Things were looking up for Mandla Morris on “Dancing with the Stars: Juniors.” The son of music legend Stevie Wonder got his two highest scores in the last two weeks of competition: Juniors Choice Night and Giving Thanks Night. Unfortunately, he couldn’t quite keep up with the rest of the field on Time Machine Night, so his time was up. Do you think he deserved to be sent home after this week’s paso doble? Watch it above.
The top five contestants performed routines celebrating different eras. Most of them performed dances inspired by the past, but Morris went back to the future for a number even he and his pro partner Brightyn Brems had trouble understanding. Their mentor Cheryl Burke conceived a scenario involving wormholes and brainwashing, but once you got past the odd sci-fi concept it turned out to be an engaging piece of paso choreography.
Sign...
The top five contestants performed routines celebrating different eras. Most of them performed dances inspired by the past, but Morris went back to the future for a number even he and his pro partner Brightyn Brems had trouble understanding. Their mentor Cheryl Burke conceived a scenario involving wormholes and brainwashing, but once you got past the odd sci-fi concept it turned out to be an engaging piece of paso choreography.
Sign...
- 11/26/2018
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
Who needs “Dance Moms” when you’ve got Gleb Savchenko? The “Dancing with the Stars” pro joined the first-season cast of juniors as a mentor to contestant Mackenzie Ziegler and her pro partner Sage Rosen. Ziegler is the oldest contestant of the season at age 14 and arguably the most experienced (she spent several years on the aforementioned “Dance Moms” reality show), but the clip package on Time Machine Night showed Savchenko as more of a taskmaster than usual, highlighting his strict perfectionism. Did his approach get the most out of Ziegler, or was it not his tempo? Watch her routine above.
Ziegler has training in contemporary and jazz styles. She already got to perform a contemporary routine on the show, and as luck would have it this week she got a jazz number. She went back in time to the 1980s for a dance that celebrated that decade’s kitsch,...
Ziegler has training in contemporary and jazz styles. She already got to perform a contemporary routine on the show, and as luck would have it this week she got a jazz number. She went back in time to the 1980s for a dance that celebrated that decade’s kitsch,...
- 11/26/2018
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
No matter the judges’ scores on “Dancing with the Stars: Juniors,” it seems clear that skateboarder Sky Brown is winning the charm offensive. The young Japanese athlete has given inspirational messages to young girls and expressed her unconditional love for her parents and younger brother, and on Time Machine Night she said the scores don’t matter as long as she can keep dancing with her pro partner Jt Church and mentor Alan Bersten. But it’s not just charm — girl can dance too. Watch her Charleston above.
Brown went back in time almost 100 years to the 1920s and performed to, appropriately enough, “A Little Party Never Killed Nobody” from Baz Lurhmann‘s modernization of “The Great Gatsby.” The Charleston is an especially fast-paced dance style, but Sky has handled similarly frenetic numbers when she tackled cha cha and jive in weeks past. And she didn’t miss a beat — well,...
Brown went back in time almost 100 years to the 1920s and performed to, appropriately enough, “A Little Party Never Killed Nobody” from Baz Lurhmann‘s modernization of “The Great Gatsby.” The Charleston is an especially fast-paced dance style, but Sky has handled similarly frenetic numbers when she tackled cha cha and jive in weeks past. And she didn’t miss a beat — well,...
- 11/26/2018
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
Episode seven of “Dancing with the Stars: Juniors” was a night for some wibbly-wobbly dancey-wancey stuff. That’s right, it was time for time travel. On Time Machine Night, the remaining five child contestants performed routines mostly to celebrate an era before any of them were born: the 20th century — yeah, we feel old too. So who had the best time, and who just wasted their time? Follow along with our live blog below for all the minute-by-minute developments as they happen.
The adult version of “DWTS” ended its season on November 19 with a, shall we say, controversial ending, but going into “Juniors” on November 25 there were still five celebs in the running, all of whom actually have higher judges’ scores than the adult winner Bobby Bones did. “Black-ish” star Miles Brown was the judges’ favorite going into Time Machine Night based on his season-long scores, but still hadn’t...
The adult version of “DWTS” ended its season on November 19 with a, shall we say, controversial ending, but going into “Juniors” on November 25 there were still five celebs in the running, all of whom actually have higher judges’ scores than the adult winner Bobby Bones did. “Black-ish” star Miles Brown was the judges’ favorite going into Time Machine Night based on his season-long scores, but still hadn’t...
- 11/26/2018
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
“Dancing with the Stars: Juniors” is going to turn back time and go back to the future on Sunday. For Time Machine Night, the top five couples will perform a routine inspired by a bygone era or a time period that has yet to happen. The farthest back they’re going is the ’20s, aka almost 100 years before some of these kiddies were born. They’ll also cover the ’40s and ’50s, but will then skip all the way the ’80s (so rude to the Swingin’ 60s and disco ’70s).
