‘DWTS’ Classical Week to Feature Joshua Bell, Jackie Evancho and Gavin DeGraw

Monday’s “Dancing with the Stars,” themed Classical Night, opens with a stunning live performance from classical music superstar Joshua Bell, who will be performing “Vivaldi’s Summer,” accompanied by the Troupe, MONDAY, APRIL 30 (8:00-10:01 p.m., ET) on ABC. Other special musical artists joining the evening are soprano prodigy Jackie Evancho and world renowned Italian tenor Vittorio Grigolo, who will grace the stage, accompanying dance performances throughout the evening. Jackie Evancho will be performing “Dark Waltz” during a pro dance performance with Tristan MacManus and Karina Smirnoff. The seven remaining couples will compete to famous pieces of classical music and return to the ballroom floor later in the night for their always entertaining Team Dances. Team Paso’s Melissa & Maks, William & Cheryl, and Donald & Peta battle Team Tango’s Katherine & Mark, Maria & Derek, Roshon & Chelsie, Jaleel & Kym during Monday night’s show.

Earlier this season, he charmed audiences as we watched him Samba and Foxtrot, but Tuesday night Gavin DeGraw returns to the ballroom as a special musical guest. He will be performing his new hit single “Sweeter,” accompanied by Karina Smirnoff and Louis Van Amstel, TUESDAY, MAY 1 (9:00-10:01 p.m., ET) on ABC. And the final Dance Duel will be held this week, with the bottom two couples performing the Rumba, to the same song at the same time as the judges decide who the next eliminated couple will be, TUESDAY, APRIL 24 (9:00-10:01 p.m., ET) on ABC.

Tuesday night not only brings back DeGraw and eliminates one more couple, it also brings us “Dancing with the Stars: Ballroom Battle.” This competition features six pro dancers who paired together and held auditions for amateur couples throughout America. One couple was selected to represent each pro-dancer team in a head-to-head Ballroom Battle. On Tuesday, the three winning couples with their coaches – Cheryl Burke, Tony Dovolani and Louis Van Amstel – will compete in a live finale on stage. Each couple will perform a no-holds-barred Jive and the judges will name the Ballroom Battle champions.

Also, during Tuesday night’s show we will have an “AT&T’s Spotlight” performance will spotlight Richard “Steelo” Vazquez, who will perform with the Groovaloos for a very exciting and uplifting performance. “Steelo” was one of the top B-boy dancers working in music, film and television and a member of the popular dance group The Groovaloos. Sadly, in 2011 he suffered a brain aneurysm which resulted in him losing his ability to speak and walk. He spent six months in the hospital and now goes to physical rehabilitation five days a week, seven hours a day. On Tuesday, Steelo will reunite with the Groovaloos for the first time since his aneurysm. Although he isn’t back to full strength, this performance will be a testament to the perseverance he, his family and friends have shown despite all odds being against them.

Platinum recording artist Gavin DeGraw is no stranger to the top of the charts. He first broke through with the 2003 release of his debut album, “Chariot,” which sold over a million copies, earned platinum certification and yielded three hit singles: “I Don’t Want to Be,” “Follow Through” and the title-track, “Chariot.” DeGraw’s self-titled second album debuted at No. 1 on the digital sales chart and at No. 7 on Billboard’s Top 200 album chart in 2008, earning him his first Top 10 album. It spawned the hit singles “In Love with a Girl,” which Billboard dubbed “a rocking homerun,” and the gold-certified “We Belong Together.” In 2009 DeGraw released “Free” as a gift to his die-hard fans clamoring for recorded versions of his live favorites. He released his third studio album, “Sweeter,” in September of 2011. The album’s first single, “Not Over You,” co-written with OneRepublic’s Ryan Tedder, is a huge chart topping hit, and the just released 2nd single, the title track “Sweeter,” is sure to follow in its footsteps.

Joshua Bell has enchanted audiences worldwide with his breathtaking virtuosity and tone of rare beauty, earning him the title “classical music superstar.” An Avery Fisher Prize recipient and Musical America’s 2010 Instrumentalist of the Year, Bell is the Academy of St Martin in the Fields’ newly named Music Director. Bell came to national attention at age 14 in his debut with Riccardo Muti and the Philadelphia Orchestra. Today he is equally at home as a soloist, chamber musician, orchestra leader and composer who performs his own cadenzas to several of the major concerto repertoire. This season include dates with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Montreal, Dallas, Colorado, Atlanta, San Francisco and National Symphony orchestras. An exclusive Sony Classical artist, “French Impressions,” his latest album of French sonatas with Jeremy Denk was released in January, 2012. Since his first LP recording at 18, Bell has recorded more than 36 CDs garnering Mercury, Grammy (r), Gramophone and Echo Klassik Awards. Joshua has performed on many film scores including “The Red Violin” which won an Oscar and recently recorded “The Flowers of War.” He was named by Billboard as the 2004 Classical Artist of the Year and recently he received the Paul Newman Award for services to children and the arts.

Jackie Evancho was introduced to the world on the show “America’s Got Talent,” where her astonishing vocal talent shined in the competition. “O Holy Night,” Jackie’s major label debut, was released in November 2012, and it was the year’s #1 best-selling debut recording with sales exceeding 1 million. It rocketed into the Billboard 200 at # 2, and the EP’s chart and sales success secured Jackie’s position as the year’s top-selling debut artist as well as the youngest female solo artisit to debut during the SoundScan era. IN addition to its pop chart success, “O Holy Night” reached # 1 on the Billboard Classical Chart and # 2 on the Billboard Holiday chart. Her latest album, “Dream With Me,” her first studio album, debuted on the Billboard Top 200 chart at # 2 and was certified Gold after only four weeks of release. “Dream With Me,” features a repertoire of classical arias and pop classics handpicked to suit Jackie’s angelic voice. Due to her spectacular successes, in 2011 Jackie was named to Billboard’s “21 Under 21″ list, their annual ranking of the most powerful minors in the music industry. Now at the age of 12, Jackie also continues to cultivate her other musical abilities, learning to play both the violin and piano.

Born in Arezzo, Tuscany and raised in Rome, Vittorio Grigolo was only four when he discovered his passion for music and now his exceptional vocal and dramatic talents have been widely praised by the world’s press. As one of the leading tenors of his generation, he now performs in the world’s most prestigious opera houses. His recent operatic appearances include the lead roles in “Faust,” “Manon,” Lucia di Lammermoor,” and “Rigoletto.” He brings the same energy to his live concert performances as he does to his operatic roles. In 2010 Vittorio collaborated with Zubin Mehta and the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra in a special gala concert performance of Rigoletto in Tel Aviv and at the beginning of 2011 he gave a tour of sold out concerts in Germany and Switzerland. With a gold and platinum -selling solo album, a Grammy nominated recording of Berstein’s “West Side Story” and his album “The Italian Tenor” reaching #1 on the US Billboard Classical album chart, Vittorio is an established recording artist. His second album on Sony Classical, “Arrivederci” includes his personal selection of the most beloved Italian songs and opera arias ever written for the tenor voice.

