August 30, 2016
Dancing With the Stars is back and with it are high expectations to match the success of the past seasons. On Aug. 30, Good Morning America announced the cast line up for season 23.
The cast includes Olympic gold medalists Laurie Hernandez and Ryan Lochte, Amber Rose, Maureen McCormick, Terra Jolé, Marilu Henner, Vanilla Ice, Calvin Johnson, Disney star Jake T. Austin, Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, James Hinchcliffe, Rick Perry, and county singer Jana Kramer.
As the excitement stirs for the new season, there are new changes while other things are remaining the same.
After a three season hiatus from the show, professional Cheryl Burke will be returning to the ballroom. Mark Ballas, who has been on the show for 14 seasons, sadly will not be returning due to a back injury.
Professional Peta Murgatroyd will also not be dominating the floor due to pregnancy.
What has remained the same is that Derek Hough will be back in attempts to win his 7th mirror ball trophy. He is partnered with Marliu Henner.
Another popular contestant is Amber Rose. Fans have seen her on social media whether it’s as an actress, model, or host of The Amber Rose Show. She is adding another title to herself- dancer. Rose and her partner, Maksim Chmerkovskiy, will take on DWTS one dance at a time.
After winning silver at the Rio Olympics, gymnast Laurie Hernandez will be able to bring her gymnastic skills and competitiveness to the dance floor. Her partner is Val Chmerkovskiy.
At a height of 4’2, Terra Jolé is making history by being the first little person ever to compete on DWTS. The reality star plans to dance all the way to the finale just months after giving birth to her second child.
Vanilla Ice will also be competing with partner Whitney Carson. The “Ice Ice Baby” singer will likely have some advantages giving his background in dancing.
Brady Bunch star Maureen McCormick and Wizards of Waverly Place star Jake T. Austin both know how to act, but how will they be dancing for the mirror ball trophy? Viewers will soon find out.
Jana Kramer can play the part of actress and singer, as well. She plans to show America what else she can do by dancing for the trophy later in September.
Lastly, there are speculations of Ryan Lochte trying to clean up his name from the recent Rio games bathroom stop fiasco. He plans to win back America’s heart with the help of returning professional Cheryl Burke.
As seen by the selection of contestants, this season will bring excitement and as always, entertainment.
The first episode will premiere on Monday, Sept. 12.
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