Reality Bites: Dancing With The Stars Season 17 Cast

The Season 17 Dancing With The Stars cast was revealed today. We now know what stars are competing and who their professional partners are. Tune in for the premiere on Sept. 16. And be ready for a big change this season--there will no longer be 2 episodes per week. They are now going to just one 2-hour episode on Mondays. Votes from the previous week will be added to the judges' scores that night and then a couple will be eliminated at the end of the show.

My initial thoughts are that I'm not really excited about any of the "stars" in this cast. I feel like I say it every season, and every season, I am proved wrong--people I didn't know very well before prove to be very likable and people I didn't like before end up being fun to watch any way. So I'm sure this season will be no different. Here are some other thoughts I have:

I'm very disappointed with Derek's partner, Amber. I've never been a fan. I knew the time was coming when Derek wouldn't get paired with a sure-fired winner. She's probably my least favorite pairing that Derek has had.
However, the pairing that I am most disappointed with is Valerie and Tristan. I say it EVERY season...GIVE TRISTAN A YOUNG PARTNER! This is his 5th season, and again, I will remind everyone of the ages of his partners: Nancy Grace-53, Gladys Knight-68, Pamela Anderson-45 and Dorothy Hamill-56. Now he can add Valerie Harper at age 74! How is this fair?! Tristan has so much to offer, but he doesn't get the chance because his partners aren't "popular" and at their age, they're lucky if they can last more than a few weeks. Dorothy Hamill got injured last season and had to quit. I would give anything to see him be paired with a "winner" like a Kelly, or an Ali. Why couldn't he get Elizabeth, Nicole, Christina or even Leah? Seriously...throw this guy a bone, this is ridiculous! UPDATE: I'm just watching Valerie on Hot in Cleveland right now, and now I'm REALLY not looking forward to seeing her on DWTS! Boy is she going to be annoying! Poor, poor Tristan!
And what is with all the actors/actresses? Every single one of them with the exception of Keyshawn is involved in TV one way or another. This is the most lop-sided cast ever. Usually there are at least a couple athletes, and some singers, along with some other things thrown in. I know that actors make up a large portion of celebrities, but seriously?
First we had "The Situation" from Jersey Shore, a couple seasons ago, and now we have to deal with the worst one of them all: "Snooki". Seriously...could she be more annoying? Ugh! Poor Sasha...what a first partner to get.
Speaking of Sasha, I'm happy to see him get promoted to pro! I'm a big fan of his from what I've seen of him in the troupe.
In addition to Snooki who followed The Situation from Jersey Shore, there are also a couple others who are following in someone else's footsteps: Jack Osbourne follows his sister Kelly, and Corbin follows fellow High School Musical actress Monique Coleman.
Bill Nye, The Science Guy may be the strangest person they've ever cast on this show. Wow, who knew this guy was even still around?
I think Keyshawn, Elizabeth, Christina, and Corbin will be the ones to watch.

And here's your cast:

		Amber & Derek Star: Amber Riley Known For: Actress and singer on Glee Pro: Derek Hough DWTS History: 12th season, 4-time winner
		Christina & Mark Star: Christina Milian Known For: Singer, actress Pro: Mark Ballas DWTS History: 13th season, 2 wins
		Elizabeth & Val Star: Elizabeth Berkley Lauren Known For: Actress on Saved By The Bell Pro: Val Chmerkovskiy DWTS History: 5th season, 0 wins (highest placement: 2nd)
		Leah & Tony Star: Leah Remini Known For: Actress on King Of Queens Pro: Tony Dovolani DWTS History: 16th season, 1 win
		Nicole & Sasha Star: Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi Known For: Star of reality show Jersey Shore Pro: Sasha Farber DWTS History: 1st season as a pro
		Valerie & Tristan Star: Valerie Harper Known For: Actress on The Mary Tyler Moore Show Pro: Tristan MacManus DWTS History: 5th season, 0 wins (highest placement: 5th)
		Bill & Emma Star: Bill Engvall Known For: Actor/Comedian, Bill Engvall Show Pro: Emma Slater DWTS History: 1st season as a pro
		Bill & Tyne Star: Bill Nye Known For: Bill Nye the Science Guy show; mechanical engineer Pro: Tyne Stecklein DWTS History: 1st season as a pro
		Brant & Peta Star: Brant Daugherty Known For: Actor on Pretty Little Liars and Days of Our Lives Pro: Peta Murgatroyd DWTS History: 5th season, 1 win
		Corbin & Karina Star: Corbin Bleu Known For: Actor on High School Musical movie series, singer Pro: Mark Ballas DWTS History: 13th season, 2 wins
		Jack & Cheryl Star: Jack Osbourne Known For: Actor, TV host; son of Ozzy & Sharon Osbourne Pro: Cheryl Burke DWTS History: 16th season, 2 wins
		Keyshawn & Sharna Star: Keyshawn Johnson Known For: Retired NFL player Pro: Sharna Burgess DWTS History: 2nd season, 0 wins (highest placement: 7th)