SOLO BRINGS WHOLE LOT OF 'SEXY' TO FLOOR, SNARES BEST SCORE TO DATE WITH CHMERKOVSKIY

Admittedly out of her element, Hope Solo proved she could adapt to the situation at hand and shine at the same time.

That was the story Monday as Solo showed off a completely different side in the television spotlight, moving her way to a career-high score during an emotional Week 3 of "Dancing with the Stars."

Solo, one of the stars of the United States Women's National Team in soccer, earned scores of 8 across the board from judges Bruno Tonioli, Len Goodman and Carrie Ann Inaba for 24 points. Dancing to "Tonight" by Enrique Iglesias, Solo and Chmerkovskiy were solid in their Cha-Cha-Cha routine and are in all likelihood advancing to Week 4 of the season.

Known more for the rugged, athletic demeanor that has led her to become the world's top goalkeeper, Solo was simply scintillating and sexy in her short, tight black dress.

Judge favorites Derek Hough and celebrity partner Ricki Lake earned a 27 for their performance, taking top honors during an evening that celebrated each contestants most important, memorable time of their respective lives.


- Jeremy Pond, Publisher

EXCLUSIVE: SOLO, CHMERKOVSKIY MARCH ON; VETERAN DISPLEASED WITH JUDGES' SCORING

HOPE & MAKS

If there was ever a time Maksim Chmerkovskiy left the ballroom with a bittersweet taste in his mouth, Tuesday was surely the instance.

Chmerkovskiy and celebrity partner Hope Solo marched on during the Week 2 results show of "Dancing with the Stars," despite being dealt a baffling score of 19 points for their Jive routine during - what turned out to be - a bizarre night on the dancefloor.

But Chmerkovskiy's moment of elation wound up being short-lived when host Tom Bergeron announced Val Chmerkovskiy and partner Elisabetta Canalis were eliminated from the competition. And Chmerkovskiy didn't hold back when asked his thoughts about the departure of his brother.

"I am not upset about Val's elimination," Chmerkovskiy told us exclusively following Tuesday's show. "I'm pissed that the judges allowed it to happen, by not separating them from the less-able celebrity dancers and 'evening' up the score.

"Having said that, I'm proud of the work Val did with Elisabetta and foresee a 'star in the making' from the younger Chmerkovskiy!"

Those feelings about the judges' scoring echoed across the Internet, with the most notable jabs and comments coming from the Twitter world. Several pairs - including Chmerkovskiy and Solo - were on the receiving end of what were perceived to be inaccurate totals during Week 2 of the competition.

Solo, one of the stars of the United States Women's National soccer team, and Chmerkovskiy led off things with a baffling score of 19 points for their Jive, performed to "Girlfriend" by Avril Lavigne. That left them in the bottom four in eighth place after finishing alone in third during the opening of the Season 13 edition of the show.

Chmerkovskiy was obviously pleased he and Solo advance on the show. He also said the scoring was pretty much irrelevant at this point as well.

"It's more what Hope will take away from this week and how she'll apply it toward next week's improvement," Chmerkovskiy said.

Right below the pair with 18 points were both Carson Kressley and Anna Trebunskaya, who was learned he was safe at the start of the results show, as well as David Arquette and Kym Johnson. Arquette and Johnson found themselves in the bottom two pair at the end of the night, but survived when Bergeron dealt Chmerkovskiy and Canalis the disappointing news.

Chaz Bono and Lacey Schwimmer finished with 17 points for the second consecutive week, which essentially led them to a spot in the final group of three couples. Bono and Schwimmer received the same scores from each judge two weeks in a row as well.

"Dancing with the Stars" returns for Week 3 on Monday at 8 p.m. EST on ABC.


- Jeremy Pond, Publisher
- Courtesy photo

QUESTIONABLE JUDGING HAS SOLO, CHMERKOVSKIY LOOKING UP AT PACK AFTER WEEK 2 PERFORMANCE

HOPE & MAKS

When it comes to performing on "Dancing with the Stars," anyone can have an off night at any time.

Only problem? It shouldn't be the judges who miss their steps.

In what might have been one of the most bizarre nights of the show's storied history, several pairs - including professional Maksim Chmerkovskiy and celebrity partner Hope Solo - were on the receiving end of what what perceived to be inaccurate totals during Week 2 of the competition.

