‘Dancing with the Stars’ rumors: ‘American Idol’ alum Kellie Pickler reportedly in

If some of the casting rumors for this season of “Dancing with the Stars” turn out to be true, we could at least have an interesting season with celebrities we know well, surprising choices, and of course the few selections that everyone in the world saw coming.

First things first, let’s start with what to us is the biggest surprise: according to TMZ, former “American Idol” star Kellie Pickler is the first alum from the singing competition (which ironically films their live shows at the same studio) to be heading over to the ballroom as a contestant. While Kellie may seem like a choice out of left field, she’s really not: she has an enormous personality, and has been pretty funny in some of her hosting gigs. Translation? She should make for great entertainment.

We really don’t understand, though, why both Kellie and Wynonna Judd are both on the show given that country music does not need to be this represented. Some of the other names that we’ve reported on in the past are “Bachelor” Sean Lowe and Olympic gymnast Aly Raisman, who both appear to be locks. (We already expect Aly to win given her gymnastics background.) Chef Bobby Flay and Houston Texans star J.J. Watt are other names that have been thrown around.

Let’s now stop for a moment to talk pros. Reports are that Maksim Chmerkovskiy may be out as a pro after being one of the show’s most-popular guys for much of its run, and both Chelsie Hightower (to TMZ) and Lacey Schwimmer are also not a part of the lineup. Why’s this show getting rid of the two “So You Think You Can Dance” stars? We have learned, however, that former troupe member Sharna Burgess will be one of the pros taking part in the season along with Maks’ brother Val.

What do you think about the stars currently on board, and the pros who are supposedly out? If you want to read more on these subjects, be sure to check out the article over here.

Photo: ABC