Dancing With the Stars Premiere
(Monday, Mar. 9, 2009)
By now, we're used to the caliber of "stars" that appear on DWTS (with desperate pitches in tow). But these stars risk their lives, er, limbs to get on the incredibly addictive program, and unfortunately, some can't handle the rump-shaking prep work. Case in point: Days ago, both Nancy O'Dell and Jewel backed out (fractured tibias? Ha!). Luckily, D-list stars are aplenty, and Playboy's Holly Madison accepted one of the two understudy spots happily — and in our humble opinion, that's a decent trade-up from a TV correspondent and a tired folk singer (we're dubious about the addition of The Bachelor's leftovers, Melissa Rycroft). The Hef's ex will two-step it alongside competitors like Denise Richards, Lil' Kim, Steve-O, Lawrence Taylor, David Alan Grier and Jewel's husband Ty Murray — all of whom have been tirelessly practicing in the dance studio (unlike Holly and Melissa). For the first time ever, couples must perform the Argentine Tango and the East Coast Swing; plus, before the show's first results show on Mar. 17, the bottom two pairs will take part in a dance-off to best determine who should go home. LAST FRIDAY'S DO-IT: Siegfried & Roy bring back the magic!