ABC's dancing competition "Dancing With The Stars" just unveiled its upcoming line-up for its 14th season. The 12 contestants consist of veteran TV actors Jaleel White, who played nerdy neighbor Steve Urkel on the show "Family Matters," and Melissa Gilbert of "Little House on the Prairie," legendary singer Gladys Knight, Green Bay Packers receiver Donald Driver, "The View" co-host Sherri Shepherd and singer/songwriter Gavin DeGraw.
The Rest of the Line-up
The remaining cast includes Disney Channel's Roshon Fegan, tennis legend Martina Navratilova, Jack Wagner from "Melrose Place," some guy named William Levy, opera singer Katherine Jenkins and "Extra" co-host Maria Menounos.
This announcement became the grave reality on Tuesday's edition of "Good Morning America." The "dancers" will put their skills to the test with their professional partners on March 19th and March 26th, with the first couple being eliminated March 27th.
Dancing With the Star… err… Cast
It is hard not to knock the cast of this show because the selection tends to draw from celebrities who are either way past their prime such as Knight and Navratilova, old actors like Gilbert, Wagner and White, an aging sports star ala Driver and a couple of personalities that at first look you say, "Who is that?" with Shepherd and Menounos.
Gavin DeGraw
The surprise competitor is Gavin DeGraw, whose eight years in the business have seen hits such as "Chariot" and "I Don't Want To Be." The singer/songwriter's new album, "Sweeter," brings a newer, sexier sound. He even teamed up with pop group OneRepublic's Ryan Tedder on a couple tracks.
The New Yorker is in the prime of his career so the idea of DeGraw doing a reality show like this is something fans are still wondering about. The good news for DeGraw fans is that his tour will be uninterrupted. It is a wonder if he knows something fans don't. Can you say, "quick elimination?"
Past Regret?
Either "Dancing With the Stars" is getting hipper or Gavin DeGraw is getting lamer; it has yet to be decided. The hope is the former is true because DeGraw's new album has received great reviews.
Optimistically, competing on this show won't hinder DeGraw's career. Fans only hope he doesn't look back at this experience and ask the same question that fellow contestant Steve Urkel posed on "Family Matters": "Did I do that?"
