Wishes for the Next Season of 'Dancing'

Posted 01/09/09, 2:15 PM GMT by Kristina Lopez
Categories: Blogosphere, Fun & Games

With 'American Idol' tweaking it's format for the new season, it only makes sense that the other competition show and ratings juggernaut, 'Dancing With the Stars' consider a change of pace.

Buddy TV has a wish list of six things they want for season 8. For the most part, the list seems reasonable including ditching the lift ban and axing Samantha Harris off the show. After the microphone gaffes with Marlee Matlin during season 6, it's easy to agree with the latter -- but there are a few more things to add to the list.

Bring on Guest Judges
It doesn't have to be as gimmicky as 'Idol' where the guests "mentor" the contestants/promote their latest project. You can just have a guest judge like Debbie Allen -- with both acting and dancing cred -- on the show to give tips and assess the performances. Sure 'DWTS' is mostly about coordination and dance skills, but showmanship is important too. Who better to give advice to competitors than actors who have danced or choreographed for the camera? Plus, it'll be nice to understand another judge's critiques besides Carrie Ann Inaba.

Get Better Star Power
Granted, George Clooney isn't about to shake his grove thing, but after six seasons you couldn't do better than Rocco DiSpirito or Corey Linley? This show isn't embarrassing like 'The Surreal Life' and should be getting higher star-wattage at this stage in the game. ABC should be able to pull some strings with actors from former shows. Now that 'Dirty Sexy Money' has been canned, what's Blair Underwood up to these days?

Cut to the Chase
For the next season 'American Idol' is cutting down some of their results shows to a half-hour, why not do the same? Do viewers really need to endure several meaningless dance numbers? Or watch guest singers perform for a dance competition if they're just going to hover over the mic stand? We just want to see the red light glowing over the celeb that gets the boot without wasting 59 minutes of our time.

Do you have a 'DWTS' wish list?