It’s that time of year again.
ABC’s “Dancing With the Stars” returned Monday for a three-night premiere with a fresh crop of celebs ready to do battle on the dance floor.
For fans of sequins and side-steps, of course, there is no greater danceoff. And this year the contestants are feeling the heat: It’s the show’s biggest cast yet with 13 stars and the oldest and youngest competitors to date.
“A lot of people are saying, ‘You’ve got the best partner so you better step up your game!’ ” 18-year-old “Hannah Montana” star Cody Linley, the youngest, told People of his pro dancing partner, two-time winner Julianne Hough. “It’s going to be so much fun, and I lucked out getting Julianne as my partner.”
Linley told the mag that he’s chowing down on health bars and fruit for “more energy.” He might just need all the help he can get. Here’s a look at this season’s lineup — with a few extras on RedEye’s picks for the ones to watch.
THE BOY-BANDER
LANCE BASS
STAR FACTOR Former ‘N Sync member, one-time astronaut-in-training
PARTNER Lacey Schwimmer, a newcomer
PRO Showmanship
CON Told TV Guide his knees are shot
THE COMEBACK KID
TONI BRAXTON
STAR FACTOR Six-time Grammy winner
PARTNER Alec Mazo, returning dancer
PRO Stage experience
CON Returning from six-month hiatus for health issues
THE YOUNG GUN
CODY LINLEY
STAR FACTOR: “Hannah Montana” actor
PARTNER: Julianne Hough, returning dancer
PRO: Spryness
CON: Inexperience
THE BALLER
MISTY MAY-TREANOR
STAR FACTOR: Two-time Olympic gold medalist in beach volleyball
PARTNER: Maksim Chmerkovskiy, returning dancer
PRO: Endurance
CON: Reportedly split time between dance training and volleyball circuit
THE REST
WARREN SAPP
STAR FACTOR
Retired Super Bowl champion
BROOKE BURKE
STAR FACTOR
“Wild On!” vet, celeb mom
ROCCO DISPIRITO
STAR FACTOR Celeb chef
MAURICE GREENE
STAR FACTOR
Two-time Olympic gold medalist
KIM KARDASHIAN
STAR FACTOR
Reality TV diva, model
CLORIS LEACHMAN
STAR FACTOR
Acting vet
SUSAN LUCCI
STAR FACTOR
“All My Children” star
TED MCGINLEY
STAR FACTOR
Drama, sitcom standout
JEFFREY ROSS
STAR FACTOR
Comedian, celebrity roaster