By Tuesday evening’s end, one couple will be eliminated, as determined by a combination of the judges’ scores and viewers’ votes on dances performed on Monday’s performance show. Who among the seven couples will be the next to leave the ballroom?

* DONALD DRIVER and partner PETA MURGATROYD
* ROSHON FEGAN and partner CHELSIE HIGHTOWER
* MELISSA GILBERT and partner MAKSIM CHMERKOVSKIY
* KATHERINE JENKINS and partner MARK BALLAS
* WILLIAM LEVY and partner CHERYL BURKE
* MARIA MENOUNOS and partner DEREK HOUGH
* JALEEL WHITE and partner KYM JOHNSON

Hosted by Tom Bergeron (“America’s Funniest Home Videos”) and Brooke Burke-Charvet (“Dancing with the Stars” Season Seven Champion), the celebrities perform choreographed dance routines which will be judged by renowned Ballroom judge Len Goodman and dancer/choreographers Bruno Tonioli and Carrie Ann Inaba. Viewers may cast their votes for their favorite teams via phone on Monday night during and up to 60 minutes after the “Dancing with the Stars” performance shows. AT&T customers may also vote by texting the word “VOTE” and entering the number that corresponds to the team they want to support (message and data rates may apply).

‘DWTS’ Motown Week to Feature Smokey Robinson, Boyz II Men, Natasha Bedingfield and More

Next week’s episode of “Dancing with the Stars” presents a Motown special with live performances from Motown legends Smokey Robinson, The Temptations and Martha Reeves throughout the evening. The legends kick off the show, performing an unforgettable live Motown medley accompanied by the Troupe. For the first time ever, each artist will perform with the talented “DWTS” band and musical director Harold Wheeler before each of the remaining eight couples begin their competitive dance. During a special performance with dancers Anna Trebunskaya and Val Chmerkovskiy, Smokey Robinson will perform his No.1 hit song, “Tears of a Clown.” Also joining in on the excitement is vocal group Human Nature, performing some of Motown’s most popular hits throughout the evening. And to finish the show we will feature a special Motown Dance Marathon, where the couples will be showing off their classic dance moves from the Motown era, Monday, April 23 at 8:00 pm ET on ABC.

During Tuesday’s show, Best-selling R&B group of all-time Boyz II Men returns to the ballroom with an incredible performance of their latest single, “One More Dance,” off their landmark 20th anniversary album,” Twenty.” Their performance will be accompanied by Dmitry Chaplin and Anna Trebunskaya. The show will open with an amazing number from the Troupe, Val Chmerkovskiy, Peta Murgatroyd, Louis Van Amstel and Snejana Petrova, featuring a medley of Motown hit songs. This week’s “AT&T’s Spotlight Performance” spotlights the beautiful story of Michaela DePrince. And this week’s “Macy’s Stars of Dance” performance is the long awaited television debut of the hottest new contemporary dance company in America, Shaping Sound. The dance performance is choreographed by and features Travis Wall, Nick Lazzarini and Teddy Forance. The performance is a special preview of the following week’s Classical theme with an arrangement recorded by Aston, a classical group from Sydney, Australia, that create symphonic masterpieces out of pop music. The Dance Duel continues, and this week the bottom two couples will dance the Jive to the same song at the same time as the judges decide who the next eliminated couple will be, Tuesday, April 24 at 9 pm ET on ABC.

American R&B singer-songwriter, record producer and former record executive Smokey Robinson is most notable for being the founder and front man of the popular Motown vocal group, The Miracles. After Robinson left the Miracles, “Cruisin’” became his first Top 10 solo single. Another massive hit, “Being with You,” followed. “Just to See Her” from his album, “One Heartbeat,” won Robinson his first Grammy ® Award. Robinson has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame, is a Kennedy Center honoree, and has been awarded the National Medal of Arts. He released the standards album “Timeless Love” in 2006 on Universal Records. In 2009 he issued the album “Time Flies When You’re Having Fun” on his own label, Robso Records.

For more than 40 years, The Temptations have prospered, propelling popular music with a series of smash hits and sold-out performances throughout the world. As an essential component of the original Motown machine, The Temptations began their musical life in Detroit in the early ’60s. However, it wasn’t until 1964 that the Smokey Robinson-written and produced “The Way You Do the Things You Do” turned the group into stars. An avalanche of hits followed, including “My Girl,” “Since I Lost My Baby,” “Get Ready,” “I Wish It Would Rain” and “Beauty Is Only Skin Deep.” Beyond the fabulous singing, the Temps became known for smooth stepping and flawless presentations, as the “Temptations Walk” became a staple of American style. Eventually, a series of acclaimed records came, “For Lovers Only,” a collection of love standards, “Phoenix Rising,” which was a platinum megahit featuring the chart stopping hit “Stay,” and “Ear Resistible,” which earned the group a Grammy ®. In 2005 they released “Reflections,” which earned them a Grammy ® nomination and brought to the world The Temptations’ versions of some of Motown’s greatest songs. Today the stellar Temps lineup consists of Otis Williams, Ron Tyson, Terry Weeks, Joe Herndon and Bruce Williamson.

Martha Reeves is one of music’s most beloved and most enduring stars. It was in 1963 that the “Motown’s ultimate soul diva” first hit the road with the Motown Review and began hitting the pop and R &B charts with records made to get people on the dance floor. Martha Reeves and her cohorts, the Vandellas, backed Marvin Gaye on his first three singles before releasing “Come and Get These Memories,” the first of their 20 top hits. With “Heat Wave,” Martha and the Vandellas became the first Motown group nominated for a Grammy ®. Now, 50 years later, she is still on the road, still making audiences dance, winning rave reviews and awards. Currently her song “I’m Not Leaving,” a collaboration with The Crystal Method, is climbing up the Billboard dance charts. The song, which she co-wrote, testifies of her love and commitment to the city she still calls home, Detroit.

Human Nature is Australia’s leading pop vocal group and one of the preeminent vocal harmony groups in the world, with millions of albums sold worldwide. They have released nine albums, five of which went to No.1 in their native continent, garnering 23 platinum awards, and have toured internationally opening for Celine Dion and Michael Jackson. With Universal Music Group’s Universal Music Enterprises, Human Nature is ready to tackle America and carry the legacy of Motown music for a new generation. They recently released “The Motown Record,” which features 11 tracks offering their own authentic take on favorite Motown hits and classics, including the bonus track “Get Ready,” a song they recorded with the legendary Smokey Robinson. They also just released a DVD, “Human Nature Sings Motown,” a special telecast of the group’s Las Vegas stage show filmed by longtime Grammy® producer Ken Ehrlich. Human Nature has just kicked off their first ever U.S National tour, “Human Nature: The Motown Show presented by Smokey Robinson,” hitting 30 cities across the country this year.

