There's a fine line on spoilers for this show, but basically if there is fairly confirmed information (i.e. the celeb confirms it, the dancer confirms it, there are photos of them rehearsing) those are pretty much spoilers. That said, we don't seem to have too many people who are like, "No! I can't know rumored contestants until they're announced!" so if you slip up, don't sweat it.

From Wikipedia

Warren Sapp is 6'2" and 300 pounds! Or at least while he was playing. Whoa. Another big'un for Kym? Or Edyta?

If they keep inviting these huge football players, they better hire a big female pro dancer. I am not sure if there are any out there, but it is a bit painful to see Kym or Edyta dance around these giants.

They'd have to branch out--most of the really tall ladies are in Smooth and Standard, not Latin and Rhythm (ditto most of the really tall men, for that matter, except Andre Gavrilline.)

So, Maks in for Jonathan, Ashley for (presumably) Julianne...wondering, though, why Jonathan has decided being on the show isn't compatible with competition while Anna (who's had excellent results with her new partner in the pro Latin division) apparently hasn't.

Anna went missing for 2 seasons because she was competing. I can see Jonathan doing the same thing.

Lance Bass on DWTS





We've heard this rumor before - you never know though. Maybe the MANGO last season was to test the waters.

ETA: Kym was seen with Cheryl partying. I guess she's back from Australia and isn't doing the Australian version. That means she's back for season 7.

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Kellie Pickler wants to be on Dancing with the Stars

I don’t think ABC will go that far. First, they have to find an openly gay pro. A gay and a straight guy partnership doesn’t make sense. Second, DWTS is billed as a family show. Third, will women watch two men doing the V. Waltz?

I'm wondering whose idea is it to pair Lance with a male (if this rumor is indeed true), the network, the producers or him. I saw the Mango being done for a laugh and not testing the waters, but he is good friends with Shannon Elizabeth so it wouldn't surprise me if she passed him name on.

Ugh, the idea of pairing Lance with a male pro because he's gay is stupid IMO. So what if he likes dudes? Why does that mean he should be paired with another guy? The show isn't Hookups With the Stars (well...we've heard what goes on behind the scenes, but y'all know what I mean) -- so the fact that he's gay shouldn't have any bearing on the gender of his partner. The show is about dancing, and the dancing world has a plethora of gay males with female partners -- I'm not aware of one m/m partnership, but then again I'm not involved in ballroom. So I could be wrong.

No, I think you are not wrong. I haven't seen a m/m partnership either. I hope these are just the 'juicy' rumors and ABC will not have a male/male team competing next season. To me, this would be as wrong as pairing Laila Ali with Danny Devito.

It doesn't say that he'll get a male pro. The article said that they're thinking on whether or not to pair him with a male or female pro. They better think some more cause whoever male pro they pair him with .... it's gonna impact his career in many levels.

I know that -- I'm just saying that I hate the idea to begin with. It sounds like a stupid gimmick to me. There's really no good rationale for it. What, because Lance is gay all of a sudden he finds girls icky and can't dance with them? I doubt that's the case. If ABC goes in this direction, they will deliberately be doing it to court controversy (like that's anything new, I shouldn't be surprised). But they'll probably try to spin it as, "Oh, we're so open-minded and tolerant. We treat gay people as equals!"

I've always wanted to see ballroom dances by two men or two women. I saw a news piece about gay couples who are taking same-sex ballroom classes because they want to be able to dance together. Pasha from SYTYCD (who is straight) was one of the instructors. However, I don't think DWTS is the place for it. I think this would be a gimmick and probably cause an ugly backlash.

My thought is: ABC is owned by the Mouse, I can't see it happening.

and they're already discussing who should dance with Lance....

http://www.gaytvblog.com/2008/07/who-should-danc.html

Lance being gay shouldn't have any bearing on the sex of his partner. It's ludicrous. I'm not against a m/m pairing--I loved that video of Pasha dancing and teaching. But it wouldn't be treated as any other partnership, it would be exploited and probably played for laughs.

