TVSquad

After the continued rumors of Jewel pulling out of the competition, it's confirmed. But there's worse news: Nancy O'Dell is dropping out as well. O'Dell tore her meniscus, while Jewel suffered from tibia fractures.

I'm not sure if the professionals are pushing the performers too hard or if casting doesn't do physicals for these celebrities. Twisting an ankle during the competition is one thing, but having a pre-existing condition is another. I even thought that casting Toni Braxton last season was in bad taste, but the dancing actually helped her heart condition.

There are rumors that Holly Madison from The Girls Next Door will be replacing Jewel, but there hasn't been any news about who would replace Nancy O'Dell. Personally I'd like to see Misty May-Treanor have a second chance, even if it is with a different dancer. I think the person who I feel the worst for is actually Dmitry Chaplin, who finally had a chance to break from So You Think You Can Dance? as a competitor, to a professional on this show.

This probably means that the first week will be non-elimination. If Holly, yet another E! celebrity (along with Denise Richards), is actually replacing Jewel with one week to go, I believe she at least has a slight chance of winning, unlike Steve Wozniak and Steve-O who need the practice. This hasn't been the first last-minute replacement; other last minute replacements include John Ratzenberger, who replaced Vincent Pastore in season four and Master P, who replaced his son Lil Romeo in season two.