ABC announced the Season 16 cast of Dancing With The Stars this morning, and it includes some heavy hitters as well as a few fresh faces.
WYNONNA JUDD – The 5-time Grammy winner and country music icon will partner with last season’s winning pro, Tony Dovolani. All I can say is, fasten your seatbelts.
KELLIE PICKLER – This former American Idol contestant has been making a name for herself in country music over the last several years, and a few months ago she shaved her head in support of a friend who’s battling cancer. Her likeability factor alone should take her far in this competition. Kellie is paired with (angel chorus) Derek Hough.
JACOBY JONES – Fresh from a Super Bowl win, this Baltimore Raven is bound to bring a high level of athleticism and charisma to the dance floor. His partner is Karina Smirnoff.
D.L. HUGHLEY – Will this comedian and actor be able to add “dancer” to his resume? Partner Cheryl Burke is used to pro athletes, so he’d better be prepared for a real workout.
DOROTHY HAMILL – Few stars come into the competition with a move already bearing their name, but this Olympian gold medalist may just put a new spin on the old “Hamill Camel.” Veteran figure skater Dorothy Hamill was America’s sweetheart in 1976, and paired with adorable Tristan MacManus, she could be again.
ALY RAISMAN– another Olympic gold medalist, Aly Raisman was captain of the U.S. Women’s Gymnastics Team. This could be great case of déjà vu for partner Mark Ballas, who won the mirror ball trophy with gymnast Shawn Johnson in Season 8.
ANDY DICK – this actor/comedian is this season’s wild card. He could follow in the footsteps of so many other comedy stars, and be one of the first sent home… or he could whip out some dancing chops that will surprise us all. He’s paired with Sharna Burgess, who’s been a DWTS troupe member for three seasons and now moves up to “pro” status.
VICTOR ORTIZ– There’s a whole lotta cute going on, even before boxing champion Ortiz hits the floor with partner and newcomer, Lindsay Arnold. He’s a world class athlete and she’s a former ballroom standout from So You Think You Can Dance. I like their chances already.
LISA VANDERPUMP– This restaurateur and “Real Housewife” of Beverly Hills is currently starring in her own reality series, Vanderpump Rules. Can she dance? Who knows. She’s paired with Gleb Savchenko, who’s also new to DWTS.
INGO RADEMACHER– Now that’s just fun to say, isn’t it? ABC soap fans will be happy to see former General Hospital star “Jax” back in action, this time with two-time champ, Kym Johnson.
ZENDAYA COLEMAN– Announced as just “Zendaya” this morning, we’ll soon find out if this Disney Channel actress and singer has the star power to carry off the single-name thing in proper diva fashion. History has shown us that without a pre-existing fan base, even a talented dancer can be sent home early. Hopefully, partner Val Chmerkovskiy can help give her a fighting chance.
Catch the season premiere on Monday, March 18.