Countdown to Festivus on Dec. 23: On the second day of Festivus, TV gave to us ... two divas 'Dancing.'

To say 'Dancing With the Stars' is a polarizing show is an understatement. The viewers who love it, well, they really love it. And the people who aren't into it? It's generally a venomous dislike. But, 'Dancing With the Stars' took a turn for the worse when they introduced two dancing divas: Kate Gosselin and Bristol Palin.

The competition series enjoyed renewed prominence when they put reality TV star Kate Gosselin and Republican maverick Sarah Palin's daughter Bristol on its two seasons of 2010, but at what cost? Sure, the series surged in ratings and became must-see TV for the following day's watercooler chat, but the series that used to be about celebrities learning to dance is now tainted.

In the beginning of her entertainment career, Gosselin was just a TLC reality star known for having a bad haircut and eight kids. It wasn't until her marriage imploded that she became a tabloid sensation. And if it weren't for the marriage drama, she would have never been on the radar to join 'Dancing With the Stars.'

By casting her on the series, 'DWTS' learned the power of the tabloids. People came out in droves to support or tear Gosselin down; it seemed like there was no middle ground between thinking she was just supporting her kids or calling her an absentee mother. She got as far as she did by being on the front of tabloids, by becoming a TV personality that really divided people. How else can you explain how she stayed on the show for as long as she did? If you need a refresher of just how bad a dancer she was, check out her performance to Lady Gaga's hit song 'Paparazzi.'

She picked 'Paparazzi' because it spoke to her about the relationship she shares with the media -- the media she invited into her life by agreeing to appear on a reality series.

The image of Kate Gosselin dancing to Lady Gaga's hit 'Paparazzi' will forever be etched in my brain. It's safe to say that dance was one of the biggest train wrecks of the series, but it's almost so bad that it's amazing. You can't make TV like that up; in fact, don't be surprised if you find yourself watching it more than once.



Thankfully, Gosselin didn't make it to the finals. The show was saved, a little bit. Then, the world met Bristol Palin, dancing teen activist.

Palin was a different kind of 'Dancing' diva than Gosselin. Both were brought in for ratings and scandal, but Palin was clearly brought on because of her mother, Sarah Palin. Forget B or even C-list celebrities -- by adding Palin the series got way more than it bargained for: political scandal.

While audiences had a love/hate relationship with Gosselin, she got as far as she did on her own accord. Her votes (or lack of) were based on the relationship she had with the audience. Palin's support primarily came from those who support her mother and her mother's political views. Just look at the voting scandal.



Kyle Massey, a contestant during Palin's season, got by on his personality. He was not a household name before the series, but he danced and charmed his way to the finals. Rather than talent, Gosselin and Palin got by on tabloid sales and gimmicks. It's safe to say 'DWTS' has gotten a taste of diva and it'll try and go bigger and better for seasons to come. The show's name might be 'Dancing With the Stars,' but it seems to lack either dancing or stars.