Dancing with the Stars
Gossip (Page 23)

We thank TVSquad.com for providing us with the following report. Now, let's get right to the opening night of this season's Dancing with the Stars ...

Ian Ziering and Cheryl Burke (Cha Cha Cha) - It's tough to be the first dancers of the night, but Ian and Cheryl did a tremendous job. Their energetic performance included some decent footwork. Cheryl's hair was gorgeous, as usual, but I wasn't a fan of the Ziering facial hair. The judges gave Ian some technical criticism, but the pair walked away with a fair score of 21 (Carrie: 7, Len: 7, Bruno: 7).

Paulina Porizkova and Alec Mazo (Foxtrot) - Paulina immediately won sympathy after her partner said that his father had a lot of her pinup photos. Harsh. The former supermodel was worried about looking like Bullwinkle on the dance floor, but she was graceful and lovely. Her choice of dress and hair only emphasized the sophistication of the performance. The judges' opinions differed a bit, unfortunately, and the couple received a 19 (6, 6, 7).

Billy Ray Cyrus and Karina Smirnoff (Cha Cha Cha) - Expected a lot from Billy Ray, and his mullet-themed performance was a big disappointment. Was hoping that Karina's wigs would not show up for a few weeks, but her hair malfunction caused one of the biggest snafus of the night. Billy Ray is very charming, but I had no idea what he was going for out there. The couple's mess of a performance deserved their score of 13 (5, 4, 4).

Leeza Gibbons and Tony Dovolani (Foxtrot) - After making such a big deal of her age, was surprised that Leeza picked a costume that exposed so much of her back. Her behind-the-scenes power struggle with Tony was amusing, however. Their performance seemed stiff; Leeza is not as limber as her younger competitors. She does have great presence, though, and hopefully she can use her work ethic to her advantage. Score: 15 (5, 5, 5).

Joey Fatone and Kym Johnson (Cha Cha Cha) - There's no way that this guy is an underdog. He has more dance experience than any other contestant, and it showed. Joey and Kym's performance was crowd-pleasing and the most technically proficient of the evening. They won everyone over and earned an impressive 24 points (8, 8, 8).

Laila Ali and Maksim Chmerkovskiy (Foxtrot) - With her boxer's physique, Laila manages to be gorgeous and intimidating at the same time. Expected her strong figure to be her downfall, but it ended up being an advantage. Would not have guessed that any couple could generate more heat than Maksim and Willa Ford from last season, but these two are seriously sexy together. Their intense, competitive personalities came through on the dance floor, and the judges rewarded them with a 23 (7, 8, 8).

John Ratzenberger and Edyta Sliwinska (Cha Cha Cha) - John deserves some major points for coming in as a last-minute replacement and doing a presentable job with his dance. The actor was dignified and enthusiastic, and his performance was better than the judges had expected. As usual, Edyta opted for as little clothing as possible, dancing in what can only be called a bikini dress. Luckily, John avoided looking like a dirty old man and received a respectable 17 for his efforts (6, 5, 6).

Shandi Finnessey and Brian Fortuna (Foxtrot) - Bruno compared this couple to Ken and Barbie. Both dancers were impressed with one another's cuteness, and their performance was about as passionate as two dolls moving across the dance floor. Shandi has height on her side, however, and could go far if she shows more emotion in her performances. The couple earned a bland 19 (6, 6, 7).

Clyde Drexler and Elena Grinenko (Cha Cha Cha) - Waited all night for someone to incorporate Clyde Drexler's nickname into the show, and it finally happened in Hour Two. The former athlete did do some gliding; he is certainly a crowd favorite. He seems a bit uncomfortable with his height on the dance floor, though, and his performance was too safe. Score: 18 (6, 6, 6).

Heather Mills and Jonathan Roberts (Foxtrot) - All of the build-up surrounding Mills' disability was pretty distracting. Found it difficult to watch her performance without anticipating some sort of major stumble. It turned out that the only tragic mishap during Heather and Jonathan's dance involved Heather's yellow-and-pink monstrosity of a dress. Yikes. Was she sponsored by a banana company? Her foxtrot was pretty tame, but she seemed to enjoy herself. Heather got no special treatment from the judges, who gave her performance an 18 (6, 6, 6).

