Season 24 of ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars” wrapped up this past May, and there’s a long list of celebrities who deserve to compete on the dance floor this fall when the show celebrates its milestone 25th season. Below is my suggestion list of candidates ABC might want to consider bringing on-board. Vote in our poll at the bottom of this post to let us know if you agree. Who would you add to the list?
Nikki Blonsky
In 2007 Blonsky made her film debut starring as Tracy Turnblad in the feature film adaptation of the 2002 Broadway musical, “Hairspray,” which earned her a Golden Globe nomination for Best Film Musical/Comedy Actress. Since then she has appeared in several independent films as well as a short-lived ABC Family series titled “Huge” (2010). Wouldn’t it be great to see another former Tracy Turnblad given a shot for the Mirror Ball Trophy? That same role was originated on Broadway by Tony Award winner Marissa Jaret Winokur, who came in fourth place in season six of “DWTS,” and in the 1988 original John Waters film the role was played by Ricki Lake, who came in third place in season 11.
Dakota Fanning
This former child star first rose to fame at age seven in 2001’s “I Am Sam,” which not only earned her a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress, but also made her the youngest individual nominee in SAG history. Since then Fanning has appeared in many films such as “Sweet Home Alabama” (2002), “Uptown Girls” (2003), “Man on Fire” (2004), “War of the Worlds” (2005), the Academy Award nominated animated feature “Coraline” (2009), “The Runaways” (2010), and “American Pastoral” (2016). Would a trip to the dance floor be suitable for her now that she’s an accomplished young adult?
Michelle Kwan
Kwan has actually admitted that she’s been asked several times before about competing for the Mirror Ball Trophy, but the timing has never been right to make such a commitment. This retired figure skater has won two Olympic medals, five World Figure Skating Championship titles, and nine U.S. Figure Skating Championships titles. If her schedule opens up, then watch out. Figure skaters have won “DWTS” twice before: Kristi Yamaguchi (season six) and Meryl Davis (season 18).
Mary-Kate Olsen & Ashley Olsen
In 2015 Alexa PenaVega & Carlos PenaVega became the first married couple to compete on the dance floor in the same season. So isn’t it about time we see siblings do the same? The Olsen twins started out their careers when they were only nine months old, sharing the role of Michelle Tanner on ABC’s “Full House” (1987-95). Both of their on-screen older sisters from “Full House” have competed for the Mirror Ball — Candace Cameron Bure came in third place in season 18, and Jodie Sweetin came in sixth in season 22 — so wouldn’t it be great if the Olsen twins could compete too?
Jamie Lynn Spears
This former child star made her acting debut in 2002’s “Crossroads,” where she played a younger version of the main character played by her older sister, Britney Spears. She then became a series regular for two seasons on Nickelodeon’s “All That” before leaving to star in her own series for four seasons titled “Zoey 101” (2005-2008). In 2014 she began her career as a country solo artist with the release of her debut album, “The Journey.” Wouldn’t it be great to see her back in the spotlight by continuing her “journey” on the dance floor?
What do you think of my “DWTS” cast suggestions? Vote in our poll below toe let us know which of the above you’d most like to see compete. Then leave a comment and join the discussion on this and more with your fellow reality TV fans in our forums.
