Chuck Wicks

Chuck Wicks and girlfriend Julianne Hough, along with Jewel and husband (and rodeo champ) Ty Murray, are headed to the new season of Dancing With the Stars. And those crafty folks at ABC decided to announce the new contestants little by little throughout their Sunday night (Feb. 8) programming in an effort to steal a bit of the thunder CBS was enjoying with its telecast of the Grammy Awards.

Chuck’s dance partner in the competition will be his girlfriend and fellow country artist Julianne Hough, a two-time Dancing With the Stars champion. Country will also be represented by singer/songwriter Jewel and her husband, rodeo star Ty Murray. Rounding out this season’s celebrity contestants are rapper Lil’ Kim; Jackass star Steve-O; Access Hollywood host Nancy O’Dell; actor Gilles Marini; actress Denise Richards; Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak; pop singer Belinda Carlisle; actor/comedian David Alan Grier; NFL football great Lawrence Taylor and Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson.

Country singer Chuck Wicks should have a major advantage in the new season of "Dancing With the Stars." He will be paired with two-time champ Julianne Hough, who is also his girlfriend. They should be able to work in a lot of extra practice time. The new season of ABC's most-popular series begins March 9. "Dancing" is also one of Central Florida's favorite shows. Announcement of other dance pairings will be made Thursday, ABC said, because not all the celebrities will meet their professional partners before then.