Julianne Hough has revealed why she initially refused to appear on Dancing with the Stars.
The 34-year-old American dancer — who won the competition’s Mirrorball Cup twice — has a long history with DWTS, appearing as a dancer, judge, and part of a team of professional dancers.
She will also return to co-host the show with Alfonso Ribeiro for season 32, after Tyra Banks recently departed.
However, prom was not initially her dream job, and when she was first offered it as a professional dancer, she actually turned it down.
I participated in The Kelly Clarkson Show this week.
Not the party of your dreams: Julianne Hough, 34, has revealed why she initially refused to appear on Dancing with the Stars. Seen in 2022
I was like, you know, this is what I want to do. This is my way and then I was like, well I guess it’s kinda cool to be able to do this as my day job.
Julianne — whose brother Derek Hough was also a professional dancer on the show — was offered a spot on the show when she was just 18 years old, and began working for DWTS as a professional dancer in 2007.
After initially being rejected, she changed her mind and ended up joining the cast, calling it “a life-changing decision”.
It was very wild. I mean, like overnight, I had just finished high school, basically and then I got on the show.
She won twice: in Season 4 with Apolo Anton Ohno – which was her first season – and then in Season 5 with Helio Castroneves.
Hough left DWTS in 2009, but returned in 2014 as a judge, before leaving again in 2017. She appeared as a guest judge on the show in 2021.
And though she’s best known for her dance career, Julianne’s dream of being an actress has also come true, and she’s starred in a number of films, including 2011’s Footloose, which also featured her brother.
Hough recently made a statement about returning to host the iconic show, saying diverse: “It’s such an honor to be back on Dancing with the Stars as co-host.”
Other Dreams: “I was like, ‘You know, I want to be a decent actress and singer.'” I don’t want to be on a rival show, you know, dance,” she shared on The Kelly Clarkson Show this week; seen on DWTS
A Long History: After initially turning it down, when she was offered a place at just 18, she later changed her mind and ended up joining the cast, winning the show twice.
Many roles: Hough left DWTS in 2009, but returned in 2014 as a judge, before leaving again in 2017. She appeared as a guest judge on the show in 2021
Dynamic duo: Her brother Derek Hough, 37, was also a professional dancer on the show from 2007 to 2016. The dance duo also co-starred together in the 2011 movie Footloose
She added, “The show has held a special place in my heart for many years and different roles in which I had the honor to participate.”
Hough then shared, “The amazing team that brings the auditorium to life every night has been my family for the past 17 years.
I am so excited to meet Alfonso, Carrie Ann, Bruno, Derek, the incredibly talented professionals and amazing performers on the dance floor.
“The energy is magnetic every time you step onto the dance floor and I can’t wait to feel it again – and of course, to share it all with my best and most loyal fans – for another exciting season.”
Her brother Derek Hough will return as a judge, alongside Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli.
Meanwhile, former host Tyra Banks, 49, has expressed her approval of Julianne returning to the show to take on her role.
Earlier this month, the vet America’s Next Top Model announced that she was leaving the reality show after three seasons to focus on her other business ventures.
“The businesswoman in me sees how gorgeous Julianne is on so many levels,” said the Life-Size actress. us weekly After it was revealed that she will not be hosting Season 32.
Big comeback! She will now return to co-host the show for season 32, following Tyra Banks’ departure. Her brother Derek will return as one of the judges. The duo seen in 2019
Goodbye! Earlier this month, Banks announced that she was leaving the reality show after three seasons to focus on her other business ventures.
“She has a great personality and strong opinions backed by experience,” Banks added. It’s a perfect choice! You will crush her! “
The entrepreneur went on to talk about the actress and her fit credentials, which made her an outstanding choice as a host.
She is a professional dancer. Banks said she’s the sister of Derrick (Hough), a multiple DWTS champion who’s now an excellent judge.
“It will be a family affair in that room that people will love to watch,” she added.