The couples will perform a quickstep, jazz, paso doble, jive or Charleston. (Is it just us or does “Dancing” nearly always make the futuristic dance a paso?) One couple will be eliminated at the end of the show.
See Ariana Greenblatt made Puerto Rico proud on ‘Dancing with the Stars: Juniors’ with Giving Thanks salsa [Watch]
Week 7 lineup:
Ariana Greenblatt...
The couples will perform a quickstep, jazz, paso doble, jive or Charleston. (Is it just us or does “Dancing” nearly always make the futuristic dance a paso?) One couple will be eliminated at the end of the show.
See Ariana Greenblatt made Puerto Rico proud on ‘Dancing with the Stars: Juniors’ with Giving Thanks salsa [Watch]
Week 7 lineup:
Ariana Greenblatt...
- 11/22/2018
- by Joyce Eng
- Gold Derby
Is Miles Brown losing ground on “Dancing with the Stars: Juniors”? He has been the season’s most consistent performer, and after six weeks of competition he’s still the highest scoring celeb with an average of 25.5 per dance, which translates to 8.5 per judge. But he got stuck in the 9s while Ariana Greenblatt and Sky Brown leapfrogged him to earn the season’s first 10s. Then on Giving Thanks Night, even though the judges praised his foxtrot, his scores actually ticked down a bit. Can he reclaim his place at the top, or is he at risk of an early exit? Watch his routine above.
There actually wasn’t much of anything wrong with his foxtrot. The height difference between him and his statuesque pro partner Rylee Arnold was a noticeable impediment — he gave a shout-out to all the short kids in the audience — but the judges lauded him for overcoming it.
There actually wasn’t much of anything wrong with his foxtrot. The height difference between him and his statuesque pro partner Rylee Arnold was a noticeable impediment — he gave a shout-out to all the short kids in the audience — but the judges lauded him for overcoming it.
- 11/19/2018
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
On “Dancing with the Stars: Juniors” Giving Thanks Night, Ariana Greenblatt performed to the song “Pintame” by Elvis Crespo because “my family always plays this song on the spinning thing,” by which she meant a record player — though she’s so young she might have also meant some other dusty musical antique, like the hard drive of an iPod. She was paying tribute to her family and celebrating her Puerto Rican heritage with a salsa routine that opened a night of gratitude. Watch it above.
Even though Greenblatt performed at the beginning of the night she still had a tough act to follow — herself. On Juniors Choice Night she performed a jazz routine that made history as the very first dance on “DWTS: Juniors” to receive a 10. She got that mark from Adam Rippon along with a pair of 9s from Val Chmerkovskiy and Mandy Moore. She took the confidence...
Even though Greenblatt performed at the beginning of the night she still had a tough act to follow — herself. On Juniors Choice Night she performed a jazz routine that made history as the very first dance on “DWTS: Juniors” to receive a 10. She got that mark from Adam Rippon along with a pair of 9s from Val Chmerkovskiy and Mandy Moore. She took the confidence...
- 11/19/2018
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
Like the rest of his fellow contestants on “Dancing with the Stars: Juniors,” Mandla Morris paid tribute to his family on Giving Thanks Night. But unlike the other contestants, his immediate family includes a 25-time Grammy winner. Morris’s foxtrot on Sunday night was in honor of his father, Stevie Wonder, who gave the promising young celeb a boost by performing “Isn’t She Lovely” live during his routine. Watch the routine above.
Morris started the season as one of the most promising contestants, tying for first place on the judges’ leaderboard on night one. But he lost ground in subsequent weeks, finishing fourth in week two, sixth in week three, and fifth in week four. He finally got his mojo back on Juniors Choice Night, and maybe having his pick of songs that evening was enough to spur his confidence. His Giving Thanks foxtrot kept up that momentum — it was truly gratifying.
Morris started the season as one of the most promising contestants, tying for first place on the judges’ leaderboard on night one. But he lost ground in subsequent weeks, finishing fourth in week two, sixth in week three, and fifth in week four. He finally got his mojo back on Juniors Choice Night, and maybe having his pick of songs that evening was enough to spur his confidence. His Giving Thanks foxtrot kept up that momentum — it was truly gratifying.
- 11/19/2018
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
Our readers have had mixed feelings about Mackenzie Ziegler on “Dancing with the Stars: Juniors.” She’s one of the most technically gifted celebrity contestants, but a lot of that is due to the fact that her primary claim to fame is dancing. She rose to prominence on “Dance Moms” with her big sister Maddie Ziegler. Mackenzie actually dedicated her performance on Giving Thanks Night to her older sib, and then Maddie even came out midway through the performance to make it a surprise trio dance. But the extent to which Mackenzie was able to keep up with her professional-dancer sis highlighted that Mackenzie is more or less a professional herself. Watch her samba above.
