Since the finale of its 34th season on November 25, there is a lot to talk about concerning Dancing With the Stars and its co-host, Julianne Hough. The show just wrapped its biggest season in years, marking its 20th anniversary with a three-hour finale and record-breaking viewer engagement. For Hough, this milestone is deeply personal, reflecting on a journey that began when she was just an 18-year-old professional dancer. In a recent interview, she looked back on how the show shaped her life and career.
A Journey From Dancer to Host
Julianne Houghโs connection to Dancing With the Stars started long before she took over hosting duties. She first joined the show in 2007 for its fourth season as a professional dancer. In that role, she achieved major success, winning the competition in both of her first two seasons.
Her path on the show has been unique. After her time as a pro, she later served as a judge before stepping into the role of co-host for season 32 in 2023. This makes her one of the few people to have held three different roles on the series. Reflecting on this journey, Hough expressed deep gratitude.
โThis show has not just raised me as a kid into a 37-year-old, but itโs given me an opportunity to actually grow and change and try new things and has been supportive of it,โ she told Deadline.
The recent 20th anniversary celebration during this season was an emotional moment. Hough described the room as being full of former contestants and alumni, creating an overwhelming sense of energy and history.
Behind the Scenes of a Television Legacy
After experiencing the show from every angleโdancer, judge, and hostโHough has a special appreciation for what happens behind the cameras. She credits the show’s massive crew as the “unsung heroes” who make the magic happen.
She pointed out the incredible work done during commercial breaks, where sets are completely changed in under three minutes. She also highlighted the complex jobs of lighting directors, music clearance teams, and costume designers. For Hough, the showโs success is a perfect package created by many experts, not just the stars on the dance floor.
This season, Hough and her co-host Alfonso Ribeiro even joined in on the team dances. Hough admitted it was a challenging but fun experience. As a natural competitor and choreographer, she had to consciously hold back and let the competing pros lead the creative process.
Why the Show Resonates With Audiences Today
Dancing With the Stars is experiencing a major surge in popularity. Hough shared her thoughts on why the show connects so powerfully with people now.
She believes one reason is generational. The children of people who watched the show when it started 20 years ago are now adults in their twenties. Combined with the popularity of dance on platforms like TikTok, this has created a new wave of fans.
On a deeper level, Hough sees the show as a unifying force. She described it as one of the few programs promoting “goodness” and positive transformation.
โIt feels like a family. Itโs this thing that is bringing people together in a way that, I think, [we need] more than ever,โ she said.
Unlike other competition shows that demand perfection, Hough notes that DWTS celebrates the journey of a non-expert learning and growing each week. This focus on progress, she believes, mirrors life itself and resonates deeply with viewers.
Memorable Moments From a Record-Breaking Season
Season 34 was notable for its high level of competition and creative choreography. When asked about standout dances, Hough pointed to the work of certain professional dancers.
She praised Daniella Karagach for her creative and unique choreography that often includes viral-worthy moments. She also highlighted the rhythmic and musical style of Mark Ballas, who creates “an entire universe” within his routines. Hough expressed disappointment that Ballas and his celebrity partner, Whitney Leavitt, did not make it to the finale, especially because of the “epic” freestyle dance they had planned.
One specific performance she loved was the Argentine tango danced by Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach. Hough recalled screaming during rehearsal when Efron perfectly executed a technical move he had been working on.
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What’s Next for Julianne Hough?
While the DWTS season has ended, Hough will be back on television very soon. It was announced on November 24 that she will co-host Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve on December 31. She will broadcast live from Las Vegas alongside former NFL star Rob Gronkowski.
Hough shared the news on her Instagram, writing, โFrom the ballroom to the countdown!โ. The announcement was met with excitement from fans, who left comments like, โYes queen of our TVsโ.
The show will also feature Ryan Seacrest hosting from New York City with Rita Ora, and Chance the Rapper co-hosting from Chicago.
Looking back on her two-decade relationship with Dancing With the Stars, Hough summarized her feelings in a recent social media post: โThis show has given me a home, a family, and a deep sense of purposeโ.
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