Dancing With The Stars – What’s so special about Season 17?

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Long suffering from low ratings, season 17 of Dancing with the Stars is due for a comeback as it heads back to what made the show entertaining in the first place: the STARS!

There is something for every demographic and you won’t need to Google or phone-a-friend in order to know who the contestants are. Still relying on the typical overdone formula previously repeated in past seasons (The Athlete, The Disney Star, The 80’s Flashback), the lineup is more familiar, as most of the contestants have been featured in popular programs and are still discussed in the news today. Here’s a brief background on the new “Stars” on “Dancing with the Stars” (Season Premiere, September 16 8pm ET on ABC). 

Snooki
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Nicole Polizzi, better known as "Snooki", the pint-size partygirl featured on the hit shows "Jersey Shore" and the spin-off "Snooki and J-Woww", will strap on her leopard print bedazzled dancing shoes as a "DWTS" contestant this season. She follows the footsteps of former roommate Mike "The Situation" Sorentino, who did terrible on the show and placed 9th in season 11. The guidette mom of one will be tossed around by newcomer Sasha Farber.

Jack Osbourne
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Older fans of MTV will finally have a chance to dust off that bobble-head collection of "The Osbournes" family purchased during the reality TV family's heyday back in 2002. The son of the "Prince of Darkness", Jack Osbourne, will be performing during season 11, leading across the dancefloor "DWTS" pro Cheryl Burke. Sister Kelly performed during season 9, making it all the way to the finale in third place. No pressure, but let's see if Jack can bring home the mirrorball trophy (or at least grab some insider tips from Kelly).

Bill Nye, The Science Guy
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During the '90's, Bill Nye, the Science Guy would appear on Saturday morning television and make dinosaurs and volcanos interesting (on Saturday mornings, mind you. An off day for a kid!) Bill's now adult fans can now repay the favor and support their favorite science teacher by voting for his dance chemistry* with partner, newcomer Tyne Stecklein.

*I couldn't help using the corny science pun.

More Contestants:

• Pretty Little Liars star Brant Daugherty and Peta Murgatroyd
• Comedian Bill Engvall and new pro Emma Slater
• Former Glee star Amber Riley and Derek Hough
• Singer/TV personality Christina Milian and Mark Ballas
• Saved By the Bell alum Elizabeth Berkley and Val Chmerkovskiy
• Former High School Musical star Corbin Bleu and Karina Smirnoff
• Actress Leah Remini and Tony Dovolani
• Actress Valerie Harper and Tristan MacManus
• former NFL star Keyshawn Johnson and Sharna Burgess