Dancing with the Stars Season 12 Goes Back to Basics

Dancing With the Stars Season 12 is in a no win situation. Since Dancing With the Stars Season 12 is following the most controversial competition yet, it is placed in a tough position. If they try to match what happened with Bristol Palin, more hard core fans could turn against the series. If they don't, however, then it might not be able to match last year's massive buzz. But judging by the Dancing With the Stars Season 12 cast announcement, they might have chosen the latter risk.

There were constant rumors that Christine O'Donnell would follow in Palin's footsteps this time around. If she didn't, then some other controversial and divisive names were expected to be invited too. However, they chose to go into the other direction last night.

When Dancing With the Stars Season 12 begins, it will have contestants like Kristie Alley, Ralph Macchio, Wendy Williams, Kendra Wilkinson, Hines Ward, Sugar Ray Leonard, Chris Jerchio, and Romeo. In addition, Chelsea Kane, "Psycho" Mike Catherwood and Petra Nemcova will receive a new brand of exposure.

Few of these names really jump out, at least not to the extent of a Palin, Jennifer Grey or Tom DeLay. In the last several years, the show recruited the biggest and most unlikely names they could get, which fueled a lot of buzz. But this time, it appears they are going back to basics.

The Dancing With the Stars Season 12 cast looks more like those from the old days, as C-listers, former A-listers, athletes, tabloid stars and wild cards are in the mix. They usually always are, but there's no one gigantic or controversial figure to dwarf over the bunch. As such, this contest likely won't be a talking point on the political blogosphere, at least.

To fans that were fed up by last year, this will be a major relief. It might have been another issue if O'Donnell was involved, but producers won't comment on whether they even approached her. Either way, if someone stays alive against all odds this time, there won't be such a heated debate over it,

But this might make Dancing With the Stars Season 12 most disappointing to those who did follow along last fall. They didn't need to bring on another Palin figure, yet their choices don't seem all that appetizing at first. It will take some time for these celebrities to establish themselves, and fire up viewers and voters.

With no obvious favorite, no obvious source of controversy, and no real weird selections, this cast could face an uphill battle. Last year's race was the biggest thing on television, but Dancing With the Stars Season 12 has to face that heavy shadow, and face American Idol for the reality competition throne. Its quest begins on March 21 on ABC.

Sources

San Francisco Chronicle- "Dancing With the Stars 2011 cast announced"