Julianne Hough has the unique “Dancing With the Stars” perspective of being a dance pro, judge, and co-host. With that background, she has some solid advice for anyone competing on the show.
Julianne Hough’s Advice to ‘DWTS’ Contestants Is to Show Vulnerability
In a June 2025 interview with Well+Good, Hough shared her secrets to winning “Dancing With the Stars” and revealed her contestant wishlist.
“It’s one of my greatest honors to be a part of a show that has elevated dance to have a seat at the table,” she noted. So far, TikTok star Alix Earle and conservationist Robert Irwin have been announced as contestants for season 34.
Hough told the outlet that she’s hoping “Traitors” star Dylan Efron, daytime TV host Kelly Ripa, and former NFL player Emmanuel Acho join the cast.
“My advice (for celebrity contestants) never really changes,” the “DWTS” co-host said.
Hough continued, “If you can commit full out and put yourself in a vulnerable situation, knowing that the show is there to highlight you and encourage you, all people want to do is get to know you and get to see you.”
She added, “The more authentic, the more real, the more vulnerable you can be and share the journey the better, because that’s all people really want: They want to go on that journey and see themselves in you.”
Derek Hough Gives ‘DWTS’ Season 34 Prediction
At the April 22 Disney Entertainment Television’s Get Real Event, her brother, Derek Hough, dished about Irwin, telling People, “He’s coming with them abs!”
Derek shared, “It’s been 10 years since that little guy was on that front row rooting for [his sister] Bindi Irwin. And to see the man that he’s become in short 10 years is pretty amazing, man.”
The “DWTS” judge noted, “We’re really lucky to have him.”
Derek also predicted Irwin is “going to go far” in the competition. “I think that he, them as a family, they are truly just who they are,” he explained.” What you see is what you get. They are really that kind, they are really that positive, they really do have that energy.”
Derek echoed his sister’s advice about being “real” in the competition. “It’s not upfront. And I think that this show, when you are truly authentic in that way, it really pierces through,” he explained. “So I think in that regard, he’s going to go far just based off of the person he is.”
