Dancing with the Stars: Season Six Celebrities Announced

The names of the new celebrity contestants for ABC's Dancing With the Stars were announced February 18, 2008. This star-studded lineup was broadcast live on Dance War: Bruno vs. Carrie Ann, which features two of Dancing With the Stars judges, Bruno Tonioli and Carrie Ann Inaba. On February 19, 2008, Entertainment Weekly also announced the professional dancers to be teamed with each celebrity.

The twelve celebrities joining Dancing With the Stars are:

ADAM CAROLLA- Adam is the host of The Adam Carolla Show, a nationally syndicated morning radio show. The actor/comedian was one of the creators and hosts of Comedy Central's The Man Show and MTV's Loveline. He's also starring in the soon to be released Hammer, a movie he co-wroter and co-produced. Adam Carolla will be partnered with Juliann Hough, last season's champion.

CRISTIÀN DE LA FUENTE- Before he became an international television and film star, Cristián served as a First Lieutenant in the Chilean Air Force Reserve and was a member of the High Acrobatics team. As an actor, he had a leading role in the popular television series Telemundo production called Reyes y Rey. He is best known in America for his roles on both Family Law and CSI:Miami. His film projects include Basic, Vampire (Los Muertos) and Driven. Cristián will also be starring in the upcoming series, In Plain Sight, due to air on USA Network. Cristian's dancing partner will be two-time champion Cheryl Burke.

SHANNON ELIZABETH- This actress and former model has made her mark on both film and television. Among Shannon's many film projects are hits like American Pie, American Pie 2, and Scary Movie. She has also had roles on television shows That 70s Show and Cuts. In addition to her acting career, she is also an accomplished poker player, placing third at the 2007 National Heads-Up Poker Championship. Shannon is also co-founder of a non-profit animal rescue organization called Animal Avengers. Her partner for the competition will be Derek Hough.

STEVE GUTTENBERG- Starring in major box office hits such as Police Academy, Cocoon, Three Men and a Baby, and Short Circuit, Steve Guttenberg first became a household name in the 1980s. In addition to his ongoing work in the film and theater industry, Steve is also an active charity worker. He is the creator of Guttenhouse, an apartment complex built to house young people exiting foster care and designed to guide them into their roles as adults. Steve also serves as the Ambassador for Children's Issues for the Entertainment Industry Foundation. Steve will be dancing with Anna Trebunskaya.

PENN JILLETTE- Most famous for being the talkative half of the Las Vegas illusionist team, Penn & Teller, Penn Jillette is a seasoned performer. In addition to the show in Vegas, Penn has made appearance on numerous television shows like Friends, The Drew Carey Show, Dharma and Greg, and West Wing. He served as host of the NBC television game show Identity during 2006-07. Penn also produced and co-created the documentary The Aristocrats. His dancing partner for the show will be Kym Johnson.

MARIO- Mario is a multi-platinum R&B/Pop singer and actor. He is the talent behind such hits as "Just A Friend" and "Let Me Love You." Mario just recently released his latest album "Go!" which includes collaborations from artists such as Ne-Yo, Alicia Keys, Timbaland, Akon, and Jermaine Dupri. He's also a member of Knightwritaz, a production team who has written and produced songs for other music sensations like Jennifer Lopez and Chris Brown. In addition to his music career, Mario has also appeared in films such as Freedom Writers and Step Up. Mario will be dancing with Karina Smirnoff.

MARLEE MATLIN- Marlee is a multiple award-winning actress. At the age of 21, she received an Academy Award for Best Actress and a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Drama for her debut film Children of a Lesser God. Marlee had roles on television shows Picket Fence, The West Wing, and Blues Clues. She's also made several guest appearances on shows like Seinfeld, ER, and Desperate Housewives. Marlee is also the author of a novel loosely based on her own childhood called "Deaf Child Crossing." Her partner for the competition will be Fabian Sanchez, a newcomer to show.

PRISCILLA PRESLEY- Priscilla is an actress, producer, author, and entrepreneur. She starred in the popular television series Dallas and in the series of Naked Gun films. Priscilla also made guest appearances on television shows such as Spin City, Touched by an Angel, and Melrose Place. She was the author of Elvis and Me, a recount of her married life with Elvis Presley. Priscilla is also the founder and chairwoman of Elvis Presley Enterprises. She will be paired with Louis van Amstel.

MONICA SELES- Monica is a former World Number 1 professional tennis player. She has has won nine grand slam singles titles. Monica began playing professionally at the age of fourteen. She won her first grand slam championship only two years later at the French Open. By 1993, Monica was the number one women's player. In April of that year, Monica was attacked by a deranged fan and was stabbed in the back. Monica defied the odds and came back to win her final grand slam in 1996 at the Australian Open. In addition to her outstanding athletic career, Monica serves as a Goodwill Ambassador and Spokesperson for IIMSAM, the Intergovernmental Institution for the use of Micro-algae Spirulina Against Malnutrition. Monica will be dancing with Jonathan Roberts.

JASON TAYLOR- Jason is this year's NFL Man of the Year and last year's NFL Defensive Player of the Year. He plays defensive end for the Miami Dolphins and has been selected for six Pro Bowls. Jason also holds the record for defensive touchdowns scored by a defensive lineman. He is also the founder of the Jason Taylor Foundation, an organization that works to improve education, health care, and the quality of life in South Florida. Jason will be partnered with Edyta Sliwinska.

MARISSA JARET WINOKUR- Marissa is best-known for her role as Tracy Turnblad in the Broadway musical Hairspray. In 2003, she won the Tony Award for Best Leading Actress in a Musical, a Drama Desk Award, a Theatre World Award, and an Outer Critics Circle Award for her performance in Hairspray. She has also starred as a pink lady in a previous production of Grease. Marissa has also had roles in films such as American Beauty, Never Been Kissed, Scary Movie, and Fever Pitch. She is soon to be starring in a new comedy pilot for CBS called Fugly. Marissa's partner will be Tony Dovolani.

KRISTI YAMAGUCHI- As an Olympic Gold medalist and two-time World Champion, Kristi is one of the most successful figure skaters of all time. After retiring from competitive skating in 1992, Kristi performed with the Stars on Ice tour for many years. In addition to her many accomplishments, also a member of the U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Fame, the World Figure Skating Hall of Fame, and the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame. Kristi is also the founder of the Always Dream Foundation for Children. She will be dancing with Mark Ballas.

On Monday, March 17 (8:00-9:30 p.m. Eastern time), these twelve new celebrities will don their dancing shoes and try to win the approval of the fans and judges. Be sure to tune in and support these stars: Adam Carolla, Cristián de la Fuente, Shannon Elizabeth, Steve Guttenberg, Penn Jillette, Mario, Marlee Matlin, Priscilla Presley, Monica Seles, Jason Taylor, Marissa Jaret Winokur, and Kristi Yamaguchi.

Some information for this article was found on http://www.wikipedia.org/