Apolo Anton Ohno and Julianne Hough (Cha Cha Cha) - Shandi and Brian may not be the cutest couple after all. Apolo's energy and athleticism were infectious during his cha cha, and his partner Julianne is totally adorable. The pair gave an entertaining, playful performance, but the crowd seemed a little quiet at first. The judges gave them some technical advice, and seemed to love their energy. Score: 21 (7, 7, 7).

Dancing with the Stars is only as entertaining as its cast.

So let's get right to executive producer Conrad Greene and his take on the contestants vying for Mario Lopez-like glory when the show kicks off with a two-hour season premiere on March 19:

• Heather Mills: "We thought it would be interesting to have someone with a disability on because we wanted to prove that dancing is something anyone can do," Greene told People magazine. "She really wants to prove to people that a disability doesn't hamper you in any way."

* The Hollywood Gossip note: She's already proven handicapped people can be gold-digging bags of ho.

• Billy Ray Cyrus: The 45-year-old country singer, who stars with his daughter Miley Cyrus on the Disney Channel's hit show Hanna Montana, hopes he doesn't follow in the controversial footsteps of fellow crooner, Sara Evans.

He was "terrified" about joining Dancing. "He said, 'You don't understand. I can hardly do the achy-breaky dance, let alone a whole routine.' (But) I think he's going to really apply himself," says Greene.

• Leeza Gibbons: "I think for her turning 50, she wants to be opening new chapters â€" not closing them," Greene says of the 49-year-old former Entertainment Tonight and Extra anchorwoman, who now hosts her own syndicated radio show. "I think there will be a lot of women around the country who will really associate with her and what she's doing."

• Joey Fatone: The former boy bander is no stranger to fancy footwork from his singing days. But ballroom dancing is something new for Fatone. "He says he hasn't got a clue how good he's going to be," says Greene. "He's never done anything like this."

• Laila Ali: A personal trainer and daughter of boxing legend Muhammad Ali, Laila, 29, has also entered the ring herself. "The challenge for her will be being light enough on your feet," says Greene. "She's had to bulk up, get muscular in order to box. So it's going to be getting the grace."

• Vincent Pastore: No stranger to reality shows, the former Sopranos star appeared on VH1's Celebrity Fit Club with porn king Dustin Diamond last season. "He just turned 60 and he had a heart condition last year," says Greene. "If Vincent can do it, anybody can do it. This is a show about real people taking it on. He embodies it more than anyone on the show."

• Apolo Anton Ohno: At 24, the Olympic speed-skating champion is the youngest competitor to strap on his Dancing shoes. "It's great to get someone in the middle of their career," says Greene. "(And) it doesn't hurt that he's a great-looking guy."

• Paulina Porizkova: Already a fan of the show, the 41-year-old Czech-born supermodel - who graced the cover of Sports Illustrated long before Beyonce - "just wanted to get out there and dance," says Greene.

• Clyde Drexler: The basketball Hall of Famer follows in the footsteps of fellow Dancing athletes Emmitt Smith and Jerry Rice. "He's a legend," says Greene of Drexler, 44. "Along with people like Emmitt and Jerry, he's one of those people who's the very best at their sport."

• Ian Ziering: "I got the sense with Ian he's really going to throw himself into it," says Greene about Ziering, 42, who's best known for playing Steve Sanders on the hit show Beverly Hills 90210. Too bad they couldn't sign a pregnant Tori Spelling to join the cast as well.

• Shandi Finnessey: The 28-year-old beauty queen (pictured), who was crowned Miss USA in 2004, brings "poise" and a "vivacious personality" to Dancing, says Greene.

We're guessing he hopes she doesn't bring any Tara Conner-related drama, however.

We didn't know this year's Dancing with the Stars would be the one-legged ex-prostitute version.

Such a deveolpment is possible now that Heather Mills has been rumored to join the new cast of ABC's hit reality competition.

The ex-wife of Paul McCartney is used to appearing before judges, of course; but we're curious how she'd fare before the court of Len Goodman, Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli.

A source close to the show tells People magazine that the former model might just show off her samba skills, following in the footsteps of Harry Hamlin and Mario Lopez, when the fourth edition premieres March 19.