I agree with O2Sean, at its worst it would be a gimmick and it would get so ugly. I don't want to see that, it would be so horrible.

ABC has its share of problems on gay content (or at least their "news" division does), but ABC's primetime shows are much more supportive of gay content than anything on the other big networks. Disney is also gay-friendly.

I just don't see the point of this happening. DWTS has always presented itself as a traditional show, and many people out there don't see a same-sex couple dancing together as anything close to traditional. I also doubt there are a lot of highly trained male ballroom dancers/choreographers who could step in to partner another man.

The whole thing seems ridiculous to me and would make a mockery of too many things to even list. The only amusing part would be the look on Len's face. I'm going to just assume this is a false rumor.

That's just bizarre. I mean, there are a whole lot of male pros out there who are just fine dancing with women and making a living off it. There is no NDCA or USADance category for same-sex pairings because, with the exception of Argentine, none of the dances were meant for same-sex pairs. (Argentine, meanwhile, is an entirely separate category that could probably have a dozen different styles.) That's never stopped gay men from participating in the sport. Quite possibly because nowhere is it written that being gay and leading/taking the masculine role are mutually exclusive.

Not to mention, who'd dance follow? Would they switch off? I guarantee you the male pros all know the follow parts, but really.

I don't think the male/male dancing will happen. Among other demographics, the show has wanted to increase male viewers, hence the love affair with sports stars....and eventual winners. Male/male dancers won't do that. But two women? That'll do it. Anyway, if Lance Bass is really going to be on the show, they'll tease us with this male partner thing for a while, but he'll end up with a female pro.

I seriously doubt that there would be a same-sex pairing for Lance, unless he specifcally requested a male partner, which would be a different matter altogether. DWTS:Austria, as I have mentioned before, is the only version of the show that is currently considering a male/male competitive couple for its next season, but that's only because the celeb in question, who is openly gay, 1) specifically requested a male partner, and 2) was that version's original host and served on the judging panel during the most recent season. Moreover, the male pro who was requested is straight (he's still a newlywed, in fact), and has already agreed to the pairing, as has the producer of that version--but it will only happen if the rather conservative Austrian network allows it.

As for the logistics of who would lead if Lance were given a male partner, if he requested one? That's easy--he'd lead (and his male partner wouldn't be dancing in drag, either. Jonathan and Steve's "Mango," although clearly meant as a joke, is an excellent example of just how such a competitive male/male pairing would look and work, and it would work well with any of the Standard/Smooth or Latin/Rhythm dances--yes, even the Rumba.)

All of that having been said, however, I would only agree to a male pro for Lance if he were to specifically request one; otherwise, I agree--and so would he, I'm sure--that having him dance with a male pro simply because he's gay (and not because he specifically asked for a male pro) is a ridiculous idea that would be done for all the wrong reasons--and that could, in fact, backfire massively as a result.

I couldn't care less that Lance could be paired with a male. I don't see what the big deal is anyway. I say go for it.

The big deal, in my opinion, is that unless Lance had specifically asked to be paired with a male pro as a condition to his being on the show, it would be seen as an unnecessary attempt at stunt casting that could potentially do far more harm than good, mainly because, in my view, it would send the wrong message, and for the wrong reason, as it's both condescending and insulting to gay men simply to assume that just because they're gay, they're incapable of successfully partnering a woman, or that they would automatically only want to dance with another man. That, to me, is stereotypical thinking at its worst. Most gay men can and do partner women very well, even in such sexually charged dances as the Tango and the Rumba.

Therefore, to me, it's really neither necessary, nor even desirable, for Lance to be given a male partner unless he has specifically asked for one, in which case I would have no problem with the idea at all (in fact, I'm personally hoping that DWTS: Austria is allowed to go there for precisely that reason, namely, that the openly gay celeb in question did request a male pro and the male pro in question has agreed to do it if the network will allow it, because that would be sending the right message, and for the right reason, in my opinion.)

