Music legend Brian Kennedy revealed as final contestant for Dancing with the Stars

As a solo artist, Mr Kennedy's 1996 album A Better Man went quadruple platinum
Music legend Brian Kennedy revealed as final contestant for Dancing with the Stars

Ottoline Spearman

Singer-songwriter Brian Kennedy has been announced as the final celebrity dancer to take the dancefloor on Dancing with the Stars.

"I'm really looking forward to getting fit and to learn how to dance properly and the challenge of that," he said. "What a way to start what will be my 60th year on the planet."

Discovered by Simon Fuller, Mr Kennedy's became a featured vocalist with Van Morrison early in his career, sharing global stages with the likes of Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell.

As a solo artist, Mr Kennedy's 1996 album A Better Man went quadruple platinum, with chart hits in both Ireland and the UK.

His duet with Ronan Keating, These Days charted at number 4 on the Irish Singles Chart. In 2006, Mr Kennedy represented Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest with Every Song is a Cry for Love, finishing in the top ten. That same year, his rendition of You Raise Me Up at George Best’s funeral became a top-five hit in the UK.

Mr Kennedy is preparing to release his nineteenth album next year.

The final lineup for the show is Niamh Kavanagh, Paudie Moloney, Katelyn Cummins, Michael Fry, Stephanie Kelly, Eric Roberts, Philip Doyle, Tolü Makay, Amber Wilson, Anne Cassin, Jordan Dargan and Brian Kennedy.

The new season starts on Sunday January 4th on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.

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