‘Dancing with the Stars 21’ spoilers: Alek Skarlatos, Kim Zolciak join full cast; Louis van Amstel returns!
The full cast of “Dancing with the Stars” season 21 is finally official, and if there was ever a mixed bag of performers, this is it. There are some pretty good additions from this group, but at the same time, there are probably at least two or three people you’ve probably never heard of no matter your age demographic.
Let’s start this article by unveiling the new stars, who have not been previously announced before Tuesday morning.
Alek Skarlatos (one of the men responsible for stopping a gunman on a French train a little over a week ago) and Lindsay Arnold – This is somewhat similar to the Noah Galloway casting. Alek is not a household name, but he is considered a hero and he is just in the headlines. The timing here is pretty much perfect.
Tamar Braxton (singer) and Val Chermkovskiy – It’s possible that Braxton ends up being a pretty good singer, but at the same time is she really going to have a huge voting block? Val is probably going to have a tough time defending his Mirrorball Trophy this year.
Paula Deen (controversial chef) and Louis van Amstel – Paula had been reportedly added long before today, but this is the first official confirmation of her being on. Louis is back! It’s been years since we’ve seen him on the show, and he has always been one of our favorite pros / choreographers.
Kim Zolciak Biermann (former “Real Housewives of Atlanta” star) and Tony Dovolani – Interestingly, Tony also worked with Kim’s former co-star NeNe Leakes on the show, so they already have some sort of connective tissue going here.
As for everyone who has already been announced…
Gary Busey and Anna Trebunskaya – Anna’s back! Pray for Anna…
Bindi Irwin and Derek Hough – Hey, at least Derek’s not getting a ringer this time.
Carlos PenaVega and Witney Carson – No real quick impression here.
Alexa PenaVega and Mark Ballas – If the “Spy Kids” fans turn out, Alexa has a real shot at this.
Andy Grammer and Allison Holker – Originally, Andy was meant to be paired with Peta Murgatroyd until her injury. Holker is a last-minute replacement.
Chaka Khan and Keo Motsepe – We dream for the day Keo is paired with someone who could actually go far.
Hayes Grier and Emma Slater – This should be fun. Emma is usually paired with people much older than her.
Nick Carter and Sharna Burgess – Another obviously-great pairing.
Victor Espinoza and Karina Smirnoff – Victor is not your traditional athlete, but Karina does have a history of working with them.
There are thirteen cast members this season, and there is a part of us that wonders whether or not Alek and Lindsay were added after the cast was complete, just because it would be someone who viewers in 2015 would want to see.
What do you think of the full cast? Share right now with a comment, and head over here to see how Busey in particular was announced as a cast member! Also, you can sign up here to get some other TV news on all we cover via our CarterMatt Newsletter. (Photo: ABC.)