'DWTS' cast revealed! 'Cobra Kai' star Martin Kove, Peloton's Cody Rigsby, Olivia Jade join season

by 24USATVSept. 8, 2021, 8 p.m. 118
-

"Dancing With the Stars" has its full ballroom of stars.

Social media influencer Olivia Jade, "Bachelor" Matt James, "The Talk" co-host Amanda Kloots, and WWE superstar Mike "The Miz" Mizanin have joined the cast of "Dancing With the Stars."

The reality dance competition announced the complete line-up on "Good Morning America" Wednesday after revealing last month that U.S. star gymnast Sunisa Lee and YouTuber JoJo Siwa, both 18, will compete for the mirrorball trophy starting Sept. 20 (8 EDT/PDT).

The full cast includes "Beverly Hills, 90210" alum Brian Austin Green, "Real Housewives of Atlanta" star Kenya Moore, "Cobra Kai" actor Martin Kove, "Dirty Dancing" and "The Office" actress Melora Hardin, Brooklyn Nets basketball star Iman Shumpert, Spice Girls star Melanie C (aka Sporty Spice), country singer Jimmie Allen, TV personality Christine Chiu, and Peloton instructor/influencer Cody Rigsby.

Jade, 21, is the daughter of "Full House" star Lori Loughlin and fashion designer Mossimo Giannulli, who was at the center of the college admission bribery scandal of 2019. Both parents plead guilty to conspiracy charges and served prison time after paying bribes to get their two daughters (Jade and Isabella Giannulli), accepted into the University of Southern California as crew recruits.

"I don't think there is a better time to join," Jade said at a press event Wednesday following the dancer reveal. "I'm ready to put myself back out there."

James, 29, made history this year as the ABC franchise's first Black "Bachelor." Former "Bachelorette" Kaitlyn Bristowe took home the mirrorball trophy in season 29. "Bachelorette" star Hannah Brown won the competition the season prior.

"I caught up with Hannah about the dos and don'ts and what I can do to secure the trophy like she did," said James, who vowed to show off more of his personality and humor on the dance competition. "And it's all about having fun."

Kove, at 75, is the oldest participant on the show with a youth-filled cast. Kove said he was working with a trainer near his home in Nashville and trying to perfect the splits he could pull off in the 1960s and '70s.

The show will be a great opportunity to show a different side than his unhinged John Kreese from "Cobra Kai" and "The Karate Kid," who famously uttered the line "Sweep the leg."

"I get a chance to be Martin Kove, far more likable than John Kreese," he said.

Green, 48, formerly married to Megan Fox, would not reveal whether his current girlfriend, "DWTS" pro Sharna Burgess, would be his pro partner on the show. But he called the dance competition "a really cool way of getting to know her."

Mel C, 47, pointed out that 2021 is the 25th anniversary of the Spice Girls and the hit "Wannabe" which came out in 1996. She suggested there could be a Spice Girl reunion at least to watch the show. "Let’s put it out there in the universe. Hopefully COVID won’t stop us."

Mizanin, 40, said he brings no skills from the WWE ring to the dance floor. "So where do you learn. The Internet. I’ve been studying for as long as I possibly can."

The pro wrestler admitted the dance floor will be a major adjustment.

"If you put me out there today, I would fall flat on my face," said Mizanin. "But I'm going to put in the work."

"Real Housewives" star Moore, 50, will work through emotional issues after filing for divorce from her husband Marc Daly after four years of marriage last month.

"I'm in the middle of a divorce right now," said Moore. "I'm trying to stay positive because it's a really exciting time in my life."

Peloton instructor Rigsby, 34, said he will rely on his loyal army of exercise enthusiasts to help him on the show. "I definitely think there is an advantage there," he said. Rigsby also had his first job as professional dancer in New York City, prior to finding his star career in fitness.

"It definitely has given me some skills," he said. "I have rhythm most of the time."

NBA star Shumpert, 31, at 6'5" says his unnamed pro dance partner sees positives in his height. "I thought my height would be a disadvantage, but she's excited about me being tall,' he said.

His wife, singer Teyana Taylor, approves of the move. "She did add a little pressure," Shumpert said. "She told me, 'You better win.' "

Pro dance partner pairings will be announced on the show's opening night which will be hosted by executive producer Tyra Banks in her second season.

Siwa has already revealed that she will dance with a same-sex partner for the first time on the U.S. show.

"We're making history," Siwa, 18, who revealed her relationship with Kylie Prew this year. "My journey of coming out and having a girlfriend has inspired so many people around the world. I thought that if I chose to dance with a girl on this show, it would break the stereotypical thing."

JoJo Siwa: ToYouTube star to compete on 'Dancing With the Stars' with same-sex partner

Show producers have revealed that judge Len Goodman will make a return in the new season. Last season, pandemic traveling restrictions kept the veteran Goodman in London.

-

Related Articles

HOT TRENDS

2024 Opening Day Chat

by 24USATVMarch 29, 2024, 6 a.m.2
HOT TRENDS

Tigers 1, White Sox 0: Crochet weaves, but Skubal shoves

by 24USATVMarch 29, 2024, 6 a.m.2
HOT TRENDS

Red Sox set Opening Day lineup for 2024 season

by 24USATVMarch 29, 2024, midnight2
HOT TRENDS

Sam Bankman-Fried’s Dream Came True

by 24USATVMarch 29, 2024, midnight2
HOT TRENDS

MLB Opening Day: Boston Red Sox against Seattle Mariners

by 24USATVMarch 28, 2024, 11 p.m.2
HOT TRENDS

Fans young and old excited for Texas Rangers Opening Day

by 24USATVMarch 28, 2024, 11 p.m.2