'Dancing With the Stars' Season 18 Premiere: In-House Band Being Fired in 2014? [VIDEO]
The big band at Dancing With the Stars is reportedly about to be replaced ahead of the upcoming 18th season of the show.
The American Federation of Musicians posted a note on their Facebook page Saturday, revealing that the DWTS live orchestra was being replaced for the spring 2014 season. The note, discovered via CarterMatt, reveals that the big band will be replaced by a "small electronic band" in order to "attract a younger viewer demographic."
The DWTS band is made up of 28 musicians, singers, arrangers and copyists, according to the note, and the Federation is insisting that their supporters take action against ABC/Disney's decision. The note includes the email address of an ABC representative, asking supporters to email her and say that you and others will boycott the show as well as ABC and Disney themselves if the decision to fire the band is finalized.
Dancing With the Stars already cut down on the show for season 17, airing one night a week instead of two for the first time since season 1. Eliminating the big band for season 18 would be another big step for the long-running reality show.
The cast for season 18 has not been announced to the public yet, though many rumors have been swirling about potential candidates. Such celebrities include Australian pop singer Cody Simpson, British model/hostess Kelly Brook and former Olympian/frequent tabloid subject Bruce Jenner.
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Dancing with the Stars season 18 premieres March 17 at 8 p.m. on ABC.
