The DWTS Interact Blog is back with commentary on season 27 of Dancing With the Stars!
The thirteen new celebrity contestants and their professional dancer partners were announced on ABC’s Good Morning America on September 12.
This cast features 13 new celebrities, 12 returning pros, and one new pro that was upgraded from the troupe.
With an analysis and first impressions on the season 27 cast, here is Paul Bentley!
Instagram star Alexis Ren and returning pro Alan Bersten
#TeamRenTen
Alexis Ren is a model and internet personality. She has been on the cover of “Maxim,” and has 12.8 million followers on Instagram. Her partner, Alan Bersten, is on his third season of being a pro on DWTS.
Paul Bentley’s Thoughts: Alexis is sort of an “unconventional” celebrity, since she is known more for her internet presence, rather than a presence on more traditional media. We have had very few internet stars on the show, but with the internet more prevalent than ever, it only makes sense to have an internet star compete. Alexis seems to be very engaging with her audience, which can be good for her if she is able to engage people who aren’t already familiar with her. And, of course, since she is a fitness model, I think she will be able to strengthen up her dancing skills fairly easily. She has the potential to be the partner that Alan can truly pull out all of his tricks with!
Radio host Bobby Bones and returning pro Sharna Burgess
#TeamBeautyAndTheGeek
Bobby Bones is a radio personality known for his show “The Bobby Bones Show” across the United States. He was also a mentor on the first season of “American Idol” on ABC. His partner, Sharna Burgess, is on her 12th season in a row as a pro on DWTS.
Paul Bentley’s Thoughts: I wasn’t familiar with who Bobby was beforehand, but I already like his “geeky” charm. He comes off as very charismatic, and he actually seems kind of “hip” to me in a way. I have a feeling that he is going to start off the show with the need for improvement, and then, with the viewers’ votes at home, he is going to be able to stun us with some pretty decent dancing towards the end of the season. But that’s just my hunch. If anyone can help a celebrity improve their dancing, it’s Sharna. She’s had all sorts of partners at this point, so I think she’ll be able to adapt Bobby’s strengths and weaknesses pretty quickly.
Paralympic skier Danelle Umstead and returning pro Artem Chigvintsev
#TeamBlindFaith
Danelle Umstead is an alpine skier who won a bronze medal in the 2010 and 2014 Winter Paralympics. She has an eye condition called retinitis pigmentosa, which gives her decreased peripheral vision. Her partner, Artem Chigvintsev, has competed on seven other seasons of DWTS as a pro, and was the winner of series of “Strictly Come Dancing” in the United Kingdom.
Paul Bentley’s Thoughts: I would say that it’s amazing that someone with a vision impairment like Danelle does is able to do DWTS, but I think the fact that she is able to be a Paralympic skier with her circumstances is even more amazing! She seems like a fun person to get along with, so I think she is going to enjoy her time with Artem. Danelle must be used to facing obstacles already, so I think she can become a true contender for that Mirror Ball Trophy because of the hard work she always puts into everything!
NFL linebacker DeMarcus Ware and returning pro Lindsay Arnold
#TeamWaresOurMirrorBall
DeMarcus Ware is a former NFL linebacker and defensive end. He won Super Bowl 50 with the Denver Broncos in 2015. His partner, Lindsay Arnold, is a four-time DWTS finalist, and won season 25 with Jordan Fisher.
Paul Bentley’s Thoughts: I remember that there used to be a “code” that athletes on this show tend to be either really good or really bad at dancing. But by looking at more recent seasons, it seems like athletes tend to do better than not, even when they aren’t able to generate enough votes to accompany that. I think DeMarcus is finale material, even though his linebacker body might have to get used to the flexibility and grace of ballroom dancing. Lindsay has had quite a few athlete partners before, and she has yet to disappoint me!
Harry Potter actress Evanna Lynch and returning pro Keo Motsepe
#TeamKevanna
Evanna Lynch is an actress, most known for her role as Luna Lovegood in the “Harry Potter” films. She also a podcast about veganism called “The ChickPeeps.” Her partner, Keo Motsepe, has competed as a pro in seven other seasons of the show.
Paul Bentley’s Thoughts: I can already tell from social media that people really love Evanna! Harry Potter obviously has a huge fan base, and I guess that is also the case for Evanna Lynch herself! She looks like she is eager to win, and I like that. I think this could be the perfect partner for Keo to final make it to the finals with, especially if their partnership will go as smoothly as expected. They both seem like very nice people, so I can’t see any major drama happening between them, or with anyone else on the show, for that matter.
