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Timing's Right For Osmond To Dance Into Spotlight

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By NEAL JUSTIN Star Tribune (Minneapolis)

Published: October 23, 2007

Marie Osmond's feisty spirit isn't the only reason we should be rooting for her to win 'Dancing With the Stars.' This year's champion will be crowned in late November, just two days before the entertainer launches her holiday concert tour.

Osmond, 48, chatted by phone en route to last Tuesday's results show, about being part of a top-rated television show, which of her family members might not be in her corner and why she waited so long to record a new album.

The chance of public humiliation is so great on a show like this. Does it get to you?

Only if you let it. Except for Sabrina Bryan, the rest of us aren't trained dancers, so, yeah, it's been tough. This past week I was spinning on the floor and got a massive bruise the size of a football. I think it looks like Elvis, which is appropriate since we were dancing to an Elvis song. But no one is having more fun than I am. I've lost 20 pounds, so I tell my fans to keep voting for me because it's the best diet I've ever been on.

You've got a good chance considering how many Osmonds are out there to vote for you.

Yeah, I've said that if there are 24 million viewers, 22 million are Osmonds. They text me all the time, and I tell them to get off the phone and vote. They've all been very supportive, but I think Donny might be voting for Jane Seymour.

Mention your name and people instantly think of the 'Donny and Marie' line, 'I'm a little bit country, I'm a little bit rock 'n' roll.' Why does that still stick with us after all these years?

You look at television at that time, when there were only three networks, and we were a little like Leno, Letterman, 'Entertainment Tonight' and 'Access Hollywood' combined. We introduced the country to the 'Star Wars' characters. I worked with Groucho Marx. How many teenagers get to say that? It was really a unique show.

What's harder: Learning to waltz or rewatching the Donny and Marie movie 'Goin' Coconuts'?

I like you. Definitely watching 'Goin' Coconuts.' Truly one of the worst movies ever made. But my kids like it.

'Marie Osmond's Magic of Christmas' is your first album of new material in 18 years. Why now?

Honestly, it's been so much fun. I'm a single mother now, and my kids said, 'Go out. Be brilliant. Do what you love.' They are the ones that told me to do 'Dancing,' and they are the ones who wanted me back in the studio. My son Stephen sings with me on one of the songs and wrote another one. It's also the first time Donny and I have sung together in years.

How are you finding time to prepare for your tour? If you win 'Dancing,' you've only got a couple days before it starts.

I've assembled my team from years past. The big thing is for me to remember the lyrics in my head.

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