Derek Hough Biography
Derek Hough is a globally recognized dancer, choreographer, actor, and television judge. He was born on May 17, 1985, in Salt Lake City, Utah. Moreover, he grew up in a dance-driven family, which shaped his early passion. His parents met on a ballroom dance team, and all his grandparents were dancers.
During his teenage years, Hough moved to London to train professionally. He studied at the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts, where he mastered ballroom, ballet, jazz, and theater. As a result, he built a strong technical foundation that later defined his success.
Hough rose to fame on Dancing with the Stars, where he competed as a professional dancer from 2007 to 2016. Impressively, he won the show six times, making him the most successful pro in the show’s history. Furthermore, he earned four Primetime Emmy Awards for choreography, proving his creative excellence.
After his competitive run, he transitioned into judging. He became a full-time judge on the same show, expanding his influence. In addition, he judged World of Dance and appeared in stage productions like Footloose. Therefore, he successfully expanded his career beyond dancing into television and acting.
In his personal life, Hough married fellow dancer Hayley Erbert in August 2023. Notably, the couple welcomed their first child, a daughter named Everley Capri, in December 2025. This milestone marked a significant new chapter in his life.
As of 2026, Derek Hough remains one of the most influential figures in modern dance entertainment. His versatility, awards, and global recognition continue to shape the industry.
Derek Hough Age 2026 | How Old is Derek Hough?
Derek Hough is 40 years old as of 2026, as he was born on May 17, 1985, in Salt Lake City, Utah. Currently, he approaches his 41st birthday in May 2026, showing strong longevity in entertainment. Moreover, his Taurus zodiac sign reflects creativity and discipline, which shape his career. Despite his age, he continues to judge shows and perform globally. Therefore, Derek Hough’s age highlights both experience and sustained success in dance and television.
Derek Hough Height | How Tall is Derek Hough?
Derek Hough stands at 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm), which gives him a balanced and athletic stage presence. Moreover, his height complements his ballroom and Latin dance style, allowing smooth lifts and precise movements. Throughout his career, he has used this physical advantage to enhance performances on television and stage. Therefore, his stature supports both agility and strength in choreography. Overall, Derek Hough’s height plays a key role in his dynamic and versatile dance career.
Derek Hough Wife | Who Is Hayley Erbert?
Derek Hough is married to Hayley Erbert, a talented professional dancer known for her work on Dancing with the Stars. The couple began dating in 2015 after meeting on tour, and their relationship quickly grew stronger. Moreover, they got engaged in 2022 and married in August 2023 in a romantic ceremony. In addition, they often collaborate on dance projects and live performances. In December 2025, they welcomed their first child, a daughter named Everley Capri, marking a new chapter. Therefore, Hayley Erbert remains central to Derek Hough’s personal life and creative journey.
Derek Hough Children | Baby Everley Capri | Daughter | Family
Derek Hough and his wife Hayley Erbert have one child as of 2026, a daughter named Everley Capri Hough. She was born on December 29, 2025, marking their first step into parenthood. Moreover, the couple often describes her as their “rainbow baby,” symbolizing hope after past challenges. Since her birth, Hough has embraced fatherhood and prioritized family life. Therefore, Derek Hough’s baby represents a meaningful new chapter in his personal journey.
Derek Hough Family | Parents, Siblings & Sister Julianne
Derek Hough comes from a close-knit and dance-oriented family background. He was born to Marianne and Bruce Hough, who both shared a passion for ballroom dancing. Moreover, his father also worked in politics, adding diversity to the family’s background. He grew up as the fourth of five children, surrounded by strong sibling support. Julianne Hough is his most famous sister, alongside Sharee, Marabeth, and Katherine Hough. Therefore, Derek Hough’s family played a key role in shaping his successful dance career and creative journey.
Derek Hough and Julianne Hough | Family, DWTS Careers, Achievements
Derek Hough and Julianne Hough are siblings who grew up in a highly trained dance family, and they remain two of the biggest names in ballroom entertainment. Moreover, recent updates show they both continue to work on Dancing with the Stars, with Derek serving as a judge and Julianne returning as co-host in newer seasons.
They were raised in Utah in a family deeply rooted in dance, as both parents and grandparents shared performance backgrounds. Furthermore, they trained in London at the Italia Conti Academy, which shaped their professional discipline early.
Derek achieved major success with six DWTS wins, while Julianne also won two Mirrorball trophies as a professional dancer. In addition, both expanded into acting, hosting, and live stage productions over the years.
