Congrats, Helio & Julianne

So it's old news by now that Helio and Julianee are the DWTS winners. I was behind them from the very beginning, though several other stars were better dancers. It definitely illustrates that the winning the competition is one part talent, one part effort and at least one part popularity.

The judges have said that this season holds the most talent. I disagree. I feel that any of the top three finalists from season three (Joey McIntyre, Mario Lopez and Emmit Smith) were better dancers than either Mel B or Helio. Though there was a lot of discarded talent early on in this competition (Sabrina Bryan, Albert Reed). Again, it's at least as much about popularity as it is about technique. How else could Marie Osmond have made it to the finals?

Congrats, Apollo & Julianne

Just wanted to say great job to gold medalist Apollo Anton Ohno and Utahan Julianne Hough on winning Dancing with the Stars last night. You were my faves all along!

Dancing with the Stars Is Back

For me, Monday is the new Thursday in terms of good TV. There's my beloved Heroes (returning April 23) and now Dancing with the Stars, which returned last night.

Off the cuff, I'd say the "stars" aren't quite as gifted as some of last season's but it should still be a fun ride. My early favorite is Apolo Anton Ohno, the Olympic Gold Medalist in speed skating. He seems talented, and obviously has the focus he needs to succeed. The downside: he has an inexperienced partner, Julianne Hough. I'm sure she's a great dancer and all, and very beautiful, but at only 18 years old, she's the youngest pro ever to compete on Dancing. Time will tell if she has the teaching and choreography talent they need. Coincidentally, Julianne appears to be Mormon (born and raised in Utah with 10 siblings, etc.)

And who should be voted off? Billy Ray Cyrus, hands down. He was just a shade better than Tucker Carlson from last season. But with his name recognition and good looks, I'm thinking he'll stay around for a few more rounds.