Skai Jackson: 'Dancing With the Stars': Meet the Cast of Season 29! (2024)

Age:35

Star power:After competing for Chris Soules' heart on season 19 ofThe Bachelor,Bristowewent on to becomeThe Bachelorettefor season 11. Since then, she's been busy with her podcast,Off the Vine,and her wine line,Spade & Sparrows.

Fancy footwork: "My mom has been sending me plenty of YouTube tutorials on how to ballroom dance," Bristowetold ETin June, following her casting reveal. "I have hired a trainer. Iam trying to get into the best shape of my life ...Ijust want to go in feeling my best and my strongest."

Age:42

Star power:Following in the footsteps of his bandmate, Nick Carter, McLean will now be the second member from Backstreet Boys to compete for the coveted mirrorball trophy.

Fancy footwork:"When I told Nickthat I was going to be doing the show, he was like, 'Dude, you are gonna win this thing, you got this! I'm like, 'Dude, no pressure, bro,'" McLeantoldETlast month. "He's been so beyond supportive and it's nice that somebody that I know so dearly has done the show because he can give me some insight,get me a little bit more mentally prepared."

Age:59

Star power:The big-cat rights activist and CEO of Big Cat Rescue -- who was heavily featured in Netflix'sTiger Kingdocuseries --is trading in her tiger-print attire for sequins and spray tans!Hopefully all her "cool cats and kittens" will tune in to vote. In the meantime, we'll all be over here jamming out to the"Carole Baskin"-inspired TikTok dance. Savage move, ABC!

Fancy footwork:When asked aboutTiger Kingshowing how "tenacious" she can be in a feud, Baskin told GMA that she's actually setting a high standard for herself rather than trying to compete with others. "I am competitive, but I am competitive with myself," she explained. "I want to do the very best that I can possibly do."

Age:45

Star power:The rapper (real name:Cornell Iral Haynes Jr.) is best known for hits like"Ride Wit Me," "Hot in Here," "Country Grammar" and "Just a Dream." Seeing as he and BSB's McLean rose to fame around the same time,we're already anticipating some friendly competition between these two... and their fan bases!

Fancy footwork: Whilespeaking withETin October 2017, the rapper opened up about how he keeps his performances fresh after all these years in the spotlight."Ijust go out there, do what I do, and I appreciate the fans still coming to see me," he said."When you look at it that way, it's like, 'Yo, I'm going to give you everything I've got, right here.' When you understand that, you appreciate it."

Age:39

Star power:2020 has been a difficult year for the actress turned real estate agent. In addition to having to deal with the ongoing coronavirus pandemic like us all,Stause'sheadline-making splitfromThis Is UsstarJustin Hartleyplayed out on season 3ofSelling Sunset.In July, the brunette beauty also revealed that her mother died after abattle with lung cancer, after losing her father to the same cancer last April. Expect to see Stause channeling all those emotions -- and more -- in the ballroom.

Age:41

Star power:The actor is best known for his portrayal of John RowlandonDesperate Housewives(aka the hot gardener who has an affair with Eva Longoria's character, Gabrielle Solis), and the lead role inJohn Tucker Must Die. Metcalfe has also starred in series likeChesapeake Shores,Dallas,ChaseandPassions. Judging from his recent Instagram posts, it looks like Metcalfe hasbeen using his time in quarantine to work on his fitness...just in time for his newDWTSgig!

Fancy Footwork:"I'm basically a non-dancer. I mean, I have no formal training in dance whatsoever," Metcalfe told GMA after being announced as a contestant. "I'm excited to work hard and hopefully leave the show with a new skill set. Maybe get a job on Broadway."

Age:47

Star power:All hail the queenof Netflix'sCheerdocuseries! Aldama is the coach of Navarro College's elite co-ed cheerleading team in Corsicana, Texas, and if her dancing skills are anything like her coaching, she's sure to come out on top. Now, all she needs is a little motivational "mat talk" fromJerry Harris. Bring. It. On!

Fancy footwork:"I have never done dance in my life. I've always done cheerleading. And I've learned very quickly that it's completely different, and it's a whole different technique, so I have a long journey ahead of me," she admitted on GMA. "But I know how to work hard and I'm definitely going to bring that."

Age:56

Star power:DWTShas added another former NBA star to its roster! While the show is known for casting football playersalmost every season, we haven't seen asmany professional basketball starsin the ballroom until recently.Lamar Odom's castinglast season marked only the fifth time a NBA player competed, following Derek Fisher (season 25),Metta World Peace(season 13),Clyde Drexler (season four) and Rick Fox(season 11). Oakley played inthe NBA from 1985-2004, with the Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks, Toronto Raptors, Washington Wizards and Houston Rockets.