Solo, one of the stars of the United States Women's National soccer team, and Chmerkovskiy led the night off with a perplexing score of 19 points for their Jive, which was performed to "Girlfriend" by Avril Lavigne.

That total puts Solo and Chmerkovskiy in the bottom four in eighth place after finishing alone in third during the opening of the Season 13 edition of the show. Right below the pair with 18 points are both Carson Kressley and Anna Trebunskaya, as well as David Arquette and Kym Johnson.

Sitting in last place with 17 points are Chaz Bono and Lacey Schwimmer, who finished with the same score in Week 1 getting the same exact scores from judges Carrie Ann Inaba (six points), Lee Goodman (five points) and Bruno Tonioli (six points).

What was most disappointing was Solo and Chmerkovskiy were one of two couples (the other being J.R. Martinez and Karina Smirnoff) who took hit on their scores from the questionable judging instead of garnering totals higher than what they deserved.

The most glaring beneficiaries of the judges doling out of scores that came in higher than deserved were Ricki Lake and Derek Hough, who managed to muster 23 points from the judges on a night when their Jive was no better than a 20 or 21 for a total. And 23 points vaulted them into first place by themselves, all but locking their spot in Week 3 of competition.

The other pair receiving far better scores than deserved were Cheryl Burke and Rob Kardashian, who stunned many when his sloppy Jive led to a score of 21 points, putting him two points behind the leaders. Burke carried Kardashian from start to finish in the dance, which essentially went gone unnoticed by the judges. They, too, can sleep easy Monday, as they should comfortably advance on the show.

Solo and Chmerkovskiy should be safe with their score, due to the pair's large fanbase and how close the competition has been thus far, and advance to Week 3 of the competition. However, getting the maximum amount of votes from viewers is essential as they continue to chase the coveted Mirror Ball trophy. Just ask actress Sabrina Bryan from Week 5 of "Dancing with the Stars" how important votes are when it comes to advancing on the show.

You can continue voting for @maksimc and @hopesolo on @dancingABC by calling 800.868.3408; AT&T text 'VOTE' to 3408; and, online at www.abc.go.com.


- Jeremy Pond, Publisher
- Courtesy photo

EXCLUSIVE: HOPE, MAKS READY FOR JIVE ON 'DWTS'

HOPE & MAKS

When it comes to fanbases, Maksim Chmerkovskiy might have the biggest of them all.

And come Monday, the "Dancing with the Stars" professional and celebrity partner Hope Solo said they are going to show their appreciation for their dedicated faithful.

Solo, the United States Women's National Team soccer star, and Chmerkovskiy will perform their Jive in the highly anticipated routine during Week 2 of the hit ABC television show.

Chmerkosvskiy said the fans of he and Solo should "expect a fun, lighthearted routine" as they look to march on during Season 13 of the popular TV series.

"This routine is for the fans more than the judges," Chmerkovskiy told us late Sunday night during rehearsals for the show. "We absolutely love and appreciate our fans."

Chmerkovskiy, seeking his first Mirror Ball trophy who holds a nice pair of runner-up efforts during his time on the show,and Solo started off strong in Week One, finishing alone in third place with 21 points Monday following their Viennese Waltz performance.

The popular pair received 7s across the board from judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Len Goodman and Bruno Tonioli, following their routine to the Dave Matthews Band hit song, "Satellite."

You can for @maksimc and @hopesolo Monday on @dancingabc by calling 1.800.868.3408; AT&T text 'VOTE' to 3408; and, online at www.abc.com.

The results show will air Tuesday at 9 p.m. EST on ABC, with one couple leaving the competition. Prior to that, ABC will televise a recap of Monday's performances on ABC at 8 p.m. EST as well.


- Jeremy Pond, Publisher
- Courtesy photo

MAKS, HOPE ADVANCE ON 'DANCING WITH THE STARS'

HOPE & MAKS

Hope Solo and Maksim Chmerkovskiy couldn't have asked for a better beginning to Season 13 of "Dancing with the Stars." Just the look on their faces Tuesday alone told that story.

Solo and Chmerkovskiy earned the right to dance another week Tuesday when they advanced to the next round during the weekly "Dancing with the Stars" results show.

