What Gladys Knight is doing in Dancing With The Stars?

PolishStevieFan · #1 03-02-2012, 06:43 AM

I've just got to know that legendary singer Gladys Knight will join the cast of Dancing With The Stars (one of the worst TV programs ever produced). While I understand why people like Melissa Gilbert want to be part of this show, still I can't fathom how somebody of Gladys Knight's status and legacy can even think about participating in such a horrible show. As a music guest...OK. But not as a contestant. Gladys you're too talented to be there! I hope that I won't see Stevie doing any crappy moves on the dancefloor!

HejiraNYC · #2 03-02-2012, 08:57 AM

^^I agree with this. But you have to consider that she has likely not had a big pay day during her entire 45-year career. Everyone knows how the early Motown contracts were punitive, if not downright exploitative towards the artists. She also has not written any hit songs (that I'm aware of) and she had to split her paychecks with The Pips for much of her career. Yes, she is a legend, but for some reason she has remained just a tiny bit outside of the glow of mainstream commercial success. I think appearing on DWTS will introduce her to a new audience and will help to spur her concert ticket sales, if nothing else.

PolishStevieFan · #3 03-02-2012, 12:34 PM

If my memory serves me well I remember that she used to have some financial problems...I heard she used to gamble a lot during her stint in Las Vegas. So maybe there's a logic (financial) reason for her to be a part of DWTS. I hope that she won't diminish her reputation just like Dionne Warwick did on "Celebrities Apprentice".

HejiraNYC · #4 03-02-2012, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PolishStevieFan

If my memory serves me well I remember that she used to have some financial problems...I heard she used to gamble a lot during her stint in Las Vegas. So maybe there's a logic (financial) reason for her to be a part of DWTS. I hope that she won't diminish her reputation just like Dionne Warwick did on "Celebrities Apprentice".

Oh, Dionne had already sullied her reputation long before Celebrity Apprentice. You may or may not recall the Psychic Friends Network.

It's such a shame that she wh*red out her name/reputation like that. She could have been America's answer to Dusty Springfield, but instead has about as much credibility as Charo.

MacMan · #5 03-02-2012, 07:38 PM

The real reason they all do this show is for the exercise - get back in shape!