Fancy footwork: Oakley teased to GMA that he'd have to "get my finesse on" in order to compete for the coveted mirror ball trophy.

Age:18

Star power:The rising star made her breakthrough as an actressby portraying Zuri Ross on Disney'sJessieand on the spinoffBunk'd. Fans may have also seen her make appearances onother Disney serieslikeK.C. UndercoverwithZendaya(who appeared on season 16ofDWTS),Austin & AllyandGood Luck Charlie. Additionally, Jackson madeTime’s list of Most Influential Teens in 2016, and released her first book,Reach for the Skai: How to Inspire, Empower, and Clapback, in 2019. As the youngest celebrity vying for the mirrorball this season, we think it's safe to say she'sdefinitely one to watch out for!

Fancy footwork: "I may have just graduated from high school, but I'm going to make sure my competition is schooled," she declared on GMA. When she shared the clip on her Instagram page, she added the caption, "Get ready! 💃🏽."

Age:35

Star power:If you were a fan ofthe documentary filmCatfishand the follow-up TV seriesCatfish: The TV Show, then you're likely going to be rooting for Schulman, who hosted and executive produced the MTV projects. Schulman is also the author ofIn Real Life: Love, Lies & Identity in the Digital Age,a book he published to give fans insight intotheobservations he took away from his work onCatfish.

Fancy footwork: "SUPER EXCITED to be on @dancingabc this season! I wish @maxjoseph could be my partner though..." Schulman joked on Instagram alongside a very sweet video of him dancing with his son.

Age:36

Star power:In his 13years with the NFL, this former tight end has played with the San Francisco 49ers, Denver Broncos and Washington Redskins (who will go by Washington Football Team for the upcoming season as they change names). Davis only retired seven months ago, and hiscareer highlights includecatching thegame-winning touchdown pass fromAlex Smithagainst theNew Orleans Saints in the 2011–12 NFL playoffswith the 49ers, which fans and the media refer to as "The Catch III." He then helped the Denver Broncos win Super Bowl 50 in 2015.

Fancy footwork: As we say almost every season, definitely watch out for the football star in the group-- their discipline on the field almostalwaysgives them an advantage in the ballroom!"I'm ready to go. I passed it up, but I'm prepared now," the athlete told GMA. "I'm putting all the time and energy into it to make sure that I can be successful."

Age:51

Star power:This is one casting we never would have guessed, but we're here for it! This actress has starred in a number of films and TV series over the years, likeSix Days Seven Nights,Psycho,I Know What You Did Last SummerandAlly McBeal. Her mostrecentTV appearances includeChicago P.D.,Quantico,The BraveandAftermath. Back in the late '90s and early '00s, Heche also made headlines for her high-profile romance withEllen DeGeneres. Reflecting back on their time together, HechetoldMr.Warburtonmagazinein August, "Our time was a beautiful part of my life and one that I wear with honor."

Fancy footwork:Though her sons, Homer and Atlas, have only seen their mom's dance skills with a broom as her partner, they're thrilled that she'll be on DWTS. "My kids are beyond. They are so supportive," she told GMA. "They couldn't be more excited. It's pretty cool."

Age:36

Star power:This next contestant already has a number of prestigious accolades under his belt. For starters, the retired competitive figure skateris a two-time Olympian, the2008 World bronze medalist, a two-timeGrand Prix Finalbronze medalist, the2001 World Junior Champion and a three-time U.S.National champion.

Fancy footwork: "I am so excited to be a part of the new season of Dancing With the Stars," Weir announced on his Instagram Story. "I can't wait to show you all what I can bring to the ballroom, and I hope I can count on your votes. Honestly, that's more of a demand. But I promise to work and wiggle and shake my booty off for you."

Age:41

Star power:The host and fashion expert is best known forher work onHow Do I Look?andThe Real, but has been featured on numerous TV programs, including Entertainment Tonight. In addition toDWTS, Mai is also celebrating her recentengagement to Jeezythis year.The couple got engaged on March 27 at the therapper's home inLos Angeles.

Fancy footwork: Part of Mai's motivation for slipping into tap shoes? She wants a rematch with Tiffany Haddish, whom she lost adance contestat Jennifer Lopez's birthday party in Las Vegas. "That's why I'm here, because I'm coming back for you," the former Style Network star admitted on GMA.

Age:47

Star power:The Latina actress is best known forher recent roles asPenelope Alvarez onOne Day at a TimeandDarci Factor onJane the Virgin, and she has also starred on shows likeSix Feet Under,Queen of the South, Welcome to the FamilyandSuperstore.

Fancy footwork:"The other day I walked out of rehearsal and somebody said, 'Are you OK?' And I said, 'Yeah,'" Machado recalled on GMA."They're like, 'You don't look OK.' That's how I'm going."