Derek Hough Talks New Dance Partner Maria Menounos

On The Courtney Robertson Rumor:
“To the best of my knowledge, if you see her [Courtney Robertson] on the show it will be in the audience,” Tom says. “I’ve seen no evidence of any rehearsals or anybody talking about it, other than to say it’s sort of out there.”

Christina Jones Interviews New ‘Dancing with the Stars’ Cast

On Sherri Shepherd Allegedly Practicing With Maks:
“The best way I could capsulize it is she took a Bill Clinton approach, she essentially didn’t inhale,” he says. “I think that if anybody took extensive training it probably would be frowned upon, but I don’t know to what extent if she just sort of scoped out the environment or actually took a lesson or arguably later tonight we might find out she should have taken more.”

New ‘DWTS’ Cast Member Maria Menounos Admits ‘I Don’t Know How To Dance’

On The New Season Cast:
“This is one of the most likeable groups we’ve ever assembled. I really like these people. You get people that you know, like Gladys Knight, Melissa Gilbert, and Jaleel White, who of course was Urkel. It’s a bunch of people that are just genuinely charismatic and likeable and really good.”

Season 14 of “Dancing with the Stars” premieres tonight on ABC at 8/7c.

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(Photo: Getty Images)

Tom Bergeron was in vacation mode when he took time out to call into “On Air with Ryan Seacrest” on Thursday after being told that he must speak to Ryan Seacrest.

KIIS FM’s own Ellen K. will be receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2012. Ellen wants to use this opportunity to make one of her dreams come true. Ellen wants to be on “Dancing With The Stars.” So, who better to reach out to than the host of the show, Tom Bergeron.

“I want to use this star on the walk of fame to get on “Dancing with the Stars” and then I will give any money that I get from the show to charity and it would go to a children’s charity to make the children the stars. See it’s a star theme,” Ellen explained to Tom.

Tom Replied, “That is the most underhanded approach I have ever heard. Here you are, you try to pull on our heartstrings, using children. Have you decided which children’s charity or were you just going to throw in the blanket sick children angle?”

“Just so that you can get yourself spray tanned and parade around skimpy outfits, which come to think of it, now I’m liking this.”

“Since she is serious, who is the best person to put her in the que for an audition?” Ryan asked.

“We should talk. How much ready cash do you have? I mean liquid.” Tom said jokingly. “I was always told in negotiation never throw out a figure,” Ellen replied.

“No, because then you are negotiating against yourself, but here you have all the poor children out of the picture. It’s just you and me blatantly into bribery and corrosion,” Tom said.

“Is the person we need to talk to Deena Katz?” Ryan inquired. “That’s exactly right, Deena is the person for whom all must grovel and beg,” Tom replied.

Listen to the full interview below and show your support for our “Get Ellen K. on ‘Dancing with the Stars’” campaign in the comments below or tweet us!

“Dancing with the Stars” host Tom Bergeron gives his opinion on this season’s contestants, and the difficulties of interviewing Chris Brown during “On Air With Ryan Seacrest.”

Tom confirmed Chris Brown will perform on tonight’s “Dancing With The Stars” stating, “I did tell the producers it may be to their advantage to not have me interview him, because my natural tendency would be to say something. So don’t put me in a position where you are asking me to not say something, because I really won’t do that.” He jokingly added, “They will probably have me in a Hannibal Lecter suit!“

Tom expressed caution over this season’s “Dancing With The Stars” contestants saying, ”I was a little concerned because the last two seasons have had lightening rod contestants like a tabloid Kate Gosselin and political Bristol Palin. This season felt a lot more like an earlier season of the show. “

Tom gives his opinion on two fan favorites: Ralph Macchio and Kirstie Alley. “Ralph is like Fred Astaire with Rod Blagojevich’s hair. He was amazing!” He continued, “I think Kristie Alley acquitted herself far better then any of us ever thought she would. It was amazing to watch her, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen Max happier!”

Tom continued on to remind audiences that everyone gets a second chance to dance tonight before anyone is eliminated. “Really glad we are doing it this way this season.” Voting will continue through tonight’s show and the couple with the least amount of votes will be eliminated Tuesday night at 8/7c.

Listen to the full interview to hear Ellen K’s first audition interview to be on next season “Dancing With The Stars.”

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