Chmerkovskiy, seeking his first Mirror Ball trophy on the ABC television hit, was thrilled he and Solo are marching on after finishing alone in third place with 21 points Monday following their Viennese Waltz performance.

The pair established itself as a prime contender, getting 7s across the board from judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Len Goodman and Bruno Tonioli, following their routine to the Dave Matthews Band hit song, "Satellite."

NBA player Metta World Peace (also known as Ron Artest of the Los Angeles Lakers) and professional partner Peta Murgatroyd were eliminated from the competition.

"Dancing with the Stars" returns Monday at 8 p.m. EST on ABC.


- Jeremy Pond, Publisher
- Courtesy photo

PHOTO: MAKS HELPS CARSON RELAX

MAKS & CARSON

"Dancing with the Stars" professional Maksim Chmerkovskiy helped celebrity contestant Carson Kressley cross off one of the things on his "bucket list" Tuesday prior to the show.

Yes, that would be a massage from Chmerkovskiy!


- Courtesy photo

Hope Solo & Maksim Chmerkovskiy - Viennese Waltz

EXCLUSIVE: MAKS, HOPE THRILLED WITH 'DTWS' START

It might just be the first night, but one thing's for sure. Maksim Chmerkovskiy is one happy man

Chmerkovskiy and Hope Solo established themselves as major contenders for the coveted Mirror Ball trophy Monday in the Season 13 opener of "Dancing with the Stars," finishing with 21 points and alone in third place following a stellar Viennese Waltz performance inside the show's new, glamorous ballroom.

Chmerkovskiy and Solo posted scores of 7 across the board with judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Len Goodman and Bruno Toniolo, even though it looked as if the pair missed the finishing move of the performance.

"I loved everything about tonight's performance," Chmerkovskiy told us exclusively tonight via phone following his performance with Solo. "Even the mishaps, because all the mistakes are a learning experience and add to how much better next week's dance will be."

Solo, looking absolutely beautiful in a dress that completely complimented and accentuated the United States women's soccer star's fit, toned body, had a brilliant connection with Chmerkovskiy from start to finish in their Viennese Waltz performance.

And it didn't go unnoticed by an elated Inaba, who praised the two over their body contact as they danced to Dave Matthews Band hit, "Satellite," also one of the best songs of the evening.

Chmerkovskiy was all compliments when asked about Solo and her debut on the dancefloor as they staked claim as a top contender after just one dance this season.

"Hope looked amazing," Chmerkovskiy told us. "I'm very proud that she embraced the experience on behalf of all the amazing female athletes (of the world)."

Solo and Chmerkovskiy danced eighth on opening night, following Val Chmerkovskiy and Italian actress/model Elisabetta Canalis, who didn't have as strong of a start en route to a score of 15 points.

However, Tony Dovolani - the Chmerkovskiy brothers' close friend - had a huge season debut with celebrity partner Chynna Phillips. Dovolani and Phillips posted a score of 22 in their Viennese Waltz, performed to Alicia Keys' song, "If I Ain't Got You," which was good for a share of first place.

"Dancing with the Stars" returns Tuesday at 8 p.m. EST on ABC, with all couples hoping to not be sent home after the first week of action.

Solo and Chmerkovskiy will perform the Jive in Week Two, which will be aired September 26 and September 27 on ABC.


- Jeremy Pond, Publsiher

PHOTO: HOPE LOOKING BEAUTIFUL ON SET

HOPE SOLO

"Dancing with the Stars" celebrity Hope Solo poses for a photo prior to the Season 13 opener of the show Monday in Hollywood. Solo looks amazing as you can all see!

- Courtesy photo

PHOTO: MAKS CHATS WITH FAN IN KANSAS CITY

MAKSIM CHMERKOVSKIY

"Dancing with the Stars" professional Maksim Chmerkovskiy spent some time talking to a young fan Friday as celebrity partner/soccer star Hope Solo practiced with the United States Women's National Team at Livestrong Sporting Park in Kansas City, Mo.

Solo and Chmerkovskiy are in town for the U.S. team's match against Canada on Saturday, just two days before the Season 13 premiere.