Bachelor in Paradise reality star Joe “Grocery Store Joe” Amabile and returning pro Jenna Johnson
#TeamCheckUsOut
Joe “Grocery Store Joe” Amabile is a reality TV star who has appeared on season 14 of “The Bachelorette” and season five of “Bachelor in Paradise” on ABC. His nickname originates from him owning a grocery store. His partner, Jenna Johnson, is the current reigning DWTS champion, who won with Adam Rippon last season.
Paul Bentley’s Thoughts: Historically, people from The Bachelor and its related shows tend to be “middle of the road,” meaning that they are usually mediocre or good dancer who don’t really stand out too much. I’m worried that this might be the case with Joe, but I want to remain optimistic. He needs to introduce himself to the viewing public as his own person, and not just another Bachelor personality clone. But I think it will help him in the voting department to have Jenna, the DWTS: Athletes champion, as his partner.
Dukes of Hazzard actor and country singer John Schneider and returning pro Emma Slater
#TeamSuperDuke
John Schneider is an actor, best known for his role as Beauregard “Bo” Duke on “The Dukes of Hazzard.” He is also a country music singer. His partner, Emma Slater, won season 24 of DWTS with Rashad Jennings.
Paul Bentley’s Thoughts: John is another person this season that I can tell a lot of people like, especially when it comes to the older generation. John seems like a genuine and easy-going personality to me, and that often translates well to TV. He is sort of a TV/film legend, and that will be a huge help for him to progress on the show, even if his dancing skills aren’t the best. And if that’s the case, Emma knows a thing or two about making not-so-great dancers fun and entertaining! XD
Fuller House actor Juan Pablo Di Pace and revived pro Cheryl Burke
#TeamChernando
Juan Pablo Di Pablo is an actor, most known for his role as Fernando Hernandez-Guerrero-Fernandez-Guerrero on “Fuller House” on Netflix. He is also a singer and director. His partner, Cheryl Burke, won seasons two and three of DWTS.
Paul Bentley’s Thoughts: Juan Pablo being on DWTS is going to be a good chance for him to show the public what he is really like outside of his over-the-top Fuller House character. I want to get to know him, because I think he has a big, unique personality inside of him that is just begging to be released! I think he’ll be fun and likeable, especially with his seemingly strong partnership with Cheryl. Just wait and see. I think these two are going to be a stronger duo than people are taking into consideration.
Olympic gymnast Mary Lou Retton and returning pro Sasha Farber
#TeamStickIt
Mary Lou Retton is a retired Olympic gymnast. She won two bronze medals, two silver medals, and one gold medal in her career as an Olympian. Her partner, Sasha Farber, has competed as a pro on five other seasons of DWTS.
Paul Bentley’s Thoughts: Mary Lou used to be one of the biggest names in the Olympics, and being the skilled gymnast she was, she was clearly a popular athlete. Gymnasts typically do really well on the show, even though they are sometimes ranked lower than the general audience wants them to be. But nonetheless, she has her athletic background to count on, even though being slightly older than some others usually means for a less of a chance of making it to the finale. But even if she’s not as good of a dancer as some of the other gymnasts we have had on the show before, she’s in good hands with Sasha.
Zombies actor and singer Milo Manheim and returning pro Witney Carson
#TeamWitlo
Milo Manheim is an actor, most known for his role as Zed in the Disney Channel movie “Zombies.” He also play various musical instruments. His partner, Witney Carson, won season 19 of DWTS with her partner Alfonso Ribeiro.
Paul Bentley’s Thoughts: I had no clue who Milo was before his reveal on GMA, but after seeing some more from him on social media, I think he has that “star quality” that most Disney stars his age have. He might only be 17, but I think he puts himself together pretty well, and he seems capable of executing anything that Witney throws at him. I think this couple is going to be refreshing to watch with their upbeat personalities and youth.
The Facts of Life actress Nancy McKeon and revived pro Val Chmerkovskiy
#TeamMcVal
Nancy McKeon is an actress, best known for her role as Jo Polniaczek on NBC’s “The Facts of Life.” She has appeared on various other television shows as well. Her partner, Val Chmerkovskiy, is a two-time Mirror Ball winner and seven-time finalist on DWTS.