I personally prefer traditional mixed gender couples (m/f) compete in or showcase ballroom dancing. I think what makes any ballroom event so beautiful and spectacular is, besides music and performance, a combination of women’s colorful ballroom dresses, heals, jewelry, makeup, hair, their gorgeous bodies, feminine gracefulness and the strength and masculine grace of their male partners whose dance clothes are beautiful as well, but traditionally less showy. I just don’t see anything spectacular in two men dressed in traditional male clothing waltzing together. If Lance asks for a male partner and ABC agrees to that, I am afraid that'll take away a lot from the show.

On the other hand, male/male partnering has a dynamic all its own that's really hard to describe unless you've really seen it done well--such as the male/male partner dances that are required on SYTYCD once that show is down to its Final 4, the Argentine Tango as done by two Argentinian brothers whom I've seen kill that particular dance on You-Know-Where, or the all-male version of Swan Lake that I saw on PBS about 15 years or so ago. There's just a particular kind of energy and power that I see and feel in male/male partnering that I just don't see or feel in traditional male/female partnering (as lovely as that is to watch), or even in female/female partnering (and yes, I've seen two women doing the Argentine Tango, too--and for me, there's no comparison to seeing it done by two men.)

Thus, I don't think that it would really take anything away from the show if Lance asks for a male partner and ABC allows it to happen. I just don't want TPTB to give him a male partner for the wrong reason (which they would be doing, in my view, if he hasn't asked for one and they do it simply to exploit the fact that he's openly gay), as I feel that doing that under those circumstances would be disastrous for the show.

Yes but, as far as I know, none of the dances on SYTYCD are like the ones on DWTS -- none of the m/m pairs are doing the rumba, foxtrot, cha cha, etc. (Note: I've never actually seen SYTYCD, so this is a huge assumption on my part.) I don't disagree that m/m partnering has its own power, but the dances on DWTS are for m/f. Traditionally speaking, anyway. I guess, since DWTS isn't exactly a traditional ballroom contest to begin with, it doesn't matter so much, but it's still annoying. Feels like controversy for the sake of controversy.

And if Lance is the one who requested a male partner, that makes me annoyed with him. Why would he need a male partner because he's gay? I assume he's not doing the show in an attempt to get laid. Does he not feel comfortable with a woman? Does he suddenly think the female pros have cooties?

My guess though is that this is just a stupid rumor that ABC cooked up. Lance doesn't seem like the type to request a male partner -- I remember when he said that he didn't want to be the poster boy for gay celebrities, or something like that, so it'd be weird for him to draw attention that way. But that quote was from a while ago, so he could've changed.

Actually, if he were to request a male partner, it would more than likely be for that very reason, i.e., that he'd simply feel more comfortable dancing and working with another man than with a woman. I know that, as a gay man myself, if I were to be on the show and were to be given a choice in the matter, I'd much rather dance with Jonathan or Alec than with Anna or Edyta, simply because I'm more comfortable working with men and feel that I could relate to them better than I could to a female pro. To me, that's not me being misogynistic--it's simply the way I'm hard-wired.

I don’t see a reason why Lance won’t be able/comfortable dancing with a female pro. Lance faked it for so long… I’m sure he can fake it for three months.

Still…if they don’t give him a male pro…. people would think ABC chickened out.

Question is… if they decide to give him a male pro. Will they give him an openly gay male pro, or a straight male pro?

Maybe he'd feel more comfortable with a man but that doesn't mean that he should be uncomfortable or incapable of dancing with a woman. And if he is downright uncomfortable, period, then he shouldn't be doing the competition. I know that ballroom dancing has a lot of romantic connotations so it helps if you find your partner attractive…but it's not a major requisite, and there's always acting to fall back on.

I thought that Kristi had a clearly platonic chemistry with Mark -- IMO it was pretty obvious that she wasn't sexually attracted to him (ew, I hope not), and that she probably didn't feel the most comfortable dancing with him so intimately, at first. The same goes for Jennie and Derek, and those two performed well too. Just because the dancers don't feel some sort of physical attraction to their pros -- whether it's due to hard-wiring or not -- that shouldn't prevent them from doing a good job.

