[KingKaysar]

FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER, TWELVE NEW STARS WILL SHINE WHEN DANCING WITH THE STARS RETURNS FOR ITS MOST SURPRISING AND BIGGEST SEASON TO DATE, PREMIERING WITH A SPECTACULAR THREE-NIGHT EVENT

Dancing Devotees Treated to Three Straight Nights of Entertainment and Competition

First Week's Competition Features a Showdown Between the Women and the Men

In a Dancing with the Stars first, twelve celebrities -- six men and six women -- attempt to outshine one another on a fifth season of the hit series, which returns MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 (8:00-9:30 p.m., ET) on ABC. This marks the largest cast assembled to date. It includes an Emmy Award-winning actress, a Vegas icon, an Indy 500 champion, a RulesViolation...RulesViolation...RulesViolation.. .RulesViolation...e Girl, a daytime soap star, a Cheetah Girl and a former resident of 90210. As an added twist, viewers get a chance to size up the male vs. the female stars, as each gender hits the dance floor on separate nights during the first week of competition. The women will strut their stuff on Monday night, while the men show off their moves TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 (8:00-9:30 p.m., ET). One couple's fate will be determined the following night, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 (8:00-9:00 p.m., ET) on Dancing with the Stars the Results Show. Can the women outperform the men, or will the men dance circles around the women?

As announced today on Good Morning America, the twelve stars making their ballroom dancing debut are:


MELANIE BROWN - "Mel B.," a.k.a. "Scary RulesViolation...RulesViolation...RulesViolation.. .RulesViolation...e," is best known as a member of the RulesViolation...RulesViolation...RulesViolation.. .RulesViolation...e Girls, the hit British music group that put "girl power" on the map and took the world by storm in 1996. For the first time in six years, she reunites with her four bandmates to embark on a world tour this December. Brown is also a mother, entrepreneur and actress who starred in Rent as Mimi on Broadway, in The Vagina Monologues in London, and hosted the British TV series This is My Moment. She is partnered with MAKSIM CHMERKOVSKIY, who returns for his fourth season.

SABRINA BRYAN - Actress and recording artist Sabrina Bryan starred as a member of an all-girl singing group in Disney Channel's original movie, The Cheetah Girls. The hit movie translated into musical success for the girls, who went on to release two albums and toured the U.S. as The Cheetah Girls. Bryan is set to star in the upcoming The Cheetah Girls 3. She has also starred in The Bold and the Beautiful. Bryan is partnered with newcomer MARK BALLAS.

HELIO CASTRONEVES - The two-time Indianapolis 500 champion began the celebratory tradition of climbing the racetrack fence in 2001, racing for Team Penske. A native of Brazil, Castroneves is partner and owner of the NasrCastroneves racing team, which competes in the Brazilian Stock Car V8 Championship. He has amassed twelve wins and forty-nine top five finishes during his IndyCar career. Castroneves teams with reigning champ JULIANNE HOUGH, who returns for her sophomore season.

MARK CUBAN - Cuban is the owner of the Dallas Mavericks NBA basketball team. He is the highly successful entrepreneur who founded HDNet, Broadcast.com and MicroSolutions. Cuban went on to sell Broadcast.com and Micro Solutions to Yahoo! and CompuServe, respectively. He is partnered with KYM JOHNSON, who returns for her third season.

JENNIE GARTH - Garth rose to stardom in the popular television series Beverly Hills: 90210. She since starred in the sitcom What I Like About You for four seasons. Over the course of her career, she has produced and starred in several made-for-TV movies. Her most recent project was a lead role in Lifetime's Girl, Positive, which was the network's highest-rated movie this year. Garth's partner is newcomer DEREK HOUGH, brother of Season Four winner Julianne Hough.

JOSIE MARAN - Model/actress Josie Maran has graced the pages of some of the biggest magazines, including multiple covers for Glamour and appearances in Sports Illustrated's Swimsuit Issue. She's also been featured in national ad campaigns for Guess and Maybelline, and has appeared in such films as The Aviator and Van Helsing. Today Maran is a busy entrepreneur, activist and new mom. She launches her eponymous eco-chic cosmetic line, Josie Maran Cosmetics, this fall, and is a spokesperson for the national environmental organization Global Green. Maran is paired with Season One winner ALEC MAZO, who makes his third appearance.

