The thrilling journey of Dancing with the Stars’ filled with stars, glitz, and controversies
Table of Contents
A ballroom gamble
Two decades ago, ABC took a wild gamble on a summer reality show featuring celebrities trying out ballroom dancing.
“Most people didn’t expect the show to work,” admits executive producer Conrad Green.
With no mainstream ballroom tradition in the U.S., the concept seemed wildly risky.
From “Strictly” to “Stars”
Inspired by Britain’s “Strictly Come Dancing,” ABC’s Andrea Wong was determined to bring the format to America.
But first, she needed to change the name. As Green explains, “‘Strictly Come Dancing’ is a completely absurd title outside the U.K.”
The simpler “Dancing with the Stars” was born.
Building the team
Finding the right host for a live show was crucial. Tom Bergeron initially hesitated when his agent described “a ballroom dance program,” but eventually agreed.
The judges panel came together with Bruno Tonioli and Len Goodman from the UK version, and choreographer Carrie Ann Inaba for the US approach.
Celebrity Challenge
Selecting the cast for the first season proved difficult. “The first time is always the hardest because no one knows what you’re getting into,” explains co-executive producer Deena Katz. Many feared that reality TV would harm their careers.
Breakthrough Moment
Everything changed when boxing champion Evander Holyfield agreed to take part.
“When Evander said yes, we started thinking, ‘Wow, maybe we have something’,” recalls Katz.
His involvement gave the show legitimacy and opened the door for other celebrities.
The Original Six Contestants
The first season featured just six contestants: Trista Sutter (The Bachelorette), Evander Holyfield (boxing champion), Rachel Hunter (supermodel), Joey McIntyre (boy band star), John O’Hurley (Seinfeld actor), and Kelly Monaco (soap star).
Each represented different viewer demographics.
Opening Night Nerves
On June 1, 2005, the show premiered live. “I was so scared,” Inaba admits. “It was my first speaking role.”
Yet the judges’ chemistry was instant. Bergeron recalls the team dinner before the first show: “We all just clicked.
Chemistry is something that can’t be predicted or engineered.”
The Dance Floor Heats Up
Joey McIntyre impressed with his opening cha-cha to “Crazy in Love,” while Holyfield stunned everyone with her light-footed moves.
O’Hurley and Monaco quickly emerged as frontrunners, although Monaco initially received lower scores.
Wardrobe Malfunction
Monaco’s breakthrough came when her costume began falling apart during a samba.
“I felt like someone shot a laser beam at my costume from five miles away,” she recalls.
Instead of panicking, she held on to her dress and continued dancing, earning a standing ovation.
Controversial Finale
When Monaco was declared the champion over fan-favorite O’Hurley, controversy erupted.
“She got three 10s and she fell several times during the final piece,” notes O’Hurley.
The debate became so heated that ABC scheduled an unprecedented dance-off special, which O’Hurley won.
Legacy
Twenty years later, the show that seemed too awkward to succeed has become a cultural institution.
As senior producer Valoree Papsidera says, “Whether it lasts one season or a hundred seasons, each one is as emotional and as special as the first one.”