1 day Ago By Molly O’Connor, Contributing Writer
What makes a star? Is there a certain criterion, or is it just someone we thrust into the spotlight of fame? Every year, ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars” (“DWTS”) fans ask these questions when confronted with the new cast, which often ranges from timeless actors or big-time athletes to micro-influencers and models. But this year, they’re faced with a different question: can a criminal be a star? Internationally famous con artist Anna Delvey was announced last week as a member of the season 33 “DWTS” cast, and the reactions from fans have been explosive. But the truth is, Delvey is a pop culture figure, especially after the popularity of the 2022 Netflix drama “Inventing Anna” based on her life.
Though the show is no longer at the height of its popularity, “DWTS” can kickstart viewers’ memories with the controversy of her criminal status. Her fame is based on the eye-catching luxury aesthetic of her crimes and the entertainment value of the show about her story. It’s not so much about people supporting her actions and looking up to her, but more about the glamor and drama of the story.
Had she committed a violent crime of some sort, or targeted a marginalized group or community, it may not be as appropriate. But Delvey has served her sentence, so I see see a reason why she can’t be on this show. “Dancing with the Stars” has followed the same formula for a long time, with a set of roles that they fill with whatever celebrity is willing to join the cast.
Most seasons have a hunky athlete, a real housewife, a Bachelor or Bachelorette, a female gymnast if the proximity to the Summer Olympics is right, an actor with dying relevance, a social media star and an old man with two left feet. The addition of Delvey throws a wrench in this formula, in the most perfect way possible. It’s no secret that “DWTS” isn’t exactly a hot new show anymore, and people are starting to become bored with who they choose as cast members.
Part of the issue is that, though “DWTS” makes many key casting decisions, they are truly at the mercy of what stars are available and willing to come on the show. Taylor Swift is not just going to drop everything because she got a call from a reality television show, so we really can’t expect too many A-listers like Swift from them. That being said, “DWTS” casting directors can get creative, and they are showing some of that this season with Delvey and others.
Even if Delvey isn’t a typical celebrity, her relevance in pop culture allows her to fit in as a star while simultaneously standing out with her unique reason for fame. In addition, the controversy will certainly help increase “DWTS” viewers. Thousands of people flood the comment sections of the “DWTS” Instagram on any post featuring Delvey, no matter which side they are on.
Those who are saying “This is ridiculous! Don’t vote for her! Make sure she doesn’t win!” are still planning on tuning in to watch her fail, while others think this is a fresh and fun new decision, or simply just want to disagree with the opposers, so they want to tune in to vote for her to win. Besides Delvey, the additions of other celebrities like Steven Nedoroscik and Ilona Maher to the cast are definitely going to help viewership and spike more interest in the fans. Though it isn’t uncommon for “DWTS” to bring on a gymnast after the Summer Olympics, the show has never brought on a male gymnast until this season.
Nedoroscik helped bring some fame into the lesser-known side of the sport with the popular meme “pommel horse guy.” With comparisons to characters like Clark Kent, Nedoroscik captured the hearts of the internet in a matter of days, bringing in millions of viewers to the pommel horse final in Paris. Another more widely known internet sensation and athlete being added to the class this season is Maher.
Maher was a powerhouse on U.S. Women’s Olympic Rugby this year, and, similar to Nedoroscik, has helped bring attention to her sport through her social media, mostly making funny Instagram Reels and TikToks featuring her common experiences as a woman in rugby.
By bringing in Maher, they have opened up “Dancing with the Stars” to a much larger audience. Though many people know the famous athletes and reality stars that compete, nobody is more a dedicated viewer than a Gen Z or Millennial social media follower, and Maher has millions (3.8 million on Instagram, to be exact).
Though “DWTS” isn’t at the peak of its fame any longer, the show isn’t going down without a fight. By harnessing the fame of Maher as well as Nedoroscik right off of the Olympics, “DWTS” is throwing its hat in the competition TV ring. Ultimately, what it is that makes a star is very much subjective to the viewer, but stirring up controversy can only help the amount of attention “DWTS” gets, negative and positive.
“Dancing with the Stars” has opened up several new doors with their casting this season, and it could be just the thing that puts them back into the spotlight. We don’t know who is going to take home the Mirrorball Trophy this year, but there will be millions tuning in to see if their pick has what it takes. Molly O’Connor, FCRH ’28, is a journalism major from Weymouth, Mass.
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