Now I feel like I'm getting ahead of myself, lol -- I mean, it's not even certain that Lance will be on next season, much less the possibility of his getting a male pro.

I am thinking it'd probably work out well if gay community could prepare 10-12 same-sex couples and asked ABC for a gay version of DWRS. I have seen two women tango in "Frieda", but wasn't impressed. But I've never seen two men dance a foxtrot or walz or rumba. I suppose it could be as beautiful as a good dance performed by a m/f couple. I guess the only way to form an opinion is just to watch and decide. I'd watch. Besides, it'd present an opportunity for the public to choose what to watch - if people don't like it or have other issues, they are free not to tune in.

Legaleagle, I understand your concern. Yes, if ABC pairs Lance with a male partner without being asked to do so, it could be taken as tactless and even offensive.

KIM KARDASHIAN on DWTS

I was just about to post an article on her joining. Supposidly she is in talks with them. UGH. I think she would be a horrible choice.

Double UGH. No matter who her partner is, I don't think I would be able to watch the show until she was gone. Please be a nasty rumor.

Triple UGH. They have to be able to do better than some pseudo-celeb famous for her ass and her amateur porn video. Talk about bottom of the barrel.

Oh, please! No Kim Kardashian! They can't be that desperate. If so, get Danny Bonaduce. At least he's funny!

Antonio Sabato Jr. has said on a few instances he would like to be on DWTS, and was seen with Cheryl yesterday.

He just got done doing celebrity circus so I wonder if he will even do Dancing this season. Also don't the pros meet their celebs after the cast announcement has been made?

I loved Antonio as Jagger on GH so I hope it's true that he's competing. I also like Danny Bonaduce - it's good to have someone funny on the show, a la Adam Carolla. I never heard of Kim Kardashian but she looks good, at least. Can't wait to hear the lineup!

Nooooo -- that's blasphemy. Take it back! :P

If Kim's on the show, be prepared for Cheetah Girl(s) to once again show up in the audience since Adrienne Bailon is dating the boy Kardashian.

Have any of the pros (besides Jonathan) said for sure that they won't be participating in season 7? I was just thinking about the potential line up of pros for the fall and was wondering who's available and who's not.

I think Maks is back -- and Ashly del Grosso thought she'd be back but turns out she won't. Oh, and I think Julianne's now saying she'll be back - or will probably be back, after at first saying she probably wouldn't. My main wish is that Alec Mazo would come back. And I think our wonderkinder boys have sorta confirmed they'll be competing (Derek and Mark.)

So I'll assume:
Tony (for any elder or less-hot contestants, ahem),
Maks (for a tall "contender"),
Mark (for a short smallish young/pretty girl -- uh, how about Kim Kardashian - sorry, tip and fall)
Derek (for a bit taller smallish young/pretty girl)
x
x (and the last two slots for the Fabian or Louis or my sweetie Alec)

Julianne - may get a contender after Adam C. - hmmm, Sabato?
Cheryl - for a short non-contender
Edyta - for a taller non-contender
Karina - could get a break after sorta being cheated - well, Mario looked like he'd make the final but didn't
Kym - will probably get her usual tall overweight oaf, poor girl, she's the female Tony I s'pose
x - who am I forgetting? but we know it won't be Ashly

*sigh* Well, I suppose Mark is due someone loathsome to counterbalance his getting America's Sweetheart last season.

Is this true? YES!

I'd like to have Elena back.

I'd like to see Elena back also. What about Anna? Is she going to be taking the season off to compete?

I'd like to see TPTB bring in some new female pros. They could replace Edyta and Cheryl and I wouldn't mind. Not that I dislike them; I'm just bored of them.

Bringing Fabian in last season was great (thanks, Tony!) so I hope we get to see him again in the fall. And speaking of Tony, I wonder if he'll be taking this season off to spend time with his wife and kids (aren't his twins due soon?).

