ABC’s Dancing with the Stars will celebrate its 10th anniversary (and 20th season) on March 16, 2015 at 8pm ET/PT with Michael Sam, Suzanne Somers, and Rumer Willis among the new season’s celebrity dancers. ABC also revealed Witney Carson will be back, however they’re going to announce the celeb who’ll be teaming up with the reigning Mirrorball champion at a later date.
In celebration of the show’s 10th anniversary, the new season will include Disney and Latin nights as well as the premiere of the new theme, Spring Break Night. Tom Bergeron and Erin Andrews host the show with Len Goodman, Julianne Hough, Bruno Tonioli, and Carrie Ann Inaba judging season 20.
This season’s partners are:
Noah Galloway partnered with Sharna Burgess
Robert Herjavec partnered with Kym Johnson
Patti LaBelle partnered with Artem Chigvintsev
Nastia Liukin partnered with Derek Hough
Riker Lynch partnered with Allison Holker
Charlotte McKinney partnered with Keo Motsepe
Redfoo partnered with Emma Slater
Michael Sam partnered with Peta Murgatroyd
Willow Shields partnered with Mark Ballas
Suzanne Somers partnered with Tony Dovolani
Rumer Willis partnered with Valentin Chmerkovskiy
Details on the celebrities, courtesy of ABC:
NOAH GALLOWAY — A native of Birmingham, Alabama, Sergeant Noah Galloway was assigned to the 1st of the 502nd Infantry of the 101st Airborne Division out of Fort Campbell, Kentucky during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Just three months into his second tour of duty, he experienced a life changing injury. On December 19, 2005, Galloway lost his left arm above the elbow and left leg above the knee in an Improvised Explosive Device attack. He was transported to Germany to receive medical treatment, remaining unconscious for five days. Galloway woke up late in the evening on Christmas Eve to learn he lost two of his limbs and sustained severe injuries to his right leg and his jaw. Galloway was then transferred to Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC. After a long stint in recovery and rehabilitation, Galloway did what many disabled veterans do, becoming withdrawn, out of shape and depressed. The former fitness fanatic and hyper competitive athlete was now drinking, smoking and sleeping his days away. But late one night, Galloway took a long look in the mirror and realized there was more to him than the injuries so he set a goal to get back in shape, be healthier and inspire others. Now a personal trainer and motivational speaker, the father of three doesn’t take excuses from his clients, fans and followers. He continues to compete, participating in adventure races around the country, such as Tough Mudder, Spartan events plus numerous 5K and 10K races. A sought after public speaker, Galloway travels the country sharing his story, encouraging and motivating others to offer no excuses. Most recently, Galloway appeared on the November cover of Men’s Health Magazine, as he was named the publication’s 2014 Ultimate Guy. He’s also been a guest on numerous national talk shows including Ellen and The Today Show. A firm believer in giving back to those around him in need, Galloway recently created the No Excuses Charitable Fund, which raises money and awareness for organizations that mean the most to him, including Operation Enduring Warrior and the YMCA of Alabaster, AL. Noah is partnered with Sharna Burgess.
ROBERT HERJAVEC — Robert Herjavec is recognized as the “nice” Shark on ABC’s Emmy Award-winning hit show Shark Tank. Born in Croatia, Robert and his family fled communism in the former Yugoslavia with just one suitcase and $20 to their name. Today he helps launch the entrepreneurial dreams of millions of Americans and is recognized as one of the world’s leading cybersecurity experts. As Founder & CEO of Herjavec Group, Robert has grown his cybersecurity business over 12 years from $400K in sales and 3 employees to $140 million in sales and 250 employees worldwide. Robert is a proud Dad, a bestselling author, a marathon runner, a Ferrari racecar driver and is thrilled to be able to soon say “a dancer!” Robert is partnered with Kym Johnson.
PATTI LABELLE — Beautiful simply does not describe the incomparable force known to the world as Patti LaBelle. Through the years, the songbird’s name has become synonymous with grace, style, and class. Her effortless ability to belt out classic rhythm and blues renditions, pop standards and spiritual sonnets has created the unique platform of versatility that the artist is known and revered for. For more than 50 years, Patti’s strong and soulful voice has left an indelible mark all over the world. This Philadelphia born entertainer captured her first hit in 1962, as lead singer of The BlueBelles and went on to receive worldwide acclaim with the trailblazing and genre bending trio, Labelle. A solo artist since the 1970s, Patti has created timeless songs that have helped cement her place as a music icon and garnered her numerous honors, including GRAMMY Awards, American Music Awards, NAACP Image Awards, New York Times bestsellers and more. From music to film to books, Patti has shown her diversity and broken down barriers as an entertainer and businesswoman, most recently launching a line of products, Patti’s Good Life. The same motivation that helped Patricia Louise Holte blossom from choir member to lead vocalist to solo artist is the same energy that keeps her fire burning at seventy years young. In addition to being a world-class artist and mother of five, Patti is just as well known for her philanthropy and willingness to share her blessings and gifts with the world. Patti is partnered with Artem Chigvintsev.
