We all know that Belinda Carlisle has got the beat -- but can she translate it to ballroom dancing when she partners with Jonathan Roberts for the new season of "Dancing with the Stars"?

"I've never done anything choreographed before so I'm stepping out of my safe little world," the lead singer of the Go-Gos tells ET.

The 50-year-old adds, "I have noticed from the first few weeks of doing this, it's very hard -- especially when you're my age. It's a lot more difficult for me than Shawn Johnson who is 17."

Belinda is also taking a page from former "Dancing with the Stars" competitor Marie Osmond in that she has the same partner, is on the NutriSystem diet and will be juggling concert dates at the same time she is on the hit ABC series.

"I figure if Marie can do this and shows at the same time so can I. She's my role model right now," she says. Then she jokes, "I can eat a lot more NutriSystem snacks now. It all helps and I love to eat."

Belinda, who lives in France, says that she previously watched the show by satellite with her husband and son.

"My son is thrilled. My husband's thrilled. My husband's so nervous, though. He's not coming out to see it because he's too scared."

"Dancing with the Stars" premieres Monday, March 9 at 8 p.m. on ABC.