Julianne Hough Hanging Up Her Dancing Shoes
November 20, 2008

The two-time champ says she won't be back next season so she can focus on her music career

After four seasons, two mirror-ball trophies and plenty of bragging rights, Julianne Hough has announced that she’s hanging up her Dancing shoes–at least for a while.

“I’m not gonna be back next season,” the Dancing pro told Ryan Seacrest Thursday. “I really, really want to focus on the music and, ya know, be taken seriously a little bit. And I think it’s hard to be on [Dancing] and be singing.”

The news comes two days after Hough, 20, who just released a Christmas album at Target stores, and her season seven partner Cody Linley were eliminated on Tuesday night’s show.

The Hannah Montana star “kinda had an idea that we were gonna go home,” Hough added. “He was just emotional.”

It’s been a roller-coaster of emotions for Hough as well, who underwent appendectomy surgery in October and was nursed back to health by boyfriend of five months, country crooner Chuck Wicks. When asked by Seacrest, “Are you in love,” Hough said, “Yeah, I am” and giggled.

“We met at the Brad Paisley tour in January,” she said. “The whole crew, Brad, everybody was trying to get us together. [But] we were hanging out before that!”

Another sign that things are getting serious? “Chuck and I have a little puppy,” she said of Lexi, the couple’s Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. “I have pictures all over [my phone]. She’s adorable.” – Beth Perry

http://tvwatch.people.com/2008/11/20/julianne-hough-hanging-up-her-dancing-shoes/

A Little Bit of Country Music Goes a Long Way for Nontraditional Artists
Country Music Artists Come From Other Genres

By IMAEYEN IBANGA
Nov. 18, 2008

Country music has given birth to some of the nation's best songs, artists and has helped give birth to rock-'n'-roll. And while some skeptics may believe the genre is limited to distraught love songs about tears in beers, emotionally disturbed girlfriends or patriotic propaganda, country music has proved it is and can be so much more than these stereotypes.

Some pop stars have ventured into country music, including Jessica Simpson, top left; Lil' Wayne, top right; Kid Rock, bottom left; and Julianne Hough, bottom right.

It has given rise to some of the best crossover artists and new perspectives from traditionally noncountry musicians. With the help of artists like Ray Charles, Faith Hill and the hip-hop man of the moment Lil' Wayne, the field has gained new fans and shown just how powerful and widespread its reach can be.

Check out some of the unexpected musicians who've dabbled in country music.

Julianne Hough

Best known as the supersweet, supercute coach on "Dancing With the Stars" who twice helped stars take home the mirror-ball trophy, Julianne Hough decided to show the world she could two-step to more than just a ballroom beat.

After only three weeks, her holiday album sits in the No. 25 spot on the Billboard Country Music chart and is marked as a pacesetter. The 20-year-old released her debut album earlier this year, and it debuted at No. 3.

Hough joined superstar Brad Paisley's 2008 Tour, which also featured Jewel and Chuck Wicks.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL STORY

Last Night after Julianne and her partner Cody Linley were eliminated from Dancing with the Stars, AOL Music/AOL TV/ TheBoot.com did an interview with Julianne...

Julianne Hough Leaves 'Dancing,' Plans 'Big Tour'

Posted Nov 19th 2008 
by Beville Darden

Julianne Hough has been eliminated from 'Dancing,' but not before she got in a little singing. The pro dancer turned country singer and her 'Dancing With the Stars' partner Cody Linley were voted off the show Tuesday. It was an emotional night for Hough, who danced for the first time after having her appendix removed, and sang her new hit single, 'My Hallelujah Song.'

"To be honest, I was more nervous singing on the set of 'Dancing With the Stars' than singing in front of 75,000 people, because everybody sees me as being a dancer," Hough told AOL TV after the show. "It was my chance to show, 'Hey -- I can sing, too!'"

CLICK HERE to read the entire story at TheBoot.com

Julianne Hough and Craig Morgan to host CMA Awards’ first red carpet special

For the first time, the Country Music Association is producing a live, 30-minute television special highlighting the star-studded red carpet arrivals for its CMA Awards. ”Dancing with the Stars” champion and rising country star Julianne Hough and the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry Craig Morgan will co-host ”The CMA Awards Red Carpet Live! Presented by Chevy” Wednesday night, according to a news release.

The 42nd Annual CMA Awards will air live from the Sommet Center in Nashville, Tenn., from 7 to 10 p.m. Wednesday on ABC (KOCO-5 in Oklahoma City). The red carpet special will be made available to all ABC outlets in the half-hour leading up to the awards show; check your local listings to see if it will air in your area.

“I’m so excited to be a part of the CMA Awards pre-show,” said Hough in the release. “This will be my first time at the CMA Awards and it is definitely the biggest night in country music. I am looking forward to interviewing the artists that have inspired me and that I’ve looked up to over the years.”

