Julianne Hough is returning to Dancing With the Stars as guest judge for tonight’s season 30 finale.
The pro-dancer will be sitting in for her brother, judge and former DWTS pro Derek Hough, who is still in quarantine after testing positive for COVID-19 last Tuesday.
Derek can’t be in the studio, but will still participate
According to Entertainment Tonight, that although Derek is still under quarantine and recovering, he will still be part of the show, appearing virtually as well as in a pre-taped segment.
Julianne is a two-time DWTS champion. She won Mirrorball trophies back-to-back in seasons four and five. Then, she returned as a judge for several seasons before leaving the show in 2017.
ET spoke with Julianne’s fellow pros and here is what the had to say:
Jenna Johnson who is paired up with JoJo Siwa for the first ever same-sex dancing couple is “so excited” by the news.
“Julianne is the reason I started doing ballroom!” Jenna said. “So to have her judge this finale just means the world.”
Cody Rigsby’s partner Cheryl Burke told ET, “I’ve known Julianne since she was 10 years old so we go way back.”
“It’s always nice to have old contestants or old pros come back on our show and judge, so she is amazing and she knows what to look for,” Cheryl said. “She’s a great replacement for Derek, so I’m really excited.”
The DWTS judge shared the news last Tuesday
Last Tuesday, Derek shared the unfortunate news that he had tested positive for a breakthrough case of COVID-19.
“Even though I’ve been fully vaccinated, I’ve just been diagnosed with a breakthrough case of COVID,” he revealed in an Instagram video. “I just found out and I feel OK. I feel strong. I’m currently taking advice from medical professionals to get better as fast as I can. I’m currently in quarantine.”
Cheryl Burke and partner Cody Rigsby tested positive for COVID earlier in the season
Earlier in the season, Cheryl revealed her breakthrough case of COVID. Her partner Cody also tested positive for the virus. During the first week of the couple’s quarantine, the show aired rehearsal footage, which the judges scored. The following week, Cody and Cheryl performed virtual solos from their living rooms. The couple were back in the ballroom the following week.
Final Four compete tonight for the DWTS Mirrorball trophy
The final four Dancing with the Stars couples include Jo Jo Siwa and pro-partner Jenna Johnson, Cody Rigsby & pro-partner Cheryl Burke, Amanda Kloots & pro-partner Alan Bersten and Iman Shumpert & pro-partner Daniella Karagach.
They compete tonight for the Mirrorball trophy on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars season 30 finale airing live at 8 pm ET/PT.