- Jeremy Pond, Publisher
- Courtesy photo

VIDEO: HOPE, MAKS WORKING TOWARD PREMIERE

VIDEO: SOLO TALKS WITH LOCAL TV REPORTER

"Dancing with the Stars" celebrity contestant Hope Solo spoke with King 5 Seattle TV reporter Allan Schauffler during a practice session Monday with Maksim Chmerkovskiy at the Kirkland Dance Center in Kirkland, Wash.

Solo starred at Kirkland High School before attending the University of Washington on a soccer scholarship.

Click on the link below for the full interview:

http://www.king5.com/video?id=129687318&sec=549122

- Jeremy Pond, Publisher

- Video courtesy of King5.com

EXCLUSIVE PHOTO: MAKS, HOPE WITH SOCCER STAR

ALEX, MAKS AND HOPE

"Dancing with the Stars" professional Maksim Chmerkovskiy and celebrity partner Hope Solo pose for a photo with soccer star Alex Morgan, who was on the United States Women's National Team this summer with Solo at the Women's World Cup in Germany.

The trio posed for this photo when they attended the Seattle Sounders-Real Salt Lake game during Major League Soccer action Saturday in Seattle at CenturyLink Field.

Morgan and Solo were two of the stars in the U.S. team's second-place finish at the Women's World Cup.

- Jeremy Pond, Publisher

- Courtesy photo

VIDEO: HOPE, MAKS APPEAR ON 'THE VIEW'

PHOTO: HOPE SIGNS AUTOGRAPHS FOR FANS

HOPE SOLO

"Dancing with the Stars" celebrity contestant takes time to sign a few autographs for fans following rehearsals this week for Season 13 of the hit show.


- Jeremy Pond, Publisher
- Courtesy photo

UPDATE: VAL, ELISABETTA STILL FAVORED IN BODOG LINES; HOPE, MAKS TABBED SECOND CHOICE

There are some glaring differences between the betting odds for Season 13 of "Dancing with the Stars," according to the lines posted by the Wynn Las Vegas sportsbook and international online betting Web site Bodog.

The most glaring difference? That's easy. Just take a look at the two sets of odds on Italian actress Elisabetta Canalis and partner Valentin Chmerkovskiy, who is making his "DWTS" series debut as a professional.

Bodog has Canalis and Chmerkovskiy listed as its 5-1 favorites to win the series, which is stark contrast to odssmaker Johnny Avello of Wynn Las Vegas, who has the pair currently listed as the eighth choice at 15-1.

Actor J.R. Martinez and professional partner Karina Smirnoff also saw a wide gap in their odds, coming in as the 4-1 favorites with the Wynn, while sharing 10-1 odds with three other couples on Bodog as the seventh choice.

Hope Solo and Maksim Chmerkovskiy, listed as the fifth betting choice at 10-1 for Season 13, are a close second choice to Canalis and her Chmerkovskiy partner at 5-1 odds to win the Mirror Ball trophy.

Singer Chynna Phillips also saw a big improvement in her 20-1 odds posted at the Wynn, which put her as the ninth betting chouce. Phillips and pro partner Tony Dovolani opened at 8-1, good enough for a spot in the top six of Bodog's odds.

Listed first are the odds posted by the Wynn Las Vegas sportsbook, followed by the odds available for live betting at bodog.com:

1-J.R. MARTINEZ/Karina SMIRNOFF: 4-1 ... 10-1
2-Ricki LAKE/Derek HOUGH: 5-1 ... 10-1
3-Kristin CAVALLARI/Mark BALLAS: 6-1 ... 11-2
4-Carson KRESSLEY/Anna TREBUNSKAYA: 8-1 ... 7-1
5-Hope SOLO/Maksim CHMERKOVSKIY: 10-1 ... 5-1
6-Rob KARDASHIAN/Cheryl BURKE: 12-1 ... 15-2

7-David ARQUETTE/Kym JOHNSON: 14-1 ... 10-1
8-Elisabetta CANALIS/Val CHMERKOVSKIY: 15-1 ... 9-2
9-Chynna PHILLIPS/Tony DOVOLANI: 20-1 ... 8-1
10-Ron ARTEST/Peta MURGATROYD: 25-1 ... 10-1
11-Chaz BONO/Lacey SCHWIMMER: 30-1 ... 20-1
12-Nancy GRACE/Tristan MACMANUS: 40-1 ... 18-1

Note: All odds posted by the Wynn Las Vegas sportsbook are for entertainment/recreational purposes only.


