Pia & Mark — A Wrestler Hooked Them Up!

Pia Toscano was the instigator of her burgeoning romance with Mark Ballas, and she used wrestling star Chris Jericho to help her score a date.

As TMZ first reported, Pia and Mark went out on a date Friday night and it went real well … so say our spies.

So here’s how it went down. Pia and Mark both shoot their respective shows — “American Idol” and “Dancing With the Stars” — on the CBS Television City lot in L.A.

We’re told Pia had her eye on Mark for several weeks, but needed an introduction. So Pia — who turns out is pretty resourceful — has a friend who is friends with Jericho, a contestant on “Dancing With the Stars,” Pia gave her friend a piece of paper with her phone number on it, who then passed it along to Jericho, who then passed it on to Mark.

Mark, we’re told, was more than receptive. Even though he has an album coming out Tuesday — he rescheduled a music video shoot so he could go on his big date on Friday.

Our peeps who are connected with both Mark and Pia say they both want an encore.

Source: TMZ

Rick Fox has become the seventh contestant to be eliminated from ‘Dancing With The Stars’

The retired basketball player and his professional partner Cheryl Burke were eliminated last night (02.11.10) despite gaining 24 points, their highest score in the competition for their quickstep on Monday’s (01.11.10) special 200th episode.

A visibly disappointed Rick said: “We were the couple going home. It’s a lot of work put in; you don’t visualise going home, you visualise being here every week. But it’s now something that both Cheryl and I are processing for the first time.

“Not having to go to the studio to rehearse tomorrow? That’s a hard pill to swallow.”

Despite his elimination, Rick admitted he had loved the experience saying it changed his life.

He explained: “It’s been a transformational journey for me, it’s been amazing. My relationship has transformed with my girlfriend and my daughter.”

Elsewhere, poorly-performing couples Bristol Palin and Mark Ballas, and Kurt Warner and partner Anna Trebunskaya were saved for yet another week, kept afloat by viewer votes – which are combined with the judges’ scores to produce the final results.

Bristol said: “I’m relieved and shocked. Can’t believe we made it to another week, but I’m thankful for the fans that voted for us.”

The results show featured musical performances by country music star Taylor Swift and singer Rod Stewart.

The eighth round of `Dancing With The Stars’ will take place next Monday (08.11.10).

Source: BANG Showbiz

Bristol Palin — Bar Controversy is ‘Nacho’ Problem

Bristol Palin already has a cheesy excuse for why she was inside a bar in Alaska last week even though she’s under 21 — and it all comes down to nachos.

A state investigator is reportedly looking into a “Dancing with the Stars” segment that 19-year-old Bristol taped inside Rumrunners Ole Towne Bar and Grill on Thursday.

But a source extremely close to Bristol tells TMZ … “The place is also a restaurant … so under 21 is allowed under Alaska law if accompanied by a person over 21, which she was.” Bristol was with her partner Mark Ballas during the segment — and he’s 24.

And here’s the rub — our source is adamant, “Bristol had nachos only.”

So far, the Alaska Department of Public Safety has no official comment on the situation.

Source: TMZ

‘Sex Bomb’ Explodes on ‘Dancing With the Stars’

TMZ is blowing the lid off of the “Dancing with the Stars” premiere — ’cause we know EVERY SINGLE THING that’s set to go down on the show … from songs to props and even EXPLOSIONS!

BTW — SPOILER ALERT follows:

The most shocking performance – Bristol Palin and Mark Ballas — they Cha Cha to “Mama Told Me (Not to Come)” … are you listening Levi? But the best part — Bristol will rip off some “tear-away clothes” while Sarah Palin sits in the audience!

David Hasselhoff will also be dropping a “Sex Bomb” of his own — Tom Jones style — complete with sunglasses and a pyrotechnics.

Here’s how it will break down …

– Audrina Patridge and Tony Dovalani — Cha Cha Cha — “California Gurls”

– Bristol Palin and Mark Ballas — Cha Cha Cha — “Mama Told Me Not to Come”

Source: TMZ

Sarah Palin To Appear at ‘Dancing with the Stars’

Sarah Palin will be in the audience to cheer on her daughter, Bristol, for Monday’s season opener of “Dancing with the Stars” … sources connected with the show tell TMZ.

Our spies say security has been “beefed up” for Sarah’s appearance.

And get this … We found out the song Bristol Palin and Mark Ballas will dance to — in front of Mama Palin. It’s Three Dog Night’s, “Mama Told Me (Not to Come).” Classic.

We’re told Bristol will wear glasses and a conservative outfit but tear off her clothes mid-dance … just like in the old days.

Source: TMZ

Mark Ballas on Bristol Palin: What, Me Worry?

Some of Mark Ballas’ comrades on “Dancing with the Stars” tell TMZ … Marky Mark has been grousing that his partner, Bristol Palin, has been missing so many practices that his performance with her could be downright embarrassing.

Our sources tell us Mark canceled Monday’s rehearsal because of a party for his mother. But Bristol canceled Tuesday because she had committed to giving a speech. And Bristol canceled Wednesday because her son, Tripp, was ill. And she was only able to practice a half day on Thursday.

Some members of the cast tell us … Mark is worried the newbie just won’t cut it when the show premieres a week from Monday.

But there’s another side to this story … sources connected with the show tell us Mark was really happy with Bristol’s progress on Friday and they will be practicing the entire weekend and every day next week until the first live TV show.

On the bright side, if Bristol falls flat, she could get appointed to some position in Wasilla.

Source: TMZ