Dancing with the Stars Season 20 is just about here, and the official cast photos have been released! With a flashy gold backdrop, this season’s stars and pros put on their best glittery ensembles for the pics, which have fans so excited for what’s ahead. According to Us Weekly , the 12 contestants have already been practicing for opening night, and many of them already look like they’ve got this whole dance thing on lock.
Every star has a story to tell, and it’s already shaping up to be a great season before the first dancers take the floor. Of course, fans are already picking favorites, and Nastia Liukin (who will dance with multi-Mirrorball Trophy winner Derek Hough) is leading the pack.
Dancing with the Stars Season 20 will undoubtedly have some great live entertainment, and some surprises along the way.
According to People Magazine , the casting of Redfoo was somewhat of a surprise, as the LMFAO member is the first contestant who previously guest judged on the show. As for other facts about this season’s contestants, athlete Michael Sam is known as the first openly gay player to be drafted in the NFL. Actress Willow Shields plays Prim Everdeen in The Hunger Games series. Rumer Willis’ parents are Demi Moore and Bruce Willis. Actress Suzanne Somers is 68-years-old — and has written 13 books. Riker Lynch is in the musical group R5, but you might recognize him from Glee .
Blonde bombshell Charlotte McKinney gained tons of attention for her Carl’s Jr. Super Bowl commercial. Nastia Liukin won a gold medal for gymnastics in the 2008 Olympics. The last time Derek Hough danced with a gold medal winning gymnast (Shawn Johnson), he won the Mirrorball. Robert Herjavec is the “nice guy” on Shark Tank . Patti Labelle could dance to one of her own hit songs this season.
And last, but certainly not least, Noah Galloway lost two of his limbs in 2005 in an I.E.D. attack in Iraq. He is the second army vet to join the cast (J.R. Martinez danced with Karina Smirnoff, and won Season 13). Galloway is the second amputee to compete on the show. Amy Purdy danced with Derek Hough in Season 18. Purdy came in second place that season, “losing” (but really winning because she was amazing) to Meryl Davis.
Dancing with the Stars Season 20 might have one cast member who has yet to be announced. As previously reported by the Inquisitr , The Bachelor Chris Soules might join the show. As for who he might be dancing with, it will likely be last year’s champ, Witney Carson.
[Photos by Todd Wawrychuk & Craig Sjodin courtesy of ABC ]