'Dancing With The Stars' 2014 Lineup Revealed: Nene Leakes, Danica McKellan Introduced

By Emma Koonse, Christian Post Reporter Tuesday, March 04, 2014

Tom Bergeron and his brand new "Dancing With The Stars" co-host Erin Andrews appeared on "Good Morning America" to unveil the contestants of the new season on Tuesday this week.

The 18th season of ABC's hit dancing reality series will kick off later this month with 12 new contestants who were introduced on March 4. First, "The Wonder Years" star Danica McKellan was announced as a cast member as the crowd went crazy with cheers.

Next, Australian pop singer Cody Simpson was introduced to the crowd, followed by guitarist Billy Dee Williams. As the show progressed, the woman who successfully swam from Cuba to Florida without a shark tank, Diana Nyad, was introduced at season 18's cast member, followed by "Real Housewives of Atlanta" star Nene Leakes.

Furthermore, it was announced that actor James Maslow and former professional ice hockey player Sean Avery would be competing for the Mirrorball trophy on "DWTS" this year.

Rounding out the last four contestants is comedian and "Whose Line is it Anyway" star Drew Carey, "Full House" star Candace Cameron-Bure, and two Olympic gold medalists, Charlie White and Meryl Davis.

Carey admitted that his recent weight loss was an incentive to do "DWTS" this year.

"I'm very excited," the actor said on "Good Morning America."

In a last-minute surprise, Olympic snowboarder Amy Purdy and her "DWTS" professional dancing partner Derek Hough were also introduced to season 18's cast.

Moreover, professional "DWTS" dancers Peta Murgatroyd, Emma Slater, Cheryl Burke, Tony Dovolani, Karina Smirnoff and many more are also returning to the ballroom for season 18. Maks Chmerkovsy is also making a return to the show after a brief hiatus.

Erin Andrews replaced longtime co-host Brooke Burke-Charvet on "DWTS" just last week. The outgoing host broke the news on social media, admitting shock, but since then, Burke-Charvet noted that "change is good."

"I'm excited about a new venture and diving into a new project and my fan base has been so supportive… a little but angry… so I hope they're still going to tune in," she said. I'm excited."

"DWTS" season 18 premieres on ABC on March 17 at 8 p.m. EST.