Dancing with the Stars

Dancing with the Stars is the name for a number of international television series based on the format of the British series Strictly Come Dancing. Shows have aired in several countries, including Australia, Austria, Italy, The Netherlands, New Zealand and the USA.

USA

The American ABC Network adaptation, hosted by Tom Bergeron and Lisa Canning, premiered on June 1, 2005 to over 13 million viewers, the biggest summer debut ever for an American reality series. The second week climbed to 15 million viewers, and the show climbed to #1 in the ratings, where it remained for the remainder of the season.

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ABC Network - Tom Bergeron - Lisa Canning - June 1 - 2005

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• Trista Rehn Sutter (The Bachelor contestant and the Bachelorette in series one) - Eliminated first
• Evander Holyfield (Heavyweight boxer) - Eliminated second
• Rachel Hunter (Supermodel) - Eliminated third
• Joey McIntyre (Singer, formerly of New Kids on the Block) - Eliminated fourth
• John O'Hurley (Actor, best known as J. Peterman from Seinfeld and also host of the 2000 version of game show To Tell the Truth) - partner Charlotte Jorgensen ? runner-up
• Kelly Monaco (Actress on soaps Port Charles and General Hospital) ? partner Alec Mazo - winner

The success of the show quickly inspired a similar show from the Fox Broadcasting Company scheduled to air later in 2005 entitled Skating with Celebrities. (Another dance show, So You Think You Can Dance, a contest featuring unknown aspiring dancers, was already set to air before Dancing with the Stars premiered.)

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Fox Broadcasting Company - Skating with Celebrities - So You Think You Can Dance

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Some viewers felt the outcome of the show was unfair, as half the winning points came from the judges' votes, instead of solely from the votes of viewers, and Monaco and Mazo had received a "perfect 10" from the judges that night. In response to the criticism, ABC announced a 90-minute special, Dancing with the Stars: Dance-off, a rematch between Monaco and O'Hurley (with their respective partners), to air September 20, 2005. The winner, determined solely by fan votes, was announced in a September 22 results show. This time, O'Hurley and his dance partner Charlotte emerged as the winners.

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September 20 - 2005 - September 22

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