Dancing with the Stars 2010 Predictions

Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) is back, bringing with it a horde of "celebrity" hopefuls whom will either quickly crash and burn-or take the stage by storm. Do we really care about the watery musical arrangements of popular songs? Or the contestants' true mastery of the tango? What about how much they improve in the competition? Yeah, sort of. Sure, we're curious about who has rhythm and who doesn't. But the show is as much about the celebrities' reputations in Hollywood as it is about their actual dancing ability. And this lively bunch is sure to entertain. Let's take a look at the round up and see how they fare on Season 10's fierce competition.

Chad Ochocinco (NFL star)

DWTS simply isn't complete without its resident athlete. Chad Ochocinco explains that "he wants to compete because he's competitive." But the question is, can he dance? Oh, how we love watching football players stomp around on the stage. But guess what? Chad's Cha Cha Cha is pretty darn good. If they allow him to stay, he'll more than likely loosen up. Even the judges are impressed. He needs a bit more polish. But he's gotten the show off to a great start.

Shannen Doherty (actress)

90210's former bad girl has found another place to showcase her prowess. Her prickly reputation precedes her, which is why we're just dying to see if she surprises us with any kind of dancing skill. The Viennese waltz is her challenge this season. She's got to channel all that alleged hostile energy into something sweet and fairytale-like. The routine is very dramatic. But she needs quite a bit of work on her extensions. You can tell that she's nervous, and the entire performance reeks of it. By the end of it all, you're just glad that she hasn't thrown up on stage.

Erin Andrews (ESPN host)

ABC network really knows what they're doing when they cast contestants for this infamous show. Unfortunately, Erin Andrews is perhaps more noted for being the subject of peephole controversy than for her work as a sideline reporter on ESPN. Erin chooses Ke$ha's "Tik Tok" to showcase her skills (for lack of a better word.) Alas, the performance is a little painful to watch. You can actually feel them counting their way to the end of the routine. The judges seem impressed. But she'll need more than pity-praise to keep her in the competition.

Jake Pavelka (The Bachelor)

Here is a prime example of "reality show incest"-that is, hopping from one reality program to another. This particular phenomenon occurs when a relatively unknown individual becomes a reality show sensation-and then ultimately, a Hollywood celebrity. He's bright, bubbly, and squeaky clean. He has evidently been signed up for the challenge to appeal to the millions of swooning women who wished they'd been offered one of his roses. Despite Jake's fear of imminent failure, his attempt at the waltz isn't half bad. Performing to a version of Seal's "Kiss from a Rose" the Bachelor has put on quite a romantic show. Do the judges agree? Sure, he's an easy specimen to watch. But like the other contestants, he needs a little polishing.

Niecy Nash (Comedienne)

Niecy (and her infamous flower) has been cast in the obvious role of comic relief. But she and all her "jiggly" parts appear to be having a blast on the DWTS stage. Surprisingly, Niecy's every step is on point. And aside from a few technical foibles, the performance isn't nearly as "comical" as one might expect. She is displaying the most personality thus far. But the judges are a mixed bag, with Len giving her the lowest score (a '5') of the evening. It's definitely going to be an interesting season.

Evan Lysacek (Olympian)

Awww, we have an Olympian. Olympians are so cute. This one is a skater. And we all know how gymnasts and the like fare on Dancing with the Stars. Their flexibility and training regimen gives them a leg up (yep-a bad pun) on their competition. The Viennese waltz awaits Evan. And he's got all the grace that we'd expect from an Olympic skater. But the flavor of the performance is kind of milquetoast. It's nice. It's pretty. And the judges' middle-of-the-road responses reflect that. Expect to see him, merely to help hold up the competition and keep the show's momentum going.

Buzz Aldrin (astronaut)

Repping for the senior crew is Buzz Aldrin. But he's not any ordinary "Cloris Leachman." He's a real-live astronaut. And he looks surprisingly crisp for an 80-year old. So, how is his Cha Cha Cha? He's counting his stepa, and is quite wooden in his movements. Dude is having a good time out there with that "hot chick." The crowd is going wild. The judges love Buzz, but aren't too forgiving about his technical abilities. So what if his performance isn't up to typical DWTS standards? The judges give Buzz some brutally honest feedback. But hey, who else can say they've walked on the moon?

Nicole Scherzinger (pop star)

We're all wondering whether Nicole Scherzinger will suffer from the "Mya Syndrome"-which is a tendency for judges (and/or voters) to pigeonhole any natural talent in favor of another less proficient contestant in the competition. Yes, this Pussycat doll already comes to the competition with a few signature moves tucked into her repertoire. As a result, Nicole makes this Viennese waltz look effortless. Surprisingly, this isn't always enough to keep the judges happy. Most of the panel is quite pleased with her buttery performance. But in this case, it is Len who serves up sour grapes: Nicole is good, but apparently doesn't have enough "musicality" to really be a professional ballroom dancer. Says the crowd: Booo Hisss.

Aiden Turner (All My Children soap star)

We all know that soap operas are slowly becoming extinct. Perhaps that is why Aiden Turner is perfect for the role as Dancing with the Stars' resident hunky contestant. And oh yes, we love that accent. He's a jokester, which we love. But how will this translate to choreography? The ladies appear to enjoy his Cha Cha Cha. But he's still got a case of "stiff-arm-and-leg-itis." The judges give it to him straight: Kind of close, but no cigar. He's really going to have to step up his game (bad pun intended) if he plans on hanging around.

Kate Gosselin (TLC star)

The same "incestuous reality show" phenomenon that applies to Bachelor Jake could be applied to Kate Gosselin, clearly the most popular DWTS contestant this season. The controversy about her participation on the show has already reared its ugly head even before she's set one stocking-ed foot onto the DWTS stage. The other "Octomom" is set to tackle the Viennese waltz. The music is soft and pretty. Kate's steps are tentative and she is clearly needs to learn to relax. The world may be been waiting with baited breath for Kate to take her first tumble. But it appears that she hasn't taken a breath during the whole performance. The judges pretty much share that sentiment. But if she can get over her inner jitters, she might be-well-okay.

Pamela Anderson (actress/model)

Ahh, yes...Pamela Anderson--the bombshell of the competition. You can just smell the gossip blog jokes a mile away. Pammy and her "I've-just-had-a-love-tumble" hairdo are last to take the DWTS stage. Pam shimmies out onto the stage, serving up a stunning impression of "Bed Head Barbie." But for someone without rhythm, it could be a lot worse. It is perhaps her sex appeal that makes up for anything she lacks on the technical side. The judges (and the audience) are thrilled with her exuberance. There are entirely too many "Insert Joke Here" moments in her demeanor. But considering the mixed bag of judges results, don't be surprised if she makes it to the end.

SOURCES:

www.abc.com