Dancing with the Stars

Karina Smirnoff is gearing up for the next season of Dancing with the Stars, and she already has one name on top of her preferred partner list:

Rob Kardashian.

“Obviously everyone’s heard about Rob Kardashian,” she told OK!, adding that she'd love to partner with him. “I think it would be awesome. He’s fun, full of energy. I can definitely maneuver him into some very cool moves.”

Funny, that's what Ray J said about Kim Kardashian.

George Clooney's ex-girlfriend Elisabetta Canalis has joined the cast of the upcoming 13th season of Dancing With the Stars, according to E! News.

Officially, ABC does not comment on casting rumors prior to its official unveiling of the new cast, who will be announced on Bachelor Pad August 29.

However, insiders say the Italian model will be on board, unlike Snooki and Queen Latifah, who were said to be on board, only to deny the rumors.

DWTS could be about to get a lot more beautiful.

In June, George and Elisabetta Canalis called their two-year romance quits. Maybe he can be talked into sitting in at the judges' table this season?

Okay, definitely not.

Interestingly, Elisabetta would be following in the footsteps of Clooney's rumored new girlfriend, Stacy Keibler, who starred on Season 2 of DWTS.

Some rumors are just too good to be true.

The latest on the Dancing With the Stars front was that Jersey Shore star Snooki would be trading her furry boots for ballroom attire and fight for the Mirror Ball.

A source close to the reality star, however, says she has no plans to follow in The Situation's footsteps, saying: "It's 100 percent false ... She's not doing it!"

Sadly, Snooki will only be on one show this fall.

Reps for ABC never comment on casting rumors, but this is one of the first times we can recall TMZ, which reported Snooki's casting, getting it wrong.

The lineup for DWTS Season 13 will be revealed on August 29 during an episode of Bachelor Pad with a two-hour premiere set for September 19.

Queen Latifah and Tiffani Thiessen were also rumored to be joining the cast in the same report that suggested Snooki. Stay tuned on those fronts.

We recently reported about how Dancing With the Stars producers are under pressure from ABC to cast actual celebrities and fewer D-listers such as Bristol Palin, Kate Gosselin and The Situation. Well, today they landed ...

Effing Snooki.

Break out the furry boots and trucker hats (and Bruno's "1" paddle). Supposedly, the cast can pick its own costumes this fall. Our vote is for this:

We already know watching Snooki fall down face first is entertaining, and she is a pretty big name these days (even if you hate the reason why).

Queen Latifah and White Collar star Tiffani Thiessen are also on board, as well, giving the show more celebrities to balance out Rob Kardashian.

Dancing With the Stars is actively courting NBA players, given their lockout sitch, although it's unclear if any ballers have signed on as of yet.

Shawn Marion of the world champion Mavericks turned down DWTS this month. The season begins in September after Bachelor Pad concludes.

Thoughts on these new additions?

Teresa Giudice is scared to be poor.

But the (Un)Real Housewife of New Jersey is not afraid to stir up some controversy when it comes to Dancing with the Stars, challenging the producers on Twitter this week and wondering why she hasn't been cast.

"Would [love] to but they don't want 'Housewives' this season. But Playmates are OK?"

Teresa Giudice just wants a shot - eh? get it?!? - on Dancing with the Stars.

We'd make a joke here about Giudice's lack of talent, but she's right: the series has featured Kendra Wilkinson and Holly Madison in past seasons, and it just recently announced the inclusion of Rob Kardashian.

Would you want to see Teresa on DWTS?

Dallas Mavericks star Shawn Marion was approached by Dancing with the Stars to join its cast this fall, but will not take part despite strong interest.

The reason is simple: The NBA lockout might end early.

DWTS sent him an official offer to appear on the show, but the athlete wants to make sure he's 100 percent available by the start of the NBA season.

The ABC show ends in November and the NBA season usually tips off in late October, leaving the possibility of some overlap if Marion advanced far.

Of course, right now, the league is on ice due to a labor dispute. DWTS, which is also courting Ron Artest, is apparently trying to take advantage.

So far, no luck, though. Fortunately, for those looking to get to know him better of the court, Shawn Marion's reality show is still a go.

[Photo: WENN.com]

So much for that edict from execs demanding actual stars.

Another member of the Kardashian Klan has agreed to compete on ABC's Dancing with the Stars this fall, according to reports, but it won't be Kris, Khloe, Kourtney, Kylie or Kendall following in Kim's two left footsteps.

It's Rob Kardashian!

Multiple sources confirm Rob is officially on board, despite scheduling concerns. Yes, Rob apparently has a schedule. We can't believe that one either.

The two sides addressed the big issue of Kim Kardashian's wedding in August and whether Rob would be available. Turns out he is. Thank GOODNESS.

Other peeps rumored to be in talks to join the DWTS cast this fall include Evelyn Lozada, Hope Solo, John Stamos, Dina Lohan and Ron Artest.

[Photo: WENN.com]

L.A. Lakers standout Ron Artest is reportedly in talks to join the cast of Dancing With the Stars this fall, and sources say he's "seriously thinking about it."

Artest/Metta World Peace does have a potential scheduling conflict if the ongoing NBA lockout ends and the season begins on time, in late October.

The Dancing With the Stars season won't wrap until November, which could land Ron in a serious predicament. Although Artest could handle both.

Will Ron Artest take over a different parquet floor?

Producers are reportedly willing to compromise with the rehearsal times and schedules of stars in an effort to cast actual stars for the program.

In any case, both Artest and DWTS producers have been in touch to hash out a possible deal, and the baller is pretty excited about the prospect.

Also from the sports world, Evelyn Lozada is reportedly in talks.

Dancing with the Stars producers are reportedly on the hunt for more big-name talent and looking to cut down on the D-list dancers of the past.

Sorry, Dina Lohan.

Producers are under direct orders from ABC find "higher profile" people than in past seasons, which have been overrun by the likes of Bristol Palin, The Situation, Kate Gosselin, Audrina Patridge, Jake Pavelka and so on.

Sitch apparently isn't cutting it with ABC bigwigs.

In order to lock down bigger names, producers are offering A-listers complete control over their rehearsal schedule and routines - no minimum practice times, final say over music selections and even costume design, etc.

Whether this move is designed to lure in any big-name star in particular, or whether it will actually work for DWTS, remains to be seen.

Basketball Wives star and Chad Ochocinco fiance Evelyn Lozada may soon follow in his foxtrot footsteps. She's in talks to join Dancing With the Stars!

Producers reportedly the idea of having the reality star on the show, especially since she's engaged to Chad, an NFL star who was a past contestant.

The show is even hoping to involve Ochocinco in some capacity, since he's a former DWTS-er and all. Not to mention a talented one. And hilarious.

No official word from the show on whether this lovely star of Basketball Wives, who is neither a wife, nor involved with a basketball player, will join DWTS.