Boyz II Men remains one of the most truly iconic R&B groups in music history. The group’s 4 Grammy ® Awards are just the tip of the iceberg: throughout their 20-year career. Boyz II Men have also won a whopping 16 American Music Awards ®, 9 Soul Train Awards, 3 MTV Awards and 3 Billboard Awards. Given the monumental success of their albums and the timeless quality of their vocals, it’s easy to see why Boyz II Men remains an inspiration to some of the most successful stars in the industry, with an astounding 60 million albums sold. Most recently Boyz II Men have marked their 20th anniversary by releasing a landmark album, fittingly titled “Twenty.” The album contains the group’s first original material in nearly a decade as well as a dozen remasetered classic, career-defining hits. “Twenty” debuted at #20 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart, #4 on the Billboard R&B album chart, #10 on the Billboard Digital Album Chart, and placed #1 on the iTunes R&B Soul Album chart. The first song from “Twenty,” “More Than You’ll Ever Know,” cracked into the top 15 on Urban AC charts and is still climbing.

“AT&T’s Spotlight Performance,” features and celebrates people whose lives have been changed forever by dance. This week “Dancing with the Stars” has chosen to spotlight dancer Michaela DePrince. She was born in Sierra Leone and her parents died in the conflicts there when she was very young, so Michaela ended up in an orphanage. She always wanted to dance, but never had the opportunity. She finally got her chance when she was adopted by an American couple a few years later. Her mother enrolled her in ballet classes and Michaela excelled! Recently she earned a scholarship to the JKO School at American Ballet Theater and she is soon hoping to become a principal in a ballet company. Her story is featured in the award-winning documentary, “First Position,” by Bess Kargman, which follows six young dancers as they prepare for a chance to enter the world of professional ballet, struggling through bloodied feet, near exhaustion and debilitating injuries all while navigating the drama of adolescence. “First Position,” directed and produced by Bess Kargman from Sundance Selects, will be released May 4, 2012. During her performance on “Dancing with the Stars,” Michaela will be dancing with Ade Chike Torbert, who competed on “SYTYCD.” Natasha Bedingfield will be performing live with Michaela, singing her powerful hit song “Wild Horses.”

While the theme of her music is always soulful, Natasha Bedingfield’s gifts as a singer and songwriter continue to reflect that infectious pop sensibility that catapulted her to being the first British female artist in 20 years to score a No.1 on the U.S. Billboard pop chart with her smash hit “Unwritten.” Since the release of her massive debut album, “Unwritten,” in 2006, Bedingfield has sold more than 10 million singles and albums worldwide. In 2004 “These Words” became her first UK
No. 1 single, and was followed by worldwide smash “Unwritten,” which has been certified double platinum and became the most played track at U.S. pop radio in 2006, garnering the singer-songwriter her first Grammy® nomination for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. Natasha’s success continued with the release of her sophomore album, “Pocket Full Of Sunshine,” which featured the hits “Love Like This” with Sean Kingston and “Pocket Full of Sunshine,” which has sold nearly 3 million copies to date.

By Tuesday evening’s end, one couple will be eliminated, as determined by a combination of the judges’ scores and viewers’ votes on dances performed on Monday’s performance show. Who among the eight couples will be the next to leave the ballroom?

* DONALD DRIVER and partner PETA MURGATROYD
* ROSHON FEGAN and partner CHELSIE HIGHTOWER
* MELISSA GILBERT and partner MAKSIM CHMERKOVSKIY
* KATHERINE JENKINS and partner MARK BALLAS
* GLADYS KNIGHT and partner TRISTAN MACMANUS
* WILLIAM LEVY and partner CHERYL BURKE
* MARIA MENOUNOS and partner DEREK HOUGH
* JALEEL WHITE and partner KYM JOHNSON

Hosted by Tom Bergeron (“America’s Funniest Home Videos”) and Brooke Burke-Charvet (“Dancing with the Stars” Season Seven Champion), the celebrities perform choreographed dance routines which will be judged by renowned Ballroom judge Len Goodman and dancer/choreographers Bruno Tonioli and Carrie Ann Inaba. Viewers may cast their votes for their favorite teams via phone on Monday night during and up to 60 minutes after the “Dancing with the Stars” performance shows. AT&T customers may also vote by texting the word “VOTE” and entering the number that corresponds to the team they want to support (message and data rates may apply).

 

‘DWTS’ Latin Night to Feature Carlos Santana, Train and Selena Gomez; Judges to Decide Sendoff

It’s Latin Night on “Dancing with the Stars” and Global Music Icon Carlos Santana takes over the ballroom with performances of some of his classic hits throughout the evening. In a stunning opening number with the Troupe, Carlos Santana will perform his first ever Top 10 hit, “Evil Ways.” He will also perform his popular hit song “Maria, Maria,” featuring dancers Louis Van Amstel and Anna Trebunskaya. And the remaining nine couples will heat up the floor dancing either the Salsa, Argentine Tango or the Samba, Monday, April 16 at 8:00 pm ET on ABC.

On Tuesday night, Grammy® Award-winning band Train take to the stage with an awesome performance of “Drive By,” their first single from their latest album, “California 37,” accompanied by Louis Van Amstel and Cheryl Burke. Pop sensation Selena Gomez and her band, The Scene, will perform their hit single “Hit the Lights.” The Latin themed performances continue with this week’s “Macy’s Stars of Dance” performance called “Carnaval,” a celebration of Latin dances featuring acclaimed percussionist Sheila E. The performance is choreographed by the talented Liz Imperio, who has directed Gloria Estefan’s last three world concert tours and choreographed for Madonna and Jennifer Lopez. Also, this week’s bottom two couples will face off in a Dance Duel. The two couples will perform the same dance style, this week the Cha-Cha, to the same song at the same time. The dance floor will be split in half as the couples dance side by side and the judges will decide who stays and who goes home, Tuesday, April 17 at 9:00 pm ET.

Delivered with a level of passion and soul equal to the legendary sonic charge of his guitar, the sound of Carlos Santana is one of the world’s best-known musical signatures. His latest album, “Shape Shifter,” is the first for his new label, Starfaith Records. The 13-song set is an instrumental tour de force long awaited by fans (only one song features vocals). Santana boasts 20 RIAA gold, platinum and multi-platinum albums (including their first 14 consecutive certifications), 10 Grammy Awards and lifetime sales of more than 90 million albums worldwide. Next he will begin a two-year run of unique performances – “An Intimate Evening with Santana: Greatest Hits Live – Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow” — in the re-configured House of Blues at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, beginning May 2. With a dedication to humanitarian outreach and social activism that parallels his lifelong relationship with music, Santana is as much an exemplary world citizen as a global music icon.

