The 12th season of “Dancing With the Stars” has named its cast to, let’s say, an underwhelmed public. But in its defense, any cast would fall a little flat after last season’s Jennifer Grey and Bristol Palin dance-off. Still, this season is getting its share of searches from “DWTS” followers.
Fans who can’t wait for the two-hour premiere on March 21 are hitting the Web to seek out their favorite new contestants — or, at the very least, find out who the heck they are. (“Psycho” Mike Catherwood, anyone?) Here’s how the “DWTS” cast members shake out in search.
1. Kirstie Alley
Forget Jenny Craig. This “Fat Actress” hopes to lose 30 pounds from her stint on the reality dance competition, thanks to its relentless workouts. Whether or not she whittles the weight, she’s tops with viewers. And with pro Maksim Chmerkovskiy by her side, she’ll certainly have motivation.
2. Kendra Wilkinson ng>
Her fellow Playboy Playmate was a competitor. And this former “Girl Next Door” seems to be taking a serious eye to winning: She’s taking dance classes. She’s paired with a good partner, Louis van Amstel. If her popularity in Yahoo! search is any guide, we’re guessing she might be tops with the voting viewers, too.
3. Ralph Macchio
Don’t rule out the original “Karate Kid” as a possible comeback kid. The 49-year-old actor, paired with dance pro Karina Smirnoff, may be calling on all that martial arts training to get him through this season.
4. Chelsea Kane
This new kid on the block is a Disney Channel actress, and all of 22 years old. But never rule out the power of youthful energy — and the pro stylings of Mark Ballas.
5. Sugar Ray Leonard
He says he’s in it to win it, and you have to believe a fighter will stay in the ring as long as possible. But partner Anna Trebunskaya has her work cut out for her, teaching him to move like a dancer, not a boxer.
6. Petra Nemcova
The supermodel and tsunami survivor has some amazing and tragic tales to tell — and she certainly knows how to move. But the runway is different from the dance hall, and with no dance experience, professional dancer Dmitry Chaplin must mind-meld with the Russian-born beauty in time for the premiere.
7. Wendy Williams
The “Wendy Williams Show” host says her motivation was simple: “I do represent millions of people — men and women — who are, perhaps, not the best dancers.” Um, thank you?
8. Mike Catherwood
OK, so he’s an underdog. But the on-air personality does have a real fan base in Los Angeles, where he’s known as “Psycho Mike” on the KROQ “Loveline” radio show.
tyle=”font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.22em; ” mce_style=”font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.22em; “>9. Romeo Miller
Lil’ Romeo has been busy. The rapper is taking over No Limit Records, and he’s been working with his dancing partner, Chelsie Hightower, to get ready for the “DWTS” opening night. He says his big guest competition is Wendy Williams. Huh? “Because she got that girl power going with her show or whatever.” Fair point.
10. Hines Ward
The Super Bowl MVP is bravely putting on his game face for the dance competition. The Pittsburgh Steelers receiver says what he has on his side is work ethic: “Anything that I do I’m going to put the love and passion that I have into it.”
11. Chris Jericho
The WWE star wraps up the cast. But as this wrestler has already shown, he’s not afraid to branch out. He’s done stints singing, acting, even penning two books. If nothing else, he should be fun to watch.
