Jewel and Nancy O'Dell are out for Dancing with the Stars

By April MacIntyre Mar 5, 2009, 22:36 GMT

Jewel and Nancy O’Dell out of ABC’s “Dancing With the Stars.” © Albert L. Ortega / PR Photos

Two celebrity contestants have folded from the flock on ABC’s “Dancing With the Stars.”

Access Hollywood’s Nancy O’Dell and singer Jewel have both been released from the competition over injuries, ABC confirmed on Thursday.
 
“Beyond disappointment doesn’t even being to describe how I feel about not being able to continue on ‘Dancing With the Stars.’ It has been one of my favorite shows since season one!” O’Dell told Access Hollywood. “But I have torn the meniscus in my knee in two places, which requires surgery. According to the doctor, one is a ‘significant’ tear and it will require my getting knee surgery within the next couple of weeks.”

The replacement for O’Dell has not been announced yet.  O'Dell's partner is DWTS pro dancer, Tony Dovolani, who danced with Susan Lucci last season.

“DWTS’ was a great experience. I’ll miss working with my partner, Tony Dovolani, and all the other wonderful people on the amazing production that is ‘Dancing With the Stars,’” O’Dell added. “Tony has been an amazing teacher and dance partner and I feel horrible I can’t continue for him… Although short, it was a great experience. I challenged myself to take risk at doing something I had never done before!”

O'Dell continued.  “After I have surgery and eight weeks of rehab, my doctor tells me my knee will be back to how it was,” O’Dell said. “So that means if I have the opportunity to go back, I could!”

Meanwhile, country singer Jewel had blogged last month that tendonitis in her knees had been causing her severe pain during rehearsals. Yet, in a later interview, Jewel vowed not to take off her “Dancing” shoes.

“Don’t count me out, as I am in this for the long run,” she said at the time.
ABC has announced that it was a fractured tibia in both legs for country singer Jewel that has ended her bid for dancing glory.

“When the doctors told me my injuries were so severe that I couldn’t walk, let alone compete, I was devastated that I couldn’t continue the show,” Jewel said. “I have every intention of being at ‘Dancing With the Stars’ this season supporting my husband, Ty (Murray), and his partner Chelsie. I hope to be back on the show in the future.”

Us Weekly claims Holly Madison will be joining the “Dancing” cast.

According to ABC, both O’Dell and Jewel will appear on Monday’s season premiere to talk about their departure from the show and “additional changes to the cast” will also be announced during the opening show.