The multi-platinum band Train made their mark on music history with their Grammy ® Award-winning song, “Drops of Jupiter (Tell Me),” and chart-topping singles “Meet Virginia” and “Calling All Angels.” In 2011 the band earned their third Grammy ® for the worldwide smash “Hey Soul Sister” from their previous album, “Save Me, San Francisco.” “Save Me, San Francisco” sold over one million albums worldwide and “Hey Soul Sister” was the biggest selling single of 2010 and hit # 1 at radio in the U.S. and 15 countries abroad. On Tuesday, April 17, Train is set to release their newest album, “California 37.” The first single from the album, “Drive By,” has rocketed up the sales and radio charts with over 1 million single sales.

Sheila Escovedo, best known to music fans as Sheila E., is an established performer and one of the most talented percussionists/drummers in the world. She became a top session and touring musician before the age of 20, performing and/or recording with artists like George Duke, Steve Nicks, Patti LaBelle, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross and Gloria Estefan. In recent years Sheila E. has served as drummer of Ringo Starr All Star Band, and as musical director for the likes of Jennifer Lopez, Beyonce and Prince. In 2010,\ she was nominated for an Emmy® for Outstanding Music Direction in recognition for her leadership as musical director for President Obama’s “Performance at The White House: Fiesta Latina.”

By Tuesday evening’s end, one couple will be eliminated, as determined by a combination of the judges’ scores and viewers’ votes on dances performed on Monday’s performance show. Who among the nine couples will be the next to leave the ballroom?

* GAVIN DEGRAW and partner KARINA SMIRNOFF
* DONALD DRIVER and partner PETA MURGATROYD
* ROSHON FEGAN and partner CHELSIE HIGHTOWER
* MELISSA GILBERT and partner MAKSIM CHMERKOVSKIY
* KATHERINE JENKINS and partner MARK BALLAS
* GLADYS KNIGHT and partner TRISTAN MACMANUS
* WILLIAM LEVY and partner CHERYL BURKE
* MARIA MENOUNOS and partner DEREK HOUGH
* JALEEL WHITE and partner KYM JOHNSON

Hosted by Tom Bergeron (“America’s Funniest Home Videos”) and Brooke Burke-Charvet (“Dancing with the Stars” Season Seven Champion), the celebrities perform choreographed dance routines which will be judged by renowned Ballroom judge Len Goodman and dancer/choreographers Bruno Tonioli and Carrie Ann Inaba. Viewers may cast their votes for their favorite teams via phone on Monday night during and up to 60 minutes after the “Dancing with the Stars” performance shows. AT&T customers may also vote by texting the word “VOTE” and entering the number that corresponds to the team they want to support (message and data rates may apply).

‘Dancing with the Stars’ to Feature Double Dose of KISS for Rock Week

Rock Week returns, with KISS opening the show with a spectacular performance of “Rock and Roll All Nite,” accompanied by the Troupe. Bringing lots of leather and lots of fire, the remaining ten couples will perform to some of the greatest Rock songs of all time Monday, April 9 at 8 pm ET/PT on the ABC Television Network.

On Tuesday, KISS hits the stage for another rockin’ performance of “Lick it Up,” with Mark Ballas, Chelsie Hightower, Henry Byalikov and Oksana Dmytrenko accompanying their performance. “DWTS” alums Sabrina Bryan and Kyle Massey will return to the ballroom with a sneak peek at their “Dancing with the Stars: Live in Las Vegas” show, which debuts April 14 at the New Tropicana Las Vegas. Also during Tuesday’s show, a special performance featuring Karina Smirnoff and one of the world’s best ballet dancers, Jose Manuel Carreno, who was a principal dancer with the Royal Ballet and the American Ballet Theatre. Their dance will be accompanied by a live performance from Gotan Project’s “Santa Maria,” the band’s U.S. network TV debut, and one more couple will be sent home, Tuesday, April 10 at 9 pm ET on the ABC Television Network.

KISS remains one of the most influential bands in the history of Rock & Roll. As one of America’s top gold-record champions, KISS has released 44 albums and sold more than 90 million albums worldwide. Decades of record-breaking tours around the globe have included high-profile appearances at Super Bowl XXXIII, the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City and the Rockin’ The Corps concert, dedicated to our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. The KISS legacy continues to grow, generation after generation. The unparalleled devotion and loyalty of the KISS Army to the “Hottest Band in the World” is a striking testament to the band’s unbreakable bond with its fans, and just one of the reasons KISS was nominated for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. KISS is currently in the studio recording “Monster,” the follow up to their 2009 chart topping album, “Sonic Boom,” and preparing for their upcoming summer tour, “THE Tour,” with Mötley Crüe, which kicks off July 20.

In 2000, Gotan Project, the trio founded by Philippe Cohen Solal, Eduardo Makaroff and Christoph H. Müller, released their debut album, “La Revancha del Tango,” a record that brought the band’s modern take on the tango to the world. Since then they have sold over 3 million albums worldwide and have played venues from Hollywood Bowl to the Sydney Opera House. Their music is now familiar everywhere, from the cool and chic clubs of New York to the beaches of Rio de Janeiro, and through numerous television shows and films that have used it, including “Sex in the City,” “Six Feet Under,” “Oceans 12,” “The Bourne Identity” and more. Their second album, “Lunático”(2006), saw Gotan Project adding more live recording and jazz influences to their sound. Their most recent album, “Tango 3.0,” arrived a decade after the group formed and is still faithful to its founding principles, but featured a host of exciting guests and collaborators, including Dr. John.

“Dancing with the Stars: Live in Las Vegas” is an 80-minute live entertainment show produced by BBC Worldwide Productions, directed by Amy Tinkham and choreographed by Australian sensation Jason Gilkison. The show kicks off a 12-week run beginning Saturday, April 14. Set at the all New Tropicana Las Vegas, “Dancing with the Stars: Live in Las Vegas” transports the stars of the hit TV show to the stage for a night of sexy, stunning and surprising performances. The Tropicana Theater will transform into the “Dancing with the Stars” ballroom, showcasing fan-favorite dances from past seasons along with new and thrilling routines. Some beloved “DWTS” alums will be featured in the opening run, including Carson Kressley, Joey Fatone, Kyle Massey, Sabrina Bryan, Tia Carrere, Dmitry Chaplin and Lacey Schwimmer. Attendees will also meet the one and only “Las Vegas Troupe.”

By Tuesday evening’s end, one couple will be eliminated, as determined by a combination of the judges’ scores and viewers’ votes on dances performed on Monday’s performance show. Who among the ten couples will be the next to leave the ballroom?

