‘DWTS’ Exposed! Secret Documents Reveal What Cast Is Paid & More

For 21 seasons, Dancing with the Stars has managed to keep a tight lid on the inner workings of the powerhouse show. But now, just hours before the premiere of Season 22, RadarOnline.com has obtained secret paperwork distributed to potential cast members that reveals just how much they’re promised for appearing on the show!

According to a letter issued to a celebrity who was approached to be on the show, obtained by Radar, DWTS calls itself a national phenomenon — and hints that a celebrity would be dumb to pass on the opportunity to appear!

The pitch letter bragged about the popularity boost and publicity that DWTS contestants can expect to receive. But more importantly, the letter reveals, celebrities can rake in big bucks for an appearance.

According to the letter viewed by Radar, at least one celebrity was offered a baseline of $125,000 for the rehearsals, two weeks on the air before the first elimination, and an appearance at the finale. The document claims that beyond that point, contestants who manage to stick around get an extra week of pay for every week they are not eliminated. The grand total if they make it to the finals? It’s a potential $345,000!

This season, Jodie Sweetin, Misha Barton, Kim Fields and more will shake their stuff for the possibility of winning the mirror ball — and that payday.

The series premiere airs tonight at 8 ET on ABC.

Do you think the stars are worth that much money? Let us know in the comments!