‘DWTS’ Season 25: Derek Hough Explains Why Julianne Hough Left As Judge

Fans of Julianne Hough will finally learn why the “Dancing With the Stars” judge decided to leave the show ahead of the Season 25 premiere.

In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Derek Hough said that his sister has his support no matter what it is that she wants to do. Over the weekend, the “Dancing With the Stars” pro also revealed that his sister has her sights on other things.

“We were supposed to go back on tour, she’s just newly married, she is a very focused woman. She has her sights set on other opportunities and other things. Sometimes you just gotta step away from something for a little bit to create those opportunities. She’s Julianne, man. She’s a beast,” he gushed.

But even though Derek won’t be joined by his sister in the hit ABC reality TV competition this season, he will be reunited with his best friend, Mark Ballas. The pro wasn’t around in Season 24, but he was present during Hough and Brooks Laich’s wedding in July.

“‘DWTS,’ I feel like everyone brings something to it. It’s like different seasonings, and I think that the past two seasons we’ve missed Mark’s spice. We’ve missed his spice, we’ve missed his dynamic. We need that,” Derek said.

Meanwhile, Ballas also opened up about Hough’s exit from “Dancing With the Stars” before Season 25. While speaking with Entertainment Tonight, the proud husband of Alexander Jean said that he wasn’t surprised to learn about Hough’s decision.

“I wouldn’t say surprised, but we’ll miss her. If she’s got something else going on, good for her. We all need time. We all need breaks. I just came off of a year doing Broadway and touring with the band,” he said.

Ballas will be paired with Lindsey Stirling in the upcoming episodes of “Dancing With the Stars” Season 25. According to the pro dancer, having Stirling was one of the reasons why he decided to return to the show this year. For their first performance on the show, Ballas said that they are preparing something “fun” for the audiences.

“Dancing With the Stars” Season 25 will premiere on ABC on Sept. 18 at 8 p.m. EDT.