Sly, Rice, Alley danced away from 'DWTS'

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 2 (UPI) -- Some big names in the entertainment and political worlds turned down ABC's offer to be on "Dancing With The Stars" when it airs this month in Los Angeles.

The network unsuccessfully lobbied actor Sylvester Stallone, actress Kirstie Alley, political commentator Ann Coulter, former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, the real Erin Brockovich, billionaire Richard Branson and actor-comedian Tim Allen, among others, The Hollywood Reporter said Thursday.

"People say no for a variety of reasons," Executive Producer Conrad Green said. "Some people like the show but think they suck at dancing. It's a lot easier to say 'no' than it is to say 'yes.'"

The Reporter said there has been some drama on the "DWTS" set.

Bristol Palin, daughter of 2008 Republican vice presidential hopeful Sarah Palin,"was really annoyed by all the questions about whether her mom would be in the audience to support her," a Reporter source said. "She kept complaining about the amount of press she had to do. She is acting like this is all a big pain."

At stake for each of the celebrity dancers is what can be a chunk of change for the eventual winner, the Reporter said. Each star makes $125,000 for signing, gets three weeks of rehearsal before the premiere and competes in the first two episodes even if cut after the first dance. The breakdown after that becomes more complicated, sources said. Celebrities earn $10,000 an episode for weeks 3 and 4, $20,000 an episode for weeks 5 and 6, $30,000 an episode for weeks 7 and 8, and $50,000 an episode for the final two weeks.

The 11th cycle of "Dancing With The Stars" premieres Sept. 20.