Thereality TVscene has had its fair share of all-star format — fromAmerica’s Next Top ModelandBig BrothertoTop ChefandThe Challenge— bringing back some of reality television’s most iconic and, for the most part, controversial personalities. However, only a few attempted to make an all-winners season, andDancing with the Stars(though also known for its all-star season) is one of them. As the dance competition series prepares for its 32nd season, Emmy award-winningDWTScontestant and judgeDerek Houghopens up about his hopes to get an all-winners treatment forDWTS, thinking it would be “fantastic” to have an all-Mirrorball winners edition for the longest-running reality program.
Hough has quite made a mark on television and in the dance scene at large since his first appearance on the reality competition show. After his record-breaking stint in the series — having appeared as a guest instructor in Season 4 and a professional instructor in Season 5, with actressJennie Garthas his partner — Hough joined the judging panel for the show’s 29th season. And now, as he gets ready to judge the 32nd season ofDWTS, he said in an interview withVarietythat an all-winner format (similar toRuPaul’s Drag RaceandSurvivor) would “be a really, really competitive season” for DWTS. “When I did the all-star season withShawn Johnson, we ended up coming in second. That was honestly one of my favorite seasons, and I was so devastated.”
When asked about who he thought would be a perfect contender for the DWTS all-winners season, Hough suggested his former partners,Nicole ScherzingerandBindi Irwin. “I thinkRashad Jenningswould love to come back,” he continued. “Donny Osmond, I know he’d probably love to come back too. Even Jordan Fisher, who was fantastic.”
Hough’s Remarkable Dancing Journey
Described as “a multi-talented entertainer,” Hough became the onlyDWTSsix-time champion as of this writing, with 13 Emmy nominations for the Outstanding Choreography category. Out of his 13 nominations, Hough has won three: in 2013, 2015, and 2021. His memoir, titledTaking the Lead: Lessons from a Life in Motion, was also named a New York Times Best-Seller. Reflecting on his journey, Hough also told Variety: “It makes me really reflect on my journey through dance, and how it’s the gift that keeps on giving,” he said. “I never set out to be a choreographer, it was something I just sort of became with different opportunities.”
“It’s really wild to think about how scared and fearful I was to choreograph,” he added. “I believe that gratitude is the antidote to fear. You can’t be grateful and fearful at the same time. The second you’re grateful, it’s like the fear just dissipates.”
Dancing with the StarsSeason 32 will premiere on ABC and Disney+ on September 2023.Carrie Ann InabaandBruno Toniolijoin Hough as returning judges, withAlfonso Ribeiroand Hough’s sisterJulianne Houghreturning to host the upcoming season.Tyra Banks, on the other hand, will not be returning for the show’s 32nd season.
