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ABC's Dancing with the Stars pairs, some thoughts

By April MacIntyre Aug 31, 2011, 21:32 GMT

06/20/2011 - Maksim Chmerkovskiy - "Bad Teacher" World Premiere - Arrivals - Ziegfeld Theatre - New York City, NY, USA © Janet Mayer / PR Photos

ABC's "Dancing with the Stars" has paired up the cast with the pro dancers.

The wait is over and let the office pools begin: Who will waltz off with the mirror ball?

We are betting on Carson and AnnaT, with Ricki Lake as a close second. Who do you think will surprise us?

Chaz Bono and Laci seem well matched. Chaz is personable and funny, but will he be able to cut a rug? We will see.

Nancy Grace is a dark horse; she is the type who will get the job done regardless. She is unrelenting.

The athletes always seem to have an advantage, and I think Hope will shine with Maks, a great partner for a strong tall woman.

The emotional favorite will be war vet J.R. Martinez, who is dancing with one of my favorites, Karina.

The matches were announced Wednesday morning on Good Morning America:

American soccer star Hope Solo will dance with Maksim Chmerkovskiy.

Chaz Bono will dance with Lacey Schwimmer.

J.R. Martinez was paired with Karina Smirnoff.

Nancy Grace will hoof it up with Irish dance pro Tristan MacManus.

Rob Kardashian is partnering with two time Dancing champion Cheryl Burke.

Los Angeles Laker Ron Artest is dancing with Peta Murgatroyd.

Ricki Lake will dance with pro Derek Hough, who took the mirror-ball trophy with season 11 winner Jennifer Grey.

Elisabetta Canalis will perform with Maksim's brother Val Chmerkovskiy.

Carson Kressley will dance with pro Anna Trebunskaya.

Chynna Phillips will have Tony Dovolani to dance with.

David Arquette will be in good hands with Kym Johnson, who took the mirror-ball trophy with Hines Ward last May.

Kristin Cavallari and two-time champion Mark Ballas will dance together when the show returns Sept. 19 on ABC.