That said, Giving Thanks Night did deal her a notoriously difficult dance style, a samba, which is a far cry from the contemporary and jazz styles she’s trained in. And her execution was damn...
That said, Giving Thanks Night did deal her a notoriously difficult dance style, a samba, which is a far cry from the contemporary and jazz styles she’s trained in. And her execution was damn...
- 11/19/2018
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
The adults are almost done on “Dancing with the Stars,” but the inaugural season of “Juniors” is still underway with six kids remaining following last week’s ouster of Disney Channel star Jason Maybaum. So who was the next to go? On Giving Thanks Night the young celebs dedicated their routines to people who inspired them. Follow along with our live blog below to find out who had reason to be grateful and who said “Thanks for nothing” to the judges and studio audience.
Last week’s Juniors Choice Night put “Avengers” actress Ariana Greenblatt at the top of the judges’ leaderboard with the season’s first 10, and “Black-ish” star Miles Brown was close behind with another set of straight 9s. Skateboarding prodigy Sky Brown trailed in the scores, but the Gold Derby users who enter their predictions every week still think she’s the one to beat for the Mirror Ball Trophy.
Last week’s Juniors Choice Night put “Avengers” actress Ariana Greenblatt at the top of the judges’ leaderboard with the season’s first 10, and “Black-ish” star Miles Brown was close behind with another set of straight 9s. Skateboarding prodigy Sky Brown trailed in the scores, but the Gold Derby users who enter their predictions every week still think she’s the one to beat for the Mirror Ball Trophy.
- 11/19/2018
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
While “Dancing with the Stars” will reach its season finale on Monday, “Dancing with the Stars: Juniors” is still in the thick of its season. Sunday’s episode is just Week 6 of a nine-week season, and since it’s also Thanksgiving next Thursday, you can bet your two left feet that “Juniors” is doing a “Giving Thanks” theme. Unclear if anyone will be dressed as a turkey, but we might get one or two dances that are complete turkeys.
The top six will dedicate their routines — either a jazz, salsa, samba or foxtrot — to those people who’ve had an impact on their lives. We’re guessing Mandla Morris‘ is going to be his dad Stevie Wonder since the singer is performing “Isn’t She Lovely” during his son’s dance.
One couple will be eliminated at the end of Sunday’s show.
See ‘Dancing with the Stars: Juniors...
The top six will dedicate their routines — either a jazz, salsa, samba or foxtrot — to those people who’ve had an impact on their lives. We’re guessing Mandla Morris‘ is going to be his dad Stevie Wonder since the singer is performing “Isn’t She Lovely” during his son’s dance.
One couple will be eliminated at the end of Sunday’s show.
See ‘Dancing with the Stars: Juniors...
- 11/15/2018
- by Joyce Eng
- Gold Derby
Things were looking up for Jason Maybaum on “Dancing with the Stars: Juniors.” After a slow start at the beginning of the season the Disney Channel star got better and better, increasing his judges’ scores every single week until Juniors Choice Night when he picked the music and concept for his jazz routine and got his highest score of the season … and was eliminated soon thereafter. How did that happen? And do you think he deserved his ouster? Watch his last dance above and scroll down to vote in our polls at the bottom of this post.
Maybaum scored a lowly 18 out of 30 on premiere night, then 21 on Song from the Year I Was Born Night, then 22 on Disney Night and all the way up to 25 on Halloween Night. Now taking on a hip-hop-infused jazz number to the rap classic “It’s Tricky” by Run-dmc, he delivered a performance whose...
Maybaum scored a lowly 18 out of 30 on premiere night, then 21 on Song from the Year I Was Born Night, then 22 on Disney Night and all the way up to 25 on Halloween Night. Now taking on a hip-hop-infused jazz number to the rap classic “It’s Tricky” by Run-dmc, he delivered a performance whose...
- 11/12/2018
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
The kids are calling the shots on Week 5 of “Dancing with the Stars: Juniors.” Sort of. They’re not choreographing anything, but they do get to pick the song they will dance to for Juniors Choice. And by that, we mean they get to pick a song that the show can clear. Naturally, Mackenzie Ziegler chose one of her own tunes. As for everyone else, well, don’t be expecting many classic songs here.
The remaining seven couples will perform a Charleston, jazz, cha cha or samba, and one couple will be eliminated at the end of the show.
Reminder: This episode will air on Sunday, Nov. 11 at 8/7c on ABC. The show is off on Sunday, Nov. 4 for “Mickey’s 90th Spectacular.”
See ‘Dancing with the Stars: Juniors’ recap: Who scared up the best scores and who was just plain scary?
