Dancing With the Stars: Who Will Take Home the Mirror Ball Trophy This Season?

Updated on Aug 31, 2016 at 12:05 AM

Dancing With the Stars is off to a smashing start for season 23. The show released the official cast list on Tuesday, and we have to admit, it's pretty crazy. Not only are some fan-favorite pro dancers returning, but the lineup also features not one, but two Olympians! As the new season quickly approaches, we can't help but wonder which star will take home the mirror ball trophy this year. See our best predictions below and then check out all the details about season 23.

Rick Perry

Why he'll win: Executive producer Rob Wade told People that "this season is about bringing people — and America — together through dance." So, what better way to do that than by having a politician win the competition?
Why he won't: That being said, a political candidate has never won the competition before. Maybe there's a first time for everything?

Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds

Why he'll win: As an R&B musician, it's no doubt that Edmonds has some soul. Hopefully he can incorporate that into his moves.
Why he won't: His partner, Allison Holker, will be getting back into the swing of things after opting out of last season. Will that harm their chances of winning?

Marilu Henner

Why she'll win: Not only does Henner have a theater background, but she is also paired with six-time mirror ball trophy winner Derek Hough. Enough said.
Why she won't: While she is certainly a talented actress in her own right, she may not have the same fan appeal as her fellow competitors to gain votes.

James Hinchcliffe

Why he'll win: This race car driver is already used to intense situations. And dancing in front of Len Goodman? That's what we call an intense situation.
Why he won't: Thanks to his career, Hinchcliffe spends most of his time sitting. Can he be as hot on his feet as he is on wheels?

Terra Jole

Why she'll win: Her bubbly personality has us convinced that she won't be easily discouraged by the numerous practices.
Why she won't: Even though her partner, Sasha Farber, has been a pro on the show before, he's never scored a mirror ball trophy.

Vanilla Ice

Why he'll win: He certainly brings the nostalgic aspect to the show. He also had a brief stint on Dancing on Ice in 2011, which could help him out on the ballroom floor.
Why he won't: While other '90s artists have gotten pretty far in the competition, they almost never win.

Calvin Johnson

Why he'll win: He's used to doing fancy footwork on the field. Maybe it will help him on the dance floor.
Why he won't: In the past 23 seasons, only three football players have taken home the mirror ball trophy, which makes Johnson's chances pretty slim.

Maureen McCormick

Why she'll win: She definitely has experience dancing after performing on The Brady Bunch.
Why she won't: It's been over 40 years since McCormick stepped into Marcia's shoes. Will her moves be just as far out now as they were then?

Jana Kramer

Why she'll win: As a country singer, she has to know a thing or two about keeping a beat.
Why she won't: She doesn't have any dancing background, so it really depends on how hard she works this season.

Ryan Lochte

Why he'll win: Lochte certainly knows a thing or two about hard work and dedication. This will definitely pay off when he starts learning those vigorous dance routines.
Why he won't: Just because he has a few Olympic medals in swimming doesn't necessarily guarantee that he'll be good on the floor.

Amber Rose

Why she'll win: Rose is a former exotic dancer, and she's exhibited her skills in music videos before. This proves she has rhythm, which will give her a step up on the competition.
Why she won't: She may be able to get down to hip-hop, but will she be able to master the waltz or the tango with the same stamina?

Jake T. Austin

Why he'll win: The young actor will probably be a big hit with the young voters, helping him to go far in the competition.
Why he won't: Although he may have the young fan base down pat, former Disney Channel stars have never actually won the mirror ball trophy.

Laurie Hernandez

Why she'll win: Hernandez is certainly familiar with perfecting coordinated routines. And she wouldn't be the first Olympian to win on the show.
Why she won't: Even though her partner, Valentin Chmerkovskiy, is one of the most popular pro dancers on the show, he still hasn't amassed as many trophies as his older brother, Maksim. Do we sense sibling rivalry brewing?