HOLLYWOOD—The new cast for the 21st season of the ABC reality hit “Dancing with the Stars” was unleashed on Good Morning America on Wednesday, September 2. While many of the contestants hitting the ballroom floor were leaked to the press in the past week or so, there were still a few surprises this year.
Celebrities this season include Backstreet Boy Nick Carter, actor Gary Busey, R&B legend Chaka Kahn, jockey Victor Espinoza, actress Alexa PenaVega, her husband Carlos PenaVega, the daughter of Steve Irwin, Bindi Irwin, Vine star Hayes Grier, “Housewives” star Kim Zolciak, singer Andy Grammer, singer, talk-show host and reality star Tamar Braxton, celebrity chef Paula Deen and American hero Alek Skalatos.
It was a treat to see the reveal of most of the contestants involve the popular dance the Nae Nae. From those videos alone, it gave fans of the series and idea of who has the moves and who doesn’t. I think Deen might get the redemption opportunity. I’m already eagerly awaiting the antics from Ms. Braxton and the rest of the clan which is certain to bring plenty of laughs and drama for the audience.
We also have Gary Busey who is certain to be unpredictable to say the least. There are plenty of big personalities, which should make for a very entertaining season. Unlike previous reveals, GMA dragged the reveal of which stars would be paired with which dancers. Some pros have already exited the canvas for this upcoming season due to injuries or other projects.
This season’s pairings include Tamar and Val, Nick and Sharna, Chaka and Keo, Hayes and Emma, Alexa and Mark, Carlos and Witney, Andy and Allison, Kim and Tony, Gary and Anna, Victor and Karina, Paula and Louis, Alek and Lindsay, and Bindi and Derek. Rumer Willis made a special appearance to dish some advice to the celebrities this season.
If I had to give predictions for some frontrunners I’d place Tamar, Alexa and Nick as strong contenders. That rivalry between Alexa and her hubby Carlos will be an interesting dynamic to watch unfold.
Note: judges this season include Bruno Tonioli, Carrie Ann Inaba and Julianne Hough. Yep, Len Goodman is no longer at the judge’s table, which is quite sad to say the least. He’s the one judge who would really force the contestants to work on earning that 10. The new season of “Dancing with the Stars” premieres on Monday, September 14.