Paul Bentley’s Thoughts: It feels like it’s been quite a while since Nancy has done much of anything big in terms of acting lately. I feel as though she has been out of the “media game” for a while now, so her being on DWTS might take some getting used to for her, especially with it being a live show. I don’t expect Nancy to make it all the way to the finale, but I think she is fully capable of impressing us with some solid technique in her performances. Val hasn’t gotten anything lower than sixth place in the past eleven seasons he has competed on, so I think Nancy has a lot to live up to. But even if she doesn’t catch on to improving her dancing abilities fast enough, I am sure that America is going to love her!
Comedian and host Nikki Glaser and returning pro Gleb Savchenko
#TeamGlikki
Nikki Glaser is a stand-up comedian. She has appeared on various television shows and also hosted various podcasts. Her partner, Gleb Savchenko, has appeared on five other seasons as a professional dancer on DWTS.
Paul Bentley’s Thoughts: We do not get a lot of comedians (especially stand-up comedians) on the show, so I’m very glad that Nikki is part of the show. I like her and her comedy, and it is refreshing to see a female comedian in the spotlight on DWTS for more than just being the butt of a joke. It’s a bit concerning, though, that I don’t see a lot of talk about her being on the show, which makes me think that she might slip through the cracks pretty early on in the season, which I do not want to see. I’m truly hoping that Gleb gives her stand-out choreography so she can stay on the show and experience the DWTS journey.
Singer-songwriter Tinashe and new pro Brandon Armstrong
#TeamFiresAndFlames
Tinashe is a singer-songwriter and actress. She used to be in the girl group The Stunners, and has since released several solo albums. Her partner, Brandon Armstrong, is brand new as a DWTS pro dancer.
Paul Bentley’s Thoughts: A lot of people love Tinashe, which is why I feel bad for saying that I didn’t know who she was before the cast reveal. She comes off as a sweet person, though. I need to see more of her, though, because she feels like the celebrity I connect with the least. And it’s not her fault… It’s just that there are 13 couples I have to catch up with, and Tinashe just happens to not be on my radar yet. But that could all change with one simple dance on premiere night! I’m also eager to see what Brandon has to offer us, being the newest and “freshest” pro of this cast. Being in the troupe for a while, though, makes me think that there shouldn’t be any worrying about whether or not he will be a good partner for Tinashe.
Two-Night Premiere Information
Season 27 of Dancing With the Stars premieres on Monday, September 24, 2018 at 8 pm on ABC. Tom Bergeron and Erin Andrews will return as hosts. Carrie Ann Inaba, Len Goodman, and Bruno Tonioli will return as judges. The troupe consists of Artur Adamski, Hayley Erbert, Britt Stewart, Morgan Larson, and newcomer Vladislav Kvartin.
On Monday, the thirteen new couples will perform their first dances of the season. Each couple will perform either a Jive, Cha-Cha-Cha, Foxtrot, Salsa, or Quickstep. The entire cast will perform in the opening number to I Won’t Dance by Erin Boheme, choreographed by Emmy-winning dancer Mandy Moore. The American public will be able to vote for their favorite couples to save online and on the phone that night.
Then, on Tuesday, the couples will perform their second dances of the season, which will be the same style that they danced on Monday. The pros will perform in the opening number to The Greatest Show from the soundtrack of The Greatest Showman, which will also be choreographed by Mandy Moore. Plus, singer and actress Mackenzie Ziegler will perform her hit song Wonderful.
The cast of Dancing With the Stars: Juniors, which premieres Sunday, October 7, will be announced on Tuesday as well. The DWTS: Juniors cast will dance to Born Ready by Disco Fries featuring Hope Murphy, which is yet another number choreographed by Mandy Moore.
At the end of Tuesday night, the scores the couples received from Monday night and Tuesday night, along with the votes they received from Monday’s and Tuesday’s shows (“live” voting during the Tuesday show), the first elimination will occur, where the couple will the lowest combined total score will come in 13th place.