GAVIN DEGRAW and partner KARINA SMIRNOFF
DONALD DRIVER and partner PETA MURGATROYD
ROSHON FEGAN and partner CHELSIE HIGHTOWER
MELISSA GILBERT and partner MAKSIM CHMERKOVSKIY
KATHERINE JENKINS and partner MARK BALLAS
GLADYS KNIGHT and partner TRISTAN MACMANUS
WILLIAM LEVY and partner CHERYL BURKE
MARIA MENOUNOS and partner DEREK HOUGH
SHERRI SHEPHERD and partner VAL CHMERKOVSKIY
JALEEL WHITE and partner KYM JOHNSON

‘Dancing with the Stars’ to Feature Seal, Rascal Flatts

Next week’s episode of “Dancing with the Stars,” themed “The Most Memorable Year of My Life,” challenges the remaining eleven couples to perform a meaningful dance using any style dance of their choice, Monday, April 2 at 8:00 pm ET/PT on the ABC Television Network.

On Tuesday, acclaimed singer and songwriter Seal returns to the ballroom performing “Lean On Me” from his latest album “Soul 2.” His soulful performance will be accompanied by four members of the Troupe. Also hitting the stage is best-selling country vocal group, Rascal Flatts, with a network TV debut performance of “Changed,” the title of their new album due out April 3rd. Their performance is accompanied by pro dancer Tony Dovolani and Troupe member Sharna Burgess on Tuesday, April 3 at 9 pm ET/PT on the ABC Television Network.

Also during Tuesday’s show we have the season’s first “Macy’s Stars of Dance,” with an all- star dance number featuring some of Hollywood’s most prominent and talented male dancers from film and TV, including Kenny Wormald (Footloose), Twitch (Step Up 3D and Step Up 4), Travis Wall and many others. The exciting performance will be accompanied by one of the worlds most sought after horn trios, Grooveline Horns, who will be performing their composition “Copchase.” This spectacular performance is choreographed by Misha Gabriel and Nick Bass who’ve shared the stage and screen with artists like Michael Jackson, Prince, Britney Spears, Beyonce and many more. Tuesday’s show also welcomes the season’s first “AT&T Spotlight Performance” which will feature Julia Ivleva’s inspirational story. Julia is a world-class professional ballroom dancer who has recently been diagnosed with stage four lung cancer. Her good friends Jonathan Roberts and Anna Trebunskaya will be dancing a powerfully emotional number in a special tribute to Julia and the fight against cancer.

Over the course of a remarkable career that spans more than two decades, Seal has won four Grammy® Awards and sold more than 20 million albums worldwide, enjoying success across numerous genres of music. His emotional, romantic love songs, such as “Prayer For the Dying,” the Grammy ® Award winning “Kiss From A Rose,” “Don’t Cry” and “Love’s Divine,” delighted fans and earned him critical acclaim. He has also seen great success in the dance/pop music world, beginning with his roots in Britain’s house music/rave scene with his debut album in 1991 and returning to those roots with 2007′s dancefloor-friendly “System.” Most recently Seal released a second set of soul classics, “Soul II” which recaptures the magic of his 2008 international hit album, “Soul.” “Soul II” is his eighth studio album produced by Trevor Horn and David Foster on Warner Bros. Records.

Country vocal group, Rascal Flatts, will release their eighth studio album “Changed” Tuesday, April 3rd on Big Machine Records. This album comes after Flatts’ first Big Machine Records album release, “Nothing Like This,” which debuted at #1 on the Billboard Country Albums chart. Their album “Nothing Like This,” featured two #1 hits including “Why Wait” and “I Won’t Let Go.” Since their musical debut in 2000, the band has sold over 21 million albums, 25 million digital downloads and delivered 13 #1 singles to the top of the charts. Rascal Flatts is the most awarded Country group of the past decade earning over 40 awards. As one of the hottest-selling acts on tour in any genre, they’ve sold over 6 million concert tickets and counting. On June 15th they will kick off a new summer tour, “The American Band Tour” with Little Big Town, Eli Young Band, and Edens Edge.

Grooveline Horns, comprised of Sosa, Fernando Castillo on trumpet and Reggie Watkins on trombone, are not only a permanent part of Jason Mraz’s band, but have also performed and/or recorded with artists like Willie Nelson, Kelly Clarkson, Dave Matthews, Blues Traveler and many more. Grooveline Horns had their genesis more than 15 years ago in Austin, Texas, where they honed their chops bouncing back and forth from club to club every night on the town’s famed 6th street. In 2006, after Grooveline Horns had been working for almost 10 years towards their goal of becoming an in-demand horn section, Jason Mraz invited the group to join him on his tour – they have been an integral part of his band ever since. Currently, the group is working on completing their debut album in their Austin recording studio.

By Tuesday evening’s end, one couple will be eliminated, as determined by a combination of the judges’ scores and viewers’ votes on dances performed on Monday’s performance show. Who among the eleven couples will be the next to leave the ballroom?

* GAVIN DEGRAW and partner KARINA SMIRNOFF

* DONALD DRIVER and partner PETA MURGATROYD

* ROSHON FEGAN and partner CHELSIE HIGHTOWER

* MELISSA GILBERT and partner MAKSIM CHMERKOVSKIY

* KATHERINE JENKINS and partner MARK BALLAS

* GLADYS KNIGHT and partner TRISTAN MACMANUS

* WILLIAM LEVY and partner CHERYL BURKE

* MARIA MENOUNOS and partner DEREK HOUGH

* SHERRI SHEPHERD and partner VAL CHMERKOVSKIY

* JACK WAGNER and partner ANNA TREBUNSKAYA

* JALEEL WHITE and partner KYM JOHNSON

Hosted by Tom Bergeron (“America’s Funniest Home Videos”) and Brooke Burke-Charvet (“Dancing with the Stars” Season Seven Champion), the celebrities perform choreographed dance routines which will be judged by renowned Ballroom judge Len Goodman and dancer/choreographers Bruno Tonioli and Carrie Ann Inaba.

Viewers may cast their votes for their favorite teams via phone on Monday night during and up to 60 minutes after the “Dancing with the Stars” performance shows. AT&T customers may also vote by texting the word “VOTE” and entering the number that corresponds to the team they want to support (message and data rates may apply).

About BBC Worldwide Productions

BBC Worldwide Productions, led by Jane Tranter, is based in Los Angeles and develops and produces scripted and non-scripted projects for U.S. cable and broadcast networks, as well as digital platforms. The production company is responsible for the smash hit “Dancing with the Stars” (ABC), “Top Gear” (HISTORY), “What Not to Wear” (TLC), “Torchwood: Miracle Day” (Starz), “Hairy Bikers” (HISTORY) and the upcoming titles “The Week the Women Went” (Lifetime), “The Next Big Thing” (Oxygen),

“Lovetown, USA” (OWN) and “Da Vinci’s Demons” (Starz). BBC Worldwide Productions sits within one of six core businesses that form BBC Worldwide, the main commercial arm and wholly-owned subsidiary of British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).

