ABC Announces New "Dancing" Cast

ABC has released the names of the cast of the ninth season of "Dancing With the Stars." The list of 16 celebrities includes a politician in addition to entertainment and sports stars.

Former Republican Majority Leader Tom DeLay will join entertainer Donny Osmond; singers Mya, Macy Gray and Aaron Carter; actors Melissa Joan Hart, Debi Mazar and Ashley Hamilton; models Joanna Krupa and Kathy Ireland; reality stars Kelly Osbourne and Mark Decascos (from Food Network's "Iron Chef America").

The athletes on the show will be mixed martial artist Chuck Liddell, professional snowboarder Louie Vito, Olympic swimmer Natalie Coughlin and former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Michael Irvin.

"Dancing With the Stars" host Tom Bergeron announced the list of the contestants on Monday's "Good Morning America" and revealed a new twist in the competition.

"In the middle of our season, over three weeks, we're going to have double eliminations," Bergeron said. "We'll lose about half of our cast within that period. It will be a ballroom bloodbath."

Samantha Harris will be returning to the show as co-host and ballroom judge Len Goodman and dancer-choreographers Brono Tonioli and Carry Ann Inaba make up the panel of judges.

According to People magazine, the pairings of celebrities to professional dancers will be announced on Aug. 24, with the contestants meeting their partners for the first time at different times throughout the week.

The new season of "Dancing With the Stars" premieres Sept. 21.