Chaz Bono has become one of the most talked-about Dancing with the Stars contestants ever — and the fourteenth season of the ABC smash doesn't even premiere until Monday, Sept. 19!
But Bono, 42 — the first transgendered person to ever compete on the show — is already suited up and ready to dance his way to the top.
On Monday, ABC released the first official promo shots of the latest crop of celebs set to compete on the reality competition.
With pro partner Lacey Schwimmer at his side, activist and author Bono looks dapper in a vest, tie and slacks. His sexy competition includes Italian model-actress (and George Clooney ex) Elisabetta Canalis — who shows off her world-famous bod in a clingy, white-sequined gown with partner Val Chmerkovskiy. Also sporting an enviably toned, dancefloor-ready bod? Reality star Kristin Cavallari, who's partnered this year with Mark Ballas.
Meanwhile, entertainer and dad David Arquette looks sharp in a tux alongside Kym Johnson, who helped nab the mirrorball trophy in the thirteen season with Hines Ward.
Both Swimmer and Bono are taking the controversy regarding his participation in stride. "I was absolutely thrilled. I've always been a huge supporter of the LGBT community and I couldn't be more excited to have Chaz. Not only is he Sonny & Cher's child but he's also a generally cool person," Schwimmer told The Insider last week.
She added that protests over Bono are "disappointing" and "not cool."
"I want people to know that transgender people are just like everyone else. We're not people to be afraid of or misunderstood. I would love to get that message across," Bono told Us Weekly. "I'm always serious. I've written three books, I lecture, it's all serious stuff. But now I get to show that I'm a fun guy too!"
Tell Us: Who are you rooting for on this season's DWTS?
