The popular ABC reality show “Dancing with the Stars” (DWTS) is back for its 33rd season. The show has been on since its premiere in 2005 and pairs celebrities with professional dancers to compete for the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy. Each week, fans vote to decide who makes it to the end of the season.
In the past, celebrities such as Zendaya, Kareem Abdul Jabar, Kim Kardashian, and OlympiansShawn Johnson and Simone Biles have all competed on the show. The 13 celebrities for this season's star-studded cast were announced Sept. 4 on Good Morning America. Amidst the excitement from fans on certain additions, the cast list has already sparked controversy.
For the first time in the show’s history, stars from “The Bachelor” and “The Bachelorette” will be competing. Former “The Bachelor” star Joey Graziadei will compete with professional partner Jenna Johnson. Graziadei’s ex and latest lead from “The Bachelorette” Jenn Tran* will also go for the top prize. Her partner is Sasha Farber.
Fans are excited to see Graziadei on the show, and he hopes to make it to the finale. Graziadei won over fans during his season, and it seems the love may continueon “DWTS.” Tran’s season of “The Bachelorette” recently ended in heartbreak. Tran’s addition to the show was last-minute, but fans and her partner Farberare rallying behind her as she heads into the competition.
The most controversial star joining the cast is convicted con artist Anna “Delvey” Sorokin. In 2018, Sorokin was arrested for disguising herself as a German heiress and convictedof grand larceny in the first, second and third degree. Sorokin gained media attention after a Netflix documentary, “Inventing Anna,” was created about her story.
Delvey will compete with new professional dancer Ezra Soza while wearing her ankle monitor, which she has joked will be bedazzled during the show.
Reactions to Delvey’s appearance on “DWTS” have not been pleasant. Whoopi Goldberg, cohost for “The View,” spoke out about her frustration with Delvey being cast on the show.
Fans have also disproved of the show’s decision to cast Delvey. Many have found Delvey’s casting as inconsiderate despite how far she makes it in the show.
Noa Rabkin, a junior studying film and a longtime “DWTS” fan, has mixed feelings about Delvey.
“I'm so excited to see what she could do and how they're gonna bedazzle her ankle monitor,” Rabkin said. “I think that she’s gonna get a lot of votes, but I will definitely not be voting for Anna."
Another star joining the cast is Olympian rising star Steven Nedoroscik, who is with Rylee Arnold. Nedoroscik competed in this year's Olympic games, winning the bronze medal in the pommel horse, and was dubbed the “pommel horse guy” by the media.
Nedoroscik’s partner, Arnold, won over fans' hearts in her debut season last year when she was paired with reality star Harry Jowsey. The two sparked dating rumors and drama during season 32. However, fans are excited to see Arnold get a fresh start with Nedoroscik and are hoping their connection brings joy and warmth to the season.
Olympian rugby player Ilona Maher will also compete this season with professional dancer Alan Bersten. Maher, who advocates for body positivity and brings attention to women’s sports, is sure to be a fan favorite.
“My plan every season is to vote for people who I think are the best dancers,” Rabkin said. “The first episode always is a good first impression, and I will be rooting for Steven and Illona this season.”
Also joining the cast is professional dancer Daniella Karagach, who placed first in Season 30 with former NBA player Iman Shumpert. The pair were known for their wild stunts and tricks, using the height difference of the two to their advantage. This season, Karagach is paired with NBA champion Dwight Howard, who also shares a height difference with her. Speculations have already risen that Karagach might witness similar success with her new partner.
Former NFL player Danny Amendola is also cast, and he is joined by professional dancer Witney Carson, who will be returning after taking a season off. Other castings include “Zombies” (2018) actress Chandler Kinney, “90210” star Tori Spelling, Phaedra Parks, Eric Roberts, Brooks Nader and Reginald VelJohnson.
Season 33 of “Dancing with the Stars” is looking to be a controversial yet exciting season for fans. Yet, eager viewers will have to wait until the season premieres Sept. 17 to watch it all unfold.
