Dancing with the Stars Names New Music Director

Dancing with the Stars has named former American Idol bandleader Ray Chew as the show's new music director and composer, ABC announcedFriday.

Chew's band, featuring new musicians and singers, will make their debut on the Season 18 premiere Monday, March 17 at 8/7c.

"Live music is the lifeblood of DWTS and we couldn't be more excited to be working with Ray and his talented band. Ray is one of the most versatile and dynamic musicians working today. It promises to be a spectacular season," Dancing executive producer Conrad Green said in a statement.

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"I'm looking forward to continuing the musical legacy established onDancing with the Stars, a show that respects live music and musicians. It is important to me and to the producers to maintain the integrity of the music presentation for the dancers as well as for the viewers. Towards that end, my approach will be to utilize first class live vocalists, arrangers, copyists and musicians of all instruments," Chew added.

Besides Idol, Chew most recently served as the music director of the Emmy Awards last year.

Dancing announced it was parting ways with its longtime bandleader Harold Wheeler earlier this week.