Honestly, it’s hard to imagine the ballroom without her. Julianne Hough and Dancing with the Stars are basically synonymous at this point, like glitter and hairspray or spray tans and spandex. She didn't just walk onto that set; she exploded onto it back in 2007.
At just 18 years old, Julianne became the youngest pro to ever win the Mirrorball Trophy during Season 4 with Apolo Anton Ohno. Then she went and did it again the very next season with Hélio Castroneves. Back-to-back wins as a teenager? It was unheard of.
But her journey hasn't been a straight line from point A to point B. It’s been more of a chaotic, high-energy Jive. She’s been the pro everyone wanted to dance with, the judge everyone was slightly afraid of, and now, the co-host keeping the live show from descending into total madness.
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The Pro Years: When Julianne Hough in Dancing with the Stars Changed Everything
Before Julianne arrived, the show was still finding its footing. It was a hit, sure, but she brought a technical "it factor" that felt different. She wasn't just teaching celebrities how to count to eight; she was creating mini-movies on the dance floor.
Remember that Paso Doble with Apolo? The drama was real. People still talk about it in 2026 as one of the definitive moments in the show's history.
She had this weirdly specific ability to turn non-dancers into athletes. Adam Carolla? Not exactly a natural. Cody Linley? A kid who had to deal with Julianne being rushed to the hospital for emergency appendix surgery mid-season. Even then, she came back. The girl just doesn't quit.
There was a specific kind of magic in the way she moved. It wasn't just about the steps; it was the "Utah" of it all—that clean, aggressive, ballroom-on-steroids style she and her brother Derek perfected at the Center Stage Performing Arts Studio.
Why She Swapped the Shoes for the Scorecard
Leaving at the height of your fame is a bold move. In 2009, Julianne walked away from the pro ranks to chase the Hollywood dream. Footloose, Safe Haven, Rock of Ages—she was doing the thing.
But the ballroom has a gravitational pull.
When she returned as a permanent judge in Season 19, the vibe shifted. It’s kinda awkward to judge your own brother, right? People definitely thought so. There was plenty of chatter about bias, but Julianne usually leaned the other way, being extra hard on Derek or her former colleagues.
The Ballas "Zinger" and Judging Controversies
She wasn't a "nice" judge in the way some expected. She was technical. She was blunt. There was that famous moment where she called out Mark Ballas for making the choreography too much about himself rather than his partner.
"I danced with Mark—you have to stand in front to make sure you're seen."
Ouch. It felt like a sibling squabble aired on national television. But that’s why people watched. She knew the mechanics of the show from the inside out. She could see when a pro was "hiding" a celebrity's bad footwork with flashy lighting or too many backup dancers.
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The Co-Host Era: A New Type of Energy
Fast forward to 2023. Tyra Banks exits, and the show goes back to its roots. Alfonso Ribeiro moves to the main host spot, and Julianne steps into the co-host role.
It felt like a homecoming.
Walking into the skybox isn't just about reading a teleprompter. You've gotta manage celebrities who are out of breath, crying, or incredibly frustrated. Julianne gets it because she’s been the one standing there with the sweat dripping off her nose.
Recently, in the 2024 and 2025 seasons, we've seen a softer side of her. During the show’s 20th-anniversary celebrations, she got visibly choked up when original host Tom Bergeron returned as an honorary judge. It’s those human moments—the ones that aren't scripted—that keep her relevant.
Controversies That Didn't Stop the Waltz
It hasn't all been perfect scores and standing ovations. Being a public figure for two decades means you’re going to step in it eventually.
Take the 2025 World Series celebration incident. Julianne took a "playful" photo lying across the laps of several LA Dodgers players, including Will Smith and Tyler Glasnow. The internet, being the internet, lost its mind. People called it "inappropriate" because the men were married. Others thought it was just harmless fun.
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Then there was her honest take on Bobby Bones' win. She basically said what every ballroom purist was thinking: he wasn't the best dancer, but he had the best fan base. In a show that relies on viewer votes, that’s just the reality.
She’s also had to navigate the "too many Houghs" criticism. For a while, with Derek at the judges' table and Julianne hosting, fans wondered if the show was becoming The Hough Variety Hour. But honestly? The ratings don't lie. The "Hough factor" brings in viewers.
The Julianne Hough Legacy: What to Watch For Next
Julianne isn't just a TV personality; she’s a business. Between her "Kinrgy" fitness platform and her new dance convention, "Ovation," she’s busy. But Dancing with the Stars remains her home base.
If you're looking to follow her journey or get into the ballroom world yourself, here's the move:
- Watch the archives: Go back and find her Season 4 Freestyle with Apolo. It’s a masterclass in "high-energy" choreography that still holds up.
- Follow the "Skybox" dynamics: Pay attention to how she interviews the dancers. She often gives "mini-critiques" that are actually more helpful than what the judges say because she knows the physical toll of the routines.
- Look for the sibling dances: Whenever she and Derek perform a "special" number (like their emotional dance to "Elastic Heart"), watch the footwork. It’s the highest level of ballroom you’ll see on network TV.
Julianne Hough in Dancing with the Stars is more than just a casting choice; it’s the DNA of the show. Whether she’s wearing the shoes or holding the mic, she’s the one setting the tempo.
Take Action: If you’re a fan of the show, start paying attention to the technical feedback Julianne gives during her skybox interviews. It often reveals more about the "pro-to-celebrity" relationship than the actual scores do. You can also check out her "Ovation" tour if you want to see her choreography style in a live, competitive setting.