Despite the ongoing pandemic, “Dancing With The Stars” will continue this year. The new season of DWTS will launch on Sept 14, 2020. The show will feature fifteen new contestants including, former Disney star, Skai Jackson, Tiger King star, Carole Baskin, and rapper, Nelly. Each contestant will pair up with a professional dancer.
Furthermore, Tyra Banks will host Dancing With The Stars 2020, making her the first-ever Black female host and the shows first-ever solo host. Banks will host alongside returning judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Len Goodman, and Bruno Tonioli.
In addition to the previously mentioned contestants, the cast will also feature Jesse Metcalf, Vernon Davis, Kaitlyn Britowe, AJ McLean, and Monica Aldama, Justina Machado, Jeannie Mai, Charles Oakley, Johnny Weir, Nev Schulman, and Chrishell Stause. The new season will also feature Britt Stewart, DWTS’ first-ever Black female professional dancer.
Contestants hopes
Moreover, the cast shared a few of their hopes outside of winning the mirror ball trophy. Baskin wants to use “Dancing With The Stars” as a chance to rebrand her image, while Nelly is looking to step out of his comfort zone. Overall, it seems that this will be a chance to see celebrities in a new light, but for Baskin, it seems like the competition is her redemption.
As for the other contestants in the competition, their only concern seems to be to have fun and winning the mirror ball trophy. It is safe to say that this year’s lineup features some of the fiercest contestants by far. With so many big personalities, it’s safe to expect some on-air drama. Whatever this season brings, fans and contestants are probably looking forward to a small return to normalcy after spending so many months inside.
It will be interesting to see whether or not “Dancing With The Stars” can outdo its previous seasons.
Carole Baskins Redemption
Although the competition features fifteen celebrities, one of the most eye-catching names is Carole Baskin. Baskin became an overnight sensation after making an appearance in the infamous Netflix documentary, “Tiger King.” Originally meant to highlight the dangers of Joe Exotic’s Tiger zoo, Baskin became the star of the show.
Upon the documentaries released, fans of the show began criticizing Baskin. Headlines swirled alleging that Baskin murdered her deceased husband. Despite the constant criticism she received, it seems Baskin has only become more motivated.
Although in recent interviews, Baskin has admitted that some of the online hate she has received has upset her. Recently she made headlines after responding to rapper, Cardi B’s song WAP. Baskin spoke about the rapper abusing the animals featured in the WAP music video.
Baskin also made headlines for saying she would slap Chloe Fineman for her impression of her on Saturday Night Live. Admittingly, headlines this year with the “Tiger King” stars name in it have not been the least bit positive, hopefully Dancing With The Stars will change things for Baskin.
The Overall Feel of Season 29
Overall, it seems the new casting changes will usher in a new era for the show. Although viewers may find it hard to adjust to the replacement of hosts Tom Bergeron and Erin Andrews.
Considering that Bergeron was with the show for 15 years, it will be interesting to see what the show will be like without him. While changes in shows can be refreshing, the controversy surrounding season 29, specifically about ABC networks recent decisions in casting changes.
Additionally, filming during the pandemic will look very different from previous seasons. For married couples on the show, they will have to live apart to avoid spreading Covid-19 to their partner. Whether the cast will wear facemasks or whether other public health guidelines are in order is unknown. One clear thing, and a reoccurring theme this year, is that the world will have to get used to change.
Opinion News by Reginae Echols
Edited by Sheena Robertson
Sources:
GMA: ‘Dancing With the Stars’ 2020: Meet the season 29 celebrity cast including Carole Baskin, Nelly and more
Los Angeles Times: 2020 just got weirder: ‘Tiger King’ star Carole Baskin joins ‘DWTS’ cast
GH: ‘Dancing With the Stars’ Fans Are Going Wild Over the 2020 Cast of Celebrities
Featured Image Courtesy of Sarah Hoffman’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inline Image Courtesy of Florida Fish and Wildlife’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
