Dancing With the Stars just announced a major change in the format for the upcoming season, with both Tom Bergeron and Erin Andrews out, and Tyra Banks joining the longtime series instead. The reality TV show has had some of the biggest celebrities on over the years, including Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight, Donny Osmond and more. We took a look back at 10 country artists who appeared on the show.
1. Sara Evans
Sara Evans appeared on Season 3 of Dancing With the Stars in 2006, dancing with Tony Dovolani. Sara left the show mid-season to be home with her kids, after filing for divorce from her husband, Craig Schelske.
2. Chuck Wicks
Chuck Wicks appeared in Season 8 in 2009, dancing with his then-girlfriend, Julianne Hough, who was one of the professional dancers at the time. The couple came in sixth in the competition. Chuck and Julianne broke up the following November.
3. Wynonna Judd
Wynonna Judd danced in Season 16 of the TV show in 2013. Although she has plenty of rhythm with her music, that didn’t necessarily translate into dancing skills, and she and her dancing partner, Tony Dovolani, were eliminated second in the competition.
4. Billy Ray Cyrus
Billy Ray Cyrus appeared on Season 4 of DWTS in 2007, dancing with Karina Smirnoff. Billy Ray did well on the show, and was the seventh contestant eliminated during his season, although he didn’t always agree with the judges’ criticism.
“Bruno calling me crap is the pot calling the kettle black. We worked way too hard on it for it to be called crap,” Billy Ray said after judge Bruno Tonioli criticized one of his performances (via Country Rebel). “We worked really hard on it so you would think that he might appreciate that a little bit. But what the heck.”
5. Bill Engvall
Bill Engvall might be known for his comedy more than his dancing skills, but he did quite well on the show. Known for his stand-up act and humorous songs like “Here’s Your Sign (Get the Picture)” with Travis Tritt and “Warning Sings” with John Michael Montgomery, Bill and his pro partner, Emma Slater, came in fourth place.
6. Jana Kramer
Jana Kramer danced in Season 23 of Dancing With the Stars. Teamed up with Gleb Savenchco, the singer and actress came in fourth place.
“This has been amazing,” Jana said after being eliminated from the show (via The Boot). “It was our time …[Gleb has] been the most incredible partner, and I’ve just learned so much about myself.”
7. Bobby Bones
Bobby Bones competed in Season 27 of DWTS in 2014, winning the coveted Mirrorball Trophy with his pro partner Sharna Burgess in a surprise upset, since his dancing was largely criticized by all three judges.
“I think most people are shocked that we won,” Bobby later told Us Weekly. “The people who voted aren’t because they are the ones who kept us in and they are the ones who made this happen for us, but [Sharna] is the one who made this happen for me.”
8. John Schneider
John Schneider also competed in Season 27 of Dancing With the Stars, coming in 7th with his pro partner Emma Slater. Even though he didn’t win, he still is grateful for all he learned by his efforts.
“It’s keying into a part of my spirit and my soul that I was really unaware of,” John told The Tennessean. “It’s not just happy. It’s elation. It’s not just concern. It’s scared to death about what Tom Bergeron is about to say. It’s living life on both sides of the pendulum at the same time. There’s no middle ground and at 58, I find that exhilarating.”
9. Lauren Alaina
Lauren Alaina appeared in Season 28 of DWTS in 2019, coming in fourth place with pro partner Gleb, even though she admitted prior to competing that she was not a good dancer.
“I think I might be the worst dancer,” Lauren claimed (via PopCulture.com). “I did competitive cheerleading. I was always in the back. I would tell people it was because I was the tallest. I think it was because I was the worst.”
10. Kellie Pickler
Kellie Pickler competed in Season 16 of Dancing With the Stars, along with pro partner Derek Hough, also winning the Mirrorball Trophy.
“I’m overwhelmed with joy,” Kellie said after her win (via The Boot). “I’m kind of speechless for the first time! Usually I can’t be quiet! Usually I’m just spitting out words left and right, and now I don’t know what to say. I was shocked to have made it this far. We’ve made so many memories out here on this dance floor and in the studio. We’ve all worked so hard to be here, and it’s just overwhelming. But in a great way.”
