TVSquad

Other than injuries plaguing most of the contestants, there are a few issues still making the celebrity dancing competition complicated on Dancing with the Stars. I love the fact that Denise is confused that she was eliminated. It's not like she was even top tier of dancers (Shawn, Gilles, Melissa, and Lil Kym), or even the middle pack (David, Ty, Lawrence, and Chuck). She was in the bottom heat with Steve-O, the Woz, and Holly. If I were the other three, I'd practice hard and hope I wasn't double eliminated.

Also, as a minor update, along with the opening credits finally being used, the pictures of Holly and Melissa have been update to match the rest of the contestants on the official website. No longer the really bad Photoshop job plaguing the contestant's page. It doesn't exactly match the other contestant's photos, but it's better than nothing. More news after the jump.

Close sources have been throwing the rumor that Melissa Rycroft will be replacing Nancy O'Dell on Dancing with the Stars. Although there aren't any official statements from ABC about Rycroft (or about Holly Madison replacing Jewel), it seems very plausible. I'm under the assumption that Toni Dovolani will be her professional partner. If the name doesn't ring a bell, Melissa was a contestant on the most recent version of The Bachelor.

The replacement news seemed quite obvious for ABC. Think about it: What's the best way for ABC to replace a contestant last minute? Pick someone in their own pool. I was hoping for a Disney Channel star, someone from Pushing Daisies, yet another soap star, or at least someone that could be considered more of a "celebrity."

I'm not expecting much from Melissa, especially with Trista, the original Bachelorette, being eliminated first in Season One. Granted, there were only six contestants that season. Melissa is already behind the eight ball since she has less time to practice than everyone else and she probably has a smaller fan base than the rest of the celebrities.

Singer Jewel is the next in the revolving door of celebrities who take on hosting duties for Nashville Star. Last season, it was Wynonna and Cowboy Troy (he's returning as co-host), and before that it was Leann Rhimes and Nancy ODell. Even though I swear she had gone pop, the press release from USA says Jewel grew up on country music so I guess that's all it takes. Plus she's a songwriter and musician just like the contestants on Nashville Star are supposed to be. It's an interesting career move, anyway.

Season 5 of Nashville Star premieres on Thursday, January 11th at 10 pm on USA.

Drew Lachey's win last month on Dancing with the Stars has landed him a spot as co-host of the Miss USA pageant. He'll join Access Hollywood host (and winner of my personal award for 'Most Annoying Speech Pattern') Nancy O'Dell on the stage. Queer Eye for the Straight Guy host Carson Kressley will be a pageant commentator.

The pageant airs April 21 on NBC.