History of Derek Hough in Timeline
Derek Hough is an American dancer, choreographer, actor, and singer best known for his successful career on the dance competition show Dancing with the Stars. He was a professional dancer on the show from 2007 to 2016, winning a record six times. Hough's choreography earned him 14 Primetime Emmy Award nominations, including four wins. He later transitioned to a judging role on the show starting in its 29th season.
May 17, 1985: Derek Hough is born
On May 17, 1985, Derek Hough was born in Salt Lake City, Utah.
2001: Derek Hough Makes Cameo Appearance in "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone"
Derek Hough made a cameo appearance in the film "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" in 2001.
2002: Derek Hough Wins WDSF World Latin Championship
Derek Hough won the WDSF World Latin Championship in 2002.
2003: Derek Hough Wins Blackpool U-21 Latin Title
Derek Hough, alongside Aneta Piotrowska, won the Blackpool U-21 Latin title in 2003.
2006: Derek Hough Stars in "Footloose: The Musical" in London's West End
Derek Hough starred as Ren in the original cast production of "Footloose: The Musical" at the Novelo Theatre in London's West End in 2006. He also participated in the UK national tour of the production.
July 14, 2007: Derek Hough Appears as Panelist on BBC One's "DanceX"
The first episode of BBC One's "DanceX," featuring Derek Hough as one of Bruno Tonioli's panelists, aired on July 14, 2007.
2007: Derek Hough joins Dancing with the Stars
In 2007, Derek Hough began his tenure as a professional dancer on the popular ABC dance competition series, Dancing with the Stars.
April 29, 2008: Derek Hough and Shannon Elizabeth eliminated from Dancing with the Stars
Derek Hough and his celebrity partner, actress Shannon Elizabeth, were eliminated from season six of Dancing with the Stars on April 29, 2008, finishing in sixth place.
October 4, 2008: Derek Hough injured during rehearsal
During a rehearsal for Dancing with the Stars on October 4, 2008, Derek Hough suffered a minor injury. He tripped, hit his head, and briefly lost consciousness, requiring a hospital visit. Thankfully, he sustained no serious injuries.
November 25, 2008: Derek Hough wins season 7 of Dancing with the Stars
Derek Hough secured his first win on Dancing with the Stars on November 25, 2008, alongside his partner, model and TV host Brooke Burke.
March 2009: Ballas Hough Band Releases Debut Album
The Ballas Hough Band, of which Derek Hough was a founding member, released their self-titled debut album in March 2009. Hough shared lead vocals, played guitar, and contributed to the songwriting on the album.
May 5, 2009: Derek Hough and Lil' Kim eliminated from Dancing with the Stars
Derek Hough and his partner, rapper Lil' Kim, were eliminated from season eight of Dancing with the Stars on May 5, 2009, finishing in fifth place.
November 17, 2009: Derek Hough and Joanna Krupa eliminated from Dancing with the Stars
Derek Hough and his partner, model Joanna Krupa, were eliminated from season nine of Dancing with the Stars during the semi-finals on November 17, 2009, finishing in fourth place.
January 8, 2010: Derek Hough Makes Broadway Debut in "Burn the Floor"
Derek Hough made his debut on Broadway on January 8, 2010, joining the cast of "Burn the Floor" for the final four performances.
May 25, 2010: Derek Hough wins season 10 of Dancing with the Stars
Derek Hough claimed victory on Dancing with the Stars for the second time on May 25, 2010, partnering with Nicole Scherzinger, the lead singer of The Pussycat Dolls.
November 23, 2010: Derek Hough wins season 11 of Dancing with the Stars
Derek Hough secured his third win on Dancing with the Stars on November 23, 2010, partnering with actress Jennifer Grey, renowned for her roles in Dirty Dancing and Ferris Bueller's Day Off.
April 25, 2011: Derek Hough Guest Stars on ABC's "Better with You"
On April 25, 2011, Derek Hough made a guest appearance on the ABC comedy series "Better with You," playing the role of a dance instructor.
2011: Derek Hough Takes Break from Dancing with the Stars to Film "Make Your Move"
Derek Hough took a season-long break from "Dancing with the Stars" in 2011 to focus on filming his first movie, "Make Your Move" (originally titled "Cobu 3D").
July 27, 2012: Derek Hough Announces Departure from Dancing with the Stars
On July 27, 2012, Derek Hough announced that season 15 of "Dancing with the Stars" would be his last.
2012: Derek Hough Makes Cameo Appearance in "Rock of Ages"
Derek Hough made a cameo appearance in the 2012 film "Rock of Ages," which starred his sister, Julianne Hough.
February 22, 2013: Derek Hough Returns to Dancing with the Stars for Season 16
After announcing his departure in the previous season, Hough revealed on February 22, 2013, that he would be back for season 16 of "Dancing with the Stars".
