The Tough Love of Derek Hough: How His Unflappable Demeanor Helped Him Become a DWTS Legend

As the professional dance world awaited his return to Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) in season 29, fans were taken aback by the tough love displayed by judge Derek Hough. However, in an exclusive interview with Us Weekly, Derek revealed that his strict demeanor was simply a result of his desire to see each dancer excel.

After a four-year hiatus from the show, during which he judged on NBC's World of Dance, Derek returned to DWTS to fill in for Len Goodman, who was unable to travel to the Los Angeles studio due to health concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic. With 17 seasons under his belt before his final run in 2016, Derek has built a reputation as one of the most successful and intimidating judges on the show.

Derek's impressive record includes six wins with partners such as Brooke Burke, Jennifer Grey, Amber Riley, and Bindi Irwin. However, it was not always easy for him to achieve this level of success. In his inaugural season, he left empty-handed, but he went on to make DWTS history by becoming the first dancer to win the mirrorball trophy six times.

Despite his tough exterior, Derek has a softer side when it comes to his fellow dancers. Speaking about his judging style, Sasha Farber, a choreographer and professional dance partner, described Derek as 'the most intimidating judge' on the show. However, he also praised Derek's ability to bring out the best in each dancer, saying that he is always impressed by their performances.

For fans of DWTS, it is clear that Derek's tough love was simply a result of his passion for dance and his desire to see each competitor excel. His unflappable demeanor may have been intimidating at times, but it was also a key factor in his success as a judge and dancer on the show.

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