Derek Hough's Success and Achievements in Timeline

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 is best known for his record-breaking six wins as a professional dancer on Dancing with the Stars from 2007 to 2016. His exceptional choreography earned him 14 Primetime Emmy Award nominations, with four wins. Later, Hough transitioned from competitor to judge on Dancing with the Stars, starting with season 29.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

November 25, 2008: Won Dancing with the Stars

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

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May 25, 2010: Second Win on Dancing with the Stars

On May 25, 2010, Derek Hough and his partner Nicole Scherzinger won the competition on Dancing with the Stars. That was the second win for Hough.

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November 23, 2010: Third win on Dancing with the Stars

On November 23, 2010, Derek Hough won Dancing with the Stars for the third time with actress Jennifer Grey.

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May 21, 2013: Fourth Mirror Ball Trophy Win

On May 21, 2013, Derek Hough and Kellie Pickler were crowned season 16 champions on Dancing With the Stars, marking Derek's fourth time winning the Mirror Ball trophy, making him the only pro to have won four Mirror Balls.

September 22, 2013: Nomination for Outstanding Choreography for the Emmy Awards

On September 22, 2013, Derek Hough was nominated for Outstanding Choreography for the Emmy Awards. All of the nominees in the category were to create and perform a number with the host of the show, Neil Patrick Harris, on the Primetime Live Show. Hough went on to win the Emmy Award for Outstanding Choreography.

April 10, 2014: Honored with 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.

September 12, 2015: Hough won his second Emmy Award for Outstanding Choreography

On September 12, 2015, Derek Hough won his second Emmy Award for Outstanding Choreography, alongside Julianne Hough and Tessandra Chavez. This marked Julianne Hough's and Chavez's first Emmy win for outstanding choreography.