May 21, 2013: Derek Hough Wins Fourth Mirror Ball Trophy with Kellie Pickler
Derek Hough and his partner, Kellie Pickler, won season 16 of "Dancing with the Stars" on May 21, 2013. This marked Hough's fourth win, making him the only pro to achieve this at the time.
August 2, 2013: Derek Hough Confirms Return for Dancing with the Stars Season 17
On August 2, 2013, Derek Hough confirmed in an interview with Access Hollywood that he would be returning for season 17 of "Dancing with the Stars".
September 4, 2013: Derek Hough Paired with Amber Riley for Dancing with the Stars Season 17
The cast for season 17 of "Dancing with the Stars" was announced on September 4, 2013, revealing that Derek Hough would be partnered with "Glee" star Amber Riley.
September 22, 2013: Derek Hough Wins First Emmy Award
Derek Hough won his first Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Choreography for his work on Dancing with the Stars on September 22, 2013.
2013: Derek Hough collaborates with Olympic ice dancers
Derek Hough collaborated with world champion ice dancers Meryl Davis and Charlie White, choreographing a quickstep and foxtrot routine for their 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics short dance program.
March 18, 2014: Hough siblings announce "Move Live on Tour"
Derek Hough and his sister, Julianne, announced their first tour together, "Move Live on Tour," on March 18, 2014.
March 31, 2014: Derek Hough's Film "Make Your Move" Premieres in Los Angeles
Derek Hough's dance film, "Make Your Move," premiered in Los Angeles on March 31, 2014.
April 10, 2014: Kaleidoscope Award
Derek Hough and his sister, Julianne, received the Kaleidoscope Award on April 10, 2014, at Mattel Children's Hospital UCLA's Kaleidoscope Ball. They were recognized for their contributions to the entertainment industry and their humanitarian work, which brings joy to children's lives.
May 14, 2014: Derek Hough Directs Mark Ballas' Music Video for "Get My Name"
The music video for Mark Ballas' song "Get My Name," directed by Derek Hough, was released on MTV on May 14, 2014.
May 20, 2014: Derek Hough and Amy Purdy Finish as Runners-Up on Dancing with the Stars Season 18
Derek Hough and his partner, Amy Purdy, competed on season 18 of "Dancing with the Stars" and finished as runners-up in the finale on May 20, 2014.
May 25, 2014: "Move Live on Tour" begins
Derek and Julianne Hough kicked off their sold-out "Move Live on Tour" on May 25, 2014, in Park City, Kansas.
July 26, 2014: "Move Live on Tour" concludes
Derek and Julianne Hough concluded their "Move Live on Tour" on July 26, 2014, in Los Angeles.
August 5, 2014: Derek Hough Releases First Book, "Taking the Lead: Lessons from a Life in Motion"
August 5, 2014, marked the release of Derek Hough's first book, "Taking the Lead: Lessons from a Life in Motion."
August 13, 2014: Derek Hough Returns to Dancing with the Stars for Season 19
ABC announced on August 13, 2014, that Derek Hough would be returning to "Dancing with the Stars" for season 19.
August 14, 2014: Derek Hough Joins Cast of ABC's "Nashville"
Derek Hough joined the cast of the ABC drama series "Nashville" on August 14, 2014, playing the recurring role of Noah West.
August 24, 2014: Derek Hough's Book "Taking the Lead" Enters The New York Times Best Seller List
"Taking the Lead: Lessons from a Life in Motion," Derek Hough's debut book, secured a spot on The New York Times Best Seller list on August 24, 2014.
October 17, 2014: GLSEN Inspiration Award
Derek Hough was honored with the Inspiration Award at the GLSEN Respect Awards on October 17, 2014, for his inspiring work and advocacy.
2014: Davis and White Win Olympic Gold
Meryl Davis and Charlie White won the gold medal at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics for their short dance program, which Derek Hough helped choreograph. This victory marked the first Olympic title in ice dancing for the United States.
2014: High Demand for Move Live on Tour
Following the success of their 2014 tour, Derek and Julianne Hough experienced high demand, leading them to announce a return of "Move Live on Tour" in the summer of 2015.
January 13, 2015: Derek Hough Announced for New York Spring Spectacular, Takes Break from Dancing with the Stars
On January 13, 2015, it was announced that Derek Hough would be appearing in the "New York Spring Spectacular" at Radio City Music Hall. Due to this commitment, Hough initially announced he would not be returning for the 10th anniversary of "Dancing with the Stars." However, he later surprised fans by returning to the show with partner Nastia Liukin.
February 24, 2015: Derek Hough Returns to Dancing with the Stars Season 20, Partnered with Nastia Liukin
Despite earlier reports suggesting otherwise, Derek Hough was announced as a returning professional dancer for season 20 of "Dancing with the Stars" on February 24, 2015. He was partnered with gymnast Nastia Liukin.
June 12, 2015: Move Live on Tour returns
The Hough siblings launched their second "Move Live on Tour" on June 12, 2015.
August 8, 2015: Move Live on Tour concludes
The second "Move Live on Tour" concluded on August 8, 2015.