“What a great day,” Morgan said in the release. “I was in New York City just leaving the ‘Good Morning America’ studios when I heard that CMA had asked me to host their first ever red carpet special. I was and am extremely honored. It’s gonna be a great night and I’m looking forward to working with Julianne Hough to bring all the excitement of the red carpet to the fans.”

“Country Music’s Biggest Night will be even bigger and brighter with the addition of this exciting new program,” said CMA Chief Executive Officer Tammy Genovese in the release. “And we are delighted that our valued partners at Chevy are making it possible for us to bring all the sparkle and glamour to fans across the country.”

The special will feature multi-camera coverage of the arrivals, with Hough and Morgan conducting celebrity and artist interviews and backstage access.

Mercury Nashville recording artist and two-time “Dancing with the Stars” champion Hough (pronounced “Huff”) recently topped both the Billboard Country and Top 200 charts with her self-titled album, as well as with the infectious debut single “That Song In My Head.” This year has taken Hough on tour with CMA Awards co-host Brad Paisley; awarded her an Emmy nomination; led her to the stages of “Good Morning America” and “The View”; seen her top Maxim’s Hot 100 list; and grace the covers of CosmoGirl, Shape, USA Today and People. Her current single is “My Hallelujah Song” and her first holiday record titled “The Julianne Hough Holiday Collection” is currently available exclusively at Target.

Morgan, who was just inducted as the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry, has built his tremendous popularity with massive radio airplay of his signature hits, including: “Love Remembers,” “Almost Home,” “Redneck Yacht Club,” “International Harvester,” and “That’s What I Love About Sunday,” which was Billboard’s Most Played Country Song of 2005. He has performed on the Grand Ole Opry more than 130 times, and plays over 200 sold-out concerts a year. Morgan is signed to Sony Music Entertainment’s BNA Records, and just released his fifth studio album, “That’s Why.” He spent 10 years on active duty in the U.S. Army before launching his music career, and makes a point to perform as often as possible at U.S. military installations both in the U.S. and abroad. He was awarded the USO Merit Award in 2006 for his tireless support of U.S. soldiers and their families.

Reality show superstars have gone country.

Dancing with the Stars' Julianne Hough is just the latest reality contestant to make the jump into country music -- a leap that's not as far as it seems.

"I grew up listening to Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, Shania Twain and Faith Hill. My family toured in a band that sang country songs. They are timeless. What turned me on to country music is that it is so real," Hough says. "[Hill] has her career, but she also has a family and her kids, and that's what I want. You can have the family and the life."

And nothing can launch a career rocket like being on a TV show watched by millions of loyal fans. Just look at Carrie Underwood. After being crowned the winner of American Idol in 2005 -- and blessed by Simon Cowell, who announced she'd be the most successful AI winner ever -- Underwood took over Nashville. Just pull that truck up to the back door of the Country Music Awards Wednesday night because the prediction is that she'll be taking home all the top trophies.

Underwood hosts this year's Country Music Awards, airing at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12, on ABC. While she's not nominated, Hough will be working the pre-show for ABC according to a network publicist. Next year she'll be making her own run at the title of country music queen.

Hough spent the summer on tour with Brad Paisley promoting her self-titled album that bowed in May at No. 1 on the Country Billboard charts. She also hooked up with her current boyfriend, fellow country singer Chuck Wicks, during the tour.

The dancing dream was supposed to join Paisley on Dancing with the Stars tonight to promote the Country Music Awards show, but her recent surgery as a result of her endometriosis canceled that performance. Instead, she'll perform her hit, "My Hallelujah Song," next Tuesday on DWTS. While Underwood might have made it on the country music scene anyway, winning American Idol ensured she would get a better shot at stardom. Hough thinks she gets the same boost from her DWTS connection.

"Obviously, I have a fan base with Dancing with the Stars," Hough says. "I would have continued trying to do my music even if I wasn't on the show, but the fans I have from the show have followed me over to my music career, and I've gotten a lot of air play, so that's awesome."

And she says she understands how those in the country music world might not welcome her with open arms.

"You know what? I would be skeptical of myself if I wasn't me. I'm serious. What's this dancer chick doing trying to come over to our format?" Hough asks. "But what's been cool is that the minute they talk to me and know this has been a passion of mine from three years old, and they hear the music, they've been so gracious."

Country music has been grabbing a lot of media attention lately, between Underwood's storming of Nashville, Hough's promising new album, and of course, young Taylor Swift's messy breakup with teen heartthrob Joe Jonas, whose summer fling with the singer turned into an autumn burn when she got dumped by phone.

But then, isn't that what country music is all about?

Hough says that she may be young, but she's had enough personal heartache to relate perfectly with the world of country music. When she was 10, after the breakup of her parents' marriage, she and brother Derek moved to London for five years and attended a performing arts school while living with Corky Ballas, his wife and their son Mark. Hough says it was a difficult time for her, but she made the most of it and became a hot commodity on the dance scene.

"I never stopped singing, but I had more experiences and opportunities when it comes to the dance," Hough says.

But in her heart, she says she's just a country girl.

