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From Ballroom Judge To Co-Host: Julianne Hough’s Shocking New Role On Dancing With The Stars Season 34 (2025)

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As of December 2025, the narrative around Julianne Hough on *Dancing with the Stars* (DWTS) has shifted dramatically: she is no longer serving as a judge but has cemented her return as the official co-host for the highly anticipated Season 34. This transition marks the latest evolution in her near two-decade-long career with the franchise, moving from two-time professional champion to a beloved, yet sometimes scrutinized, face of the show’s main stage. Her current role alongside fellow DWTS champion Alfonso Ribeiro places her at the heart of the action, guiding celebrities and professional dancers through the weekly competition and offering a unique, empathetic perspective that only a former competitor and judge can provide. The confusion over whether Julianne Hough is a judge or host stems from her extensive history across all three major roles on the show—pro dancer, judge, and now co-host. This latest chapter for Season 34 firmly establishes her as a crucial pillar of the DWTS family, working closely with the returning panel of expert judges: Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and her brother, Derek Hough. Her on-air presence continues to be a major talking point, with fans and critics alike debating her hosting style, fashion choices, and overall dynamic as she steps into this demanding new position, replacing the former host, Tyra Banks.

Julianne Hough: A Complete Biography and DWTS Career Timeline

Julianne Alexandra Hough is an American dancer, actress, singer, and television personality whose career is inextricably linked to the world of ballroom dance. Born in Orem, Utah, she began her formal training at a young age, eventually moving to London at age 10 to study with top dance coaches.
  • Full Name: Julianne Alexandra Hough
  • Date of Birth: July 20, 1988
  • Place of Birth: Orem, Utah, U.S.
  • Occupation: Professional Ballroom Dancer, Singer, Actress, TV Personality, Host
  • Spouse: Brooks Laich (m. 2017; div. 2022)
  • Sibling: Derek Hough (Professional Dancer, DWTS Judge)
  • Initial Film Debut: *Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone* (2001, uncredited)
  • Major Film Roles: *Burlesque* (2010), *Footloose* (2011), *Rock of Ages* (2012), *Safe Haven* (2013), *Dirty Grandpa* (2016)
  • Music Career: Signed to Mercury Nashville Records, released a self-titled country music album in 2008.
  • Other TV Roles: Judge on *America's Got Talent*, Co-host of *Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve* (2026).

The Evolution of Julianne’s DWTS Roles

Julianne Hough’s journey on *Dancing with the Stars* is arguably the most comprehensive of any personality in the show’s history, having mastered all three primary on-screen roles.

Professional Dancer (Seasons 4–8)

Julianne joined the show as a professional dancer in 2007 for Season 4. She quickly became a fan favorite, known for her energetic routines and charismatic partnership with her celebrity partners. She achieved two consecutive victories, winning Season 4 with Apolo Anton Ohno and Season 5 with Hélio Castroneves. This early success established her as one of the most decorated and youngest professionals in the show’s history.

Ballroom Judge (Seasons 19–21, 23–24)

After pursuing her acting and music career, Julianne returned to the ballroom as a permanent judge, sitting on the panel for multiple seasons. Her judging style was often characterized by technical precision, drawing on her experience as a pro, yet delivered with an encouraging and constructive tone. She was known for her high standards, particularly in the Latin and Ballroom disciplines. Her critiques were always deeply informed, providing valuable insight into the mechanics of the dances.

Why Julianne Hough is No Longer a Judge, But the Co-Host for Season 34 (2025)

The biggest recent news surrounding Julianne Hough is her official role change from judge to co-host for the latest seasons, including the much-anticipated Season 34 in 2025. This move was part of a major shake-up following the departure of former host Tyra Banks. Julianne now shares the hosting duties with Alfonso Ribeiro, another DWTS veteran and Season 19 champion. Their dynamic is designed to bring a fresh, insider energy back to the show.

The Co-Host Role: What Julianne Does Now

As co-host, Julianne primarily operates from the "skybox," or the main interview area, engaging with the couples immediately after their performances. Her responsibilities include:
  • Post-Dance Interviews: Offering the first reaction to the celebrity and pro dancer, often providing emotional support and a dancer’s perspective before the judges’ critiques.
  • Score Reactions: Discussing the judges’ scores and the couple’s immediate reactions, providing a bridge between the performance and the scoring process.
  • Fan Connection: Interacting with the audience and providing a familiar, warm presence that connects the contestants to the viewers at home.
This role allows her to use her vast experience in a different capacity—less about scoring and more about storytelling and managing the emotional high and low of the competition. She is no longer tasked with giving a score out of 10 but with facilitating the narrative of the night.

The Judges’ Panel and Julianne’s Unique Dynamic with Brother Derek Hough

The Season 34 judging panel remains a powerhouse of expertise, featuring Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Julianne’s older brother, Derek Hough. This setup creates a unique and compelling dynamic on live television, as Julianne is now the host who introduces and reacts to the critiques given by her brother.

The Hough Sibling Dynamic

The relationship between Julianne and Derek Hough is a cornerstone of the DWTS legacy. Both are two-time champions and highly respected figures in the dance world. When Julianne was a judge, their debates and shared technical knowledge were highlights of the show. Now, as host, she gets to playfully interact with Derek, often teasing him or supporting his critiques from the skybox. This familial connection adds a layer of authenticity and warmth that viewers adore, making the show feel like a true family reunion.

Fan Commentary on Julianne’s Hosting Style

Julianne’s return to the main stage has been met with significant fan discussion, which is common for any major television personality. While many viewers appreciate her genuine enthusiasm and deep knowledge of dance, some have offered critiques of her hosting style and, notably, her fashion choices. * The Fashion Focus: Her wardrobe has become a weekly talking point, with her stunning, often avant-garde, outfits receiving as much attention as the dances themselves. This intense scrutiny is part of the territory for a high-profile host, and Julianne has gracefully addressed the commentary, using her platform to express her personal style and confidence. * The Empathy Factor: Unlike some previous hosts, Julianne’s background as a professional dancer and judge allows her to connect with the couples on a deeper, more empathetic level. She understands the pressure, the physical toll, and the emotional investment of the competition. This quality is a major asset to her hosting, making the post-dance interviews feel more supportive and less confrontational. In summary, Julianne Hough's presence on *Dancing with the Stars* Season 34 in 2025 is not as a judge but as a pivotal co-host, leveraging her entire career's worth of experience to enhance the viewer experience. Her journey from pro to judge to host is a testament to her enduring legacy in the ballroom and her continued evolution as a major television personality.
julianne hough judge on dancing with the stars
julianne hough judge on dancing with the stars

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