ShareThis"Dancing with the Stars" pro Julianne Hough and country star Chuck Wicks speak the same language.
"We both know what a 'meet-and-greet' is," she said. "We both know what 'meeting radio' means. We're both growing up at the same time."
Hough (pronounced "Huff") and Wicks have been dating for months. Now the two will be partners on the new season of "Dancing with the Stars" (premiering 8 p.m. EDT Monday, ABC). Whether their relationship can stand the test of learning dances together is another matter.
This season's "Dancing" will have other couples in the competition, too. Former professional bull rider Ty Murray will be hoofing it as will his wife, singer Jewel. The two, however, are partners with pros. So they will be competing against each other.
Newly engaged professional dancers Maksim Chmerkovskiy and Karina Smirnoff will go head-to-head, too.
Hough has dated those inside and outside show business. She said she likes dating someone who is in show business because she can relate to them better.
"It's cool to be able to share these things together and be excited for each other," she said.
In an interview before this season's cast was announced, Hough was asked which country star she would want to teach to dance. Though she was dating Wicks at the time, his name was not her immediate answer.
"People ask me that all the time, and for some reason I always say Josh Turner," she said then. "He's just the epitome of a man. He's sweet but endearing. I think people could relate to that."
Other highlights for the week of March 8-14 (all times EDT; listings subject to change; check local listings):
SUNDAY
-- "Kingdom of the Blue Whale" (8 p.m., National Geographic Channel). This report gets up close with one of the largest creatures on our planet.
-- "Breaking Bad" (9 p.m., AMC). A second season launches with Walter getting deeper into his dark drug-world business.
-- "Russell Brand in New York City" (10 p.m., Comedy Central). The British wit has his own standup venue.
-- "Keeping Up with the Kardashians" (10 p.m., E!). Sisters Kim, Khloe and Kourtney (What? No "C" in the family names?) vie for the spotlight as their careers bloom.
MONDAY
-- "Battles B.C." (9 p.m., History). Ancient conqueror Hannibal was one bad dude. He rode to town on elephants. That's how he rolled.
-- "CSI: Miami" (10 p.m., CBS). Horatio tries to save his son from the investigator's crazed ex (Elizabeth Berkley).
TUESDAY
-- "American Idol" (8 p.m., Fox). The top 12 get the first crack at performing.
WEDNESDAY
-- "The Chopping Block" (8 p.m., NBC). Seen "Hell's Kitchen"? Yeah, it's like that.
-- "Ghost Hunters" (9 p.m., Sci-Fi Channel). The gang investigates a 313-year-old house to see if anyone is lurking about.
-- "South Park" (10 p.m., Comedy Central). The randy animated hit is back for its 13th season.
SATURDAY
-- "Relative Matters" (9 p.m., Hallmark Channel). A former pro-football player returns home to face an angry family.
(E-mail Terry Morrow of The Knoxville News-Sentinel in Tennessee at morrow2(at)knews.com.)
TV HILIGHTS
