‘Dancing with the Stars’ spotlight: Shawn Johnson and Derek Hough
There are stacked teams when it comes to “Dancing with the Stars: All-Stars,” and then there are stacked teams. It’s not always easy to try and pick the winner from an announced crop of contestants, but we can say one thing already about Shawn Johnson and her partner Derek Hough — they are going to go far. Not only is gymnastics super-popular right now following the summer Olympics, but Shawn is a former winner and is partnered with arguably the series’ best choreographer.
Claim to fame – A Gold Medalist at the 2008 Summer Games in Beijing, Johnson is one of the more well-known gymnasts in the country. She retired not long before the start of the London Games, but she does still have a major footprint in the sport courtesy of her experience, and could be a sought-after teacher and commentator for years to come.
Past placement – Winner (season 8)
Past partner – Mark Ballas
Current partner – Derek Hough
Story on the show – When Shawn last made an appearance in the ballroom, it wasn’t that long after the Beijing Olympics and she was still a household name. However, she was looked at as the underdog for most of the season thanks in part to everyone gushing all over Gilles Marini and Melissa Rycroft all season long. Her victory still is thought of as one of the most surprising in the history of the show, and this is why fans are excited about a rematch this time between Shawn and some of the dancers she defeated.
Strengths – First things first, we know that Shawn is in dancing shape. While gymnastics and ballroom are hardly the same, there are at least some elements that are reasonably similar — they involved performing in front of an audience, and you are scored oftentimes based on your technique. Shawn is a strong dancer and a natural entertainer, and we also have to mention again that she has Derek — a man who goes far with just about every single partner that he has. you would have to go back to Shawn’s season to see the last time that Derek did not take a celebrity to at least the top 4.
Weaknesses – While gymnastics are popular as a sport, Shawn was not in London — so with that, her star power could be diminished as is the case with many other retired athletes. Just as we think that former Julianne Hough partners Apolo Anton Ohno and Helio Castroneves could end up splitting their votes, the same thing could happen to Shawn with newly-appointed contestant Sabrina Bryan.
Prediction – If Shawn fails to make the top five, we’ll be stunned. Even though there are contestants who have danced more recently and danced more than she has, you can’t really argue against someone who is athletic, has a Mirrorball Trophy under her belt already, and is partnered with someone with such a fanbase of his own. This is going to be a monster partnership, and one to watch out for all season.
—
What’s your take on Shawn and Derek? We want to hear your thoughts below! To check out more of our spotlight series, all you have to do is visit the link here.
Photo: ABC
mea25
September 1, 2012 @ 4:55 am
Tanya, i think u’re just jealous b/c u’re favorite did not come in.
Andreea
August 30, 2012 @ 8:01 pm
SHAwnnnnn all the wayyy<3 i LOVE HERRRR<33333333333
cocochanel
August 30, 2012 @ 6:53 am
Shawn is his first athlete and is the only partner he has had that is younger than him in 10 seasons on the show. That’s unique in itself.
The last partner Derek had “Maria” came into the competition with no dance experience. She could barely walk in her dance shoes and was injured throughout the entire season. Her hard work, coupled with his hard work, talents and choreography, helped to turn her into a beautiful performer. He has proven from day one that whether his partner is with or without talent he takes them to levels passing their own expectations. I’d say this season is pretty much an even playing field. Some have their previous partners (advantage) some just came off a 3 month DWTS tour in Vegas performing consistently, “Joey F. & Sabrina” (advantage) and there are 6 previous winners. Lets face it the majority of the stars cast for S15 made it to 2nd place in their respective season which is why its called an All Star Season.
So some fans of other pros and even other pros get angry because they “never” win no matter how talented the star is they’re given. What will be the excuse this season.
I’m sure the 16 + million of fans just want to see great dancing and a fun show!
I think we have a great cast and should be fun. Looking forward to some amazing choreography from Derek this season. I know he and Shawn are going to tear it up on the dance floor. Go Shawn & Derek!
tanya
August 30, 2012 @ 4:31 am
There is a small contingency of fans tiring of Derek getting more favorable stars as his partners. Could grow stronger and Shawn placement could be in danger. I’m not alone alone in saying the show is Dancing with the Stars not Dancing with Derek! Go Sabrina!
YCC (Your Canadian Cousin)
August 30, 2012 @ 2:20 am
Canadians are not allowed to vote but if I had a vote it would go to Shawn and Derek.