Official: 'Dancing With the Stars' cast revealed

It’s official: Bristol Palin and Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino will be on ABC’s "Dancing With the Stars" in the fall.

In what might be the most buzzworthy cast in the reality show’s recent history, ABC announced Monday evening an eclectic mix of celebrities for the 11th season of its performance show.

In addition to Sarah Palin’s daughter and the "Jersey Shore" star, former "America’s Got Talent" judge David Hasselhoff will grace the ballroom along with singers Michael Bolton and Brandy, as well as "Dirty Dancing" star Jennifer Grey.

"Every year we try to put together the best possible cocktail party; you want a combination of talent that nobody expects, and this year more than ever we really accomplish that," said John Saade, co-head of ABC’s alternative programming department. "You need somebody for everybody."

Filling out the cast: former NBA player Rick Fox, comedian Margaret Cho, "Brady Bunch" icon Florence Henderson, former NFL quarterback Kurt Warner, "The Hills" star Audrina Patridge and — in a lone bit of intra-company synergy — Disney Channel sitcom star Kyle Massey.

But it’s 19-year-old Palin, who made her acting debut on ABC Family’s "The Secret Life of the American Teenager," who likely will draw the most advance headlines and viewer curiosity, just as Kate Gosselin and Melissa Rycroft have in past "Dancing" cycles. The prospect of young Palin’s famous mom showing up to cheer on her daughter from the audience certainly could result in a publicity boost for the show.

"I don’t know if we need that, but you never know," Saade said of an appearance by the former Alaska governor. "The season will be full of surprises."

With "Dancing" beating Fox’s "American Idol" among total viewers on a few occasions last season and top draw Simon Cowell gone, "Dancing" also could be in a position to make some ratings history next season.

When asked whether he thinks "Dancing" will overtake "Idol," Saade refused to take the bait: "That’s jinx central."

"Dancing" will have its two-hour premiere Sept. 20. Musical artists Santana and Daughtry are slated to perform.