The Man on the Couch picks up on romance

The Man on the Couch was right. A report on MSNBC’s Web site has confirmed that former “Dancing With the Stars” partners Sabrina Bryan of the Cheetah Girls and Mark Ballas are romantically involved.

After seeing them dance the night before the pair surprisingly was eliminated, The Man on the Couch declared there was more than just a two-step between them. While I thought they seemed a little cozy, I figured it was part of the show.

I guess I was wrong, so score one for The Man.

As I mentioned before, some reality shows are trying to slightly change their formats to stay alive for another season and keep viewers interested. Examples of those already mixing it up include “The Amazing Race” and “The Apprentice.” But they aren’t the only reality shows switching up their formats for a new season.

While I don’t think “American Idol” is in danger of being pulled anytime soon, the show will be a little different when it returns in January, and I’m not sure I like it.

A report by The New York Post states that contestants will be able to play guitar as part of their performances.

I suppose if contestants are allowed to do it on “Nashville Star,” then “Idol” shouldn’t be any different. My concern is whether it will place contestants who can’t strum the strings at a disadvantage.

What about the singers who play piano? If Simon’s going to allow one instrument, he should allow them all, although I think it’s just going to be one more thing he can criticize. Maybe that’s the point …

In other reality news, “Dog the Bounty Hunter” has found himself in trouble once again, only this time it’s not with the law.

A tape allegedly leaked to The National Enquirer by Dog’s son Tucker recorded the bounty hunter using racial slurs that he once thought he was cool enough to use.

Dog has apologized but now is in what he describes as “the hottest seat ever” and has said he might not continue with the show.

I don’t think this one’s a reality publicity stunt, but it could be a career-ending slip of the tongue unless Dog’s fans show some major support.