I have been a fan of Dancing with the Stars since it first premiered 20+ years ago and I’m not even sure why. Am I a dancer? No. Do I know who most of the “celebrities” are? Also no. Yet each season I watch the premier and tune in throughout the season to check in on the contestants and see where they stand. Nanny, my grandmother who passed away several years ago, was also a big fan. I loved recapping the episodes with her.

DWTS Mirrorball Trophy

The cast this season is a typical mix of actors, athletes, influencers, reality stars and even a celebrity chef! I am a big fan of Giada de Laurentis and am thrilled to see her name on the list of amateurs. Speaking of amateurs, Jenna Dewan is also a contestant this fall. I do not know much about her, but I am fairly certain she is a professional dancer. I’m not sure how that creates a level playing field, but I’m sure she will be fun to watch.

Here’s the full list:

• “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” star Tatyana Ali with partner Jan Ravnik
• TV personality and host Tyler Cameron with partner Sharna Burgess
• Celebrity chef and host Giada De Laurentiis with partner Alan Bersten
• Star of “The Rookie” Jenna Dewan with partner Val Chmerkovskiy
• Paralympian gold medalist Ezra Frech with partner Daniella Karagach
• Olympian gold medalist Amber Glenn with partner Pasha Pashkov
• From “Hanson” Taylor Hanson with partner Britt Stewart
• Reality star and model Maura Higgins with partner Mark Ballas
• From “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” Conner Leavitt with partner Adele Zaikman
• Reality star and host Ciara Miller with partner Brandon Armstrong
• From “Love Thy Nader” Sarah Jane Nader with partner Hailey Bills
• “Savannah Bananas” star Jackson Olson with partner Emma Slater
• From “Jimmy Kimmel Live” Guillermo Rodriguez with partner Witney Carson
• From “Grey’s Anatomy” Harry Shum Jr. with partner Jenna Johnson
• Film and TV star Julia Stiles with partner Ezra Sosa
• Comedian and podcaster Connor Wood with partner Rylee Arnold

I noticed that Sarah Jane Nader has a female pro, which seems logistically confusing. I know it’s been done once before, but I honestly do not remember how it worked.

DWTS Hosts

Am I alone here? Do any of you still get excited for this show? Thoughts on the winner? If I have to pick at this very moment, I’m going with the Savannah Bananas player!