Reality TV Buzz

The youngest competitor ever on Dancing With the Stars, Shawn Johnson, drops by the Ellen Degeneres Show, with her partner, Mark Ballas.

Olympic gold medalist, Shawn Johnson, looks to be one to watch this season on Dancing With the Stars. Her partner is Mark Ballas, who’s also hoping to take that crystal mirror ball trophy back from last season’s winner, Derek. (on the professional dancer’s side of things, that is) Their first dance was the waltz seen below:

Results night on American Idol usually brings a little excitement. Tonight, the buzz wasn’t so much about who might be going home, but more about wondering what the new twist would be and would America like it or not?

Ryan Seacrest announced the twist almost immediately. It is called the “Judges Save”–the rules are:

The judges can save one person from being eliminated until the Top five.

The judges can only use the save one time.

The decision to save a contestant must be unanimous.

If the judges’ save is used, no contestant will be sent home that week.

Two contestants will, however, be sent home the next week. (after using the save)

Tonight on the results show, Kanye West and Kelly Clarkson performed. Ryan also announced there would be a former American Idol contestant returning each week. Who better to start with than the original Idol winner?

On the Idol couch, contestants waited to hear their fate. Michael, Allison, Matt and Kris were safe. Megan and Jasmine were sent to the center of the stage. Ryan then announced Megan was safe. Jasmine sang once more and then was told by Randy Jackson they would not be using the “save” on her.

Later, Scott, Danny, Alexis, Adam, and Lil Rounds were told they were safe sending Jorge and Anoop to the center of the stage to find out which one would be leaving. Anoop was safe. Jorge sang his last song and then was told by Simon he would not be staying.

Jorge and Jasmine were the first two contestants to be voted out of the top 13.

Rumor has it next week may be “Grand Ole Opry” week.

It’s time to hit the dance floor again with a few d-list celebrities and reality stars. This season’s Dancing With the Stars cast and their partners are as follows: (replacements included)

Lawrence Taylor and Edyta Sliwinska
Gilles Marini and two-time DWTS champ Cheryl Burke
Lil’ Kim and season seven champ Derek Hough
Denise Richards and Maksim Chmerkovskiy (who’s engaged to Karina now)
Belinda Carlisle and Jonathan Roberts

Shawn Johnson and season six champ Mark Ballas
Steve-O and Lacey Schwimmer
Ty Murray and first-time Dancing pro Chelsie Hightower
Steve Wozniak and Karina Smirnoff
Chuck Wicks and two-time champ Julianne Hough (Chuck is Julianne’s real life boyfriend)
 Nancy O’Dell and Tony Dovolani—Nancy O’ Dell has had to withdraw from the compeition. Melissa Rycroft, from The Bachelor, is said to be her replacement.
David Alan Grier and Kym Johnson

 Jewel and first-time Dancing pro Dmitry Chaplin—Jewel has also had to withdraw from the Dancing with the Stars competition due to injury. Holly Madison, from The Girls Next Door, is said to be her replacement.

 No contestant will be eliminated the first week. The schedule for Dancing With the Stars is:

* “Dancing with the Stars,” two-hour performance show, MONDAYS, MARCH 9 (8:00-10:02 p.m., ET) through MARCH 30
* “Dancing with the Stars the Results Show,” one-hour, TUESDAYS, MARCH 17 (9:00 - 10:02 p.m., ET) through MAY 12
* “Dancing with the Stars,” 90-minute performance show, MONDAYS, APRIL 6 (8:00-9:32 p.m., ET) through MAY 11
* “Dancing with the Stars,” one-hour performance show, MONDAY, MAY 18 (8:00-9:00 p.m., ET)
* Season Finale, TUESDAY, MAY 19 (9:00-11:00 p.m., ET)

The Bachelor, Jason Mesnick, and his newest gal, Molly, appeared on The Ellen Degeneres Show Friday. Jason apologized to fans and says he regrets telling Melissa about Molly on the After the Final Rose show. Molly joined Jason a little later for a very short segment, in which she said this should be the happiest time of their lives but the negative backlash makes it difficult for them to enjoy their relationship. Ellen tells them she’s sure it will either bring them closer or ultimately split them up. Most likely, the latter.