‘Dancing with the Stars’: Cast list leaves off Sean Lowe, Maksim Chmerkovskiy

For a few minutes there, we were starting to get interested in the cast of “Dancing with the Stars” based on a few interesting choices (Andy Dick, Lisa Vanderpump). Then, we saw the full cast announced on “Good Morning America,” and there wasn’t a single person announced that is really going to make new viewers interested in taking out the show. Where’s the controversial pick … or where is the pick, even, that does not a check a familiar box? You have the Disney Channel star, the ABC soap actor, the Olympian, the football player, and at least one established reality TV star.

Is this the complete cast? See the note below on the Sean Lowe situation; but for now, take a look at the performers who are currently announced to be in the ballroom.

-Wynonna Judd (country star) and reigning champ Tony Dovolani

-Kellie Pickler (another country star and former “American Idol” contestant) and Derek Hough

-Jacoby Jones (Baltimore Ravens star) and Karina Smirnoff

-D.L. Hughley (actor / comedian) and Cheryl Burke

-Andy Dick (actor / comedian / “Celebrity Rehab” alum) and former troupe member Sharna Burgess

-Victor Ortiz (boxer) with former “So You Think You Can Dance” star Lindsay Arnold

-Aly Raisman (gymnast) with Mark Ballas

-Lisa Vanderpump (“Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star) with former “Dancing with the Stars Australia” pro Gleb Savchenko

-Zendaya Coleman (“Shake It Up” star and the show’s youngest contestant ever) with Val Chmerkovskiy

-Ingo Rademacher (“General Hospital” star) and Kym Johnson

-Dorothy Hamill (Olympic skater) with Tristan McManus

There is clearly one noticeable name missing from this list in “Bachelor” Sean Lowe, who was reportedly under discussion for weeks to be a cast member. While it’s possible that he simply decided against the gig, we also would not be surprised if he was announced at a later date … especially since there are currently six women and five men in the cast.

As for the pro dancers, there is clearly more of a turnover this year than in the past. Peta Murgatroyd and Chelsie Hightower are the two notable names among the ladies who are currently not listed, though the former could be working with Sean. Meanwhile, this is proof that Maksim Chmerkovskiy is not a part of the cast, which is a big blow from the standpoint of generating headlines. The man always had something to say, and was not afraid to say it.

Of course, we have to also play conspiracy theorist here and say that, yet again, Mark and Derek were each paired with young celebrities. Heck, Mark has already been paired with an Olympic gymnast before in Shawn Johnson (her first season).

What do you think of the cast for the season as a whole? Be sure to share your thoughts below, and you can also visit the link here for more news.

Photo: ABC