NASTIA LIUKIN — Grace and beauty in the sport of gymnastics led Nastia Liukin to her crowning achievement as Olympic All-Around Gold Medalist at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, but winning five medals was only the beginning for this golden girl. After returning home, she graced the pages of countless magazines and appeared on various TV shows, while even being chosen as one of 2009’s most influential people. Liukin’s commitment to helping young girls with big dreams landed her a clothing line, SuperGirl by Nastia along with her very own gymnastics competition, The Nastia Liukin Cup. Nastia was a member of the creative team and a cast member for the Kellogg’s Tour of Olympic Champions, a national, 40-city tour that followed the 2012 Olympic Games. She remains active in the Olympic world as the Athlete Ambassador for the USOC’s Road to Rio tour, along with work as a the female television commentator at USA Gymnastics Nationals, Olympic Trials and the Olympic Games in Rio 2016 for NBC. Liukin is currently a junior and full-time student at New York University, majoring in Sports Management. Nastia is partnered with Derek Hough.
RIKER LYNCH — Riker Lynch is an actor / musician / songwriter originally from Littleton, CO. He has been singing and performing since the age of 3 and was originally cast in Hollywood as Jeff Sterling, one of the members of the Warblers, the acappella group featured in GLEE. He appeared in seasons 2, 3 and 4 of GLEE, and also appeared as a Warbler in the 2011 edition of the Glee Live! In Concert tour. Riker is currently a singer and bassist in the Hollywood Records recording act R5, along with his siblings Rydel, Rocky and Ross Lynch (who plays Austin on Disney’s Austin & Ally) and best friend Ellington Ratliff. R5 has toured extensively throughout the world, playing over 150 shows in the last two years to sold out audiences, rapidly emerging as an exciting new voice in the world of pop rock, Riker will be partnered with Allison Holker.
CHARLOTTE MCKINNEY — 21 year old model and actress, Charlotte McKinney, is the centerpiece of the highly buzzed about Carl’s Jr. Super Bowl ad, the fast-food chain’s most successful to date with a staggering 2.5 billion media impressions in less than two weeks. She previously fronted a campaign for the iconic brand, GUESS. Charlotte began modeling full-time at the age of 17. In addition to modeling, she continues to build her acting career across television and film. This summer, she can be seen in Joe Dirt 2: Beautiful Loser, co-starring with Christopher Walken and David Spade. Having spoken publicly about personal experiences with bullying, she continues to be vocal about the issue that the long term effects it has on its victims. Charlotte has a growing social influence with close to half a million followers on social media. She currently resides in Los Angeles, CA. Charlotte will be partnered with Keo Motsepe.
REDFOO — The man beneath the famous fro is more than just a charismatic character on the airwaves, he is a formidable entertainment force; performer, producer, actor, host, judge, innovator and fashionista. Bursting onto the world stage as one half of LMFAO, and scoring a swag of #1’s in more than 30 countries, his sound reflected a new movement in music, catapulting him into high demand amongst his musical alumni, collaborating with the likes of Kanye West, Pitbull, Will.i.am, fellow DJ’s David Guetta and Steve Aoki and performing along side Madonna in the 2012 Super Bowl half time show. His fresh, fun and fluro flavour has earned him countless nominations, honors and accolades from both his peers and party rockin’ fans including the American Music Awards, MTV EMA’s, MTV VMA’s, Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards and 2 of France’s most prestigious NRJ Awards. 30 million single sales later, 1.7 billion views on YouTube and Redfoo is just getting the party started. After a stint on the Australian X Factor judging panel, he is back in the U.S and ready to unleash his new smash hit, Juicy Wiggle. Redfoo is the first ever DWTS guest judge to appear as a contestant on the show. Redfoo is partnered with Emma Slater.
