Derek Hough Beat Out These Two Big Names to Become New ‘Extra’ Host originally appeared on Parade.
On Wednesday, August 13, three months after Billy Bush announced he was leaving Extra, it was revealed that he will be replaced by Dancing With the Stars judge Derek Hough.
“The ballroom has been my stage, my home and my launchpad. Now, I’m stepping into an exciting new spotlight as the host of Extra,” Hough, 40, said in a statement. “I’m truly looking forward to collaborating with this incredible team, diving into this next creative chapter and connecting with fans and audiences in a whole new way.”
Though Hough ultimately won the spot on the daytime entertainment show, it has just been revealed he edged out fellow reality star Wells Adams and seasoned entertainment journalist Jason Kennedy for the coveted role, according to an insider who spoke to Us Weekly.
Adams, 41, is best known as a member of Bachelor Nation. He was a contestant on JoJo Fletcher‘s season of The Bachelorette in 2016 and competed on Bachelor in Paradise later that year before becoming the series bartender from 2017 onward.
Kennedy, 47, is a veteran entertainment journalist who worked at E! from 2005 to 2021. He cohosted E! News as well as the network’s Live From the Red Carpet specials.
Hough first gained fame as a professional dancer on DWTS for 17 seasons, winning the mirrorball trophy a record six times with his celebrity partners before becoming a judge in season 29.
Hough called his new role “an honor” while teasing Extra‘s “bold, fresh new era.” He will make his hosting debut when season 32 of Extra premieres on September 8 on Fox.