Here’s the Week 5 lineup:
Akash Vukoti...
The remaining seven couples will perform a Charleston, jazz, cha cha or samba, and one couple will be eliminated at the end of the show.
Reminder: This episode will air on Sunday, Nov. 11 at 8/7c on ABC. The show is off on Sunday, Nov. 4 for “Mickey’s 90th Spectacular.”
See ‘Dancing with the Stars: Juniors’ recap: Who scared up the best scores and who was just plain scary?
Here’s the Week 5 lineup:
Akash Vukoti...
- 10/30/2018
- by Joyce Eng
- Gold Derby
ABC can’t let any fall iteration of “Dancing with the Stars” go by without a Halloween-themed week, even if that means filming it months in advance. Yup, it’s Halloween Night on “Dancing with the Stars: Juniors” next week, so the final eight contestants will treat us to their newest dance tricks.
In addition, the episode, which was filmed over the summer, will open with a group number featuring all eight couples and choreographed by judge Mandy Moore. One team will be eliminated at the end of the hour.
See ‘Dancing with the Stars: Juniors’ recap: Disney dances were child’s play
Here is the Week 4 lineup:
Akash Vukoti and Kamri Peterson (mentored by Witney Carson): Argentine tango – “Weird Science” by Oingo Boingo
Ariana Greenblatt and Artyon Celestine (mentored by Brandon Armstrong): paso doble – “Ways to Be Wicked” by Dove Cameron, Sophia Carson, Cameron Boyce and...
In addition, the episode, which was filmed over the summer, will open with a group number featuring all eight couples and choreographed by judge Mandy Moore. One team will be eliminated at the end of the hour.
See ‘Dancing with the Stars: Juniors’ recap: Disney dances were child’s play
Here is the Week 4 lineup:
Akash Vukoti and Kamri Peterson (mentored by Witney Carson): Argentine tango – “Weird Science” by Oingo Boingo
Ariana Greenblatt and Artyon Celestine (mentored by Brandon Armstrong): paso doble – “Ways to Be Wicked” by Dove Cameron, Sophia Carson, Cameron Boyce and...
- 10/26/2018
- by Joyce Eng
- Gold Derby
Was Alana Thompson better than ever on “Dancing with the Stars: Juniors”? That’s what the judges thought on Disney Night. The reality star better known as Honey Boo Boo advanced through the competition for yet another week, but this time she achieved her best score yet, crossing the 20 threshold after spending the first two weeks of the season with scores stuck in the teens. Did you agree with her marks? Watch her performance above, and vote in our poll below to let us know if you thought she was the best of the night.
For Disney Night, Honey Boo Boo and her pro partner Tristan Ianiero performed a foxtrot to “Something There” from “Beauty and the Beast.” It was quite a change of pace from their first two fast-paced Latin routines, a salsa and a cha cha. Their mentor Artem Chigvintsev even tried to teach her some etiquette to...
For Disney Night, Honey Boo Boo and her pro partner Tristan Ianiero performed a foxtrot to “Something There” from “Beauty and the Beast.” It was quite a change of pace from their first two fast-paced Latin routines, a salsa and a cha cha. Their mentor Artem Chigvintsev even tried to teach her some etiquette to...
- 10/22/2018
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
Disney Night has been a tradition on “Dancing with the Stars” for the last few years, but there’s still fresh ground to cover as evidenced by Ariana Greenblatt on “Dancing with the Stars: Juniors.” She performed the first ever “DWTS” routine inspired by “Lilo and Stitch,” but unfortunately it led to her failing to top the judges’ leaderboard for the first time this season. Can she return to her perch in week four?
Greenblatt and her pro partner Artyon Celestine scored 24 out of 30 for both of their previous dances. In the series premiere that tied her with Mandla Morris for the top spot, and in week two it tied her with Miles Brown and Mackenzie Ziegler for the peak position. On Disney Night they performed a samba to “Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride” from the 2002 animated film about a girl who befriends a space alien, and despite falling out of...
Greenblatt and her pro partner Artyon Celestine scored 24 out of 30 for both of their previous dances. In the series premiere that tied her with Mandla Morris for the top spot, and in week two it tied her with Miles Brown and Mackenzie Ziegler for the peak position. On Disney Night they performed a samba to “Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride” from the 2002 animated film about a girl who befriends a space alien, and despite falling out of...
- 10/22/2018
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
Disney Night has become a tradition on “Dancing with the Stars,” but this season it has expanded to a two-night affair. The top nine child celebrities performed Disney-inspired routines on “DWTS: Juniors” on Sunday night, and the grownups will do the same in Monday’s episode of the original series. Disney is known for its family films, which makes it a perfect fit for “Juniors.” So how did the kids do? Find out below in our live blog with all the minute-by-minute developments as they happen.
