Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Derek Hough

How Derek Hough built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Derek Hough is a highly accomplished American dancer, choreographer, actor, singer, and television personality. He gained prominence as a professional dancer on Dancing with the Stars from 2007 to 2016, securing a record-breaking six wins with his celebrity partners. His exceptional choreography has earned him 14 Primetime Emmy Award nominations, with four wins. After his successful run as a dancer, Hough transitioned to a judging role on Dancing with the Stars, starting with its 29th season.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

July 14, 2007: Panelist on BBC One's DanceX

On July 14, 2007, Derek Hough was one of Bruno Tonioli's panelists on BBC One's DanceX.

March 2009: Debut CD released by Ballas Hough Band

In March 2009, Derek Hough, as a founding member of the Ballas Hough Band, shared lead vocals, played guitar and had several songwriting credits on the band's self-titled debut CD that was released by Hollywood Records.

April 25, 2011: Guest appearance on "Better with You"

On April 25, 2011, Derek Hough appeared as a guest on the ABC show "Better with You", where he played a dance instructor.

May 14, 2014: Directed "Get My Name" music video

On May 14, 2014, Derek Hough directed Mark Ballas' music video for his song "Get My Name," which was released on MTV.

August 5, 2014: Release of "Taking the Lead: Lessons from a Life in Motion"

On August 5, 2014, Derek Hough's first book, "Taking the Lead: Lessons from a Life in Motion," was released.

August 14, 2014: Joining the cast of "Nashville"

On August 14, 2014, Derek Hough was announced to be joining the cast of the ABC series "Nashville" for a multi-episode arc as Noah West.

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August 24, 2014: "Taking the Lead" enters The New York Times Best Seller list

On August 24, 2014, Derek Hough's book "Taking the Lead: Lessons from a Life in Motion" entered The New York Times Best Seller list.

2015: "Mark & Derek's Excellent Flip" aired on HGTV

In 2015, the process of Derek Hough and Mark Ballas buying and renovating a house to flip for profit was broadcast as a four-episode series on HGTV called "Mark & Derek's Excellent Flip".

April 18, 2016: Guest appearance on "Jane the Virgin"

On April 18, 2016, Derek Hough made a guest appearance on The CW series, "Jane the Virgin".

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April 27, 2016: Cast in "Hairspray Live!"

On April 27, 2016, it was announced that Derek Hough would play Corny Collins in the NBC live broadcast of "Hairspray", which aired on December 7.

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2016: Appearance in "The Arena" music video

In 2016, Derek Hough appeared alongside Lindsey Stirling in the music video for "The Arena", which he also choreographed.

2017: Participation in "American Ninja Warrior"

In 2017, Derek Hough participated in the celebrity edition of "American Ninja Warrior" for Red Nose Day.

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2017: Collaboration with Breaking Benjamin announced

In 2017, Derek Hough revealed in an interview with Billboard that he would be performing on the alternative metal band Breaking Benjamin's upcoming album "Ember", scheduled for release in 2018.