How Dancing With the Stars Can Benefit Ryan Lochte, Laurie Hernandez, Amber Rose and More of Its Surprise Contestants

The show's participants typically go on to participate in new projects after appearing on the popular show

By Samantha Schnurr Aug 30, 2016 9:09 PMTags
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After 22 seasons in the bag, Dancing With the Stars is a tried and true platform for niche stars to pave their way to a new act. 

Having faced criticism time and time again for casting Hollywood unknowns rather than A-listers dominating the industry, the show can often work in reverse by reintroducing America to familiar faces. 

A prime example of the DWTS effect is Candace Cameron Bure, the former child and teen star of Full House. After retreating from the limelight for nearly a decade following the series finale to raise her children, the now 40-year-old actress reemerged for steady roles in TV movies. However, it was her third-place run on the ABC competition in 2014 that catapulted her back to the forefront of fans' minds. Fast forward two years later and Bure has appeared at The View's table almost regularly and landed a lead role on the spinoff Fuller House. 

If this season's contestants play their dance cards right, they may be able to benefit from the show's career magic long after they've hung up their sequin skirts and Capezio shoes. Here's a look at a handful of the show's newest members and how they can use the show in their favor.  

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Contestant: Ryan Lochte

Age: 32 Years Old

Profession: Olympic Swimmer

Strategy: On the heels of his Rio robbery scandal, the gold medalist is in damage control mode. While many have suggested the swimmer stay out of the spotlight since returning home, some face time with the public may alternately be just what the doctor ordered.

Everyone loves a comeback story and, with all eyes locked on Lochte's next moves for the months ahead, if he uses his athletic skills wisely and trains harder than he has for anything he's ever done, he may win America's heart once again by way of the dance floor. 

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Meet Dancing With the Stars' Season 23 Cast
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Contestant: Amber Rose

Age: 32 Years Old

Profession: Television Personality

Strategy: As the host of a new self-titled talk show, a staple of Hollywood red carpets and with ties to the rap world (she was previously married to and has a son with Wiz Khalifa), Amber may look familiar to the average viewer watching from the couch at home.

Still, this is the perfect opportunity for Rose to showcase all that she can do on her own and clearly define her public identity because no one hates being referred to as a Kanye West's ex-girlfriend more than her

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Contestant: Laurie Hernandez

Age: 16 Years Old

Profession: Olympic Gymnast

Strategy: The country is currently in love with Laurie and the rest of the "Final Five" Olympic gymnastics team. Fresh off of her wins in Rio, the New Jersey native is reveling in her current success and what could be more fun to kick off her time back in the states than on a national dance floor? She's bound to be an audience favorite, so Laurie can benefit from simply embracing any opportunity that comes her way as a result of her newfound fame—sponsorships, friendships and sheer fun.

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Contestant: Maureen McCormick

Age: 60 Years Old

Profession: Actress

Strategy: It has been decades since McCormick dazzled fans as Marcia Brady on The Brady Brunch. Similarly to Bure, Maureen will have little problem reigniting those nostalgic flames and perhaps even inspiring a Netflix spin-off—or at the very least, a reunion special. 

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Contestant: Vanilla Ice

Age: 48 Years Old

Profession: Rapper

Strategy: We know this "Ice Ice Baby" star can move, but can he paso doble? Seeing a music icon groove out of his comfort zone will be entertaining enough, but if Vanilla Ice can pull this new endeavor off, hearts will be swooning like its 1989 all over again. Since he hasn't dropped an album since 2011, perhaps this will be just the inspiration Ice needs to get back in the recording studio. 

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Contestant: Rick Perry

Age: 66 Years Old

Profession: Politician 

Strategy: Upon learning of Rick Perry's casting, many simply asked, "Why?" While the show seems like an unlikely choice for the former governor and Republican presidential hopeful, it seems like he's taking a page out of Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump's book. The White House hopeful famously spent years on reality television before looking toward public service. After losing politically for the last two presidential elections, perhaps it's Perry's turn to win on a different stage by showing America a less serious side. Plus, he's boogieing in the name of veterans—who wouldn't vote for a noble cause like that?

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Meet Dancing With the Stars' Season 23 Cast