The first two weeks of the competition quickly cut the roster from 12 contestants to 9. Tripp Johnston and Addison Osta Smith had the lowest judges’ scores in week one and were both eliminated after the studio audience votes were factored in. But week two ended in a surprise: “General Hospital” actor Hudson West got the boot even though he had one of the night’s higher scores.
The first two weeks of the competition quickly cut the roster from 12 contestants to 9. Tripp Johnston and Addison Osta Smith had the lowest judges’ scores in week one and were both eliminated after the studio audience votes were factored in. But week two ended in a surprise: “General Hospital” actor Hudson West got the boot even though he had one of the night’s higher scores.
- 10/21/2018
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
It’s Synergy Week on “Dancing with the Stars: Juniors” aka Disney Week. The remaining nine kiddies will perform to tunes from some Disney classics, many of which were released before their lifetimes. As if Songs From the Year I Was Born Week didn’t already make us feel old. But at least no one is doing “Let It Go.”
See Honey Boo Boo dodged a bullet on ‘Dancing with the Stars: Juniors,’ but is she on borrowed time?
Here’s the lineup for Week 3. One couple will be eliminated at the end of Sunday’s show.
Akash Vukoti and Kamri Peterson (mentored by Witney Carson): jive – “Zero to Hero” from “Hercules”
Ariana Greenblatt and Artyon Celestine (mentored by Brandon Armstrong): samba – “Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride” from “Lilo & Stitch”
Honey Boo Boo and Tristan Ianiero (mentored by Artem Chigvintsev): foxtrot – “Something There” from “Beauty and the Beast...
See Honey Boo Boo dodged a bullet on ‘Dancing with the Stars: Juniors,’ but is she on borrowed time?
Here’s the lineup for Week 3. One couple will be eliminated at the end of Sunday’s show.
Akash Vukoti and Kamri Peterson (mentored by Witney Carson): jive – “Zero to Hero” from “Hercules”
Ariana Greenblatt and Artyon Celestine (mentored by Brandon Armstrong): samba – “Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride” from “Lilo & Stitch”
Honey Boo Boo and Tristan Ianiero (mentored by Artem Chigvintsev): foxtrot – “Something There” from “Beauty and the Beast...
- 10/18/2018
- by Joyce Eng
- Gold Derby
After week one of “Dancing with the Stars: Juniors” the battle for the Mirror Ball Trophy looked like a close contest between “Black-ish” actor Miles Brown and skateboarder Sky Brown, according to the combined predictions of Gold Derby users. But things have changed since week two: it’s not so close anymore. Miles now gets leading odds of 10/3, while Sky is in runner-up position with 9/2 odds. Can Sky kickflip her way back to the top?
In the series premiere episode both Browns impressed the judges, but neither of them actually topped the leaderboard. Both Miles and Sky scored 22 out of 30, which was two points behind Mandla Morris and Ariana Greenblatt‘s first-place scores. Nevertheless, Miles showed tons of charisma, and Sky had the benefit of performing last, which is often a sign of whom the producers favor because getting that last dance slot keeps you freshest in mind when the audience votes.
In the series premiere episode both Browns impressed the judges, but neither of them actually topped the leaderboard. Both Miles and Sky scored 22 out of 30, which was two points behind Mandla Morris and Ariana Greenblatt‘s first-place scores. Nevertheless, Miles showed tons of charisma, and Sky had the benefit of performing last, which is often a sign of whom the producers favor because getting that last dance slot keeps you freshest in mind when the audience votes.
- 10/18/2018
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
Week two of “Dancing with the Stars: Juniors” ended with a surprise: Hudson West, the Daytime Emmy nominated star of “General Hospital,” was eliminated in 10th place. That came after a superhero themed paso doble that he performed on a night when the kid celebs danced to songs released in the years they were born. And while the judges didn’t think it was the best performance of the night, they liked him better than a few of the contestants who stuck around. Do you think West got a raw deal? Watch his performance above, and vote in our poll below.
West was born in 2008 and danced to Madonna‘s hit from that year, “4 Minutes” featuring Justin Timberlake and Timbaland. Judge Val Chmerkovskiy thought West “killed it.” Mandy Moore “loved that … you were holding Kameron so strong. You embodied the character. I really enjoyed that performance.” And Adam Rippon was “so impressed.
West was born in 2008 and danced to Madonna‘s hit from that year, “4 Minutes” featuring Justin Timberlake and Timbaland. Judge Val Chmerkovskiy thought West “killed it.” Mandy Moore “loved that … you were holding Kameron so strong. You embodied the character. I really enjoyed that performance.” And Adam Rippon was “so impressed.
