Filed under: Television, News
Last year, ABC did a great job of finding a diverse group of celebrities for its popular competition series 'Dancing With the Stars.' Representing for the reality television lovers was Kate Gosselin, who admittedly looked like she didn't belong on the series and didn't last long. Then, there was Pussycat Doll front woman Nicole Scherzinger and her professional partner Derek Hough. With her experience performing on big-name award shows, Scherzinger looked born to compete professionally and ended up winning the whole competition.
No matter who the producers of 'Dancing With the Stars' throw into the fold, there's someone for everybody.
The new season is no exception.
On Monday night, the network announced the new roster for the 11th season of 'Dancing,' which kicks off Sept. 20.
Grammy Award-winning singer and actress Brandy, Kyle Massey, who's made a name for himself starring on the hit Disney sitcom 'That's So Raven,' and former Los Angeles Lakers forward-turned-television star Rick Fox will be among the next group of challengers.
Do these three have what it takes to take home the trophy?
Despite a highly successful music career, Brandy was never been much of a dancer. The singer and VH1 reality star, who recently bounced back from legal woes related to a fatal car accident, does have impressive credentials; she appeared in her own long-running sitcom ('Moesha'), released several gold and platinum albums and even starred opposite her idol, Whitney Houston, in a remake of 'Cinderella.' Like Scherzinger, her background in entertainment is sure to give her an advantage.
As for Massey, he's sure to pull in votes from his devoted Disney Channel fans - having appeared on 'That's So Raven,' 'Cory in the House,' and the Disney original movie 'Life is Ruff.' His small frame could make it easy for him to learn the complicated dance moves. Also of note, Massey dabbles in rap, which could enhance his ability to keep the beat later in the season.
Finally, there's Fox, who is definitely a fierce competitor - having played in the NBA for 13 years with the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers. Today, he's a working actor who has appeared on 'The Game,' 'Oz' and most recently opposite ex-wife Vanessa Williams on 'Ugly Betty.' He might be able to get a few pointers from his former Miss America spouse to earn America's vote.
The other established stars include comedian Margaret Cho, 'Dirty Dancing' actress Jennifer Grey, 'The Brady Bunch' star Florence Henderson, singer Michael Bolton, 'Baywatch' actor David Hasselhoff and former Super Bowl MVP Kurt Warner.
And the newcomers to shake things up include MTV reality stars Audrina Patridge of 'The Hills' and Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino of 'Jersey Shore,' as well as Bristol Palin, daughter of former Alaska governor Sarah Palin.