Celebrity Circus was an American reality television show that premiered on NBC in 2008. It featured a cast of celebrities who trained and performed circus-style acts under the guidance of professional circus performers. The show was hosted by former NFL football player and Dancing with the Stars contestant, John Salley. The celebrity cast included Olympic swimmer Janet Evans, Olympic gymnast Mitchell Gaylord, actor Antonio Sabato Jr., and R&B singer Blu Cantrell.
Throughout the season, each celebrity trained in a variety of circus disciplines, from trapeze to tightrope walking to clowning. They were coached by some of the best performers in the business, including former Cirque du Soleil members.
The show also featured live performances from professional circus acts, which served as inspiration for the celebrity performers. Each week, the celebrity performers were judged by a panel of experts, including renowned circus performer and choreographer, Lu Yi, and former Vegas showgirl and choreographer, Debbie Allen.
In addition to the judges' scores, the celebrity performers were also judged by the studio audience, who voted for their favorite acts with handheld electronic devices. The audience votes were factored into the final scores, making them a crucial component of the competition.
Celebrity Circus was not only a test of the celebrity performers' physical abilities, but also their showmanship and ability to connect with an audience. As they trained and performed, they shared their personal stories and struggles, offering viewers a glimpse into their lives beyond the spotlight.
The show was a unique and entertaining blend of circus performance and reality television, showcasing both the talents and personalities of the celebrity cast. Despite its popularity, Celebrity Circus only ran for one season, but it remains a beloved and memorable part of NBC's reality television lineup.