People.com Entertainment TV 'DWTS' : Suni Lee and JoJo Siwa Join Season 30 — and Siwa Will Compete with a Same-Sex Partner! The new season of Dancing with the Stars premieres Sept. 20 on ABC By Dory Jackson Dory Jackson Instagram Twitter Website Dory Jackson is an Associate Editor for PEOPLE's digital TV team. While at the brand, she's had the opportunity to interview a long list of celebrities, from Kate Hudson to Pierce Brosnan to Billy Porter. She also recaps popular TV shows like The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and Vanderpump Rules.The New York-based Maryland native graduated from Randolph-Macon College in May 2016 with a focus in Communication Studies and Journalism. She came to PEOPLE in March 2021 after working at a number of major news companies, including Newsweek and Us Weekly. She also previously co-hosted a podcast called "Idol Nation." People Editorial Guidelines Published on August 26, 2021 04:15 PM Share Tweet Pin Email Photo: Jamie Squire/Getty; Allen Berezovsky/Getty Dancing with the Stars is ready to kick off its milestone 30th season with a bang. The first two confirmed contestants are JoJo Siwa and Suni Lee, ABC announced Thursday during the show's Television Critics Association panel. Siwa, 18, is a singer and social media star who rose to fame on Dance Moms. The Nickelodeon star is set to be the first female celebrity paired with a female pro. "To be dancing with a girl, I think it's so cool," Siwa said in a video announcement. "I can't wait to meet my partner!" Lee, 18, is a Team USA gymnast who recently took home a gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics. Siwa and Lee will appear on Good Morning America Friday for a sit-down interview and again on Sep. 8, when the remaining celebrity contenders will be unveiled. Here's When Grey's Anatomy, The Bachelorette, DWTS and More ABC Shows Return This Fall Dancing with the Stars was renewed for its 30th season in March. Ballroom experts Len Goodman, Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli and Derek Hough will return to the long-running show's judges panel. Tyra Banks is also set to reprise her role as host. Banks, 47, recently addressed whether the reality competition series will be able to return with a live studio audience amid COVID-19 restrictions. "We've been talking about it, back and forth," she told Entertainment Tonight. "[But] probably not, if I really think about ultimate safety. Maybe not yet." Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Dancing with the Stars premiered on ABC in 2005. Last year, former Bachelorette Kaitlyn Bristowe and pro Artem Chigvintsev were crowned the season 29 mirrorball champions. Catfish host Nev Schulman and pro Jenna Johnson came in second. Season 30 of Dancing with the Stars premieres Sept. 20 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.