Derek Hough's Success and Achievements in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 21, 2026

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Derek Hough. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Derek Hough is an accomplished American dancer, choreographer, actor, singer, and television personality. He achieved widespread recognition 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 four wins. Subsequently, he transitioned to a judging role on Dancing with the Stars, beginning with its 29th season, solidifying his continued presence in the entertainment industry.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2002: Won IDSF World Latin U-21 Championship

In 2002, Derek Hough won the IDSF World Latin U-21 Championship, marking an early achievement in his dancing career.

2003: Won Blackpool U-21 Latin title

In 2003, Derek Hough and Aneta Piotrowska won the Blackpool U-21 Latin title, adding to Hough's list of early dancing accomplishments.

November 25, 2008: Won Dancing with the Stars Season 7

On November 25, 2008, Derek Hough and Brooke Burke won season seven of Dancing with the Stars, earning the mirror ball trophy.

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May 25, 2010: Won Dancing with the Stars Season 10

On May 25, 2010, Derek Hough and Nicole Scherzinger won season 10 of Dancing with the Stars, marking Hough's second win on the show.

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November 23, 2010: Won Dancing with the Stars Season 11

On November 23, 2010, Derek Hough won season 11 of Dancing with the Stars with Jennifer Grey, marking his third win.

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May 21, 2013: Won Dancing with the Stars Season 16

On May 21, 2013, Kellie Pickler and Derek Hough were crowned champions of season 16 of Dancing with the Stars, marking his fourth win.

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September 22, 2013: Emmy Awards Performance and Nomination

On September 22, 2013, Derek Hough, nominated for Dancing with the Stars, performed with other nominees and host Neil Patrick Harris at the Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Choreography.

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April 10, 2014: Received Kaleidoscope Award

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.

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: Received GLSEN Inspiration Award

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

2014: Move Live on Tour's Success

Following the success of the "Move Live on Tour", Derek Hough and Julianne saw high demand for an encore.

2014: Davis and White win Olympic Gold

In 2014, Meryl Davis and Charlie White, whom Derek Hough collaborated with, won the gold medal at the Sochi Winter Olympics with the routine, marking the first Olympic title in the event for the United States.

September 12, 2015: Second Emmy Award

On September 12, 2015, Derek Hough, alongside Julianne Hough and Tessandra Chavez, won his second Emmy Award for Outstanding Choreography.

November 24, 2015: Won Dancing with the Stars Season 21

On November 24, 2015, Derek Hough and Bindi Irwin won season 21 of Dancing with the Stars, marking his sixth win on the show.

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November 2019: Emergency Appendectomy and Recovery

In November 2019, Derek Hough underwent emergency surgery to remove his appendix due to appendicitis and later shared a video of himself dancing with Hayley Erbert post-surgery.