Dish Of Salt: Willa, I Love You! (October 12, 2006)

First of all I feel honored that Ms. Salty asked little ole me to fill in for her while she enjoys some much deserved R & R. But actually she has no idea that next week I’m gonna take advantage of this time and toot the horn of one of my TV faves that she wouldn’t waste her precious time on. But first- the rise and fall of my favorite TV dancer–the super sexy Willa Ford.

Ok, I admit I have a little bit of a crush on this girl. How that happened, trust me, I haven’t a clue, but she does it to you. Apparently she did it to a lot of people watching Dancing with the Stars because admit it, this is a girl who 99% of America had never even heard of and she lasted 5 weeks on the highly rated dance off.

Last night I had a feeling she was leaving so like a good stalker I took my white trash instant camera and, yes, she posed for two pictures. She’s obviously beautiful. She’s honest when so many people aren’t. She’s funny (and she doesn?t even try) and she makes for good TV. Oh, I forgot one major thing, she could dance better than most. Last night she told my colleague, Tony Potts she had a feeling her time was up saying “I have to tell you before we even started elimination process today I wasn’t feeling good. I really prepared myself because you know what it could be the time for me to go. It’s been an experience to grow from. I met a bunch of new friends and people who would have never in a million years seen Willa Ford, now know who she is.”

Isn’t that the truth and I have a feeling the Willa/Max pairing will last a bit longer too. He is smitten for her. You can see it in his eyes. Last night Jimmy Kimmell asked her if she was dating a professional hockey player. From her reaction and for the simple fact that Max was in the audience watching her, I have a feeling that the hockey player may not be around as much anymore. It’s just a feeling I have. I may be wrong.

Max told “Access” he was thrilled with what he accomplished with his leading lady, Willa saying “ I would take Willa, with her non-existent fan base, to someone who is super famous any day because this has been the greatest experience.” Ain’t love grand! Oh, I’m sorry Willa. You told me you’re just “hanging out”…my bad.

But I will say the ever-gracious Jerry Springer was genuinely floored by the results. He did expect to leave. He was surprised that he got so many votes because after all, “My audience has to find a pay phone some place to call.”

Jerry will disco next week with the remaining finalists. Will the super slow, low-energy singer Sara Evans continue her stronghold? The answer is yes. She’s got her huge country music fan base, the right-wingers, and the Bible belt dialing and logging on. She will be in the top three. I predict Sara will be alongside Mario and Emmitt. The judges will do her in during the finale. But can’t I still dream about my Willa tearing up the dance floor and taking that cheesy trophy away from Mario and Karina? I can and I will!