Here are the scored dances the couples will perform on Monday:
- Alexis Ren and Alan Bersten will dance a Jive to Good Golly Miss Molly by Little Richard
- Bobby Bones and Sharna Burgess will dance a Jive to T-R-O-U-B-L-E by Travis Tritt
- Danelle Umstead and Artem Chigvintsev will dance a Foxtrot to Rise Up by Andra Day
- DeMarcus Ware and Lindsay Arnold will dance a Cha-Cha-Cha to Sweet Sensation by Flo Rida
- Evanna Lynch and Keo Motsepe will dance a Foxtrot to Do You Believe in Magic by Aly & AJ
- Joe “Grocery Store Joe” Amabile and Jenna Johnson will dance a Quickstep to Fish Out of Water by Leo Soul
- John Schneider and Emma Slater will dance a Foxtrot to Good Ol’ Boys from Dukes of Hazzard by Waylon Jennings
- Juan Pablo Di Pace and Cheryl Burke will dance Salsa to Dinero by Jennifer Lopez featuring DJ Khaled & Cardi B
- Mary Lou Retton and Sasha Farber will dance a Cha-Cha-Cha to Treasure by Bruno Mars
- Milo Manheim and Witney Carson will dance a Cha-Cha-Cha to Free Free Free by Pitbull featuring Theron Theron
- Nancy McKeon and Val Chmerkovskiy will dance a Quickstep to It Don’t Mean a Thing by Club Des Belugas
- Nikki Glaser and Gleb Savchenko will dance Salsa to YES by Louisa featuring 2 Chainz
- Tinashe and Brandon Armstrong will dance a Jive to I'm a Lady by Meghan Trainor
And here are the scored dances the couples will perform on Tuesday:
- Alexis Ren and Alan Bersten will dance a Jive to Shake the Room by Gamu
- Bobby Bones and Sharna Burgess will dance a Jive to Gimme Some Lovin’ by The Spencer Davis Group
- Danelle Umstead and Artem Chigvintsev will dance a Foxtrot to Strong Ones by Armin van Buuren featuring Cimo Fränkel
- DeMarcus Ware and Lindsay Arnold will dance a Cha-Cha-Cha to I Like It (Like That) by The Blackout Allstars
- Evanna Lynch and Keo Motsepe will dance a Foxtrot to Rewrite the Stars by Zac Efron & Zendaya
- Joe “Grocery Store Joe” Amabile and Jenna Johnson will dance a Quickstep to Check It Out by Oh the Larceny
- John Schneider and Emma Slater will dance a Foxtrot to Orange Colored Sky by Nat “King” Cole
- Juan Pablo Di Pace and Cheryl Burke will dance Salsa to Tu Sonrisa by Elvis Crespo
- Mary Lou Retton and Sasha Farber will dance a Cha-Cha-Cha to Hot Stuff by Donna Summer
- Milo Manheim and Witney Carson will dance a Cha-Cha-Cha to Good Feeling by Austin French
- Nancy McKeon and Val Chmerkovskiy will dance a Quickstep to Walking on Sunshine by Katrina & The Waves
- Nikki Glaser and Gleb Savchenko will dance Salsa to Tres Deseos by Gloria Estefan
- Tinashe and Brandon Armstrong will dance a Jive to Yes by Merry Clayton
Predictions
Paul Bentley’s Thoughts: This cast is interesting, because for the first time in a while, not a single person stands out as a “clear winner/runner-up,” and not a single person stands out as the person who will be first out. But pre-season predictions are not supposed to be easily, so here’s what my prediction is going to be:
Looking solely on how the audience responds to these couples, I think Nikki and Gleb might unfortunately be the first couple out, which I would strongly dislike. She just doesn’t have people talking yet. I also think Nancy and Val might be contenders for thirteenth place, but I think Val’s fan base is too large to let him get last place.
And, as a shot in the dark, here are my predictions for the final four this season:
- Winners: Evanna and Keo
- Runners-Up: Danelle and Artem
- Third Place: DeMarcus and Lindsay
- Fourth Place: Bobby and Sharna
DWTS Interact Blog Update
This season on the DWTS Interact blog, Paul Bentley will give his thoughts and scores on every dance each week. Plus, the readers will once again get to give their input with comments and scores with polls that will be tweeted out. Guest bloggers will give their thoughts at certain points in the season, too.
Along with the typical dance commentary, Paul Bentley will be be crowing “winners” for each of night of dancing in these categories:
- Most Entertaining Dance
- Best Costumes
- Best Choreography
- Strongest Couple
- Most Improved Celebrity (Excluding the first night of dances)
- Stand-Out Moment of the Night
So what do you think of the season 27 cast of Dancing With the Stars? Who are you rooting for to win? Who do you think will be the first ones eliminated? What do you think about the couples performing the same dance style two nights in a row during premiere week? What other predictions do you have for the season? Are you going to be watching Dancing With the Stars: Juniors this fall? Comment below with what your thoughts!
#DWTS #DWTS27
#DancingOnGMA #DWTSPremiere
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