DWTS Pro Derek Hough Gets Vulnerable With Fans for a Special Reason

“Dancing With the Stars” professional dancer Derek Hough celebrated his 40th birthday on May 17, and what better way to celebrate than to reflect upon his life and all its blessings.

This is precisely what Hough did when he posted a video on Instagram, giving his 3.5 million followers a look at some of the highlights over the years: this included snaps from when he was young. Some of the photos in the collage show baby Derek wearing a suit, a snap of him missing his front teeth, and an adorable picture of him as a toddler with his hair combed neatly.

Derek Hough Reflects on What He Is Thankful For

In the caption, the dancer shared his thoughts and decided to be vulnerable with fans, letting them know he creates music. He explained that many of his songs are “unfinished and unpolished,” but to commemorate his 40th birthday, he made a medley to share with fans.

He continued, “I’m so grateful for where I am today, with so much more to improve upon but so much to be grateful for. Surrounded by love, doing what I love, and sharing it with you all. Thank you for everything.”

To conclude his post, he shared poignant lyrics. “Maybe redemption has stories to tell/ Maybe forgiveness is right where you fell,” the lyrics read. “Where can you run to escape from yourself/ Where you gonna go/ Salvation is here.”

Fans React to Derek Hough’s Birthday Message

Celebrities and fans alike have flocked to the comment section of the post to share their thoughts. His younger sister and fellow DWTS pro, Julianne Hough, led the tributes to Derek with a heartfelt comment. “My big bro happy birthday – i love you more than words could ever describe and beyond proud of the man you’ve become – and it’s just the beginning of the rest of your life, she wrote.

Fans also celebrated Hough with their comments. “From where I stand, I’d say you have made an awful lot of people very happy,” a fan shared. “You have given back far more than you have taken. Happy Birthday!” Other reactions include, “You need to release more of your music on iTunes! I love your voice!” and “One of the most talented people on Earth 40 has nothing on you legend.”

This is not the first time Hough has spoken about being grateful or reflected on how he felt he needed to prove something to himself and the world. He is incredibly successful and a fantastic dancer, but he was also driven by the desire to achieve because he questioned whether he was enough. He discussed these feelings in an appearance on “The Jennifer Hudson Show” in September 2022.

“When you start to realize that you already are enough, you already are. You always have been, and you always will be, no matter what,” he said on the show. “That’s a beautiful place to start from, and I would love to tell little Derek that.”