- 10/15/2018
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
“Black-ish” star Miles Brown looked like a strong contender to win “Dancing with the Stars: Juniors” after the series premiere episode, and week two cemented that. The child celebrities performed songs from the years they were born, and Brown, one of the show’s elder statesmen at the ripe old age of 13, knocked it out of the park with his Argentine tango. Watch it above.
Brown reached way back into music history to perform a song from the bygone era of 2004: “I Don’t Wanna Be” by Gavin DeGraw. It was a confident routine full of intricate choreography, and judge Mandy Moore felt he “took command of that performance … I loved it!” Adam Rippon praised the impressive tango content and Brown’s partner work with his pro, Rylee Arnold. And Val Chmerkovskiy also raved about his command on the dance floor, especially with a partner who’s taller than he is.
Brown reached way back into music history to perform a song from the bygone era of 2004: “I Don’t Wanna Be” by Gavin DeGraw. It was a confident routine full of intricate choreography, and judge Mandy Moore felt he “took command of that performance … I loved it!” Adam Rippon praised the impressive tango content and Brown’s partner work with his pro, Rylee Arnold. And Val Chmerkovskiy also raved about his command on the dance floor, especially with a partner who’s taller than he is.
- 10/15/2018
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
Just in case the word “Juniors” wasn’t a big enough clue, Dancing With the Stars‘ pint-sized spinoff offered another reminder on Sunday’s episode that these contestants are young.
In Week 2 of the ABC series, the Mirrorball hopefuls performed to songs that were released in the years they were born — years that range from the very recent 2003 to the very very recent 2008. I bet you didn’t know you’d end your weekend by feeling old, huh?
Several of the Juniors competitors who impressed the judges last week cemented their status as frontrunners on Sunday; Mandla Morris and Ariana Greenblatt were particularly strong,...
In Week 2 of the ABC series, the Mirrorball hopefuls performed to songs that were released in the years they were born — years that range from the very recent 2003 to the very very recent 2008. I bet you didn’t know you’d end your weekend by feeling old, huh?
Several of the Juniors competitors who impressed the judges last week cemented their status as frontrunners on Sunday; Mandla Morris and Ariana Greenblatt were particularly strong,...
- 10/15/2018
- TVLine.com
Twelve young couples took to the floor for the first episode of “Dancing with the Stars: Juniors,” but only 10 of them made it out of premiere night. So now that you’ve seen what the contestants have to offer, who will make it all the way and who was cut down in the second week of competition? Find out below in our live blog with all the minute-by-minute updates as the night progresses.
Two kid celebs were eliminated in week one: political scion Tripp Johnston (grandson of Sarah Palin) and “MasterChef Junior” champ Addison Osta Smith. Those results were half-determined by the votes of the studio audience, but Smith and Johnston were also the lowest scorers on the judges’ leaderboard, so fans in the stands may have been influenced by the input of panelists Mandy Moore, Val Chmerkovskiy and Adam Rippon.
Sign UPfor Gold Derby’s free newsletter with latest...
Two kid celebs were eliminated in week one: political scion Tripp Johnston (grandson of Sarah Palin) and “MasterChef Junior” champ Addison Osta Smith. Those results were half-determined by the votes of the studio audience, but Smith and Johnston were also the lowest scorers on the judges’ leaderboard, so fans in the stands may have been influenced by the input of panelists Mandy Moore, Val Chmerkovskiy and Adam Rippon.
Sign UPfor Gold Derby’s free newsletter with latest...
- 10/14/2018
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
You know how everyone makes fun of the younger “Dancing with the Stars” contestants for picking a year in, like, the last seven years — including the current year — for Most Memorable Year because they haven’t lived yet? Well, neither have the kiddies on “Dancing with the Stars: Juniors.”
Oh, don’t worry, they’re not doing Most Memorable Year there, which would’ve been Lol, but they are doing Songs From the Year I Was Born in Week 2. So that’s just music from this century. Not just that, but the remaining 10 contestants range from 9 years old (Spelling Bee champ Akash Vukoti) to 14 years old (Mackenzie Ziegler), so we’re getting tunes from a five-year span from 2004 to 2009. Some of these kids weren’t even alive for their rivals’ songs! We are old; they are not. Sigh.
See ‘Dancing with the Stars: Juniors’ premiere recap: Were the pint-sized...
Oh, don’t worry, they’re not doing Most Memorable Year there, which would’ve been Lol, but they are doing Songs From the Year I Was Born in Week 2. So that’s just music from this century. Not just that, but the remaining 10 contestants range from 9 years old (Spelling Bee champ Akash Vukoti) to 14 years old (Mackenzie Ziegler), so we’re getting tunes from a five-year span from 2004 to 2009. Some of these kids weren’t even alive for their rivals’ songs! We are old; they are not. Sigh.
See ‘Dancing with the Stars: Juniors’ premiere recap: Were the pint-sized...