“Dancing with the Stars” is broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC’s selected HDTV format, with 5.1 channel surround sound. This program carries a TV-PG,L parental guideline.

Downloadable HD video clips will be posted to www.abcmedianet.com every Monday and Tuesday at approximately 9:00 p.m. PST. Photography request line 818.460.6611

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ABC Media Relations:

Amber Gereghty (818) 460-6781, [email protected]

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BBC Worldwide Productions:

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‘Dancing with the Stars’ to Feature Sugarland, Matt Nathanson

After last week’s sensational season opener, which proved to be one of the most competitive season premieres ever, all 12 couples return to the ballroom with another fabulous lineup of extraordinary performances. This week the couples will dance either the Jive or the Quickstep, Monday, March 26 (8:00-10:01 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network.

A one-hour special, “Dancing with the Stars: The Story So Far,” airing Tuesday, March 27 (8:00-9:00 p.m., ET), will recap the thrilling dance performances from last week’s premiere and from Monday’s performance show, along with never-before-seen footage from the teams’ confessionals and exciting backstage moments.

Following the one-hour special, country superstars Sugarland and talented singer songwriter Matt Nathanson join in on the fun for the Season Premiere of “Dancing with the Stars the Results Show” (“Episode 1402A”), Tuesday, March 27 (9:00-10:01 p.m., ET). Nathanson will perform his latest single, “Run,” featuring Sugarland in a special performance accompanied by pro dancers Tristan MacManus and Peta Murgatroyd. Sugarland will return to the stage for a second performance of infectious track “Find the Beat Again,” accompanied by four members of this season’s Troupe. Season 14′s Troupe returns with two new members, Henry Byalikov and Emma Slater. During Tuesday night’s show, the Troupe will be joined by the professional dancers of the season for an amazing performance, and by evening’s end the first couple will be sent home.

Mercury Nashville super duo Sugarland have reached over 22 million in worldwide sales and achieved eight # 1 singles with “Twice the Speed of Life,” “Enjoy the Ride,” “Love on the Inside” and “The Incredible Machine.” Sugarland co-wrote all tracks from all four albums and co-produced the last three. The pair have released a CD/DVD set titled “Live on the Inside,” starred in a one-hour concert on ABC and recorded the 10-track holiday album “Gold and Green” of half standards and the other half originals. They have been honored many times and have won awards from the Grammys (r), AMA’s, the ACM Awards, CMT Music Awards and CMA Awards. They have collaborated with heavy hitters like Adele, Rihanna and Lady Gaga, among others. Sugarland have performed in numerous European countries and have headlined multiple U.S tours that continue to sell out venues across the country. On April 5 they will launch their sixth consecutive headlining tour, “In Your Hands.”

Vanguard recording artist Matt Nathanson is one of the most dynamic performers and premier songwriters on the music scene today. In 2007, his release of “Some Mad Hope” produced the smash hit single, “Come On Get Higher,” which has sold over 2 million copies to date, and subsequent hit singles “Car Crash,” “Falling Apart” and “All We Are.” The success of “Some Mad Hope” earned Nathanson the coveted spot as a VH1 “You Oughta Know” artist, and he has graced the stage on several national television shows, including the CMA Awards. His legendary live shows have resulted in sold out tours across the U.S., Canada and Australia. Nathanson’s eighth studio album, “Modern Love,” includes the hit single “Faster” and the new single “Run” – featuring Jennifer Nettles and Kristan Bush of Sugarland. “Modern Love” debuted at #17 on Billboard’s Top 200 Albums Chart and #1 on the iTunes Pop Album Chart.

Hosted by Tom Bergeron (“America’s Funniest Home Videos”) and Brooke Burke-Charvet (“Dancing with the Stars” Season Seven Champion), the celebrities perform choreographed dance routines which will be judged by renowned Ballroom judge Len Goodman and dancer/choreographers Bruno Tonioli and Carrie Ann Inaba.

Viewers may cast their votes for their favorite teams via phone on Monday night during and up to 60 minutes after the “Dancing with the Stars” performance shows. AT&T customers may also vote by texting the word “VOTE” and entering the number that corresponds to the team they want to support (message and data rates may apply).

‘Dancing with the Stars’ Lineup Announced; Season Premieres March 19

This season’s dynamic lineup of stars — including a Super Bowl champion, a telenovela star,
a tennis legend, a Disney Channel star, a classical singing star and a music legend – will perform either the Foxtrot or the Cha Cha for the first time on live national television with their professional partners during the two-hour season premiere of “Dancing with the Stars,” Monday, March 19 at 8:00 pm ET on the ABC Television Network.

As announced today on ABC’s “Good Morning America” by “Dancing with the Stars” hosts Tom Bergeron and Brooke Burke-Charvet, the 12 celebrities, with their professional partners, heading to the dance floor this season are:

GAVIN DeGRAW — Gavin DeGraw is no stranger to the top of the charts. He first broke through with the 2003 release of his debut album, “Chariot,” which sold over a million copies, earned platinum certification and yielded three hit singles: “I Don’t Want to Be,” “Follow Through” and the title-track, “Chariot.” DeGraw’s self-titled second album debuted at No. 1 on the digital sales chart and at No. 7 on Billboard’s Top 200 album chart in 2008, earning him his first Top 10 album. It spawned the hit singles “In Love with a Girl,” which Billboard dubbed “a rocking homerun,” and the gold-certified “We Belong Together.” In 2009 DeGraw released “Free” as a gift to his die-hard fans clamoring for recorded versions of his live favorites. He released his third studio album, “Sweeter,” in September of 2011. The album’s first single, “Not Over You,” co-written with OneRepublic’s Ryan Tedder, was just certified platinum, is a huge hit and has been climbing the sales and radio charts since its June 2011 release. GAVIN DeGRAW partners with last season’s champ, KARINA SMIRNOFF, who returns for her 11th season.

DONALD DRIVER — Donald Driver has overcome a childhood of homelessness and overcome obstacles to become a Super Bowl champion and the All-Time Leading Receiver in Green Bay Packers history. After being selected in the last round of the NFL draft, he went on to hold the Packers’ all-time receiving records for yards and receptions, as well as a host of others. Driver faced struggles growing up that many could not imagine. Growing up homeless and living in a U-Haul truck for a period of time, he was inspired to become one of the most community-minded athletes of our generation. He and his wife, Betina, created the Donald Driver Foundation in 2001 with a focus on homelessness, education and health & wellness initiatives. He has donated his time for hundreds of community appearances. Driver is most proud of his family, wife Betina and kids Cristian, Christina and Charity. His kids, and his commitment to education, drove him to write three children’s books revolving around the lovable character “Quickie.” The books’ illustrations and stories are based on his family. He recently read his latest book, Quickie Wins a Championship, at the Library of Congress at an event that featured First Lady Michelle Obama. DONALD DRIVER joins PETA MURGATROYD, who is returning for her second season as a professional partner.

