Well, it looks as if those who were hoping for a country music showdown will be disappointed. That is, if things play out on "Dancing With The Stars" Season 16 the way the oddsmakers arranged the chances of each celebrity winning the Mirror Ball Trophy, there's little chance that Kellie Pickler and Wynona Judd will be vying for the crown at season's end. No, instead of a country singer showdown, it appears that the professional oddsmakers see it as most likely a contest between athletes.
According to odds site Bovada, it is clear that those in the know have little faith in the comedic actors, D. L. Hughley and Andy Dick, or Judd or reality star Lisa Vanderpump. In fact, none of the four have better odds than 15/1 to win "DWTS" 16. Who is least likely to win? Andy Dick is the standout at 40/1 odds, quite a stretch ahead of next-to-last Vanderpump, who places at 25/1 odds of winning the trophy. Since much of "DWTS" voting, especially in the first few shows, is primarily based upon reputation and fan-base loyalty, Dick's penchant for making tabloid headlines will most likely make him the first contestant kicked off the show (unless someone simply riles the viewing voters or presents themselves as hopeless on the dance floor).
But as is usual in these types of things, those contestants that seem to be more athletic and graceful (sometimes only by professional reputation) were given the best odds to win. Popularity and youth also impacts placement (as we've seen in previous seasons), which helps explain why country star and former "American Idol" finalist Kellie Pickler finds herself having the third best odds of winning (which puts her in the finale if it holds true). She is followed closely by Disney star of "Shake It Up," Zendaya Coleman.
Those the oddsmakers think have the best chances of winning? Olympic gold-medaling gymnast Aly Raisman and NFL wide receiver Jacoby Jones of the recent Super Bowl champion Baltimore Ravens. Jones scores 4/1 odds going into the dance competition, not too far off Raisman's 3/1 pace.
But will they stay there? Or could we actually see a Pickler and Judd -- and some third party -- dance-off in the Season 16 finale? Anything is possible. In a given season, there are a lot of variables to contend with to get from the beginning of the season to the end. Andy Dick has already made headlines for a meltdown during rehearsal, thus possibly ensuring a speedy exit to support the oddsmakers' positioning. That aside, the aforesaid variables -- like injuries, attitudes, actual performances on the dance floor, comments (good, bad, emotional), who their professional partners are, and other unforeseen aspects of live competition -- could heavily impact where each of the celebrities eventually finish the season.
"Dancing With The Stars" Season 16 premieres on ABC Television on Monday, March 18, at 8 p.m. (EST).
"Dancing With The Stars" 16 Odds To Win
11. Andy Dick - 40/1
10. Lisa Vanderpump - 25/1
9. Wynona Judd - 20/1
8. D. L. Hughley - 15/1
6. Victor Ortiz - 10/1
6. Ingo Rademacher - 10/1
5. Dorothy Hamill - 15/2
4. Zendaya Coleman - 6/1
3. Kellie Pickler - 9/2
2. Jacoby Jones - 4/1
1. Aly Raisman - 3/1
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