Julianne Hough Shares Footage of Her 18-Year-Old Self To Celebrate 20 Years of ‘DWTS’ originally appeared on Parade.
Julianne Hough was just a teenager when she started on “Dancing With The Stars.”
Celebrating 20 years of the ballroom dance competition show, Hough, 36, took to Instagram to share her own journey on the hit program that she started on when she was just 18.
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“Fresh out of Utah with $2000 in my pocket after training in london [sic] my whole childhood totally unsure of what was ahead,” she recalled in a caption that accompanied various video clips from the show over the years. “Who would’ve thought… I ended up winning my first two seasons, had a cyst burst on live TV (yep, that happened), cried with Dr. Drew, danced with a unicycle – first prop used on the show besides a chair, judged alongside my friends @carrieanninaba@brunotonioliofficial and the ultimate legend Len, and now…. 20 years later… I’m co hosting the show that quite literally raised me.”
“I’ve gotten to experience nearly every role this show has to offer, and each one has taught me something new,” she added.
Related: ‘DWTS’ Pro Julianne Hough Shares Exciting News: ‘So Amazing’
The video compilation started out with an intro video of the dancer where she explained she was the youngest dancer to compete on the “DWTS,” and then proceeded to follow her footsteps — no pun intended — through the years from dancer to judge to host. She also shared behind the scenes footage and blooper-like clips of confessionals with her dance partners.
Hough has always been in great company throughout the years, especially alongside her brother professional dancer, Derek Hough, who took to the comments to show support for his younger sister.
“Winning your first 2 seasons back 🏆to back 🏆at 18 yrs old is a serious flex 💪🏼,” he wrote.
Derek, who joined the show at 22, also shared his own Instagram video and reflected on his time on the show.
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Julianne Hough Shares Footage of Her 18-Year-Old Self To Celebrate 20 Years of ‘DWTS’ first appeared on Parade on Jun 3, 2025
This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 3, 2025, where it first appeared.