ROSHON FEGAN — Most widely recognized for his roles on Disney Channel, this musical artist, songwriter, producer and actor currently stars on the Disney Channel original series “Shake It Up!” as Ty Blue. Prior to this role, he appeared as Sander Loyer in the Disney Channel original movies “Camp Rock” and “Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam.” Fegan also performed songs on the “Camp Rock” soundtrack, as well as the DVD bonus track “Camp Rock.” The 20-year-old Fegan recently released his first self-produced EP, “I Am Ro•Shon,” which contains two new tracks written and produced by Fegan himself, “Got Me Like” and “Top of the World” that fuses a unique universal sound of Hip-Hop, R&B, Pop, Funk and Electronic Dance music. He writes and produces all of his own music under his independently owned record label, 3inaRo Entertainment, where he serves as CEO. ROSHON FEGAN teams with CHELSIE HIGHTOWER, who is returning for her 6th season.

MELISSA GILBERT — A native of Los Angeles, Melissa Gilbert comes from a long line of entertainers including her grandfather, Harry Crane, creator and writer of “The Honeymooners,” and her father, respected comedian, actor, musician and dancer Paul Gilbert. At age 2, Gilbert made her on-air debut modeling baby clothes and appeared in more than 30 television commercials over the next seven years. At age 9, she joined the cast of “Little House on the Prairie,” continuing with the popular series for 10 years. She has since starred in hundreds of television movies, specials and series, including the Emmy Award-winning M.O.W. “The Miracle Worker.” In feature films Gilbert starred in “Sylvester” and did a cameo role playing herself in Griffin Dunne’s film, “Lisa Picard is Famous.” On stage she made her Off Broadway debut in “A Shayna Maidel,” and later starred in “The Miracle Worker,” “The Glass Menagerie” and “Love Letters.” She made her directorial debut with the ABC after school special, “Me and My Hormones,” and produced the A&E documentary “Child Stars: Their Story.” Gilbert’s legacy came full circle when she starred as Ma in the national tour of “Little House on the Prairie the Musical.” In 2009 she shared her personal story in her New York Times bestselling memoir, Prairie Tale. Gilbert served two terms as the 23rd President of Screen Actors Guild, two terms as Vice President on the AFL-CIO executive council, as Vice President for the California Labor Federation, as a commissioner on the California Film Commission and as chair of the 2005 SAG Theatrical/Television Negotiating Committee. An avid philanthropist, she is the President of the Board of Directors for the Children’s Hospice and Palliative Care Coalition, and recently became the first-ever national spokesperson for The Partnership at Drugfree.org. She is a devoted mother to four sons. MELISSA GILBERT partners with MAKSIM CHMERKOVSKIY, who returns for his 12th season.

KATHERINE JENKINS — Katherine Jenkins is the world’s most prolific classical crossover artist. The Welsh mezzo soprano has sold in excess of seven million albums since launching her career in 2004. An internationally recognized figure, at the age of only 31 Jenkins has become an ambassador and inspiration for millions of people around the world. When she was still only 23, she signed what was said to be the biggest ever UK classical recording deal; she has broken records, becoming the fastest selling mezzo soprano ever, has released eight studio albums, has won two Classical BRIT awards and broken countless records with her albums going platinum around the world. She has performed with Placido Domingo and Andrea Bocelli, had lunch and performed for the Queen and other members of the Royal Family, as well as for prime ministers and dignitaries around the world. Having recently worked with internationally renowned producers including David Foster and John Shanks, Jenkins’ unique and timeless vocals have defined the genre. Known for her interpretations of popular songs, operatic arias and hymns, she is also known for her long-standing work with the British Forces Foundation for which she is a trustee, and has consequently made various trips to Iraq and Afghanistan to entertain the troops. This support for the troops has led her to being referred to as the Forces’ Sweetheart. Cherished as one of Britain’s favorite singers, Jenkins has now become one of its greatest musical exports. KATHERINE JENKINS joins two-time champ MARK BALLAS, who is returning for his 10th season.

GLADYS KNIGHT — Eight-time Grammy winner Gladys Knight has enjoyed No. 1 hits in pop, R&B and Adult Contemporary, and has triumphed in film, television and live performance. The Georgia-born Knight began performing recitals at age 4 in the Mount Mariah Baptist Church. Three years later, in 1952, she won the grand prize on television’s “Ted Mack’s Amateur Hour,” and the following year she, along with her brother, Bubba, and her cousins, formed The Pips and had their first hit in 1961. In 1962 the group was renamed Gladys Knight & The Pips. With Knight singing lead and The Pips providing lush harmonies and graceful choreography, the group went on to achieve icon status, recording some of the most memorable songs of the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. Top 20 hits like “Every Beat of My Heart,” “I Heard it Through the Grapevine” and “If I Were Your Woman” set the stage for an amazing run in the mid-1970s, while Top 10 gold-certified singles like “Neither One of Us (Wants to be the First to Say Goodbye),” “I’ve Got to Use My Imagination,” “Best Thing to Ever Happen to Me” and the No. 1 smash “Midnight Train to Georgia” establishing Gladys Knight & The Pips as the premiere pop/R&B vocal ensemble in the world. All told, Knight has recorded more than 38 albums over the years, including four solo albums during the past decade. This spring she will release her newest album, featuring the hit “I Who Have Nothing.” Most recently Knight appeared in the Tyler Perry film, “I Can Do Bad All By Myself.” A longtime Las Vegas resident, Knight returned to the Strip this past year at the famed Tropicana Hotel for a special engagement that ran in the newly named Gladys Knight Theater, making her the first African-American performer to have a venue named after her in Las Vegas. GLADYS KNIGHT partners with TRISTAN MCMANUS, who returns as a professional partner for his second season.

WILLIAM LEVY — Levy was born in Cuba and very early on knew he would go after his dreams, even if it meant leaving his beloved country and risking his life. By age 15, Levy was living in Miami, Florida, where he attended high school and learned to speak English. His incursion in acting was a supporting role on Telemundo’s “Los Teens,” a series about Hispanic teenagers growing up in the United States. Prior to “Los Teens,” Levy had appeared in two reality shows, also for Telemundo, and a music video. His modeling career also took off at this point and he was signed to one of the most prestigious national modeling agencies. Levy’s big break came in 2007, when he was personally chosen by famed Televisa producer Carla Estrada to play the role of Vasco Darien in “Pasion,” an epic novela production set in Mexico’s colonial period. Levy gained instant recognition and his acting career skyrocketed as a consequence of the novela’s popularity. After “Pasion,” he traveled to Ecuador and participated in the film “Retazos de Vida.” Shortly thereafter he returned to Mexico for his first leading role in “Cuidado con el Angel,” a soap opera production that consolidated him as one of Mexico’s most sought after leading actors. He starred as Alejandro Lombardo on Univision’s “Sortilegio,” Mexico’s highest rated primetime production, and now stars in “Triunfo del Amor,” (Univision) the No. 1 rated telenovela on TV. Levy enjoys playing all kinds of sports, but he considers himself an avid baseball fan. He currently resides between Los Angeles, Mexico City and Miami, FL. WILLIAM LEVY partners with two-time champ CHERYL BURKE, who returns for her 13th season.

