Dance Chat: DWTS Judging

Let's chat about Dancing With the Stars voting. I'm frustrated and I know I'm not the only one. For some reason, Len has decided to take his TV antics to another level. We talked about it on last week's AfterBuzz show, but some of you think we are only bringing it up because it involves Derek Hough. That's actually not the case. It's not fair when it's done to any pro whether it was Maks or Val or Anna, who talked about her own experience in our Week 6 episode. In fact, I personally think Karina was the pro most battered in scoring by the inconsistent judging last week.

I don't even want to single out Len on this because Carrie Ann is also guilty of inconsistent scoring when it comes to lifts. It's all or nothing...you have to judge all pros the same. With the direction these two are going, the dance is becoming solely about the pro and not about the celeb.

I have no problem with the pros being judged on their choreography since I believe their creativity and talent can bring out the best in their celeb. If the pro has an off-week in the studio, the celeb usually does. Look at the difference with someone like Leah in Week 5 versus Week 6. A better choreographed routine makes a world of difference no matter how strong the celeb is as a dancer. With that said, the celeb also needs constructive feedback each week to know how they can improve. The judges need to find a balance somehow. Right now, Bruno is looking like the only rational one on the panel. How is that even possible?

Since I'm not the only one who has been frustrated by the judging panel this season, I was brainstorming about how to fix this mess outside of the obvious thought of getting new judges for the show.

1. If you want to stick to ballroom rules, then require the pro to follow certain guidelines with each dance. The list of elements would also be disclosed to the judges and the viewers. This would cut down on the inconsistent scoring since the judges and the pros would know what to follow.  I also think this is a boring choice.

2. Have DWTS finally admit that the dances are a freestyle version of ballroom and other forms of dance. Allow the pros to imagine a dance to its full potential instead of worrying about Carrie Ann calling out a lift or Len arguing over repetitive movement. This idea makes me more excited about what all of the pros could come up with. You want to get nominated for an Emmy? This is a direction that has limitless potential.

While neither of these options will ever be executed, a girl can dream.

As for this week's surprise announcement, I'm going for a guest judge. Maks would probably be a good guess. (And he is in LA right now...hmmm, wonder why?)  It would also balance out the Julianne/Mark/Derek factor with the Dance With Me Studio crew.

Let me know your thoughts on the judging issues on DWTS...how would you fix the show?

See you all on Tuesday on AfterBuzz TV!

DWTS Season 17: Week 5 Preview

We have a first-time guest in studio this week, Gleb Savchenko. We worked hard to get him on AfterBuzz TV last season, but the schedule didn't work out. This season, we are able to make it happen!

It should be an interesting week with the stars dancing to the theme "The Most Memorable Year Of Their Life." While most of us on AfterBuzz predicted this would be the week that Brant would go home, I heard from a few of you that were ready for Christina or Leah to exit. That's what makes this season pretty exciting. It's unpredictable in way that keeps me riveted to each episode.

I'm back in the studio this week after working in Toronto. I believe Anna is out of town though (I will double check), but hopefully, she will join us on the phone.

You know what to do with the questions, put them in the comments below. I will see you all Tuesday at 8 p.m. PT on AfterBuzz TV.


Just a couple of things to remember:
1. Fan questions are a supplemental part of our show. We will get to as many as possible if there is time. AfterBuzz TV shows were reduced to 50 minutes this season because our studios are so busy and there is a show in our studio immediately following our DWTS show.

2. If you are having trouble posting in the comments section, please clear your cache or the cookies on your computer. That usually does the trick!

Leah Remini & Corbin Bleu Interviews: Get Excited For DWTS Season 17!

Is it Wednesday yet? I'm dying for the ABC reveal of the Season 17 cast for DWTS. As I was going over the rumored cast list, I realized I had two old interviews with possible cast members: Leah Remini and Corbin Bleu. Coincidentally, the red carpet interviews I have with them were both done at the same event. It was the LA opening of the Ringling Bros. & Barnum and Bailey Circus back in July 2011.

Both of the interviews were pretty hilarious. Leah misunderstood my question, so watch have the whole thing goes down...over and over...



My interview with Corbin was kind of awesome because I had tickets to see him in Hairspray at the Hollywood Bowl as Seaweed J. Stubbs...and yes, the boy can dance. I think both Corbin and Leah are going to add a ton of personality to Season 17. Bring it on!

Are you ready for this season? I sure am!

I Ran Off And Joined The Circus

Last night was the premiere of Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus' Fully Charged at the Staples Center.  The evening was also a benefit for the Starlight Foundation which "provides entertainment, education, and family activities for seriously ill children in the United States and their families."  It was an interesting mix of celebrities from the Disney Channel to Dancing With the Stars to The Office to the Real Housewives series.  The big question of the night was "If you joined the circus, what would your act be?"  We received some great answers, but no one topped Leah Remini who took three takes to get the answer done.  We included that whole hilarious sequences in our highlight video, so check it out and let me know what your circus act would be.  (By the way, no one ever mentioned being the ringmaster in the top hat!)

 Corbin Bleu of High School Musical was so much fun to interview. I'm seeing him in Hairspray at the Hollywood Bowl on August 7th.  

 Anything for a gag:  donning the clown nose.

 Kyle Richards of the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.  Her husband is pretty hot, they make a striking couple.

 Leah Remini of The Talk.  She's just badass fun.  

 This is the second or third time I've interviewed Melora Hardin of The Office.  She is always kind, sweet, and wearing cute hats.

Olivia Holt of Kickin' It on Disney XD.  Yep, you probably need to be 12 years old to know who she is, but I really like the current crop of Disney kids.  

My circus act:  tight rope walker in 5" Jessica Simpson shoes.