The minds behind Dancing with the Stars is doing something a little bit different for their upcoming 19th season, for the first time ever they have cast a YouTube personality.
YouTube star Bethany Mota, who is proving to be much more than a star, but a full blown sensation, has over 6 million subscribers to her channel. Viewers tune in every week to watch Mota as she talks about her favorite clothes and make-up at the moment. In addition to just presenting products to her followers, she also does make-up tutorials and posts about her outfit choices.
The 18-year-old has a massive influence on her fans; she was just honored at the Teen Choice awards, where she took home the surfboard for Choice Female Web Star, reports Mashable .
Stretching the influence even further, Mota has launched her first fashion line with Aeropostale, a teen clothing company. Staying true to her YouTube roots, Mota has asked her fans what clothing items and shoes they would like to see in the line. “I go on Twitter and I ask my viewers, ‘What would you like to see next season in my line?’ or ‘What are things you love to wear?” she tells People, showing that internet stars can turn their online success into mainstream fame.
The choice to have Mota on the next season of DWTS is just one of the many ways the show is trying to re-vamp its image and draw in younger viewers. Earlier this year, they replaced Brooke Burke with sports commentator Erin Andrews and they have just announced that former dancing pro Julianne Hough will be returning to the show to sit in the judges’ chair.
Season 19 of Dancing with the Stars premieres Sept.15
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