MARIA MENOUNOS — Actress, author and the host of “EXTRA,” Maria Menounos’ story began cleaning Boston nightclubs alongside her Greek immigrant parents from age of 3, and not learning to speak English until she was 10. At 22 she became the youngest person to host “Entertainment Tonight,” and would later report for “Today,” “Dateline” and “Nightly News.” She has traveled to such places as El Salvador, South Africa and Afghanistan while reporting on earthquakes, the AIDS epidemic and the war. Inspired by her world travels and the devastating effects of the AIDS crisis, she created the charity, Take Action Hollywood! In 2008 she conducted the only interview with the Obama family during the Presidential campaign. Menounos is the New York Times bestselling author of the self help book, The EveryGirl’s Guide to Life. She recently launched AfterBuzzTV.com, an online digital network dedicated to producing wrap-up shows for America’s favorite television series. She loves people, life and trying new things! MARIA MENOUNOS joins three-time champ DEREK HOUGH, who is returning for his 9th season.

MARTINA NAVRATILOVA — A champion both on and off the court, Martina Navratilova is an influential athlete and cultural figure. Born in Prague in 1956, Navratilova is the most dominant tennis player ever to set foot on the court. She is the only player in history to win Grand Slam titles in four different decades, including a curtain-closing U.S. Open victory in mixed-doubles at age 49. Her resume is highlighted by 59 Grand Slam titles, a record 9 Wimbledon singles championships, and an unrivaled 344 tournament victories. Off the court Navratilova has been a lifelong champion for individual freedom and a pioneer for human rights. At age 18 she left communist Czechoslovakia and sought political asylum and freedom in the United States. After receiving her U.S. citizenship in 1981, she publicly acknowledged that she is gay — at a time when such announcements came at great personal cost to public figures. In 2010 Navratilova was diagnosed with breast cancer. She approached breast cancer like her tennis training, subsequently becoming cancer free and a champion for breast cancer awareness. She is currently the Fitness Ambassador for AARP, inspiring its 39 million members to follow her example by redefining what it means to be 50+. Navratilova is an accomplished author and speaker and is an on-air commentator for the Tennis Channel. MARTINA NAVRATILOVA teams with TONY DOVOLANI, who returns for a 13th season.

SHERRI SHEPHERD – Sherri Shepherd is an actress, comedienne and co-host of ABC’s hugely popular daytime talk show, “The View.” Whether she’s on stage or screen, this Daytime Emmy® Award winner’s magnetic personality and hilarious sense of humor never fails to delight audiences. She has appeared in such popular television shows as “30 Rock,” “Less than Perfect” and “Everybody Loves Raymond,” and in films including “Precious,” “Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa” and most recently “One for the Money.” She is the author of a humorous autobiography, Permission Slips: Every Woman’s Guide to Giving Yourself a Break (Grand Central Publishing). SHERRI SHEPHERD partners with VAL CHMERKOVSKIY, who is returning for his second season as a professional partner.

JACK WAGNER – An actor of daytime and primetime television and the stage, Jack Wagner is one of the most popular stars in the history of soaps. Wagner studied theater in college, graduating from The University of Arizona with a BFA in drama. He has starred in multiple television series, over a dozen of television movies, and has appeared in over 40 theatrical productions around the world. In 1983 Wagner landed the starring role of rocker Frisco Jones on ABC’s daytime series, “General Hospital.” He recorded several songs for the show, eventually signing with Quincy Jones’ record label, Qwest, where he recorded his first hit single, “All I Need.” The single was No. 2 on Pop charts and No. 1 on Adult Contemporary charts. In 1987 Wagner returned to his theatrical roots, touring nationally as Tony in “West Side Story” and as Danny Zucko in “Grease.” In the early ‘90s he moved to primetime television, joining the hit series “Melrose Place,” where he spent the next five seasons both acting and directing. In 2000 he took the role of a lifetime in the Broadway musical “Jekyll and Hyde.” Most recently Wagner joined the company of “The Bold and the Beautiful.” In his spare time he enjoys playing golf and participating in celebrity golf tournaments around the country. He is the National Celebrity Ambassador of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, which benefits from The Jack Wagner Celebrity Golf Classic, his annual golf tournament. JACK WAGNER joins ANNA TREBUNSKAYA, who returns for her 9th season.

JALEEL WHITE — Jaleel White has brought laughter to millions of people around the world as a multi-talented actor who has also become an emerging screenwriter. White is best known for his portrayal of Steve Urkel/Stefan Urquelle on ABC’s long-running series, “Family Matters.” The series is one of 22 shows in television history to reach 200 episodes. While attending UCLA’s School of Film and Television, White occupied a dual role as star and producer of the UPN series, “Grown-Ups.” Upon graduating from UCLA, he worked as a WGA writer for such notable companies as Imagine Entertainment and Disney Channel Television. He has also resumed acting, playing guest starring roles in “Boston Legal,” “House,” “NCIS” and Dreamworks’ ”Dreamgirls.” Last year White played a role in the feature film “Judy Moody and the Not So Bummer Summer,” voiced the role of Sonic the Hedgehog, and wrote, produced and starred in his own web series, “Fake It ‘Til You Make It.” White currently plays recurring roles on USA Network’s cable smash, “Psych,” and the Nickelodeon series “Problem Solverz.” Coming up he will host the new SyFy game show, “Total Blackout,” and will begin production on a film which he co-wrote, “Parkin’ Lot Pimpin.” JALEEL WHITE teams with two-time champ KYM JOHNSON, who returns for her 11th season.

“Macy’s Stars of Dance,” which features some of the best choreographers and performers from different styles of dance and offers viewers performances that represent the peak of achievement in their genres, will return on “Dancing with the Stars the Results Show.” One of the “Macy’s Stars of Dance” performances will be the popular “Design-a-Dance,” where fans have the chance to select their favorite professional dancers, songs and costumes at www.abc.com.

Returning this season will be the “AT&T Spotlight Performance,” which features and celebrates people whose lives have been changed forever by dance. AT&T is also helping the search to find these performers by allowing fans to nominate potential dancers.

Viewers may cast their votes for their favorite teams via phone on Monday night during and up to 30 minutes after the “Dancing with the Stars” performance shows. AT&T customers may also vote by texting the word “VOTE” and entering the number that corresponds to the team they want to support (message and data rates may apply).