The ballroom is set to sparkle once again as ABC’s beloved dance competition, “Dancing with the Stars,” gears up for its highly anticipated 33rd season. Set your reminders, because season 33 will premiere on Tuesday, September 17th, at 8 p.m. ET, exclusively on ABC. Fans are eager to witness a fresh batch of celebrities take to the dance floor, and “Good Morning America” on ABC has exclusively revealed the star-studded lineup ready to compete for the coveted Mirrorball Trophy.
This season promises a captivating mix of personalities, from reality TV royalty to acclaimed actors, sports legends, and even a notorious figure from the world of headlines. Prepare to be entertained by “Real Housewives” icon Phaedra Parks, “Beverly Hills, 90210” sweetheart Tori Spelling, and the infamous Anna Delvey, among other compelling contestants.
Adding to the excitement, Bachelor Nation will be well-represented with former “Bachelor” Joey Graziadei and “Bachelorette” Jenn Tran joining the cast. Hollywood glamour arrives with actors Eric Roberts, Reginald VelJohnson, and rising star Chandler Kinney. The athletic arena brings us NFL champion Danny Amendola, NBA star Dwight Howard, and Olympians Ilona Maher and Stephen Nedoroscik. Completing this diverse ensemble is model Brooks Nader, ensuring a season brimming with talent and unexpected pairings.
Returning to guide us through the dazzling dances are co-hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough, alongside the esteemed judges panel: Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough. Mark your calendars for Tuesday, September 17th, on ABC, to witness the season 33 premiere of “Dancing with the Stars”.
Get ready to meet the celebrities who will be lighting up the “Dancing with the Stars” ballroom on ABC this season:
The Reality TV Stars Take Center Stage
This season of “Dancing with the Stars” on ABC is set to be a reality TV extravaganza, featuring some of the most recognizable faces from the genre.
Phaedra Parks: From Real Housewife to Ballroom Star
Phaedra Parks, a prominent figure in reality television, is trading courtroom dramas for ballroom dances. Known for her sharp wit and captivating presence on “The Real Housewives of Atlanta,” where she starred for seven seasons, Parks is ready to showcase a different side of her personality. Her recent appearance on “The Traitors” further solidified her reality TV star status, and now, she’s setting her sights on the Mirrorball Trophy. Paired with the seasoned pro Val Chmerkovskiy, Phaedra’s journey on “Dancing with the Stars” on ABC is sure to be filled with sassy moves and memorable moments. As she playfully warned on “GMA,” she’s coming for the Mirrorball and isn’t afraid to get competitive.
Tori Spelling: 90210 Icon Steps into the Ballroom
Tori Spelling, beloved for her role as Donna Martin in the iconic series “Beverly Hills, 90210,” is bringing her star power to “Dancing with the Stars” on ABC. Having captivated audiences for a decade in the teen drama, Spelling is ready for a new challenge. With a background in acting and writing, including a New York Times bestselling memoir, she’s no stranger to the spotlight. Tori is partnered with Pasha Pashkov, and she mentioned drawing inspiration from her former castmates Brian Austin Green and Shannen Doherty, who previously graced the “DWTS” stage. She’s ready to channel her inner strength and “turn her power on” for a memorable run on ABC’s dance floor.
Jenn Tran: From Bachelorette to Ballroom Debutante
Jenn Tran, fresh from her journey as “The Bachelorette,” is swapping roses for dance shoes. As the first Asian American lead in the franchise, Jenn made history and won hearts. Her season, filled with emotional highs and lows, culminated in a dramatic finale. Now, Jenn is channeling her experiences into a new arena – the “Dancing with the Stars” ballroom on ABC. Partnered with Sasha Farber, Jenn is determined to succeed, stating that “heartbreak is the best motivator for success.” Her fans are eager to see her resilience and competitive spirit shine on the dance floor.
Actors Trading Scripts for Steps
Hollywood talent is well-represented in season 33 of “Dancing with the Stars” on ABC, with a diverse group of actors ready to show off their moves.
Eric Roberts: Oscar-Nominated Actor Takes on a New Role
Eric Roberts, a seasoned actor with a Golden Globe and Oscar nomination under his belt, is stepping into the unfamiliar territory of ballroom dancing. Known for his roles in films like “King of the Gypsies,” “Star 80,” and “Runaway Train,” Roberts is embracing a challenge far outside his comfort zone. Paired with Britt Stewart, Eric’s journey on “Dancing with the Stars” on ABC is highly anticipated. He humorously mentioned that this venture is “like a mile and a half” outside his comfort zone, promising viewers a surprising and entertaining performance.
Reginald VelJohnson: TV’s Favorite Dad Joins the Dance Floor
Reginald VelJohnson, fondly remembered as Carl Winslow from the beloved sitcom “Family Matters,” is bringing his charm and perhaps some surprising dance skills to “Dancing with the Stars” on ABC. Known for playing iconic police officer roles in “Die Hard” and “Die Hard 2,” VelJohnson is ready to take on a lighter, more graceful role. Partnered with Emma Slater, he teased “America is going to be shocked,” hinting at hidden talents ready to be unleashed in the ballroom.