CAMERON MATHISON - Mathison joined the cast of All My Children in January 1989 as Ryan Lavery. After leaving the show for a year, he returned in 2003 to reprise this fan-favorite role, for which he has received an Emmy nomination. He is also presently hosting the fourth season of SOAPnet's reality series, I Wanna Be A Soap Star. His television credits also include The Drew Cary Show, CSI, JAG, What I Like About You, F/X: The Series, the television movie Any Mother's Son, and ABC Family's See Jane Date. Mathison's partner is EDYTA SLIWINSKA, the only professional dancer to appear in all five seasons.

FLOYD MAYWEATHER - "Pretty Boy" Floyd Mayweather is a six-time world champion in five different weight classes and the current RING and World Boxing Council Welterweight Champion of the World, with an astounding undefeated record of 38-0, with 24 knockouts. He is universally recognized as pound-for-pound the best fighter in the world. Mayweather teams with KARINA SMIRNOFF, who returns for her third season.

WAYNE NEWTON - The Legend, Mr. Las Vegas, is enjoying a career that few dare even dream about, having performed more live shows than any other single performer in Las Vegas history, with no signs of slowing down. He has been mentored by such talents as Jackie Gleason, Lucille Ball, Bobby Darin, Jack Benny and Frank Sinatra, which has inspired him to great success in motion pictures, television and recordings. As Chairman of the USO Celebrity Circle, Newton recently said, "I want to use my head for myself and my heart for mankind." He is partnered with two-time champ CHERYL BURKE.

MARIE OSMOND - Osmond won the hearts of fans as co-host of the popular variety program, The Donny & Marie Show. She has since starred in several made for television movies, co-hosted Ripley's Believe It or Not, achieved success as a recording artist, performed on Broadway, made the New York Times bestselling authors list, and established herself as an entrepreneur with her highly successful Marie Osmond Collectible Doll line. She is also the co-founder and co-host of the Children's Miracle Network. Osmond will be led by JONATHAN ROBERTS, who returns for his fourth season.

ALBERT REED - Model Albert Reed has been featured in national ad campaigns for Abercrombie & Fitch, Diesel Clothing, Arrow Clothing, Rayban and Reebok, to name a few. The free-spirited 22-year-old has walked the catwalk for Chanel, Levis and Michael Kors. Growing up in Miami, Reed surfed competitively into his late teens, winning several titles. He is also an actor, musician and artist. He teams up with ANNA TREBUNSKAYA, who returns for her second season.

JANE SEYMOUR - Actress/artist/author/activist/designer and Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning British born Jane Seymour is a star of motion pictures (Wedding Crashers, Live and Let Die, Somewhere in Time) and television, ranging from her six-season Western drama, Dr Quinn, Medicine Woman, to her reign as 'Queen of the Mini-Series,' so dubbed by critics and the media. In addition Seymour is a bestselling author, widely successful artist, designer of her own line of homewares and accessories, and an activist on behalf of underprivileged and abused children around the world. Seymour is paired with TONY DOVOLANI, who returns for his fourth season.

The competition begins with a three-night event on, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, as the six female stars take center stage, performing either the Foxtrot or the Cha Cha Cha. The men will then showcase their routines, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, performing the same dances as the women. The team with the lowest combined judges' scores and public votes from Monday and Tuesday night will be eliminated from the competition on the first results show, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26. Viewers may cast their votes via phone, text message and online at www.abc.com.

Kicking off what promises to be a stellar season of musical performances, Grammy® Award winning country music icon and Academy® Award winning actress, Dolly Parton, kicks up her heels on the Dancing stage, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26. Parton serenades the audience singing Better Get to Livin' from her latest album, Backwoods Barbie, and the classic hit, 9 to 5, accompanied by the professional dancers.

Following Ms. Parton's performance in week one, Dancing with the Stars the Results Show will serve as a showcase for some of the best musical artists in the world, including world-famous musician Avril Lavigne, legendary five-time Grammy Award-winning artist Gloria Estefan, among others who will be announced in the weeks to come.

Hosted by Tom Bergeron (America's Funniest Home Videos) and Samantha Harris (E! Entertainment), the celebrities will perform choreographed dance routines which will be judged by renowned Ballroom judge Len Goodman and dancer/choreographers Bruno Tonioli and Carrie Ann Inaba.

Dancing with the Stars is the U.S. version of the international smash hit series, Strictly Come Dancing. This version is produced in America by BBC Productions. Conrad Green serves as executive producer and Rob Wade and Matilda Zoltowski are co-executive producers. Alex Rudzinski directs.

Dancing with the Stars is broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC's selected HDTV format, with 5.1 channel surround sound and Spanish audio via SAP.

