Paula Abdul is not going to compete despite rumors to the contrary. (She’s not going to guest star on ABC’s “Ugly Betty,” either, but TMZ is reporting that the network is still looking to get in the Abdul business and is considering a number of other options, including a variety special.)
So who will be vying for the ballroom’s top prize? Kelly Osbourne, daughter of Ozzy, pop singer and former reality star, will find out if her theater experience gives her an advantage. In 2007, she starred as Mama Morton in a West End production of “Chicago.” But she’ll likely face some stiff competition from R&B singer Mya, who began her career as a professional dancer. It should be interesting to see what dynamic another musical artist, raspy-voiced Macy Gray, adds to the race.
Donny Osmond will make his “Dancing” debut to see if he can outlast sister Marie, who came in third during the show’s fifth season.
Among the season’s actors-turned-movers-and-shakers are “Entourage’s” pushy publicist Debi Mazar; former teen witch Melissa Joan Hart; Ashley Hamilton, son of George Hamilton (and ex-husband of Shannen Doherty); and Polish model-actress Joanna Krupa, who most recently competed in ABC’s summer reality series “Superstars.”
Keep an eye on what kind of fancy footwork former Texas Congressman Tom DeLay has to offer. DeLay was indicted for money laundering in 2005. (Could this be a Rod Blagojevich move? Ex-politician turns to reality TV for a little image rehab? Perhaps.)
As is tradition, several pro athletes also will try on their dancing shoes: Swimmer Natalie Coughlin, who has 11 Olympic medals under her belt; former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver and football Hall of Famer Michael Irvin; professional snowboarder Louie Vito; and former Ultimate Fighting Championship lightweight champ Chuck Liddell.
And rounding out the competition are Aaron Carter, younger brother of the Backstreet Boys’ Nick Carter; former supermodel Kathy Ireland; and the chairman of “Iron Chef America,” Mark Dacascos.
The “Dancing with the Stars Season 9” contestants were announced earlier today in the show, “Good Morning America.” The diverse group of dancing contestants in the reality TV dancing show include pop star Kelly Osbourne, R&B recording artist and former dancer Mya, famour singer Macy Gray, famous pop star Aaron Carter, Donny Osmond, “Entourage” cast member Debi Mazar, Melissa Joan Hart, supermodel Kathy Ireland, Ashley Hamilton, and model Joanna Krupa.
"Dancing with the Stars" Season 9 contestants
Of this initial list, Mya seems to be top pick for winning “Dancing with the Stars Season 9″ because she was formerly a dancer. She will have to contend, however, with these other aspiring “Dancing with the Stars” contestants.
Former Texas Congressman Tom DeLay will try to dance his way into the top of the mix. A host of athletes will also be part of the dancing extravaganza. These include Olympic swimming champion Natalie Coughlin, Football Hall of Famer Michael Irvin, snowboarder Louie Vito, and former Ultimate Fighting Championship light heavyweight champion Chuck “The Iceman” Liddell.
Chairman of the hit TV series “Iron Chef America” Mark Dacascos rounds out the list of contestants for “Dancing with the Stars Season 9.”
Paula Abdul though, is certainly not part of “Dancing with the Stars”, as was initially rumored. As a recording artist who can dance really well, she would have given everyone a run for their money. She is still ironing out talks with “American Idol” and has recently turned down a chance at being a guest star of the popular “Ugly Betty” TV show.
The premier of “Dancing with the Stars Season 9″ airs on September 21.
