CMT News

Jewel has been diagnosed with tendonitis in her knees, but she is expected to perform as a contestant during the season premiere of ABC's Dancing With the Stars on March 9. The singer-songwriter acknowledged the ailment during a blog which appeared Wednesday (Feb. 25) on her official Web site. In an updated posted Thursday, she said she has consulted with a physical therapist about the problem that developed after spending eight hours a day in rehearsals. She is scheduled to perform a cha cha with professional dancer Dmitry Chaplin. In a statement released Thursday, Jewel said, "Yes, it is true I have had a minor setback in my training for Dancing With the Stars, but I am dedicated to getting better and showing the judges and America that I can cha cha with the best of them. Don't count me out. ... I am in this for the long run." Others participating in the new season of the series are rodeo champ Ty Murray (Jewel's husband), Julianne Hough and Chuck Wicks.