- 10/9/2018
- by Joyce Eng
- Gold Derby
Here are five words guaranteed to strike fear in the heart of any reality competition fan: “We’re doing a kids’ version!”
ABC on Sunday debuted Dancing With the Stars: Juniors, an offshoot of its long-running mothership series that features pint-sized celebrities (or the pint-sized sons and daughters of celebrities). But even though the word “junior” typically elicits groans when attached to any show title, the miniature version of DWTS served up even more energy and unbridled joy than the all-adults iteration — and that’s really saying something.
In the interest of not being a monster who harps on...
ABC on Sunday debuted Dancing With the Stars: Juniors, an offshoot of its long-running mothership series that features pint-sized celebrities (or the pint-sized sons and daughters of celebrities). But even though the word “junior” typically elicits groans when attached to any show title, the miniature version of DWTS served up even more energy and unbridled joy than the all-adults iteration — and that’s really saying something.
In the interest of not being a monster who harps on...
- 10/8/2018
- TVLine.com
“Dancing with the Stars: Juniors” made its grand debut on Sunday night, October 7. The new series is spun off from the grown-up “Dancing with the Stars,” which has been on the air since 2005 and whose 27th season is currently underway. So how did “Juniors” compare to the mothership series, and how did these talented tykes compare to their adult counterparts? Find out below in our live blog with all the minute-by-minute developments as they happen.
Perhaps the biggest difference between the old show and the new is that “Juniors” has been taped in advance instead of airing live like the original series. That means fan votes won’t come into play for “Juniors” the way they do on the main series. So the kids had better be alright on the dance floor in order to impress the judges.
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The “Juniors...
Perhaps the biggest difference between the old show and the new is that “Juniors” has been taped in advance instead of airing live like the original series. That means fan votes won’t come into play for “Juniors” the way they do on the main series. So the kids had better be alright on the dance floor in order to impress the judges.
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The “Juniors...
- 10/7/2018
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
“Dancing with the Stars: Juniors” kicks off its run on ABC on Sunday, October 7 with a two-hour premiere beginning at 8 p.m. in the east and west and 7 p.m. in the central and mountain time zones. This special version of “DWTS” will run for a full 10 weeks just like the main show. However, the rest of the episodes will only be an hour long and all of them will be pre-taped.
Among those talented tykes taking to the dance floor are “black-ish” scene stealer Miles Brown; reality TV star Honey Boo Boo (her real name is Alana Thompson); and Ariana Greenblatt of the Disney TV hit “Stuck In The Middle.”
These pint-sized celebrities are paired with professional dancers who are around their age as well. Among these are relatives of some of the “DWTS” pros who will be acting as mentors on this version, including Lindsay Arnold (her younger...
Among those talented tykes taking to the dance floor are “black-ish” scene stealer Miles Brown; reality TV star Honey Boo Boo (her real name is Alana Thompson); and Ariana Greenblatt of the Disney TV hit “Stuck In The Middle.”
These pint-sized celebrities are paired with professional dancers who are around their age as well. Among these are relatives of some of the “DWTS” pros who will be acting as mentors on this version, including Lindsay Arnold (her younger...
- 10/7/2018
- by Paul Sheehan
- Gold Derby
It's official — the new season of Dancing With the Stars has started, which means some of our favorite celebs have put on their fancy shoes and hit the stage to spin around with the professionals. This year, the titular stars include reality TV personalities like "Grocery Store Joe," singers like Tinashe, and actresses like Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood from Harry Potter!), and they're all competing for the Mirror Ball trophy — and, of course, the glory. But don't feel bad for those who don't make it to the end. It turns out that even from episode one, the celebs are scoring some seriously big bucks. Though there's no official cash prize by any means, competitors are still paid to appear on the show. Back in 2010, Gawker reported that dancing stars were paid on a sliding scale, noting that there's a baseline pay day of $125,000 just for being cast and giving it...
- 9/26/2018
- by Chelsea Duff
- Closer Weekly
There was bad news at the end of the “Dancing with the Stars” season 27 two-night premiere: stand-up comedian Nikki Glaser was eliminated. But there was also good news: the cast of “Dancing with the Stars: Juniors” was officially announced. We now know which 12 kid celebs will be performing when the show premieres on Sunday night, October 7. See the full list below along with their pro partners and grown-up mentors.
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Sky Brown (skateboarding prodigy) — with pro partner Jt Church and mentor Alan Bersten
Akash Vukoti (spelling bee champ) — with pro partner Kamri Peterson and mentor Witney Carson
Alana “Honey Boo Boo” Thompson (reality TV star) — with pro partner Tristan Ianiero and mentor Artem Chigvintsev
Tripp Johnston (Sarah Palin’s grandson) — with pro partner Hailey Bills and mentor Jenna Johnson
Ariana Greenblatt (Young Gamora in “Avengers: Infinity War”) — with pro partner Artyon Celestine...
