Taking a look at the latest batch of contestants vying for the highly coveted Mirror Ball trophy of “Dancing with the Stars” Season 20, it would seem to be the show’s fiercest one yet. The complete star-studded cast of the show, which will be back by March 16, was officially announced recently on “Good Morning, America.”
Hollywood Life previously reported that “DWTS” mainstay dancer and five-time mirror ball champion, Derek Hough, will not be returning for Season 20 because of his commitments to the Radio City Spring Spectacular show. However, “DWTS” fans were shocked when Hough was among the cast announced.
“This all happened literally two days ago,” he said, according to ABC News. “I had a little heartbreak not being able to be a part of the 10th anniversary, the 20th season. It’s such a huge milestone for ‘Dancing with the Stars.’ It’s my family. So, I wanted to be a part of it. I’m so glad we made it happen. Let’s make it the best season ever.”
Hough said he and the production crew of “DWTS” will be “moving mountains” just so he could participate in both shows. Fans have been over the moon since this announcement, especially when it was revealed that Hough was paired with Olympic champion gymnast, Nastia Liukin. “I’m so excited to be joining ‘Dancing with the Stars’ for their 10-year anniversary!” Liukin told Us Weekly. “I can’t wait for this fun opportunity.”
Noah Galloway, an Iraq War veteran who lost his left arm above the elbow and left leg above the knee after an IED attack, will be paired with Sharna Burgess. Their goal will be to bring his very inspirational story to the dance floor, proving to everyone that anyone can overcome all the odds, as reported by a separate Hollywood Life article.
The star of “Shark Tank,” Robert Herjavec will be dancing alongside Kym Johnson. Patti LaBelle, who happens to be one of the music industry’s greats, will be paired with Artem Chigvintsev. Riker Lynch, the singer and song writer of R5 will be coupled with Allison Holker. Even RedFoo of LMFAO, who gave the world “Party Rock Anthem,” will be part of Season 20 with Emma Slater.
Charlotte McKinney, who first became famous after she starred in a racy Super Bowl ad for Carl’s, Jr. will also be seen on the dance floor with Keo Motsepe. Famous TV icon Suzanne Somers will be partnered with Tony Dovolani. NFL star Michael Sam will also be on the show with Peta Murgatroyd. Willow Shields of “The Hunger Games” will be with Mark Ballas. Rumer Willis, the daughter of Bruce Willis and Demi Moore, will be dancing alongside Valentin Chmerkovskiy.
To complete the list of the Season 20 contestants, another celebrity will be named before the premiere date of the show. This unknown star will be paired with Witney Carson, the winner of last season’s Mirror Ball trophy.