Chandler Kinney: Disney Star Ready to Shine
Chandler Kinney, a rising star known for her roles in Disney’s “Zombies” franchise and “Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin,” is bringing youthful energy and dance experience to “Dancing with the Stars” on ABC. Kinney, paired with Brandon Armstrong, revealed she danced as a child, suggesting a solid foundation for ballroom success. She expressed her excitement and nervousness, acknowledging the show’s demand for “showmanship and attention to detail,” and complimenting the talent of both the cast and professional dancers.
Athletes Aiming for Gold on the Dance Floor
Season 33 of “Dancing with the Stars” on ABC features a stellar lineup of athletes ready to translate their competitive spirit to the ballroom.
Danny Amendola: Super Bowl Champion Tackles Ballroom
Danny Amendola, a former NFL star and two-time Super Bowl champion with the New England Patriots, is trading touchdowns for tangos. After a successful 13-season NFL career, Amendola is ready for a new challenge. Partnered with Witney Carson, his competitive drive and athleticism are sure to make him a strong contender on “Dancing with the Stars” on ABC. Amendola even showed off a touchdown dance on “Good Morning America,” demonstrating his enthusiasm and playful spirit. He received a supportive video message from former teammate Rob Gronkowski, urging him to bring his “playoff energy” to the dance floor.
Dwight Howard: NBA Star Pivots to Partnering
Dwight Howard, an NBA champion with 18 seasons in professional basketball, including eight with the Orlando Magic, is bringing his towering presence and athletic prowess to “Dancing with the Stars” on ABC. Currently playing professional basketball in Taiwan, Howard is ready to embrace the ballroom challenge. Partnered with Daniella Karagach, he admitted to having “been dancing my whole life, but not ballroom dancing.” He expressed trust in his partner and excitement for the journey ahead.
Ilona Maher: Olympian Rugby Star Sets Sights on the Mirrorball
Ilona Maher, a bronze medalist in rugby at the 2024 Paris Olympics, is tackling a different kind of competition on “Dancing with the Stars” on ABC. As a vocal advocate for body positivity and women’s sports, and the digital cover star for the 2024 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, Maher is a powerful role model. Partnered with Alan Bersten, she acknowledged the challenge ahead, stating, “I know it’s going to be really tough and stressful.” However, her Olympic spirit and determination are sure to make her a compelling contestant.
Stephen Nedoroscik: Olympic Gymnast Flips into the Ballroom
Stephen Nedoroscik, an Olympic gymnast and pommel horse specialist with two bronze medals from the 2024 Paris Olympics, is bringing his incredible athleticism and discipline to “Dancing with the Stars” on ABC. Tied for the most U.S. pommel horse titles in history, Nedoroscik is no stranger to high-pressure competition. Partnered with Rylee Arnold, he admitted to being “really nervous” about dancing, even compared to the Olympics. His transition from the gymnastics mat to the ballroom floor is one of the most intriguing storylines of the season.
Adding Intrigue: Model and a Notorious Figure
Rounding out the cast are a celebrated model and a figure known for making headlines, adding further layers of interest to season 33 of “Dancing with the Stars” on ABC.
Brooks Nader: Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Model Struts into the Ballroom
Brooks Nader, a prominent Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model who graced the cover alongside Megan Fox, Kim Petras, and Martha Stewart in 2023, is bringing her glamour and poise to “Dancing with the Stars” on ABC. Since winning the Swim Search open casting call in 2019, Nader has become a recognizable face in the modeling world. Partnered with Gleb Savchencko, she mentioned having some high school dance experience but considers this “a new challenge” she is “so excited for.”
Anna Delvey: The “Fake Heiress” Chases a New Kind of Spotlight
Anna “Delvey” Sorokin, the infamous “fake heiress” whose elaborate scams inspired the Netflix hit “Inventing Anna,” is arguably the most unexpected casting choice of the season for “Dancing with the Stars” on ABC. Convicted of financial crimes in 2019, Delvey’s story has captivated public attention. Partnered with Ezra Sosa, when asked what viewers should expect, Delvey quipped, “How good I am at cha-cha.” Her participation is sure to generate buzz and curiosity, making this season of “Dancing with the Stars” on ABC truly unmissable.
Get Ready to Dance with the Stars on ABC
“Dancing with the Stars” season 33 premieres Tuesday, September 17th, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+, with episodes available for streaming on Hulu the next day. This season’s celebrity cast is a vibrant mix of talent and personalities, promising a season filled with stunning performances, emotional journeys, and unforgettable moments. Tune in to ABC to witness who will cha-cha their way to the Mirrorball Trophy!