"She has not signed yet," an insider tells the publication. "But talks are ongoing."

Mills's rep declined to comment. Dancing with the Stars alum Jerry Springer will announce the new cast on Feb. 21. It's already rumored to include Joey Fatone and Ian Ziering.

Sorry, Mario Lopez, Karina Smirnoff and Emmitt Smith, your time on the dance floor is over.

It's time to make way for a new slew of Dancing with the Stars contestants. Set to premiere on March 19 will be:

• Country crooner Billy Ray Cyrus
• Former "90210" and Tori Spelling co-star Ian Ziering
• Muhammad Ali's daughter Laila Ali
• Former *NSYNC member Joey Fatone

The Hollywood Gossip doesn't believe Fatone, a dancer, should be permitted on the show. And we're throwing our support behind Ziering with the hope of Luke Perry and Rene Zellweger show up to cheer him on.

Lost in the hoopla surrounding Dancing with the Stars couple, Mario Lopez and Karina Smirnoff, is this burning question:

• What happened to Sara Evans?

Here's the latest, fans: The country singer who quit Dancing With the Stars in October when her marriage fell apart, will be part of the show's road tour â€" but only for one night.

She'll perform with her fellow TV hoofers in Nashville on January 21, the Associated Press reports.

"I can't wait to see everyone again and be a part of the show," Evans said. "Hopefully there will be some down time so I can take them to some of my favorite places in Nashville."

That would be nice. A lot nicer than the messy divorce from Craig Schelske, her husband of 13 years, that casued the singer to drop out of the program a couple months ago.

Speaking of that affair: no word from Alison Clinton in awhile. We hope she's ok.

Also due on the Dancing With Stars tour are celebs from past seasons including Drew Lachey, Harry Hamlin Joey Lawrence, Joey McIntyre, Lisa Rinna and Jerry Springer.

Sadly, we assume Shanna Moakler is too busy hating on Travis Barker to take part in the reunion.

Evidently, three Super Bowl titles were not enough for Emmitt Smith. The NFL all-time rushing yards leader ran away with the fan vote on last night's Dancing with the Stars finale, as well.

Smith and Mario Lopez received identical scores on Tuesday night's show, but supporters pushed the running back over the top in the end, as he celebrated with professional dance partner Cheryl Burke.

"I am so proud of this trophy and I am proud to share it with Cheryl," Smith said. "We worked our tails off."

"Emmitt embodied what this competition is all about," season 3 contestant and Paris Hilton-hater Shanna Moakler said. "He deserved to win. Absolutely."

Other participants that had been kicked off earlier also weighed in.

"I don't think you could go wrong with either of these guys," Jerry Springer said. "They both had identical scores so it was who had the more compelling story and Emmitt's was the great American story. You saw his growth throughout the process and that's the great American story. That's the magic of this show."

For Karina Smirnoff, sadly, the magic felt like pure, unadulterated sadness. Tears streamed down her face as she reluctantly talked to reporters and the usually jovial Lopez tried to console her.

"Apparently world-class dancing wasn't enough. That wasn't the criteria it was based on," Lopez said to People magazine. "I don't really care about the trophy. I just wanted to win for Karina. She is honestly the best dancer in the world. No disrespect to the other girls on this show, but they don't hold a candle to her."

And with that, Slater and his date went to watch the Screech sex tape in order to feel better about themselves.

Meanwhile, Sara Evans attended the finale. For those somehow unaware, Evans withdrew from the competition after filing for divorce from political consultant Craig Schleske, her husband of 13 years.

"She was very relaxed, very happy to be here. Her kids are here and they are having a lot of fun. Her son Avery was doing some moves on the dance floor during rehearsals yesterday." dancer Louis Van Amstel said.

It's come down to this. A lifetime of blood, sweat, tears and pranks on Mr. Belding have taken Mario Lopez to the top of the dancing world. Almost.

First, Slater has to conquer NFL legend Emmitt Smith in the finale of Dancing with the Stars tonight.

Friends of A.C from Bayside High recently commented on their fellow alum's chances of doing so:

Jesse Spano: I'm so excited for Slater! I'm so excited! I'm so excited! I'm so ... scared.

