Las Vegas Weekly

January 16, 2009 · 6:30 AM

Morning Call Exclusive: Donny Osmond on DWTS? Another time

By Robin Leach

Donny Osmond in performance mode and wear.

Photo: Erik Kabik/Retna/www.erikkabikphoto.com

Rumors have been flying about Flamingo headliner Donny Osmond following in sister Marie’s footsteps to compete in the next season of ABC’s ratings powerhouse Dancing With the Stars. I broke the exclusive story that he was even taking dancing lessons to prepare for the rigors of the tough, physical show.

Ever since he told me he was practicing in the event he was invited to be a contestant, the stories have been flying fast and furious. Donny has titillated our local Las Vegas radio personalities with the possible TV run, but now I can exclusively reveal that it isn’t going to happen next month when the Season 8 contestants are announced.

“There just wasn’t sufficient advance lead time to change the time of their Flamingo show and the schedules of everybody involved with it,” I was reliably told.

Photo: Harrah's

Donny Osmond strums on his guitar.

However, Donny will be available in September for Season 9! Everything will be juggled and shifted this summer to also accommodate Marie’s new afternoon TV talk show. Much of Donny’s rehearsals and background video footage would center on his Vegas life. He would be able to commute between Los Angeles -- for the live 6 p.m. ET broadcast -- and Las Vegas in time for any shows scheduled on Mondays and Tuesdays each week.

“It also gives him a little longer to build up his strength. The Dancing show requires a lot of stamina, and with their nightly show at the Flamingo, it will be a Herculean effort of super fitness to avoid injuries as some of the stars experienced last season,” my reliable confidante told me.

Donny is very enthusiastic about taking up the challenge, and, as we first reported exclusively, he is continuing with dance lessons to get him ready for next fall’s Season 9 of Dancing With the Stars!

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