Recently, their family gained attention as Derek became a father in late 2025, while Julianne publicly expressed excitement about becoming an aunt. Despite different career paths today, they still appear together in media projects and dance events. Therefore, Derek and Julianne Hough remain one of entertainment’s most successful sibling duos in 2026.
Derek Hough Movies and TV Shows List
Derek Hough has built a strong career across movies and TV shows, mainly in dance and entertainment. Moreover, he gained fame on Dancing with the Stars, where he worked as a professional dancer from 2007 to 2016 and later returned as a judge. In addition, he appeared on World of Dance as a judge from 2017 to 2020.
Furthermore, he acted in several TV and film projects. For example, he starred in Hairspray Live! (2016) and appeared in Nashville. He also featured in the film Make Your Move (2013). Moreover, he continues hosting dance-related projects like Dance the World With Derek Hough (2024–present).
Derek Hough Movies and TV Shows (List)
- Dancing with the Stars (2007–present) – Pro dancer & judge
- World of Dance (2017–2020) – Judge
- Hairspray Live! (2016) – Corny Collins
- Nashville – Noah West (recurring role)
- Make Your Move (2013) – Film role
- Rock of Ages (2012) – Dance cameo
- Dance the World With Derek Hough (2024–present) – Host
- The Symphony of Dance (2026) – Documentary project
Derek Hough Songs List 2026
Derek Hough has a strong presence in songs, music collaborations, and dance performances, although he is not mainly a recording artist. Moreover, he has released a few original singles and featured performances across different projects. His music work often connects with dance, storytelling, and choreography. Therefore, his songs usually appear in stage shows, TV specials, or creative collaborations.
In addition, Hough released his solo track “Hold On” (2017), which focuses on mental health awareness and emotional resilience. ([turn0search0]) He also contributed vocals and creative direction in group music projects like the Ballas Hough Band, formed with Mark Ballas. Furthermore, he has appeared in several music videos, including collaborations with artists like Lindsey Stirling and Michael Bublé. His performances often blend dance and cinematic storytelling.
Derek Hough Songs and Music Projects (List)
- Hold On (2017) – Solo single and mental health anthem
- The Ballas Hough Band (2009) – Pop-rock music group project
- The Arena (2016) – Featured dancer and choreographer (Lindsey Stirling)
- I Believe in You (2017) – Performance and direction role (Michael Bublé)
- Higher (2022) – Creative direction (Michael Bublé project)
- Between Twilight (2020) – Dance performance collaboration
Overall, Derek Hough’s songs and music work focus more on performance, choreography, and artistic storytelling rather than traditional singing careers.
Derek Hough DWTS | Judge Role, Seasons, Wins & Latest Dancing with the Stars Updates
Derek Hough continues to play a major role in Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) in 2026, mainly as a judge and franchise figure. Moreover, he remains one of the most successful pros in the show’s history with six Mirrorball Trophy wins. He joined the judging panel in 2020 and has stayed a core part of the team alongside Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli.
In addition, DWTS has confirmed its upcoming Season 35 (fall 2026), where Hough is expected to return again as a judge. The show continues to feature him as a central expert in choreography and performance evaluation. ([turn0search23]) Furthermore, he also appears in franchise expansions, including upcoming DWTS spin-off projects where he may serve in a producer role behind the scenes.
Recently, the DWTS universe has expanded with new shows and fan events, and Hough remains closely involved. Therefore, his influence now goes beyond competing and judging into shaping the franchise direction.
Derek Hough Salary | DWTS Judge Pay, Earnings Per Season
How much does Derek Hough make as a judge on DWTS?
Derek Hough earns an estimated salary of around $1.2 million per season as a “Dancing with the Stars” judge. Moreover, his income was much lower during his early career as a professional dancer, where he reportedly earned a few thousand dollars per episode. In addition, his earnings grew significantly after winning six Mirrorball Trophies and becoming a full-time judge. Furthermore, he boosts his income through choreography, live tours, and TV hosting roles.
Derek Hough Net Worth 2026
Derek Hough has an estimated net worth of about $8 million in 2026, driven by his long entertainment career. Moreover, he earned major income from Dancing with the Stars, where he worked as a champion dancer and later a judge. In addition, he increased his wealth through choreography, live tours, acting roles, and TV hosting projects. Furthermore, he expanded earnings with brand collaborations and global stage performances. Therefore, Derek Hough’s net worth reflects his success as a multi-talented performer and television personality.
