Injuries and Last-Minute Replacements on Dancing with the Stars

It was planned to be a family affair this season on Dancing With the Stars, with singer Jewel and husband Ty competing against each other. However, Jewel and a second dancing contender Nancy O'Dell have already dropped out of the competition less than a week before the ABC debut on March 9th due to injuries.

Access Hollywood co-host Nancy O'Dell, an avid runner and athlete, was diagnosed with a torn meniscus in her knee, and physician Dr. Mark Getelman of the Southern California Orthopedic Institute advised her, "There is a significant tear that will continue to give you symptoms. My best medical advice to you is to not continue to dance right now."

Musician-poet Jewel also had to bow out of the dancing competition due to a fractured tibia in both legs. Jewel told US Weekly, "When the doctors told me my injuries were so severe that I couldn't walk, let alone compete, I was devastated that I couldn't." Her first dance was to be the cha cha. Jewel was set to compete against husband, rodeo champ Ty Murray, thus making this season of Dancing with the Stars a family affair. Jewel has said that while she will not be dancing, she will support her husband throughout the season.

Last season, Misty May-Treanor went down with an Achilles tendon injury. Then two-time champ Julianne Hough had to have an appendectomy. Other injuries have ranged from fainting to food poisoning.

Rumors continue to swirl about replacements for the two female stars. Holly Madison, star of E's The Girls Next Door, is being considered, according to USMagazine.com. Melissa Rycroft(yes, the one who was dumped by Jason Mesnick on the controversial season finale of The Bachelor) has been tapped to replace injured Access Hollywood host Nancy O'Dell, People.com reports, citing a source close to the production. ABC declined to comment. The hit show has its season premiere tomorrow night when Rycroft and Madison are expected to perform.

Sources: accesshollywood.com, USMagazine.com, chicagotribune.com

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