Kelly Osbourne Roots for Bristol Palin on 'DWTS'

The season 9 runner-up has "a real soft spot" for Palin, particularly since she's had no family in the audience

Photo: Craig Sjodin/ABC; Bob D'Amico/ABC

Kelly Osbourne knows a thing or two about being an underdog on Dancing With the Stars. So, the season 9 runner-up knows just who she’s rooting for this year.

“I have a real soft spot for Bristol Palin. I really do. I think she’s going out there and trying, and to not have a family member in the audience is the hardest thing in the world,” Osbourne, 25, says in an interview set to air Thursday on The Ellen DeGeneres Show.

Osbourne adds: “Half of that show is family support, and to go out there that first week and not have anyone there, and having everybody looking at you the most – I give her so much credit.”

VIDEO: Bristol Palin Goes from Buttoned-Up to Red Hot on DWTS

Paired with Louis van Amstel, Osbourne was the fan favorite during the ninth season of the ABC dancing competition last fall, and she made it all the way to the finale, falling just short of the title, which went to Donny Osmond and Kym Johnson.

Osbourne says she’s still “a bit obsessed” with the show, and while she’s not offering any predictions for this season, she would like Bristol to get some family support, even if Sarah Palin’s presence might be a bit distracting for the audience.

“Anything not to have them look at me,” Osbourne says. “Look at my Mom!”