Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Turns out the TMZ reports were true.

The Season 16 Dancing With the Stars cast was announced Tuesday morning and indeed includes Kellie Pickler.

Kellie’s dancing partner when the season kicks off at 8 p.m. Monday, March 18, will be Derek Hough, who has been on the show since 2007.

The cast also includes Dorothy Hamill, Wynonna Judd, Aly Raisman of the U.S. Women’s Gymnastics Team, stand-up comedian D.L Hughley, boxer Victor Ortiz and Jacoby Jones of the Baltimore Ravens.

For all of the celebrities competing this time around, head here.

Kellie’s been a hoot on whatever TV show she appears on. Her guest appearances on the Ellen DeGeneres Show are always good for a laugh. So it’s nice to see her back on TV.

She’s also working on her fourth album and her first with Blake River Entertainment, so any publicity she can get from Dancing With the Stars is bound to help.

As for Derek Hough, he’s wound up in the winner’s circle three times, with Jennifer Grey (think “Dirty Dancing”), Nicole Scherzinger and Brooke Burke as his partners. His other past partners have included Lil’ Kim and Jennie Garth of “90210” fame.

Kellie, by the way, becomes the first former American Idol contestant to compete on the show.

In a interview after the announcement, Kellie was asked what special ingredient she’ll bring to the show.

She didn’t hesitate.

“I’m bring the crazy,” she said, smiling at her partner. “I’ve got my crazy shoes on.”

Here’s the full video.