Olympic champions, an NBA player, Bachelor nation stars and an ex-convict are among the competitors for this season’s Mirrorball Trophy. Dancing with the Stars aired on Sept. 17, and this cast has shocked some viewers. On this show, stars and professional dancers work together as they get judged on different ballroom dances each week. Let’s take a closer look at some of the stars on this season of the show.
Anna Delvey (Partner: Ezra Sosa): This choice has sparked controversy among some viewers. Delvey rose to fame after being sentenced to 12 years in prison in 2019 for conning her way through New York. After Delvey’s story was brought to light in the Netflix series Inventing Anna, her publicity skyrocketed. According to USA Today, Delvey stole about $275,000 from hotels and banks. When talking to Entertainment Today, Delvey said that she will be “bejewelling” her ankle monitor, which she displayed in the DWTS previews. Senior Alexa Marquet said, “I think it is weird [Delvey] is on the show because she isn’t famous for a good reason.”
Joey Graziadei (Partner: Jenna Johnson) and Jenn Tran (Partner: Sasha Farber): America’s Bachelor and Bachelorette sweethearts are falling in love with dancing as they give their final roses to DWTS. Graziadei, season 28 of the Bachelor, is temporarily putting aside his tennis career to step onto the dance floor. After Tran was one of Graziadei’s contestants on the Bachelor, she was chosen to be season 21’s Bachelorette. Now, she is ready to get back on the screen after a nationally televised breakup. Marquet said, “I think putting two people who have dated on the show is weird. Joey is engaged and I feel like it’s really strange and may cause a lot of drama.”
Dwight Howard (Partner: Daniella Karagach): The 6‘10 NBA champion and eight- time All-Star is taking his athletic abilities to the dance floor. However, some question this choice considering he was accused of sexual assault and the case was quickly dismissed. Last July, Stephen Harper filed a lawsuit against Howard claiming to be sexually assaulted among other things. According to the New York Times, “In a filing in October, Howard denied the allegations and said he engaged in ‘consensual sexual activity’ with Harper.” No charges were filed and Howard is moving past this situation as he continues his fame onto DWTS.
Ilona Maher (Partner: Alan Bersten) and Stephen Nedoroscik (Partner: Rylee Arnold): Olympic bronze medalists Maher and Nedoroscik take to the ballroom dance floor to compete for more hardware. Maher is the first female rugby player to be on the show and has continued to bring rugby onto the national stage as she recently graced the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. Nedoroscik, 25-year-old Pommel Horse bronze medalist, is pivoting his moves and taking them to the floor. Senior Anna Sternberg said, “I can’t wait to watch Rylee and Stephen. They are already making TikToks together and I think they are so cute.”
Be ready to see these stars each week live on ABC at 8:00 p.m. on Tuesdays. You can also stream the show on Disney+, Hulu and Sling TV.