Before the 16th season of “Dancing with the Stars” kicked off, I decided to round up ten of the contestants and try to predict where the show might be going. If you’re an avid viewer, you’ll probably agree that the celebs chosen for the competition are selected for specific reasons. Below are the predictions I’ve made for certain contestants. Based on the season’s premiere, I’d say that my forecast was fairly accurate…
Prediction #1: Dorothy Hamill will join America’s DWTS Dream Team. (True)
This little prophecy couldn’t have been more spot-on. At the first glimpse of clips from her Olympic days, we knew she would join DWTS’ Most Inspiring Contestants Club. But what we love more about this breast cancer survivor is that she’s lost none of her grace. Tying with Derek Hough and Kellie Pickler, she could be the one to beat.
Prediction #2: Victor Ortiz must take his shirt off. (False)
It’s actually too early to tell whether Ortiz will resort to flashing his pecs to score points with the judges and fans. Right now we’re sympathetic to his recovery from a broken jaw. Besides that, his Foxtrot in Week 1 didn’t lend itself to too much booty-shaking.
Prediction #3: Andy Dick will be the most unpredictable Wild Card. (True)
This prediction was accurate, although it is highly likely that Andy Dick would come from a completely humble place. His substance abuse issues were placed front and center during the premiere episode; for once, the world would see him as a gentle soul, rather than an out-of-control basket case.
Prediction #4: D.L. Hughley is our back-up comic relief. (True)
D.L. Hughley is actually our only comic relief. Since we’re seeing a kindler, gentler Andy Dick, the laughs are left up to the show’s other funny guy. But judging from Season 16’s premiere, the King of Comedy is effecting more giggles with his shoddy dance moves than his stand-up jokes.
Prediction #5: Lisa Vanderpump must reprise the “Mrs. Robinson” routine. (False)
Reprising the “Mrs. Robinson” thing may be a stretch. In the debut, Lisa Vanderpump had a little trouble getting so close to dreamy new pro Gleb Savchenko. Her Foxtrot didn’t help matters much. Considering the judges’ tepid remarks, she might not be around long enough to properly seduce Gleb on the dance floor.
Prediction #6: Derek Hough and Kellie Pickler are THE couple to watch. (True)
This one gets a great big True. With Pickler’s saucy moves and ratings-boosting persona, she’s perhaps this season’s most entertaining celebrity. Letting Derek and Kellie dance first means they set the bar in the competition: a safe trio of 7s.
Prediction #7: Len Goodman will hate Karina Smirnoff and Jacoby Jones’ sexy routines. (True)
This one was like a trick question. Jones’ technique is all over the place. But everyone seems to love his jovial side—and also his pelvic thrusts. If he’s around long enough, you can count on Karina and Jacoby to bring the heat.
Prediction #8: Mark Ballas and Aly Raisman: The Hungriest Mirror Ball Contenders? (True)
Absolutely, 100% true is this prediction. Aly revealed that she’s every ounce as spunky as we imagine all gymnasts to be. Her sturdy Cha Cha left some room for growth. But the mere fact that these two tied with Derek and Kellie is proof that they’re coming for that Mirror Ball.
Prediction #9: Wynonna Judd will redefine the term “underdog.” (True)
Her heart wrenching back-story alone makes her an instant crowd favorite.
But after watching Judd’s sleepy opening performance on DWTS, you kind of get the idea that she’s one of this season’s sacrificial lambs. On the other hand, this reality show has helped celebs lose weight, gain self-esteem, and improve their sex lives. Anything is possible.
Prediction #10: There will be no Val Chmerkovskiy romance rumors this season. (True)
Seeing that DWTS’ only under aged contestant (16-year-old Zendaya Coleman) had the highest score of the night, it’s obvious that she and her pro partner Val Chmerkovskiy have spent every ounce of rehearsal time actually rehearsing. Besides, it’s rumored that he and his former partner Kelly Monaco are still “dancing.”