- Jeremy Pond, Publisher

VIDEO: HOPE, MAKS SIT DOWN WITH 'AH'

Hope Solo Glams Up For ‘Dancing With The Stars’ | Access Hollywood - Celebrity News, Photos & Videos

- Video courtesy of "Access Hollywood"

TV ALERT: HOPE, MAKS ON 'THE VIEW' THURSDAY

HOPE & MAKS

Yes, everyone. Hope Solo and Maksim Chmerkovskiy will be appearing Thursday on the ABC morning show, "The View." The "Dancing with the Stars" couple will likely sit down for interviews following Oscar winner Helen Mirren's visit to the show.

- Jeremy Pond, Publisher
- Courtesy photo

PHOTOS: MAKS COOLS OFF AT SITE OF REHERASALS

"Dancing with the Stars" professional Maksim Chmerkovskiy exits his Volvo C30 with refreshment in hand as he heads in to begin the day's rehearsals with celebrity partner/contestant Hope Solo in Hollywood.

- Jeremy Pond, Publisher
- Courtesy photos

PHOTOS: HOPE WORKING TOWARD SEASON OPENER

"Dancing with the Stars" celebrity contestant Hope Solo exits her car with BlackBerry and cool drink in hand as she heads into rehearsals with partner Maksim Chmerkovskiy at the studios in Hollywood.

- Jeremy Pond, Publisher
- Courtesy photos

UPDATE: MAKS, HOPE START WITH VIENNESE WALTZ

So, now we know.

It will be the Viennese Waltz for Hope Solo and Maksim Chmerkovskiy in Week 1 of the Season 13 edition of "Dancing with the Stars," confirmed late Saturday through sources.

Solo and Chmerkovskiy will perform the Salsa in Week 2 on the show.

More details to follow ...


- Jeremy Pond, Publisher

PHOTO: HOPE, MAKS LOOKING FANTASTIC IN COSTUME

HOPE & MAKS

Just a quick look from Thursday's photo shoot with Hope Solo and Maksim Chmerkovskiy. Both looking great as usual! P.S.: They always say soccer players have the best legs!


- Jeremy Pond, Publisher
- Courtesy photo

MAKS & HOPE PICKED FIFTH IN VEGAS BETTING ODDS

LAS VEGAS - Hope Solo and Maksim Chmerkovskiy have been listed as the fifth betting choice for Season 13 of "Dancing with the Stars," according to odds released Wednesday afternoon by the Wynn Las Vegas sportsbook.

Solo and Chmerkovskiy are 10-1 to win the Mirror Ball trophy in the odds set by Wynn Las Vegas sportsbook director Johnny Avello.

Actor/war veteran J.R. Martinez and pro partner Karina Smirnoff have been tabbed the favorites, earning odds of 4-1 in the 12-couple field. Actress/talk-show host Ricki Lake and partner Derek Hough are second at 5-1, followed by reality TV star Kristin Cavallari and pro Mark Ballas, and TV personality Carson Kressley and partner Anna Trebunskaya.

Here are the complete odds from the Wynn Las Vegas sportsbook:

1-J.R. MARTINEZ/Karina SMIRNOFF: 4-1

2-Ricki LAKE/Derek HOUGH: 5-1

3-Kristin CAVALLARI/Mark BALLAS: 6-1

4-Carson KRESSLEY/Anna TREBUNSKAYA: 8-1

5-Hope SOLO/Maksim CHMERKOVSKIY: 10-1

6-Rob KARDASHIAN/Cheryl BURKE: 12-1

7-David ARQUETTE/Kym JOHNSON: 14-1

8-Elisabetta CANALIS/Val CHMERKOVSKIY: 15-1

9-Chynna PHILLIPS/Tony DOVOLANI: 20-1

10-Ron ARTEST/Peta MURGATROYD: 25-1

11-Chaz BONO/Lacey SCHWIMMER: 30-1

12-Nancy GRACE/Tristan MACMANUS: 40-1

Note: All odds posted by the Wynn Las Vegas sportsbook are for entertainment/recreational purposes only.