September 12, 2015: Derek Hough wins second Emmy Award
Derek Hough received his second Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Choreography on September 12, 2015, for his collaborative work with Julianne Hough and Tessandra Chavez.
November 24, 2015: Derek Hough Wins Sixth Mirror Ball Trophy with Bindi Irwin
On November 24, 2015, Derek Hough and his dance partner, Bindi Irwin, won the 21st season of "Dancing with the Stars." This victory marked Hough's sixth win on the show.
2015: "Mark & Derek's Excellent Flip" Airs on HGTV
"Mark & Derek's Excellent Flip," a four-episode HGTV series documenting Derek Hough and Mark Ballas' house-flipping project, aired in the spring of 2015.
2015: Derek Hough performs in New York Spring Spectacular
Derek Hough showcased his talents on stage in the 2015 New York Spring Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.
April 18, 2016: Derek Hough Guest Stars on The CW's "Jane the Virgin"
On April 18, 2016, Derek Hough made a guest appearance on The CW comedy-drama series "Jane the Virgin."
April 27, 2016: Derek Hough Cast as Corny Collins in NBC's "Hairspray Live!"
It was announced on April 27, 2016, that Derek Hough would be playing the role of Corny Collins in NBC's live broadcast of the musical "Hairspray Live!"
July 9, 2016: Hough siblings hold "Move Interactive" event
On July 9, 2016, Derek and Julianne Hough organized a free fitness event called "Move Interactive" in Los Angeles, aiming to promote health, community, and well-being.
August 30, 2016: Derek Hough Returns as Pro Dancer on Dancing with the Stars Season 23
On August 30, 2016, it was announced that Derek Hough would be returning as a professional dancer on season 23 of "Dancing with the Stars."
November 7, 2016: Derek Hough and Marilu Henner Eliminated from Dancing with the Stars
Derek Hough and his partner, Marilu Henner, were eliminated from season 23 of "Dancing with the Stars" on November 7, 2016, finishing in 6th place.
December 14, 2016: Hough siblings announce "MOVE BEYOND Live on Tour"
Derek and Julianne Hough took to social media on December 14, 2016, to announce their upcoming tour, "MOVE BEYOND Live on Tour," scheduled for 2017.
2016: Derek Hough concludes time as professional dancer on Dancing with the Stars
Derek Hough concluded his time as a professional dancer on Dancing with the Stars in 2016.
2016: Derek Hough appears in Hairspray Live!
In 2016, Derek Hough took on the role of Corny Collins in NBC's live musical television production of Hairspray Live!
2016: Derek Hough Appears in and Choreographs Lindsey Stirling's "The Arena" Music Video
Derek Hough collaborated with violinist Lindsey Stirling in 2016, appearing in and choreographing the music video for her song "The Arena."
May 2017: Derek Hough Joins "World of Dance" as Judge
In May 2017, Derek Hough joined the judging panel of NBC's new dance competition series, "World of Dance," alongside Jennifer Lopez and Ne-Yo.
2017: Derek Hough Competes on Celebrity Edition of "American Ninja Warrior"
In 2017, Derek Hough participated in the celebrity edition of the obstacle course competition show "American Ninja Warrior" for Red Nose Day.
2017: "MOVE BEYOND Live on Tour" takes place
Derek and Julianne Hough embarked on their "MOVE BEYOND Live on Tour" in 2017.
2017: Derek Hough joins World of Dance as judge
Derek Hough joined the NBC dance competition series World of Dance as a judge in 2017.
2017: Derek Hough Reveals Collaboration with Breaking Benjamin
Derek Hough announced in a 2017 Billboard interview that he would be performing on the upcoming album "Ember" by alternative metal band Breaking Benjamin.
2018: Breaking Benjamin Releases Album "Ember" Featuring Derek Hough
Breaking Benjamin's album "Ember," which featured a collaboration with Derek Hough, was scheduled for release in 2018.
September 2019: Derek Hough Hosts "Return to Downton Abbey: A Grand Event"
Derek Hough hosted a special program for NBC in September 2019 titled "Return to Downton Abbey: A Grand Event."
November 2019: Derek Hough Undergoes Emergency Appendectomy
In November 2019, Derek Hough had to undergo emergency surgery to remove his appendix after being diagnosed with appendicitis.
September 8, 2020: Derek Hough Replaces Len Goodman as Judge on Dancing with the Stars
After much speculation, it was announced on September 8, 2020, that Derek Hough would be replacing Len Goodman as a judge on "Dancing with the Stars" for season 29.
September 2020: ABC Entertainment Deal
Derek Hough signed a major deal with ABC Entertainment in September 2020, marking a significant step in his career.
2020: Derek Hough concludes time as judge on World of Dance
Derek Hough finished his time as a judge on World of Dance in 2020.
2023: Derek Hough's father runs for Congress
In 2023, Bruce Hough, Derek Hough's father, ran for Utah's 2nd congressional district.