By Channel 9 Eyewitness News
news@kcautv.com
The "Dancing With the Stars" season 15 celebrity and pro pairs were announced Monday on "Good Morning America." With previous champs, finalists, and former partners competing against one another, the all-star season is guaranteed to be the most heated yet.
Shawn Johnson and Derek Hough – Former Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson will team up with pro partner three-time champ Derek Hough, who returns for his 10th season. Johnson won season 8 with pro partner Mark Ballas. (Ballas is paired with Bristol Palin this season).
Emmitt Smith and Cheryl Burke – The former Dallas Cowboy star Emmitt Smith will team up again with two-time champ Cheryl Burke, who returns for her 14th season.
Kirstie Alley and Maksim Chmerkovskiy – A fan favorite from season 12, actress Kirstie Alley will reunite with her former partner Maksim Chmerkovskiy, who returns for his 13th season. The duo came in second place on season 12, losing out to NFL star Hines Ward.
Melissa Rycroft and Tony Dovolani -- The "GMA" contributor is matched up again with her season 8 pro partner Tony Dovolani, who returns for a 14th season.
Pamela Anderson and Tristan McManus – The ballroom bombshell will dance with pro Tristan McManus this season. On season 10, Anderson was partnered with pro Damian Whitewood and was booted in week six of the competition. This will be McManus' third season. Previously he has danced with contestants Glady Knight and Nancy Grace.
Kelly Monaco and Valentin Chmerkovskiy – The "General Hospital' actress was "Dancing's" inaugural winner in 2005 with pro partner Alec Mazo. Monaco will dance with pro Valentin Chmerkovskiy, who returns for his third season as a professional partner.
Joey Fatone and Kym Johnson – The former 'NSync member will dance again with pro Kym Johnson. The duo came in second place on season 4. Johnson is a two-time champ who returns for her 12th season.
Helio Castroneves and Chelsie Hightower – Brazilian race car driver will dance with pro Chelsie Hightower, who returns for her 7th season. Castroneves was the big winner on season 5, quickstepping his way to the finish line with pro partner Julianne Hough, who is no longer on the show.
Drew Lachey and Anna Trebunskaya – The season 2 champ and former 98 Degrees member will dance with Anna Trebunskaya, who returns for her 10th season. Lachey will have to compete against his former partner Cheryl Burke, who he danced one of the most memorable freestyles ever with to Big & Rich's "Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy."
Gilles Marini and Peta Murgatroyd -- The season 8 finalist and French actor, best known for his sultry scenes in "Sex and the City: The Movie," will dance with defending pro-champ Peta Murgatroyd. Murgatroyd and Donald Driver won the coveted mirrorball trophy last season. Marini danced originally with pro Cheryl Burke, who, he will be competing against this season.
Apolo Anton Ohno and Karina Smirnoff -- The former U.S. Olympic speed skater and eight-time medalist is paired up with season 13 champ Karina Smirnoff, who returns for her 12th season. Ohno won season 4 with pro partner Julianne Hough, who has since left the show.
Bristol Palin and Mark Ballas -- The "Life's a Tripp" reality star and daughter of former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin will dance again with her pro partner from season 11 Mark Ballas. This will be Ballas' 11th season. on the show.
13th Contestant – Voting is underway through Aug. 24 for the final all-star contestant. It's between Carson Kressley, Sabrina Bryan and Kyle Massey. The 13th contestant and his or her partner will be revealed live on "GMA" on Aug. 27! Vote by going to http://vote-e.abc.go.com/shows/dancing-with-the-stars/vote/68f05e6a-06f0-45b2-9fb2-4b580f6a1c06
Watch the all-star cast hit the dance floor on the two-hour season premiere of "Dancing With the Stars: All Stars" Monday, Sept. 24 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.
