Chaka Khan Joins Dancing With The Stars

Season 21 of Dancing With the Stars is starting to look like a gathering of veteran music artists.

It has been revealed that Nick Carter from the Backstreet Boys would be competing on the show when it premiers on September 14 and, today, you can add Chaka Khan to the list.

Khan was an original member of Rufus who signed with ABC Records in 1973. During her ten years with the group, they had such hits as Tell Me Something Good (1974 / #3 Pop / #3 R&B), Sweet Thing (1975 / #5 Pop / #1 R&B) and Ain’t Nobody (1983 / #22 Pop / #1 R&B).

Chaka struck out with her first solo album while still a member of Rufus with 1978’s Chaka which included the classic I’m Every Woman (1978 / #21 Pop / #1 R&B). She also hit the top ten in 1984 with I Feel For You (#3 Pop / #1 R&B). Overall, on the R&B Singles chart, she had twelve top ten records with Rufus and ten as a solo artist.

Khan joins a growing list of stars whose names are being trickled out by ABC including jockey Victor Espinoza, Vine star Hayes Grier, Bindi Irwin (daughter of the late Steve Irwin), Paula Dean and the previously mentioned Carter. There are also rumors that Big Time Rush star Carlos Pena, Jr. and actress Alexa Vega will also be joining.

Nine of the twelve professional dancers who will be returning to the show have also been named: Karina Smirnoff, Val Chmerkovskiy, Derek Hough, Mark Ballas, Artem Chigvintsev, Allison Holker, Witney Carson, Sharna Burgess and Peta Murgatroyd.

Chaka joins the list of veteran music artists that have been part of the show:

Joey McIntyre (New Kids on the Block) (Season 1)
Master P (Season 2)
Billy Ray Cyrus (Season 4)
Wayne Newton (Season 5)
Marie Osmond (Season 5)
Mel B (Spice Girls) (Season 5)
Priscilla Presley (Season 6)
Toni Braxton (Season 7)
Belinda Carlisle (Season 8)
Lil’ Kim (Season 8)
Donny Osmond (Season 9)
David Hasselhoff (Season 11)
Michael Bolton (Season 11)
Brandy (Season 11)
Chynna Phillips (Wilson Phillips) (Season 13)
Jack Wagner (Season 14)
Gladys Knight (Season 14)
Wynonna Judd (Season 16)
Patti LaBelle (Season 20)