Tony’s Take: Jerry! Jerry! (August 16, 2006)

I danced with Jerry Springer this morning.

That?s something I never thought I?d ever write let alone ?do?.

Actually there is a legitimate reason?you see Jerry signed on as one of the stars of ABC?s huge hit, ?Dancing With The Stars?. So, I drove over to a dance studio in Hollywood to see if Springer?s feet are as fast as his mouth. In a word, no.

But next to his incredible professional partner, Kym Johnson (she won the Australian version of the show-who knew?..no..I mean..who knew they had an Australian version?), anyone would look like they had two left feet. Now, Kym?s an interesting story.

Before DWTS flew her to the ol? USA, they wouldn?t tell her who her partner would be?no way they said.

You guessed it?they waited until she landed to tell her she drew the short straw and got Springer. In fact, she told me they made her sit down before they told her. I asked Kym if she knew who Jerry Springer was..and she said, ?of course?..because Jerry?s very big Down Under. Now, the poor woman flew all this way and does NOT want to go home in the first week, which is exactly what Jerry is predicting will happen. But if you look at Springer?s life, he?s always surprised people in whatever he?s done. From a lawyer to mayor of Cincinnati..where ironically he tried to rid the town of hookers?to that city?s the most popular news anchor ..and then to the Springer we know today. He also has a 3-hour daily syndicated radio show?plus a tv show in Europe in addition to an Obie winning play in London (didn?t know the Jedi master gave out awards).

What I?m trying to tell all of you?is that Springer rarely fails. Think about it in the DWTS context, which is popular voting. He has a HUGE fan base?just like Master P and Jerry Rice from last season.

Look, I?m not sayin? Springer?s winning this thing? unless he incites some sort of chair-throwin? smackdown backstage?injuring his competitors. Wait a second?I could see that happening?after all, this IS Jerry Springer.

I don?t know about you, but I?m keepin? an eye peeled for Jerry?s bald-headed bodyguard Steve.

Where there?s a ruckus, there?s Steve.