Zach Morris: Slater's been training for this the last 15 years. After our fight first day of senior year, he said his one regret was that I wasn't Emmitt Smith.

Now, I understand why.

Screech Powers: Slater winning will be the best thing that happened to our high school class since my sex tape was released.

Not that I had anything to do with that. I've never even met David Hans Schmidt.

Lisa Turtle: Do you like my new top? It's from the Justin Timberlake clothing line.

Anyway, I think Smith will win. But that's just one token black girl's support for a brother.

Kelly Kapowski: I was really hot before gaining a few pounds during Beverly Hills, 90210 and then falling off the face of the eart. Gooooo, Slater!

Mr. Belding: Mrs. B and I love watching that Karina Smirnoff.

Dancing with the Stars has seen Sara Evans drop out and Jerry Springer almost drop his pants.

Tonight, however, it will finally show fans a winner. The finals pit possible couple Mario Lopez and Karina Smirnoff against Emmitt Smith and Cheryl Burke.

Let's see who various celebrities support ...

Mario & Karina

Ryan Seacrest - "Mario Lopez ... he will take it and then the world will wait for him to announce his passionate romance with Karina ... They have to be hookin' up!"

Judge Marilyn Milian, People's Court - "I think Mario Lopez because that Latino is so hot to trot that I could watch him trot all night long."

Dayna Devon, Extra - "I think Mario will win because he works at 'Extra' and I am required to say that. Not to mention he is the best dancer!"

Howard Stern - Mario Lopez will win because he's had professional dance training, but Stern wonders if he "might reveal that he's gay, afterwards."

Emmitt & Cheryl

Rachael Ray - "I am rooting for three-time Super Bowl champ Emmitt Smith. When Emmitt came on my show he taught me how to cha cha, and when he wins I hope he comes back and teaches me all the dances he learned."

Alex Trebek, Jeopardy! - "Although I think Mario is excellent, I have a feeling that America will vote for Emmitt Smith because for him to be doing what he's doing as a dancer, after all the bumps and knocks he endured in his Hall of Fame football career, is truly remarkable."

Undecided Vote

Jerry Springer - "I can't imagine rooting for one over the other. I think Mario is an incredible talent. Emmitt is already a superstar and, when I grow up, I want to be just like him."

Jimmy Kimmel - "Emmitt Smith or Mario Lopez? I should point out there are absentee ballots that have not been counted and Joey Lawrence is extremely popular with our troops overseas."

On Dancing with the Stars, a lot more than simple hip swivels and dips are going down.

There have been rumors of hot romances (yes, we're looking at you, Mario and Karina) and unfortunate divorces. The latter has led to an unexpected shake up on the ABC reality competition.

Yesterday, country singer Sara Evans announced she was filing for divorce and quitting the contest.

Evans has been married to Craig Schelske, but needed to take this time off in order to put an end to their nuptials. Allen Brown, her representative at Sony BMG Music Entertainment, issued the following statement:

"Recent events that shed light on the status of her marriage prompted Ms. Evans to make the filing."

That doesn't sound too promising. Evans may need to join the Christie Brinkley support group for executing dealing with cheating husbands.

The couple has been married since 1993 and has three children.

Evans decided she needed to leave the TV show "to give her family her full attention at this difficult time," Brown said.

You can't fault someone for putting her family first. No one wants any Laguna Beach-like drama when kids are involved.

Is this Dancing with the Stars or Dating with the Stars?

It's hard to say. Just about every possible rumor is swirling around Karina Smirnoff and her partner on the ABC smash hit. Here's all we do know for sure:

She is NOT one of the women in the Dustin Diamond sex tape. We assume.

But here is Karina, seen outside the studios with possible boyfriend, Mario Lopez. She doesn't seem very shy about their cavorting, does she?

We don't know what's going on with this pair, but gossip mills are churning out statements that Lopez has another hot female caller in newly single Eva Longoria.

This comes as no surprise to A.C. Slater followers, however. Those wrestling tights, that jeri curl, that playful banter with Jesse Spano. The high schooler always knew how to work it.

He was the Nick Lachey of Bayside High.