- Jeremy Pond, Publisher

PHOTO: HOPE SEXY, SCINTILLATING IN 'DWTS' FITTING

HOPE SOLO

From soccer star to smashingly sexy, Hope Solo looked absolutely fantastic Wednesday during a fitting for "Dancing with the Stars." Suffice it to say, the world's top-ranked goalkeeper and partner of pro Maksim Chmerkovskiy will have no problem bringing beauty to the dancefloor this season.


- Jeremy Pond, Publisher
- Courtesy photo

VIDEO: HOPE ON OFFICIAL CAST ANNOUNCEMENT

HOPE SOLO

"Access Hollywood" talks to Hope Solo following the official announcement of the Season 13 cast for "Dancing with the Stars" in Los Angeles. Take a look.


- Jeremy Pond, Publisher
- Video courtesy of You Tube

VIDEO: HOPE TALKING TO 'ACCESS HOLLYWOOD'

HOPE SOLO

Here is some old footage of United States soccer star Hope Solo talking with "Access Hollywood" earlier this summer about the possibility of partnering up with Maksim Chmerkovskiy for Season 13 of "Dancing with the Stars."


- Jeremy Pond, Publisher
- Video courtesy of You Tube

MAKS ARRIVES IN STYLISH RIDE FOR 'DWTS' PRACTICE

MAKSIM CHMERKOVSKIY

Maksim Chmerkovskiy arrives at the "Dancing with the Stars" rehearsal studios for the first day of practice with celebrity contestant Hope Solo earlier this week.


- Jeremy Pond, Publisher
- Video courtesy of You Tube

PHOTO: MAKS, HOPE SAY 'HI' TO FANS

HOPE & MAKS

Hope Solo and Maksim Chmerkovskiy take a break from practice Wednesday for a quick photo for their allegiant fans.


- Photo courtesy of Hope Solo

ANALYSIS: HOPE & MAKS HIGHLIGHT 'DWTS' PAIRINGS

"DANCING WITH THE STARS"

SEASON 13 CONTESTANTS

Well, some of the worst-kept secrets have been officially confirmed. And as we announced Monday, our boy got his wish.

Maksim Chmerkovskiy and United States soccer star Hope Solo are paired for the Season 13 edition of "Dancing with the Stars," announced Wednesday morning on ABC's "Good Morning America." All 12 couples were revealed, creating even more anticipation and excitement leading up to the September 19 two-hour, season premiere.

Chmerkovskiy had pushed for weeks to have Solo as his partner after watching the world's top goalkeeper lead the U.S. to a runner-up finish at this summer's Women's World Cup in Germany.

Here's a look at all 12 pairings for this season:

1-Hope SOLO & Maksim CHMERKOVSKIY: The United States women's soccer star teams with Chmerkovskiy, who is looking for his first Mirror Ball crown on Season 13 of the show. ... Solo, rated the world's top goalkeeper, became a summer sensation during the Women's World Cup when she lead the Americans to a runner-up finish in Germany. ... Chmerkovskiy has two second-place finishes on the show, most recently with actress Kirstie Alley in Season 12. He took second with singer Melanie Brown of the hit, all-girl group the Spice Girls. ... Solo made news recently when she revealed she would be posing nude in ESPN Magazine's "Body Issue," an annual issue featuring athletes from both sexes posing in the buff to show off their physiques. ... Solo and Chmerkovskiy will be one of the favorites to win the title.

2-Ron ARTEST & Peta MURGATROYD: Unique, colorful standout for the NBA's Los Angeles Lakers partners with Murgatroyd, a beautiful blonde who leaves the "DWTS" troupe to make her professional debut. ... Artest might well be known for his huge part in the brawl between players and fans during a game against the Detroit Pistons when he was a member of the Indiana Pacers.

3-Chynna PHILLIPS & Tony DOVOLANI: Actress and singer pairs up with Dovolani, who is back for his 12th season and looking to improve off his most recent effort with talk-show host Wendy Williams. ... Dovolani has two third-place finishes to his credit heading into his 12th season, earning them with actress Stacy Keibler in Season 2 and reality-show host/contestant Melissa Rycroft in Season 8.

4-Rob KARDASHIAN & Cheryl BURKE: The reality TV star best known for being the only brother of KIm, Khloe and Kourtney Kardashian partners with the two-time champion Burke, who won crowns with NFL Hall of Fame running back Emmitt Smith and singer Drew Lachey of former hit boy band 98 Degrees. ... Burke has appeared in every season except the series premiere.

