Perhaps we need a new definition of “Stars.”
Few if any of the participants in the 25th season of “Dancing with the Stars” can rightfully be so described. None are, say, on the Hollywood Walk of Stars. Many will not register a whit of recognition. But here they are anyway.
The fall cast, announced Wednesday, includes Freddie Muniz – Malcolm of “Malcolm in the Middle,” 1980s pop singer Debbie Gibson, 47.
Nick Lachey of 98 Degrees is on board, as is his wife, Vanessa Lachey. (His brother Drew Lachey won season two).
There are a couple of names from the sports world: former NFL star Terrell Owens and from the NBA, Derek Fisher.
But there are a lot of reality TV figures, from Drew Scott of “Property Brothers” to Barbara Corcoran of “Shark Tank.”
Also: Sasha Pieterse of “Pretty Little Liars,” the WWE’s Nikka Bella, and former swimmer turned ESPN personality Victoria Arlen. Doesn’t ring a bell? Neither does violinist Lindsey Stirling or obscure Disney channel actor Jordan Fisher.
Looks like they couldn’t even get one of the many people kicked out of the Trump White House to participate. Not Sean Spicer, not Steve Bannon, not the Mooch. It wouldn’t be so odd; one of the still standing cabinet members, Energy Secretary Rick Perry, is a former cast member. He was second to be eliminated in season 23.
Season 25 debuts Sept. 18 on ABC.