It’s official, after much speculation and many ABC teasers, the official cast for Season 21 of Dancing with the Stars has been announced! Between child actors, reality stars, athletes, musicians and even a famous couple, this season of DWTS is shaping up to be one of the best yet. Here’s your who’s who and what you need to know about the cast this season:
1. Tamar Braxton:
The former family band member (The Braxtons) turned reality tv star (Braxton Family Values) is bringing her talents to DWTS this season.
2. Gary Busey:
Our parents know him as an Academy Award nominee and full on movie star. You probably know him as the celebrity on many of your favorite reality tv shows including; Celebrity Wife Swap, Celebrity Apprentice, All-Star Celebrity Apprentice, and Celebrity Big Brother. He also had roles in Entourage and Two and a Half Men.
3. Nick Carter:
Why even have a season of DWTS without a washed-up boy band member? While he has had solo albums and even a few acting gigs, we will always know him as the youngest member of the Backstreet Boys and Aaron’s older brother. Let’s hope his first dance is to a medley of the band’s greatest hits.
4. Paula Deen:
Did I miss something? Does America like Paula Deen again? At least ABC thought she was no longer a PR nightmare. The racist, former-food network star will be making her return to TV this season.
5. Victor Espinoza:
Remember when you cared about horse racing last spring? This season DWTS is seeing if the Triple Crown winning jockey has what it takes to take home a much shinier trophy.
6. Andy Grammer:
‘Aww nah honey I’m good”. The man that had us singing along to the radio all summer, and has performed on the show in the past, is taking a shot at being a part of the competition this season.
7. Hayes Grier:
This season’s youngest contestant, at just 15-years-old, is famous for…. his vines? Hayes Grier is a vine star turned celebrity. Hopefully he’ll be able to remember dances longer than a few seconds.
8. Bindi Irwin:
Rounding out the under 18 contestants is 17-year-old, wildlife activist and daughter of the crocodile hunter himself, Steve Irwin. Famous herself for numerous wild-life and animal themed television shows, she has as a range of books and clothing lines as well.
9. Chaka Khan:
You probably know her for her song, “I’m Every Woman,” but this 40 year music veteran has racked up 10 grammys and 22 grammy nominations. Her performing background will probably give her a leg up on the competition this year.
10./11. Carlos PenaVega and Alexa PenaVega:
Look out Julianne and Derek, there’s a new family in town! Husband and wife Carlos and Alexa PenaVega (yes they did combine their last names, #equality) will be duking it out for the disco ball trophy this season. You know her from Spy Kids and him from Big Time Rush, they’ve both moved on but we will always remember them for their child star days.
12. Alek Skarlatos:
Army National Guard Specialist turned star for his heroic acts stopped a massacre on a train in Belgium when he disarmed the shooter.
13. Kimm Zolciak Biermannn:
Starting off as a Real Housewife of Atlanta she has upgraded to her own Bravo reality show, Don’t Be Tardy for the Wedding, now on its fourth season.
For more information on the dancers and this season go to abc.go.com
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