“Dancing with the Stars” is back for the show’s 23rd season on ABC. The show’s cast of celebrities and professionals was announced on “Good Morning America” on August 30. There will be former pros returning to the show to partner with celebrities, as well as one former pro returning to judge. Celebrities are hailing from Indy-car drivers to politicians.
According to ABC’s website, pro dancer Maksim Chmerkovskiy is returning to the dancefloor with model and Kanye West’s former girlfriend, Amber Rose. Today she is focused on her foundation dedicated to empowering women.
Hailing from Georgia is NFL wide receiver Calvin Johnson, Jr. ABC’s website calls him a philanthropist and family-oriented man. He will be partnering with Lindsay Arnold.
“Dancing with the Stars” will also have a Disney star showing up to fight for the mirrorball. Jake T. Austin from “Wizards of Waverly Place” will be donning his dance shows with former-troupe member, now pro Jenna Johnson.
According to ABC, James Hinchcliffe, one of the IndyCar series most popular drivers, is heading to the dancefloor. He has been voted Favorite Driver and Rookie of the Year in years past. Professional dancer Sharna Burgess will be guiding him across the stage this season.
Country singer and former “One Tree Hill” actress, Jana Kramer, will also be fighting for the coveted mirrorball. Gleb Savchenko will be her dancing professional partner.
Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, best known for his 11 Grammy Award wins, is hitting the stage, but it won’t be for singing. ABC announced his partnership with pro Allison Holker.
Also hitting the dancefloor will be two Olympians. Laurie Hernandez who just won Gold and Silver in the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics will be dancing with Maks’ brother, Valentin Chmerkovskiy.
Marilu Henner is coming to another stage. According to ABC, she has been in over 30 films, six Broadway shows and nominated for five Golden Globes. She is bringing her theatrical background to the dancefloor with returning pro Derek Hough.
Former “Brady Bunch” actress, Maureen McCormick, will be going after the mirrorball, as well. Best known for her role as Marcia Brady, McCormick will be dancing with Artem Chigvintsev.
United States Air Force veteran and former Texas governor, Rick Perry, is also coming to dance with the celebrities this season. Perry will be going after the mirrorball with pro dancer Emma Slater.
Hernandez isn’t the only Olympian this season; Ryan Lochte, the 12-time Olympic medalist is also a celebrity contestant this season. He will be fighting for another win with partner Cheryl Burke.
Coming from the Lifetime hit “Little Women: LA” is actress Terra Jole. She will be partnering with professional dancer Sasha Farber.
Last but not least, Robert Van Winkle will be hitting the dancefloor. If that name doesn’t sound familiar, perhaps his stage name of Vanilla Ice rings a bell. He is going to be battle it out with pro Witney Carson.
Season 23 of “Dancing with the Stars” will premiere on September 12 at 8 p.m. on ABC.
Brittany Fletcher
Designer/Intern