Your favorite dancing queens (and kings) are back for more! Dancing With the Stars viewers will be happy to hear that Season 21 of the ABC hit competition features the return of several fan favorites, including Derek Hough, Karina Smirnoff, and Val Chmerkovskiy.
The pros were revealed on Good Morning America on Wednesday, Aug. 19. In addition to Hough, Smirnoff, and Chmerkovskiy, the roster includes Mark Ballas, Artem Chigvintsev, Allison Holker, Sharna Burgess, Peta Murgatroyd, and Witney Carson.
Aside from Smirnoff, all of the pros competed in Season 20 this past spring. Chmerkovskiy, of course, is the reigning champ, having waltzed and tangoed his way to Mirrorball glory with Rumer Willis.
"I finally believe in myself and in my abilities when it comes to DWTS," he tells Us Weekly exclusively. "Did winning the trophy erase certain doubts? Absolutely. I'm excited to do this show with a new perspective and approach, that only a champion can have."
Prior to his victory earlier this year, Chmerkovskiy, 29, had competed seven times, dancing with celebs including Elisabetta Canalis, Kelly Monaco, Elizabeth Berkley, Danica McKellar, and Janel Parrish. His highest-placing finish was in Season 16, when he and Zendaya came in second behind five-time champ Hough.
"Winning Season 20 validated, at least to myself, my role on DWTS," Chmerkovskiy says. "It's been a long journey for me, and to finally be able to say, 'Wow, I did it,' gives me tremendous relief and confidence to say, 'Wow, now let's do it again.'"
