'DWTS' Producers Worried As Ratings Remain In Freefall Despite Host Tyra Banks' Best Efforts To Generate Buzz
Panic in the ballroom!
After OK! spilled Dancing with the Stars ratings tanked after what many considered a botched Britney Spears tribute episode, sources are squealing producers are disappointed with viewership overall this season.
“The ratings matter is of concern for executives,” a source spilled to The Sun, adding they’re equating the ratings lull to the “stars not quite generating the same buzz as in the past.”
"While Olivia Jade, JoJo Siwa, Matt James and Amanda Kloots were thought to generate coverage and interest, the reaction has been a little tepid,” the insider continued, noting Siwa’s history making same-sex pairing didn’t quite generate the publicity they had hoped.
“To be honest, Tyra [Banks] is the one making the headlines — good or bad — and that at least means that the show is in people's mind,” the source said, adding execs have “confidence that she can turn it around.”
The ratings buzzkill comes as OK! learned host Banks pulled out all the stops to try and lure Spears to take part in the tribute special on Monday, October, 4, but had no such luck.
- 'Dancing With The Stars' Execs 'Scared' To Address Ratings Slump, Reportedly Blaming Celeb Talent For Lack Of 'Appeal' While Protecting Host Tyra Banks
- 'Dancing With The Stars' Ratings Reportedly Tank As Viewers Slam Botched Britney Spears Tribute Episode & Host Tyra Banks
- Tyra Banks' Diva 'Demands' Rubbing 'DWTS' Crew The Wrong Way, Host Reportedly A 'Nightmare' On Set
A source dished the former America’s Top Model host “worked overtime” to get the “Piece of Me” singer to make a cameo on the show, but Spears rejected the offer.
“You have to remember that Tyra isn’t just the host, she is also the show's very hands-on Executive Producer, who is not above hitting the phones to get what she wants,” the insider explained. “Tyra tried everything to get Britney to make a surprise appearance including contacting Britney’s fiancé, but she passed.”
The 47-year-old supermodel even threw out alternatives to entice Spears, but she didn’t bite: “Once it became clear that Britney wouldn’t be stepping foot into the ballroom, producers pushed to have Britney make a special video for Tyra, but Britney passed on doing that too."
Dwindling ratings have plagued the beloved ABC dancing competition series since longtime host Tom Bergeron and Erin Andrews were ousted last year and replaced by the Coyote Ugly actress.
Season 30 kicked off two weeks ago and saw a nearly 33% drop in viewership from the year before.