MICHAEL SAM — Michael Sam was raised in Hitchcock, Texas and attended the University of Missouri on a football scholarship. Michael made history last year when the star college football player came out as gay ahead of the NFL draft, making him the first openly LGBT player to be drafted in any major American sport. As a college player at the University of Missouri, Sam was named a first-team All-American and Co-SEC Defensive Player of the Year. Sam’s bravery earned him the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the 2014 ESPY Awards. In 2014, he was named one of GQ Magazine’s Men of the Year and was a finalist for Sports Illustrated’s Sportsman of the Year. He recently became engaged to his boyfriend, Vito Cammisano. Michael is partnered with Peta Murgatroyd.
WILLOW SHIELDS — Willow Shields is most notably recognized for her role as ‘Primrose Everdeen’ in the THE HUNGER GAMES franchise. The New Mexico native began acting at the age of seven when she followed her brother to an audition and booked a role in USA Network’s IN PLAIN SIGHT. She was in the Hallmark Hall of Fame movie BEYOND THE BLACKBOARD, as well as R.L. Stine’s THE HAUNTING HOUR. However, it was her break-out role as ‘Prim,’ the sensitive but strong younger sister to Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) in the worldwide phenomenon THE HUNGER GAMES which bought her instantaneous international fame. Willow reprised her role as the caring, young healer in CATCHING FIRE and MOCKINGJAY PART 1. Fans around the globe now eagerly await the franchise’s climatic finale, MOCKINGJAY PART 2, which will be released this fall. Shields has always been very passionate about fashion and, very early in her career, caught the attention of several world-famous designers, including Marc Jacobs who was adamant about dressing the young starlet for a variety of events and award shows, even coining her as his muse in Nylon Magazine. Most recently, Shields made headlines with a cutting edge, eclectic look that turned critics’ heads when she appeared at NYC Fashion Week. Shields’ shares a special connection with her young fan base and consciously tries to inspire them to be positive role models in their communities. Leading by example, she is a vocal advocate for Operation Smile, a charitable organization that provides free surgeries to repair facial deformities for children around the globe. She also serves food at various homeless shelters including the Manna Foodbank, she participates in the STOMP Out Bullying Campaign. When a tornado devastated the town of Moore, Oklahoma in May, 1993, Willow traveled to the community to help with the rebuilding efforts. When she isn’t working, Willow loves immersing herself in books and indulging in photography, exploring it as a powerful art form for self-expression. Willow is partnered with Mark Ballas.
SUZANNE SOMERS — A trusted health advocate, very successful entrepreneur, and star of two hit TV series, Suzanne Somers has written 25 books, including 13 New York Times bestsellers, five of which were #1 New York Times bestsellers. Her last book, I’m Too Young for This!: The Natural Hormone Solution to Enjoy Menopause was an instant New York Times bestseller. Her new book, TOX-SICK: From Toxic to Not Sick, will be published by Harmony in April 2015. There are currently more than 25 million copies of Suzanne’s books in print. Her sizzling, sexy, sophisticated show “SUZANNE’S NIGHTCLUB” and her residency at the Westgate Hotel Las Vegas begins May 23, 2015. She received an Emmy nomination as Outstanding Host for “The SUZANNE Show,” her weekly series of one-hour health specials on Lifetime. She is a founder of ForeverHealth.com, an online resource to connect patients with doctors specializing in natural hormone therapy. Suzanne is partnered with Tony Dovolani.
RUMER WILLIS — Rumer began her acting career as a child starring with her mother Demi Moore in the major motion pictures Striptease and Now and Then. She is thrilled to be continuing her For the Record journey playing the Basket Case in Dear John Hughes. Most recently she wowed LA audiences as Fran in the Baz Luhrmann production at DBA, having portrayed Juliet in its prior incarnation at Rockwell Table and Stage. She won acclaim as Mia Wallace/Beatrix Kiddo in FTR: Tarantino, which she also starred in at the Montreal Jazz Festival last summer. Ms. Willis is currently recording her debut album under the guidance of legendary music icon Linda Perry. Last year she starred in the pilot of Songbyrd for E! Network (based on the life of iconic songwriter Diane Warren). Known around Hollywood for her sultry vocals, Rumer and her band enjoyed a nearly 2 year Artist Residency at Hollywood hot-spot The Sayer’s Club. Her recent television credits include Workaholics, Pretty Little Liars and Hawaii 5-0, while her film credits include House Bunny, Sorority Row, Diary of Preston Plummer and many more. She wants to thank her family and friends for their continual support. Rumer is partnered with Valentin Chmerkovskiy.
-By Rebecca Murray
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