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.

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!

Women's Health Magazine Are You Game Photos: NY 2011

 I told you I was going to be working backwards this week on this blog.  So, last Sunday was my Emmys event in LA, but on Saturday, I was in NYC for the final Women's Health Magazine Are You Game? event of 2011.  It is always one of my favorite events that I host all year with a day filled with fitness, fashion, food, and freebies.  Everyone always has such a fun day and this year in NY, I had the opportunity to hit the stage with DJ Chela who spun some amazing tunes at the South Street Seaport.  The area was packed with fitness enthusiasts and tourists who stumbled upon the event and got a bonus....a glimpse at Louis Van Amstel of DWTS teaching his LaBlast dance class.  If you are in NY or Chicago, be sure to look for the event next summer and show off your strong, sexy body.

DJ Chela and me onstage at South Street Seaport.

 Louis Van Amstel teaching his LaBlast class. "Cha-cha-cha!"

Are You Game, NYC? 2011

It's that time again for Women's Health Magazine's Are You Game?  This time, it's your turn, NYC!  I hope you come and join me this Saturday, September 17th at our new location at South Street Seaport from  10AM-4:30PM.  I promise you a day of "fitness, food, makeovers, style, pampering, free stuff, live music, and much more."  If you think that isn't enough, check out the list (See Below) of activities and events for the day or if you want to sweat it out with Louis Van Amstel of Dancing With The Stars, click here for the schedule.  You can register on site for the classes.  I will be emceeing all day by the DJ booth, so come and say "hi" in between your workouts.

WORK IT OUT Shake & Sculpt Workout Center Ride for Your Life Cycling Center Total Body Boot Camp Rock Climbing GET THE LOOK Beauty Lab Manicures, brow sculpting, hairstyling and makeup application. Style Lab Services provided by Style Made Simple One-on-one "shop your shape" stylist consultations Oakley Picture Perfect photo booth Enter-to-win sweepstakes Athleta Enter-to-win sweepstakes PUMA Find your perfect pair

BE YOUR BEST Love Well, Live Well Relationship advice and tarot card readings Great Minds: Ask the Experts Nutrition counseling with Laura Cipullo, RD, CDE, and Martha McKittrick, RD, CDE Fitness assessments Dental hygiene consultations with Crest Pro-Health™ Crest Pro-Health™ Invigorate your way to a better dental checkup American Cancer Society "Run the Blue Carpet" gait analysis DetermiNation sign-up RE-FUEL & RELAX Chair Massages Crystal Light Hydration Station Cooking Demos & Book Signing Featuring MasterChef winner Whitney Miller Happy Hour 12:00PM – 4:30 PM