In an exclusive first late-night talk show interview with a member of the Season Five cast, Jimmy Kimmel welcomes Melanie Brown tonight on ABC's Jimmy Kimmel Live (12:05-1:05 a.m., ET). Kimmel returns this season for more hilarious segments on Dancing with the Stars the Results Show.

[KingKaysar]

Josie Maran

The curse of the supermodel: The couple with the lowest overall score was, as expected, Josie Maran and Alec Mazo. Not really an undeserving exit for the two, but they had some stiff competition for the bottom spot in Mark Cuban and Kym Johnson. Still, Josie’s poor showing outperformed many week-one dances from seasons past; her lack of fame probably hurt her more than anything else. But pity the unfortunate Alec, who for the second season in a row, exited in the first week with a supermodel partner. They were even played out to the song “Drive,” the music video for which featured his ex-partner Paulina Porizkova. Talk about rubbing it in.

[KingKaysar]

But can she waltz? The judges picked their favorites to dance again on the results show, and they unanimously chose the highest night-one scorers ever, Sabrina Bryan and Mark Ballas. Len Goodman referred to their dance as “possibly the best cha-cha-cha we’ve ever seen.” That may be overhyping them a little, but their repeat performance did impress. Sabrina has some amazing leg movements for someone who lacks a classic dancer’s body. Of course, she also has plenty of non-ballroom training behind her, so she’s a bit of a ringer. It should be interesting to see how her high-energy ways work with the slower, more elegant routines.

Season four redux: Alec may not be the only pro feeling a little déja vu. Julianne Hough won last season when paired with Apolo Anton Ohno, and things could shape up much the same for her this time with Helio Castroneves. Sure, Sabrina’s in the spotlight for now, but Helio may prove more versatile and likable in the long run. Even host Tom Bergeron said the racer “raised the competition to a whole new level.”

Get used to grace: Viewers must has enjoyed the class and grace Jane Seymour and partner Tony Dovolani delivered Monday night, since their combined score kept them around for another week. And what’s not to like? At 56, Jane is the oldest woman to ever compete on the show, but she danced circles around much of her competition. Plus the pair ranks high on personality. They seem to like each other as much as the audience likes them.

Can’t be the best at everything: Floyd Mayweather, Jr. wasn’t just the bookies' favorite before the show began; he was the one guy the other male celebs saw as a threat. Well, he remains undefeated in the ring, but Floyd took a pounding from the judges on his “Dancing with the Stars” debut. Luckily for him and Karina Smirnoff, the fans at home didn’t side with the officials. Besides, Floyd still seems confident, declaring that they “tore it up!” Now if he can just approach Karina more like a partner and less like an opponent, they have a fair shot.

Do it yourself: Albert Reed found an interesting solution to the drawback of joining the show sans fan base — he just created one on Tuesday night. The adorkable approach played well for him and Anna Trebunskaya. Knowing how to work the crowd, Albert promised his future routines would “keep it fun and keep it sassy.” And it wouldn’t hurt to stick with the chest-baring shirts, either.

[KingKaysar]

DANCING WITH THE STARS ALBERT REED Model Albert Reed has been featured in national ad campaigns for Abercrombie & Fitch, Diesel Clothing, Arrow Clothing, Rayban and Reebok, to name a few. The free spirited 22 year old has walked the catwalk for Chanel, Levis and Michael Kors. Growing up in Miami, Reed surfed competitively into his late teens, winning several titles. He is also an actor, musician and artist. He teams up with ANNA TREBUNSKAYA, who returns for her second season. In a "Dancing with the Stars" first, twelve celebrities six men and six women attempt to outshine one another on a fifth season of the hit series, which returns.

[KingKaysar]

Dark horse to done: Albert Reed, who was dubbed this season's dark horse by Len Goodman, was sent home after just two dances. His lackluster performance Monday night may have dazzled Len, but the fans weren't impressed.

Viva mediocrity! In the biggest shocker of the night, Wayne Newton was given a reprieve by the fans. His lead-footed quickstep made him the lowest points-earner Monday night, but it appears all of Las Vegas hit the phones last night to save him.

Maverick, you stud! Despite being compared to “a bulldog chasing a squirrel,” Mark Cuban and partner Kym Johnson made it through Week 2. The billionaire was second-to-last in points after Monday night’s dance, but his improved moves and enthusiasm won over the fans.

A tribute to her mom: Jane Seymour missed Tuesday night’s results show when she flew home to England after receiving word that her mother had died. Seymour agreed to join this season’s cast of “Dancing” because her mother was a big fan of the British version of the show. Host Tom Bergeron announced early in the show that Seymour had made it through this week’s voting and will remain in the competition.

