Steve Granitz/Getty Images, Charley Gallay/Getty Images, Jean-Paul Aussenard/Getty Images, Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images, Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images for WSF, Ethan Miller/Getty ImagesDancing With the Stars is always full of pairs, but now we've got some real couples.
Pop songstress Jewel and her rodeo-cowboy hubby Ty Murray have both signed up for the eighth season of Dancing With the Stars, marking the first time a nonprofessional husband and wife duo will be competing at the same time.
Meanwhile, E! News has learned exclusively that two-time champion Julianne Hough, who previously said she would not be competing while she pursued her burgeoning country-music career, will not only be back in action come March 9, but she'll be paired with her boyfriend, country singer Chuck Wicks, as well!
While we never know who might pair up during production, this is the first time an already established item has shown up in the ballroom.
Along with Jewel and Wicks musicianship of a certain caliber will be provided by raunchy rapper Lil' Kim and former Go-Go's frontwoman Belinda Carlisle, who at 50 will be this season's oldest female contestant.
Hoping to lure away some of CBS' Grammys audience, ABC revealed the upcoming lineup periodically throughout the night Sunday during episodes of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, Desperate Housewives and Brothers & Sisters. The synergy then kicks into full gear tomorrow, with one of the chosen baker's dozen appearing on Good Morning America Monday, while another will make a visit to Jimmy Kimmel Live.
And for his next stunt...Jackass alum Steve-O is preparing for a trot or two (or more, depending on whether he's serious or is prepared to be this season's Adam Carolla) across the floor. Then again, this year's funnyman could also be former In Living Color comedian David Alan Grier.
Also fresh from the reality-TV pool is former Wild Things siren Denise Richards, 37,who might have to split the hot mom vote with Access Hollywood anchor Nancy O'Dell, who at 42 is the fit-and-fab mother of a 19-month-old daughter. Both ladies will have birthdays before the show premieres, as well.
Holding down the fort for the athletes are pint-size Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson, fresh off her gold medal-winning performance in Beijing, and NFL Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor, whose turn it is to prove that big, burly men really can dance. The 50-year-old retired linebacker won two Super Bowls with the New York Giants, with whom he spent his entire pro career—but you can be sure it's a far cry from the Vince Lombardi Trophy to the gaudy disco ball.
Meanwhile, Johnson will be the youngest contestant in DWTS history.
On hand for eye candy—and in need of a Wikipedia page, although probably not for long—is French actor Gilles Marini, the hunk who flashed his junk at next door neighbor Samantha in the Sex and the City movie.
At 58, Apple Computer cofounder Steve Wozniak will be this season's oldest competitor, not to mention one of its least recognizable.
So, um…yeah.
The complete lineup for the eighth season of Dancing With the Stars, premiering March 9 on ABC, is as follows:
• Belinda Carlisle, 50, singer
• Stephen "Steve-O" Glover, 34, reality-TV star|
• David Alan Grier, 53, comedian
• Shawn Johnson, 17, Olympic gymnast
• Jewel Kilcher, 34, singer, TV personality
• Lil' Kim, 33, rapper
• Gilles Marini, 33, actor
• Ty Murray, 39, former rodeo cowboy
• Nancy O'Dell, 42, entertainment anchor (43 when the show starts)
• Denise Richards, 37, actress
• Lawrence Taylor, 50, retired NFL player
• Chuck Wicks, 29, singer
• Steve Wozniak, 58, technology billionaire