'Dancing with the Stars' returns, reveals pairings

Cast of 12 celebrities competing for coveted Mirrorball Trophy

Back and better than ever, “Dancing with the Stars” welcomed a new, well-known and energetic cast of 12 celebrities ready to move out of their comfort zones and hit the ballroom floor. The competition began with a two-hour season premiere, live, Monday on ABC. The episode can also be viewed today on ABC.com, the ABC app and Hulu.

For the first time ever, viewers found out during the season premiere broadcast which celebrities are paired with their favorite professional dancers. Highlights of the new season include voting changes; a brand-new set; a new creative team behind the competitive dances; the return of a loved pro, Peta Murgatroyd; and two new professional ballroom dancers.

The couples announced Monday night included the following:

• Lauren Alaina and Gleb Savchenko
• Sailor Brinkley-Cook and Val Chmerkovskiy
• Ally Brooke and Sasha Farber
• Hannah Brown and Alan Bersten
• Kate Flannery and Pasha Pashkov
• Karamo and Jenna Johnson
• Ray Lewis and Cheryl Burke
• Kel Mitchell and Witney Carson
• Lamar Odom and Peta Murgatroyd
• Sean Spicer and Lindsay Arnold
• James Van Der Beek and Emma Slater
• Mary Wilson and Brandon Armstrong

Next week’s episode of “Dancing with the Stars” will include the first elimination (8 p.m., Monday, Sept. 23).