Acccckkk! It was Anna I couldn't think of -- hopefully she'll be back :)

And TruBrit, if I'm recalling correctly, a while back Ashly said on her website or Facebook or something that she would be back. Then she took that message DOWN and I think posted that she would NOT be back after all. People were guessing that Julianne was called in for duty, after all, maybe after thinking she'd get a season off to tour or promote her music or whatever. I'm pretty sure Julianne told a reporter or somebody that she had two more years (or seasons?) on her "contract" so she had to work if they called her.

Personally speaking, I can't imagine them being willing to just let Julianne off and take Ashly instead -- Julianne is hugely popular !! and there's no point in the show taking undue risks. Well, jmho, but last season was hurt a bit due to lack of Maks and Juls leaving early -- so I think they realized they need both of those big-draw pro's to keep riding high. (and they're losing Jonathan who I imagine is really popular too)

How come Charlotte hasn't ever been asked back? Cheryl is so getting the Monica/Tucker of this year. If Lance Bass is going to be on the show this year I would like to see Kym get him. I know she had the one Nsync guy but I think she deserves another shot at the title after all she's put up with. Also they gave Karina 2 Marios.

I wouldn't have a problem with that pairing at all--but that's assuming that he hasn't specifically asked to be partnered with a male pro. If that's the case, then, with all due respect to Kym, I'd much prefer to see Lance get Mark or Tony than be forced to dance with her or any of the other women. (Jonathan or Louis would be perfect, but alas, neither gentleman is an option this season! *le sigh*)*

And I seem to recall hearing that the reason that Charlotte hasn't been asked back is that she supposedly wanted too much money after the first season. I think that's a real shame, since she and Anna are in my opinion, easily the two best female Standard dancers the entire DWTS franchise has ever had, with Jonathan and Nick being the two best male Standard dancers.

It looks as though Standard is going to be sorely underrepresented this season (even more so than usual), with Jonathan out, and with Anna possibly out as well. I don't think Kym can really carry the Standard burden by herself.

*NOTE: I am only mentioning this because it is still a very real possibility at this stage--I really don't intend to get into yet another debate about whether Lance should even be permitted to request a male partner, much less dance with one. I personally feel that he should be permitted to request one and dance with one, if he wants, but since the mileage varies so greatly on this particular subject, that's all I'm going to say about it, for the sake of forum harmony.

Well, you know, Lance Bass would fit my "tall contender" projection for Maks, lol. He'd be the last one I think they'd put Lance with, though, because I think they depend on him, more than any other male pro, to excite the ladies at home. Not that they couldn't crush on him with a male partner, but I think it would be easier for them to imagine themselves in the place of a female partner than a male one, and I bet the producers agree. But I, too, should shut it on the subject for the sake of forum peace...

I didn't know Louis was definitely NOT going to do DWTS! That makes my Alec more of a possibility, with Jonathan bowing out. At least I hope so! My luck they'll find a newbie instead of calling him back into action. Hmmmpf. And interesting that Charlotte may have asked for more money. I've heard that's why Alec missed several seasons. I hope it was that instead of her age but you never know in this biz. They just fired Nicole Cutler over at Strictly and she was only mid-30's. (yet they're apparently keeping 40-something Anton du Beque or whatever his nom de plume is. Ergggggggg!)

I think DWTS would have been ever so much better with Charlotte! (and with Alec every season - and not always with a too-tall or too-bimbo model.) But they did bring Marky and Derek on, so I can't complain too too much. Marky's my go-to crushee so I'm armed (with DVR and controller) and ready for action!!

Edit, nevermind. lol

I don't believe Jonathan has decided to take the season off. The only place I've ever read it was in that Wikipedia listing posted at the top of this thread. It didn't have a source when that was posted and the site has now removed it.

Updated entry

He was on the press circuit with the other pros promoting the new season, so I wouldn't count him out just yet!

Edited to add that Anna was with him, so I wouldn't count her out so fast either.