Vvvv-room: Helio Castroneves and partner Julianne Hough, the top scorers in Week 2, were asked to perform their saucy mambo as the encore dance Tuesday night. Castroneves' natural flare for dance and the amazing chemistry between the pair make them the front-runners.

In the pink: A near-perfect quickstep on Monday night made Sabrina No. 2 with the judges, who praised the Cheetah Girl for her precision footwork, which is especially impressive given the four-inch-plus skinny stilettos she was wearing. She will be Helio's biggest competition.

[KingKaysar]

The Legend, Mr. Las Vegas, is enjoying a career that few dare even dream about, having performed more live shows than any other single performer in Las Vegas history, with no signs of slowing down. He has been mentored by such talents as Jackie Gleason, Lucille Ball, Bobby Darin, Jack Benny and Frank Sinatra, which has inspired him to great success in motion pictures, television and recordings. As Chairman of the USO Celebrity Circle, Newton recently said, "I want to use my head for myself and my heart for mankind."

Wayne has recorded and released 165 albums to date. There is a Wayne Newton star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and he was bestowed the first star on the Las Vegas Walk of Fame.

[KingKaysar]

Loss Vegas: It had to happen eventually. Evidently no one really wanted to see a ponytailed, mustachioed Wayne Newton prance around in a pimp hat. The massive Las Vegas fan base finally gave the rest of the nation a break and let the “Danke Schoen” crooner go before things got ugly. Well, uglier. The only real tragedy is that ballroom best Cheryl Burke had to go with him. Cheer up, Wayne! You’re still a stage legend (as long as that stage doesn’t double as a dance floor).

What, no double elimination?: It looks like Mark Cuban’s new hip won’t get its well-deserved break quite yet. Neither will viewers who’ve grown tired of Mark’s attempt at dance. After three weeks, despite Kym Johnson’s best efforts, the big money Mavericks owner still doesn’t have the moves for this competition, but at least he had more public support than Wayne the Drain. (Maybe he bought one of those fancy autodialing rackets?) The big surprise Tuesday night was that it wasn’t Mark and Kym standing next to Mr. Las Vegas in the bottom two, but rather the OK-ish Floyd Mayweather and Karina Smirnoff. Hmm, a sign of more Mark to come?

Tragic inspiration: For once it wasn’t all about Helio and Sabrina this week. Jane Seymour gave the most memorable performance Monday night, at a time when it was impressive that she chose to tango at all. Following her absence from last week’s results show due to the death of her mom, Jane dedicated the night to her lost loved one. And given the intense, emotional tango she and partner Tony Dovolani put on, it was a fitting tribute that even left judge Carrie Ann Inaba misty eyed.

A confidence booster: While the tango proved a much better number for Jennie Garth and Derek Hough than the previous week’s disastrous quickstep, the 26 points awarded by the judges seemed a bit much this time, like an attempt by the officials to get Jennie’s head back in the game. It must have worked, because she and Derek were the judges’ pick for an encore dance on the results show, and the added confidence made all the difference. The pair outdanced their earlier tango and then some.

Bringing the jive alive: While Jane owned the tango, Sabrina Bryan was queen of the jive. Once again delivering energy and precision legwork, she and Mark Ballas gave the audience more of what they’ve come to expect from the last two weeks. The only less-than-glowing feedback the pair received came from head judge, Len Goodman. The old man has had enough of the hip-hop moves and could have done without “the Free Willy thing,” aka the worm.

Nine is the new seven: Last week, the judges handed out sevens like candy. This week, everything was coming up nines as Jane and Tony, Sabrina and Mark, and Mel B and Maksim Chmerkovskiy all tied for the top spot. But in fairness to the celebs and pros, they earned those scores. Doing their nine-worthy best, M&M nailed the jive with their top dance yet, going from smooth and cautious to an all out kick-n-bounce fest.

[pats50fan]

I haven't watched this season yet.The best was when Emmit won.I used about 10 different emails to vote for him.

[Deb]

very cool thanks

[KingKaysar]

Mayweather is the world champion in five different weight classes and the current RING and World Boxing Council Welterweight Champion of the World, with an astounding undefeated record of 38 0, with 24 knockouts. He is universally recognized as pound for pound the best fighter in the world.

His nickname, "Pretty Boy," was given to him by his amateur teammates because his face never had cuts or bruises after fights a result of the brilliant defensive techniques that his father taught him. The name has stuck throughout his boxing career.

He won a bronze medal at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta in the Featherweight division. That was the last time Mayweather ever lost a fight.