History of Derek Hough in Timeline

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Derek Hough

Derek Hough is a multifaceted American entertainer renowned primarily for his dancing prowess. He achieved widespread fame 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 earned him 14 Primetime Emmy Award nominations, with 4 wins. Beyond dancing, Hough is also an actor, singer, and television personality. He transitioned to judging on Dancing with the Stars starting with its 29th season, further solidifying his prominent role in the entertainment industry.

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".

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March 2009: Debut CD released with Ballas Hough Band

In March 2009, Derek Hough, a founding member of the Ballas Hough Band (formerly Almost Amy), 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 made a guest appearance on the ABC show "Better with You" as a dance instructor.

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April 10, 2014: Honored at Mattel Children's Hospital UCLA's Kaleidoscope Ball

On April 10, 2014, Derek Hough and his sister, Julianne, were honored at Mattel Children's Hospital UCLA's second annual Kaleidoscope Ball with the Kaleidoscope Award.

May 14, 2014: Directed Mark Ballas' music video

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

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August 5, 2014: Taking the Lead: Lessons from a Life in Motion released

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

August 14, 2014: Joins Nashville cast

On August 14, 2014, Derek Hough was announced to join 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.

October 17, 2014: Honored with GLSEN's Inspiration Award

On October 17, 2014, GLSEN honored Derek Hough with the year's Inspiration Award during its annual Respect Awards.

2014: Met Hayley Erbert during the Move Live Tour

In 2014, Derek Hough and Hayley Erbert met during the Move Live Tour.

2015: Mark & Derek's Excellent Flip airs on HGTV

In 2015, Derek Hough and Mark Ballas' home renovation process was broadcast as a four episode series on HGTV called "Mark & Derek's Excellent Flip".

2015: Began dating Hayley Erbert

In 2015, Derek Hough began dating Hayley Erbert after meeting during the Move Live Tour in 2014.

April 18, 2016: Guest appearance on Jane the Virgin

On April 18, 2016, Derek Hough guest starred 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: Appeared in The Arena music video

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

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2017: Participated 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: To Perform on Breaking Benjamin's Ember album

In 2017, Derek Hough revealed that he is going to be performing on the alternative metal band Breaking Benjamin's upcoming album "Ember", scheduled for a release in 2018.

September 2019: Hosted Return to Downton Abbey: A Grand Event

In September 2019, Derek Hough hosted an NBC special "Return to Downton Abbey: A Grand Event".

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November 2019: Emergency surgery to remove appendix

In November 2019, Derek Hough had emergency surgery to remove his appendix due to appendicitis.

September 2020: Signed deal with ABC Entertainment

In September 2020, Derek Hough signed a wide-ranging deal with ABC Entertainment.

August 26, 2023: Married Hayley Erbert

On August 26, 2023, Derek Hough married fellow dancer Hayley Erbert in Monterey County, California.

July 2025: Announced they were expecting first child

In July 2025, Derek Hough and Hayley Erbert announced they were expecting their first child.

September 2025: Replaced Billy Bush as host of Extra

In September 2025, it was announced that Derek Hough would replace Billy Bush as the host of "Extra" beginning with its 32nd season.