap articles: the original one I wrote and the call for quotes for my upcoming article about the second phase of the daytime fans' fight against ABC.  I admire their fortitude and call to action throughout this entire process.  I'm not sure it is going to work out the way they want now that Susan Lucci is going to Desperate Housewives.  I just don't see All My Children surviving without Erica Kane.  I am sure all of the news will be announced and confirmed at the ABC network upfronts on the afternoon of May 17th.

In the meantime, here's my article on Ayla Kell who stars as Payson on ABC Family's Make It Or Break It that I wrote for Starpulse.  Since I love the show, I totally geeked out when show creator, Holly Sorensen, pushed out my article on Twitter yesterday.  Thank you, Holly!  Also, Ayla Kelly is a total doll who gave me the inside scoop on what it is really like behind the scenes on the show.  You have to give that cast kudos because they are required to be athletes and actors.  While they rely upon former elite gymnasts to perform their stunt doubles, they still have to act, move, and train just like their real-life counterparts.  As anyone knows, it isn't easy faking Olympic gymnastics.

Starpulse article:  Ayla Kell from Make It Or Break It.


*UPDATE*:
Ayla Kell and ABC Family kindly mentioned my article on Facebook and Twitter today. Yes!

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Susan Lucci Signs a Deal With 'Desperate Housewives'

We interrupt the weekend with a special Red Carpet Closet announcement.....

I have been following the whole ABC Daytime drama by engaging in a dialogue with the soap fans and then writing an article for Starpulse about the whole debacle.  In my original article, I mentioned the rumor posted on Blind Gossip about Susan Lucci joining the cast of Desperate Housewives.  Well, turns out the rumor is true and Blind Gossip has confirmed that the deal will be announced next week.  The best news about the deal is that Susan will continue with All My Children until the end of its run and still star on the Sunday night drama with Teri Hatcher and Marcia Cross.  While this does not bring AMC back into the daytime fold, I consider the wise usage of Lucci's talents and fans one for the win category, especially since Desperate Housewives has been struggling in the ratings.  ABC was smart not to let her out of their network since she was bound to be snatched up quickly by a competitor.  Now, we just have to wait for the weekend to pass and the news to be officially announced.

Now that the rumor is true, what do you think?  Weigh in here, daytime fans!

Many thanks to Blind Gossip for the scoop!