'Dancing with the Stars' Cast 2011

"Dancing with the Stars" is set to premiere tonight, Sept. 19, entering its 13th season.The show has gained record-breaking viewers and voters in past years, peaking at 22.5 million viewers in season 12. In comparison, the 2011 Emmy Awards, which aired the night prior to the DWTS season premiere on Sept. 18, only had 12.5 million viewers.Season 13 promises to be a great one, with the most eclectic cast members ever, including the first ever transgender contestant, the first Kardashian and an outspoken television host.

Chaz Bono

Formerly Chastity Bono, the 42-year-old is the only child of Sonny Bono and Cher. In May 2010, Chaz Bono legally changed his gender and name, following a two-year physical and social transition from female to male. He is the first ever openly transgender to compete on "Dancing with the Stars."

Ricki Lake

42-year-old Ricki Lake has been out of the spotlight in recent years since her self-titled show ended in 2004, only appearing on the occasional television show and a small role in the the 2007 remake of "Hairspray." Thanks to a recent deal with Twentieth Television, "Ricki Lake" will resume in 2012.

Kristin Cavallari

Former star of MTV's reality show "Laguna Beach," Kristin Cavallari is a 24-year-old Colorado native. Recently, she made headlines when her then-fiancé, Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler, called off their engagement.

Elisabetta Canalis

This beautiful Italian actress and George Clooney’s ex-girlfriend will show her prowess on the dance floor.

Ron Artest

Los Angeles Lakers forward Ron Artest is 31-year-old Queens, NY native. He released an album called "My World" in 2006, followed by a mix tape called "Ball'n" in 2011. In July 2009, Artest signed a five-year, $33 million deal with the L.A. Lakers, after one season with the Houston Rockets.

Rob Kardashian

Rob Kardashian of the E! reality TV show, "Keeping Up with the Kardashians" is the younger brother of Kourtney, Kim and Khloé. The 24-year-old Kardashian is also a model. He recently posed alongside "Glee" stars Mark Sailing and Chord Overstreet in a fashion spread for the outdoor apparel brand Op.

Chynna Phillips

Chynna Phillips first rose to fame in the '90s, thanks to Wilson Phillips, whose debut album sold more than 10 million copies worldwide, earning the girl group four Grammy Award nominations. 43-year-old Phillips left the group in 1992 following the release of their sophomore album, "Shadows and Light."

Nancy Grace

Nancy Grace, 51, is the host for her self-titled show since 2005 and was also a prosecutor for nearly ten years, before she was approached by Court TV. She is well-known for discovering the death of Caylee Anthony.

David Arquette

39-year-old actor David Arquette was part of the cast of "Friends" and married to Courtney Cox for more than a decade, before separating in 2010. David Arquette has starred in more than 40 films, including the "Scream" series, appearing in 2011's "Scream 4," reprising his role as Sheriff Dwight "Dewey" Riley.

J.R. Martinez

J.R. Martinez is an actor on ABC's "All My Children." In 2003, while serving in Iraq, the 28-year-old received severe burns to more than 40 percent of his body. He plays Brot Monroe, a member of the U.S. Army who was injured in combat, much like Martinez's real life story.

Carson Kressley

Carson Kressley rose to reality fame as the star of Bravo’s “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy.” He is now the host of Lifetime’s “How to Look Good Naked,” and has appeared as an actor in multiple films.

Hope Solo

30-year-old Hope Solo is a goalkeeper currently playing for the Boca Raton-based magicJack team. In July, Solo and the U.S. women's soccer team lost 3-1 in a heartbreaking penalty shootout to Japan in the FIFA World Cup tournament.