Julianne Hough Reflects on Her Incredible DWTS Journey & How Life Has Changed

Dance has been an important part of Julianne Hough’s life since childhood, but her time with “Dancing With the Stars” has made her a household name. Her role in the ABC dancing competition has evolved from when she first joined Season 4 in 2007 as a professional dancer to now, as the co-host, alongside Alfonso Ribeiro.

It has been almost 20 years, and Hough was recently asked to reflect on her journey. In an interview with Variety, she discussed how things have changed since she first appeared on television, and how the “early days were all about discovery.” When she signed on to DWTS, Hough immediately found success with her partner, Olympic speed skater Apolo Ohno, and the pair won the Mirrorball Trophy that season. She was hungry for success, and she had something to prove.

How Has Julianne Hough Grown up on ‘Dancing With the Stars?’

In the years that have followed, viewers have seen Hough change and grow. “I’m not the new kid anymore; I’m more of a big sister… or ‘mama,’ as I like to joke,” she told Variety. “I’m here to hold space for the dancers, the celebrities, and even the audience — so they can relax and be their most authentic selves. It’s about legacy and nurturing now, not proving anything.”

Hough has done it all, from professional dancer to guest judge, later permanent judge, and now co-host. Her journey has been incredible and inspiring, but fans are still eager to see her dance. She returned to the stage for a surprise performance in Season 33 and was asked in her interview if there would be more moments like this in Season 34.

“First and foremost, I’m a dancer — I’ll always be a dancer,” she said. “That surprise moment came from a performance idea that fell through with a brand, and the producers and I thought, ‘Why not make it spontaneous and fun?’ No one knew it was happening — not even most of the cast.”

She hopes to have more opportunities like this, although she has not confirmed or denied whether the upcoming season will be the time for this.

What Is Julianne Hough’s Prediction for Robert Irwin on Season 34?

Ahead of DWTS Season 34, there has been a lot of excitement surrounding the casting. Only one celebrity guest has been confirmed: Robert Irwin. After watching his older sister, Bindi Irwin, perform during Season 21, he has been waiting for this moment for a decade. She won that year, alongside professional dancer Derek Hough, and now many people are rooting for Robert.

The Utah-born dancer was asked to share her thoughts on Robert’s casting, and she had nothing but good things to say about the handsome conservationist.

“If he’s anything like his sister Bindi, who was an absolute gem, then he’s going to be incredible,” she said. “That family is full of love and authenticity. Robert’s also in the middle of a bit of a rebrand — he’s charming, youthful, and, let’s be honest, kind of sexy!”

Hough also believes that “Dancing With the Stars” is the perfect place for Robert to embrace his “new chapter.” Many fans will agree with her assessment of Robert and what he could bring to the competition, but his biggest supporter is his sister. After Robert’s casting was confirmed in April 2025, Bindi celebrated her brother with a sweet Instagram post, letting him know how proud she was and what a great job he would do onstage.