The New Cast Of "Dancing With The Stars"

Tonight, ABC announced the names of the twelve contestants for this spring's "Dancing With The Stars."

I eagerly skimmed the list expecting to only see a bunch of has beens, but this time, there are some actual stars:  people I'll actually tune in to see from the first episode, not after four or five episodes when someone like Apolo Anton Ono creates some buzz.

First of all there's one of my favorite tennis players of all time, Monica Seles.  After having officially announced her retirement from tennis last week, she's decided to put on some dancing shoes and put her great coordination to music.

Next up, figure skating Olympic gold medalist and former world champion, Kristi Yamaguchi.  I remember sitting in my living room and cheering Kristi on in that beautiful, black sequined skating dress when she glided across the ice like an angel to a glorious piano concerto and an Olympic gold medal.  I can't wait to see how she glides across the dance floor.

I'd love to see Monica paired with Louis van Amstel, but I suspect he's too short for her.  He'll probably be paired with Kristi.

Another interesting choice, not to mention a very good actress, Marlee Matlin.  She's an Oscar winner for the the film, "Children Of A Lesser God" and she was a regular on "West Wing" when it was still a good show.

She's in the "one trick pony" category, a la Heather "I've only got one leg" Mills.  You see Marlee Matland's deaf.  Just like Heather was the "let's see if Heather falls this week" contestant, I'm sure the DWTS producers are expecting the same kind of "let's see the deaf girl dance to music" buzz from Marlee.  But Marlee's one talented lady and I wouldn't be surprised if she spun that stereotype right on its head.

In the "woman of a certain age" a la Jane Seymour category comes Priscilla Presley.  I guess we'll get to see if Elvis taught her any of his moves in all their years together.  And I'll bet you a quarter the first number she dances to is "Love Me Tender."

Filling out the ranks of the other eight contestants are, almost has been actor, Steve Guttenberg; the talking half of Penn and Teller, Penn Jillette; some R & B pop singer I know nothing about, Mario; this year's NFL representative Jason Taylor; a radio personality and former host of Comedy Central's "The Man Show," Adam Carolla; a C list actress, Shannon Elizabeth; a hot Chilean actor,Cristian De La Fuente; and this year's ringer, Marissa Jaret Winokur, a Tony award winning singer and dancer from the Broadway show, "Hairspray."

Start the music boys, "Dancing With The Stars" returns on March 17.