5-Nancy GRACE & Tristan MACMANUS: American legal commentator, author, journalist, talk-show host and former prosecutor pairs teams with McManus, who leaves the "DWTS" troupe to make his debut as a professional. ... Grace currently hosts "Nancy Grace," a nightly celebrity news and current affairs show in HLN.

6-Chaz BONO & Lacey SCHWIMMER: The American transgender advocate, writer, actor and musician pairs with Schwimmer, who is back for her sixth season. ... Bono is the only child American entertainers Sonny and Cher had together. ... Bono is a female-to-male transgender man. ... Schwimmer finished second in Season 10 with actor Kyle Massey and third in Season 7 with former boy-band singer Lance Bass of hit group 'N Sync.

7-Elisabetta CANALIS & Val CHMERKOVSKIY: The Italian actress most well-known for her lengthy relationship with actor George Clooney teams with Maksim's younger brother, who makes his "DWTS" debut as a professional after spot appearances on the show during recent seasons. ... Two pretty much unknowns to the viewers, they could be the darkhorse couple of Season 13 to bring home the title.

8-Carson KRESSLEY & Anna TREBUNSKAYA: The colorful talk-show host and TV personality teams with Trebunskaya, who is back for her eighth season on the show. ... Trebunskaya's best finish came in Season 10, when she and partner/Olympic gold-medal winning figure skater Evan Lysacek took second place. ... Expect them to be one of the favorites to win the championship this season.

9-Kristin CAVALLARI & Mark BALLAS: The MTV reality star will join Ballas, who captured titles with Olympic gold medalists Kristi Yamaguchi (figure skating) and Shawn Johnson (gymnastics). ... Ballas is back for his ninth season ... Couple is the early favorite for best chance at an off-screen romance, with Ballas maintaining his "eligible bachelor" status and Cavallari coming off a recent dumping with former fiancee/Chicago Bears starting quartback Jay Cutler. ... Another couple who should be one of the top contenders this season.

10-J.R. MARTINEZ & Karina SMIRNOFF: American actor, motivational speaker and retired United States Army soldier gets paired with Smirnoff, who is back for her ninth season. Martinez, who stars on the ABC soap opera, "All My Children,"suffered burns over 40 percent of his body during a 2003 tour of duty in Iraq. ... Smirnoff's best finish on the show came in Season 3 with actor/TV show host Mario Lopez, when they took home second place. ... Smirnoff is engaged to Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Brad Penny. ... Another pairing among the contenders for the title.

11-Ricki LAKE & Derek HOUGH: Actress and talk-show host teams with the two-time Mirror Ball champion. ... Hough is the only pro to win three Mirror Ball trophies, earning them with model/"DWTS" co-host Brooke Burke (Season 7), singer Nicole Scherzinger (Season 10) and actress Jennifer Grey (Season 11) to hold that distinction. ... Hough will be competing in his eight season after taking a Season 12 hiatus.

12-David ARQUETTE & Kym JOHNSON: Actor from "Scream thriller series paired with the defending champion. ... Johnson, who won Season 12 with Pittsburgh Steelers star wide receiver Hines Ward and Season 9 with entertainer Donny Osmond, returns for her 10th season. ... She also has two runner-up efforts under belt, taking second with singer/actor/entertainer Joey Fatone of boy band 'N Sync (Season 4) and former NFL star Warren Sapp in Season 7 of the show. ... Clearly, one of the Season 13 favorites.


- Jeremy Pond, Publisher
- Photo courtesy of E! Online

HOPE SOLO: BY THE NUMBERS

HOPE SOLO

Here is some fun "by the numbers" information about Hope Solo, the United States soccer standout, paired with professional Maksim Chmerkovskiy in Season 13 of "Dancing with the Stars" on ABC.