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Sky Brown (skateboarding prodigy) — with pro partner Jt Church and mentor Alan Bersten
Akash Vukoti (spelling bee champ) — with pro partner Kamri Peterson and mentor Witney Carson
Alana “Honey Boo Boo” Thompson (reality TV star) — with pro partner Tristan Ianiero and mentor Artem Chigvintsev
Tripp Johnston (Sarah Palin’s grandson) — with pro partner Hailey Bills and mentor Jenna Johnson
Ariana Greenblatt (Young Gamora in “Avengers: Infinity War”) — with pro partner Artyon Celestine...
- 9/26/2018
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
The Dancing With the Stars spin-off, Dancing With the Stars: Juniors, is almost here! On Tuesday, Sept. 25, the very first DWTS: Juniors cast was announced and, after seeing the line-up, we can't wait to watch the new show! Though there are 12 celeb kids in the cast, we're super excited to see Stevie Wonder's 13-year-old son Mandla Morris hitting the dance floor when the series premieres on ABC on Oct. 7 at 8/7c. View this post on Instagram So happy to announce that I’ll be on the first season of dancing with stars Juniors!! Can’t wait for you guys to see A post shared by Mandla Morris (@mandlamorris) on Sep 25, 2018 at 6:31pm Pdt Mandla is an aspiring fashion designer and has been paired with mini pro dancer Brightyn Brems. The duo will be mentored by fan-favorite DWTS alum Cheryl Burke. The teen is just one of 68-year-old Stevie's nine children.
- 9/26/2018
- by Julia Birkinbine
- Closer Weekly
ABC unveiled the cast of celebrity kids and professional junior ballroom dancers that will put on their dancing shoes for the upcoming season Dancing With the Stars: Juniors. Hosted by Dancing with the Stars Season 25’s Jordan Fisher and Frankie Muniz the Dancing With the Stars: Juniors will kick off with a two-hour season premiere Oct. 7.
The ballroom floor will welcome 12 celebrity kids and professional junior ballroom dancers including Toddlers & Tiaras star Alana “Honey Boo Boo” Thompson, black-ish star Miles Brown, and Tripp Palin, son of former Dancing with the Stars contestant Bristol Palin, and grandson of Sarah Palin. With a judges panel that includes Emmy Award-winning choreographer Mandy Moore, professional dancer Val Chmerkovskiy and Dancing with the Stars: Athletes champion, Adam Rippon the lineup of contestants also includes a professional skateboarder, an ABC comedy star, a runway model, two Disney Channel stars and the youngest boy to...
The ballroom floor will welcome 12 celebrity kids and professional junior ballroom dancers including Toddlers & Tiaras star Alana “Honey Boo Boo” Thompson, black-ish star Miles Brown, and Tripp Palin, son of former Dancing with the Stars contestant Bristol Palin, and grandson of Sarah Palin. With a judges panel that includes Emmy Award-winning choreographer Mandy Moore, professional dancer Val Chmerkovskiy and Dancing with the Stars: Athletes champion, Adam Rippon the lineup of contestants also includes a professional skateboarder, an ABC comedy star, a runway model, two Disney Channel stars and the youngest boy to...
- 9/26/2018
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
ABC on Tuesday trotted out the official cast list for its inaugural Dancing With the Stars: Juniors competition, and it’s an eclectic group, to be sure. Here’s said lineup:
Miles Brown, black-ish
Ariana Greenblatt, Avengers: Infinity War
Alana “Honey Boo Boo” Thompson”
Akash Vukoti, the youngest boy to ever compete at National Spelling Bee
Sky Brown, professional skateboarder
Mandla Morris, Stevie Wonder’s son
Sophia Pippen, NBA legend Scottie Pippen’s daughter
Hudson West, General Hospital
Mackenzie Ziegler, singer and sister of Maddie Ziegler
Tripp Palin, Sarah Palin’s grandson
Addison Osta Smith, MasterChef Junior Season 4 winner
Jason Maybaum,...
Miles Brown, black-ish
Ariana Greenblatt, Avengers: Infinity War
Alana “Honey Boo Boo” Thompson”
Akash Vukoti, the youngest boy to ever compete at National Spelling Bee
Sky Brown, professional skateboarder
Mandla Morris, Stevie Wonder’s son
Sophia Pippen, NBA legend Scottie Pippen’s daughter
Hudson West, General Hospital
Mackenzie Ziegler, singer and sister of Maddie Ziegler
Tripp Palin, Sarah Palin’s grandson
Addison Osta Smith, MasterChef Junior Season 4 winner
Jason Maybaum,...
- 9/26/2018
- TVLine.com
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