Dancing with the Stars returned for its 33rd season, introducing a new group of celebrities eager to compete for the coveted Mirrorball Trophy. Judges Derek Hough, Carrie Ann Inaba, and Bruno Tonioli are back, along with co-hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough.

The new season kicked off on Tuesday, September 17, with 13 new stars hitting the dance floor, each hoping to prove they had what it takes to win—or at least win over the fans through their social media presence. It was clear that DWTS wasn’t just about impressing the judges; fan votes played a huge role in the competition, making a strong social media following a potential game-changer!

Stephen Nedoroscik and Ilona Maher – Most popular DWTS contestants

After helping the U.S. men’s gymnastics team end a 16-year medal drought, Stephen Nedoroscik has now flipped his way into Dancing with the Stars. As the first male gymnast in the race for the Mirrorball Trophy, he’s teamed up with Rylee Arnold and is ready to make his mark on the dance floor. And guess what? They danced to Queen’s “Don’t Stop Me Now,” delivering a high-energy routine that wowed everyone, from the crowd to the judges.

So, here’s a fun nugget for you! Vegas Insider has Stephen Nedoroscik as the top pick to win the Mirrorball Trophy this season. With 4:1 odds, they’re saying he has a solid 20% chance to take it all. Looks like the ‘pommel horse star’ is really shining this season!

But wait, there’s more! Ilona Maher, the rugby star with those Olympic vibes, made her big debut on the dance floor. She wasn’t just stepping out for the first time—she brought all her Olympic leadership swagger from captaining the U.S. team to a bronze medal at the Paris Games. Dancing to Shania Twain’s “Man! I Feel Like a Woman” with her partner Alan Bersten, Ilona had a bit of a shaky start due to nerves and some flexibility issues. But once she found her rhythm, she totally shined!

The judges were impressed and gave her a solid 18, which had Ilona celebrating big time. Fans went wild for her debut, and not only did she win over her existing followers, but she also attracted a ton of new ones. Why the buzz? Ilona’s here to celebrate and normalize diverse body types, and it’s making waves. How awesome is that? But hold on, because there’s even more!

Other top celebrities who will compete alongside the Olympic stars

And there’s more star power on the dance floor! Danny Amendola, a two-time Super Bowl champ with the New England Patriots, is joining the fun. After 13 seasons in the NFL, Amendola retired in 2022 and is now paired with pro Witney Carson. Expect some epic moves from this football legend!

The lineup is bursting with surprises! Remember Chandler Kinney, who made waves in Disney’s ‘Zombies’ and starred in ‘Lethal Weapon’ and the ‘Pretty Little Liars’ revival? She’s teaming up with pro dancer Brandon Armstrong. And wait, there’s more! Dwight Howard, the NBA star who clinched the 2020 championship with the Los Angeles Lakers, is hitting the dance floor with Daniella Karagach. This season is shaping up to be a showstopper with these exciting pairings.

Next up, we’ve got Phaedra Parks, the star of The Real Housewives of Atlanta from 2010 to 2017. Now, she’s gearing up to return to RHOA for its 16th season, and on the dance floor, she’s paired with the talented Val Chmerkovskiy. This lineup is just the tip of the iceberg, and we’re here for it! So, who’s your top pick and who are you rooting for? Drop your favorites and let’s chat about which stars are stealing the show!