Take a look:

1 - Number of Olympic gold medals won as a member of the United States women's soccer team

2 - Number of World Cup appearances (2007, 2011)

3 - Number of times Solo was named a National Soccer Coaches Association of America All-American in college while attending the University of Washington

101 - Number of appearances (caps) with the United States Women's National Soccer Team

109 - Number of goals Solo scored during her high-school career at Richland (Wash.) High School

1981 - The year Solo was born, on July 30 to be exact

- Jeremy Pond, Publisher

- Photo courtesy of Getty Images

FULL CAST FOR SEASON 13 OF 'DWTS' SET

KRISTIN CAVALLARI

What do a soccer star, Italian actress, talk-show host and NBA world champion all have in common? They're all part of the Season 13 cast for ABC's hit TV show, "Dancing with the Stars," which was announced Monday.
                                                                                                
Here's a look at the entire list of the 12 celebrity contestants:

1-Kristin CAVALLARI: Reality TV figure most recognized for her role in hit MTV shows, "Laguna Beach" and "The Hills." ... Cavallari recently suffered a well-publicized breakup with Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler.

2-Hope SOLO: United States women's soccer star and ranked the No. 1 goalkeeper in the world. ... Became an overnight sensation at this summer's Women's World Cup in Germany.

3-Carson KRESSLEY: Former fashion expert on hit show, "Queer Eye," where he was one of the show's "Fab Five" members. ... Host of the TV show, "How To Look Good Naked.

4-Ricki LAKE: American actress and talk-show host ... known for her roles in the hits, "Hairspray" and "Mrs. Winterbourne."

5-David ARQUETTE: American actor best known for his role in the hit thriller "Scream" series, as well as "Buffy the Vampire Slayer." ... Estranged husband of actress Courtney Cox.

6-Nancy GRACE: American legal commentator, author, journalist, talk-show host and former prosecutor. ... Current host of "Nancy Grace," a nightly celebrity news and current affairs show on HLN.

7-Chaz BONO: American transgender advocate, writer, actor and musician. ... Only child American entertainers Sonny and Cher had together. ... Bono is a female-to-male transgender man.

8-Elisabetta CANALIS: Italian actress known most for her lengthy relationship with actor George Clooney.

9-Ron ARTEST: NBA player for the Los Angeles Lakers. ... Known for being a unique, colorful individual. ... Was a huge part of the brawl between players and fans during a game against the Detroit Pistons when he played for the Indiana Pacers.

10-Rob KARDASHIAN: Reality TV star and brother of Kim, Khloe and Kourtney Kardashian.

11-J.R. MARTINEZ: American actor, motivational speaker and retired United States Army solider. ... Suffered burns over 40 percent of his body during a tour of duty in Iraq in 2003. ... Has starred on ABC soap opera, "All My Children," since 2008.

12-Chynna PHILLIPS: American singer and actress, who was part of the music group, Wilson Phillips. ... Daughter of The Mamas and the Papas' band members John and Michelle Phillips.


- Jeremy Pond, Publisher
- Photo courtesy of Getty Images

IN HOPE, WE TRUST ... MAKS, SOCCER STAR PAIRED FOR LATEST SEASON OF "DANCING WITH THE STARS"

HOPE SOLO

Put the weeks of rumors to rest, folks.

Hope Solo, one of the stars of this summer's United States women's soccer team, will be Maksim Chmerkovskiy's partner for Season 13 of "Dancing with the Stars." Confirmation of Solo signing on for the show backed up rabid speculation the American goalkeeper would trade her cleats for stilettos and participate on the immensely popular ABC television hit.

For Chmerkovskiy, linking up with Solo was precisely what the Ukranian-born dancing professional wanted. Chmerkovskiy, the best "DWTS" pro yet to raise the covered Mirror Ball trophy, made it well known earlier this summer his desire to be paired with the soccer icon.

According to a People magazine report, when Chmerkovskiy was asked whom his dream partner would be at the 2011 ESPY Awards in Los Angeles, the fan favorite needed two words to sum up his thoughts.

"Hope Solo!" Chmerkovskiy reportedly shouted.

Chmerkovskiy proceeded to go on about Solo, saying: "Let's do it! I want somebody hot, I want somebody exciting, somebody passionate, and I'll do the rest."

Solo recently made news when she revealed she would be posing nude in ESPN Magazine's "Body Issue," an annual issue featuring athletes from both sexes posing in the buff to show off their physiques.

Chmerkovskiy and Solo should be one of the favorites in this season's competition, which starts September 19 on ABC. We will be releasing our personal odds for all contestants, as well as the odds posted by Johnny Aviello at the Wynn Las Vegas sports book.


- Jeremy Pond, Publisher