Even though ABC initially said they won’t be announcing the season 16 cast until Tuesday on Good Morning America, the network revealed in a commercial that ran during Sunday night’s Oscars that Baltimore Ravens’ wide receiver Jacoby Jones will compete on the show this spring.
DWTS Pro Update: Maksim Out, New SYTYCD Alum In >>>
If history is any indication, we should already hand over the mirror ball trophy to Jones, with other NFL players like Emmitt Smith, Hines Ward and Donald Driver having already won in past seasons.
In an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live recently, Jones was asked if he would like to join DWTS. His response? “Oh yes, sir … I’ll get it done. I’ll get it done, baby.” You wonder if ABC told Kimmel to ask that question or if it was just a coincidence.
Chelsie Hightower Forced Off DWTS
Maksim Chmerkovskiy won’t be the only professional dancer not returning for season 16. Chelsie Hightower is off the show as well, but not for the same reason. Whereas Maksim chose to leave to pursue film and television offers, Chelsie was forced out, according to TMZ. When asked if she’s sticking around, she started to say, “I’m not on,” but quickly changed course to “I can’t say.” But she did reveal that her leaving is “not by choice.” It’s unclear if she’s just taking a break for a season or two, or will be off for good.
Unfortunately your browser does not support IFrames. Some of the pros expected to return include Cheryl Burke, Peta Murgatroyd, Karina Smirnoff, Tony Dovolani, Derek Hough and Val Chmerkovskiy. Lindsay Arnold from So You Think You Can Dance and former DWTS troupe member Sharna Burgess will join them.
Kellie Pickler: First Idol to Compete
In BuddyTV’s DWTS Season 16 Wish List, I wondered why an American Idol finalist has never competed on the show. But it looks like that’s all about to change, as TMZ is reporting that Kellie Pickler has signed on. With her bubbly personality, she’ll make a great addition. TMZ is also reporting on three other cast names: country singer Wynonna Judd, Olympic gymnast Aly Raisman (the Fab 5 was on our Wish List), and current Bachelor Sean Lowe. Like Jacoby Jones, Aly Raisman should go far in the competition, if not win — again, if the past is any indication.
A representative for DWTS said, “We do not comment on casting rumors, but tune in to GMA on Tuesday when we reveal the cast live!”
Are you excited that Jacoby Jones is joining the cast? What about Chelsie Hightower being forced out? And do Kellie Pickler, Wynonna Judd, Aly Raisman or Sean Lowe have a shot at winning?
Dancing with the Stars season 16 premieres March 18 at 8pm on ABC.
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(Image courtesy of PR Photos)
Staff Writer, BuddyTV
Jeff Dodge, a graduate of Western Washington University, has been a TV news editor for many years and has had the chance to interview multiple reality show stars, including Randy Jackson, Nick Cannon, Heidi Klum, Mel B and John Cena.