"Country is where my heart is. It's always been there," Hough says. "I don't want to do anything that's not real to who I am. otherwise, it's phony. And I want to be real."

You'd expect no less from a reality star.

Golden hair and golden throats are feminizing the country music scene

By TIMONTY FINN
The Kansas City Star

The country music sales charts have a different look these days. So do the playlists at country radio stations.

They include a rising prevalence of women. More specifically, young women. Even more specifically, young blond women, including several whose music careers got a jump-start in reality television: Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert, Jessica Simpson, Jennifer Nettles (of Sugarland), Kellie Pickler, Kristy Lee Cook, Whitney Duncan, Hillary Scott (of Lady Antebellum), Heidi Newfield (formerly of Trick Pony).

Wednesday night country music airs its most prestigious gala, the Country Music Association Awards, and you won’t have to wait long to see one of these princesses of country. Several are up for awards, and several will perform, including Swift, Lambert, Nettles, Scott and Underwood, who will co-host the show with Brad Paisley.

Before the show even starts, you can catch another rising star in the same category. Julianne Hough, best known as a professional dancer on “Dancing With the Stars,” will co-host the red-carpet gala 30 minutes before showtime outside Nashville’s Sommet Center.

This year Hough released a self-titled album and jumped aboard the Paisley arena tour as an opening act.

Is this eruption of the young, blond and pretty in country music a fad, a trend or just an odd coincidence?

“It reminds me of that period in the late 1990s when Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Jessica Simpson, Mandy Moore and Willa Ford all broke out at once in pop music,” said Kurt Patat, country music editor at music.aol.com. “I guess now it’s country music’s turn.”

Career longevity

Mike Kennedy, program director and on-air personality at country radio station Q104 (104.3 FM), said there is something more substantive to this surge than mere appearance. Good looks alone won’t cut it in country music.

“I think the ones you can count on being around for a long time — Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert, Jennifer Nettles — they have what’s required: the talent and the material,” he said.

Patat agrees: “The songs have to hold up. Country is much more driven by radio than by TV. You can’t be just a pretty face.”

Proof of that are artists like Lambert, who plays guitar and writes her own material, most of it about her south Texas upbringing.

“That’s a country girl with talent,” said TJ McEntire, the weekday afternoon host at Q104. “She writes killer songs, and it’s no act. She’s genuine. I know she was on ‘Nashville Star’ first, but she built her career the old-fashioned way: slowly. She went out and did radio, met fans and built her audience. The same with Jennifer Nettles.”

Nettles is half of the boy-girl duo Sugarland, one of the biggest acts in country music. Sugarland’s career got a boost in 2006 when Nettles sang a duet with Jon Bon Jovi, “Who Says You Can’t Go Home.” That single accelerated her career, bringing in some crossover rock fans, but success for her and Sugarland seemed inevitable with or without that song.

“You could tell from the beginning they were going big places,” McEntire said. “Since they started out, they have been about the music.”

His duet with Nettles, however, prompted Bon Jovi’s band to release its first ever country-rock album, “Lost Highway,” featuring guest appearances by LeAnn Rimes and Big & Rich. Such carpetbagging has become more common in country music these days (see “Crossing Over,” above), and the list of genre-switchers includes at least two young women who have hit the country charts recently.

Julianne Hough - 'Sounds Of The Season: The Julianne Hough Holiday Collection'

From Scott Sexton, for About.com

Julianne Hough - 'Sounds Of The Season: The Julianne Hough Holiday Collection'
Mercury Nashville

The Julianne Hough Holiday Collection Bottom Line:

"Dancing With The Stars" sensation, Julianne Hough, shocked country music fans when she released her self-titled album full of great tunes. It was clear that she could dance, but who would have thought she had such an incredible voice? Now, bringing more music to her fans, Julianne has recorded a Christmas album called The Julianne Hough Holiday Collection. This is a perfect record to listen to while decorating the house, or simply relaxing with some friends.

CLICK HERE to read the full review on About.com

DWTS's Julianne Hough Releases First Christmas Album

Christmas came early for Dancing With the Stars's Julianne Hough.

Five months after breaking onto the country music scene, the professional dancer is releasing The Julianne Hough Holiday Collection, a Christmas CD available exclusively at Target.

"I picked all my favorites – the ones that I want to wrap Christmas presents to, or listen to at a big party," Hough, 20, told PEOPLE after announcing this year's crop of American Music Award nominees in Beverly Hills on Tuesday.

The album includes familiar hits such as "Jingle Bell Rock," "Santa Baby," and "It Wasn't His Child/Mary Did You Know," a duet with Phil Vassar.

Hough's not the only country crooner with a new holiday CD – Sheryl Crow released a Southern-tinged CD through Hallmark Gold Crown stores, and Faith Hill recently debuted her first seasonal album, Joy to the World.

But Hough says there's enough holiday cheer to go around. "It's so timeless," she says. "You can do these classics and put your own twist on it."

Since she had to record her album in the summer months, Hough filled the recording studio with Christmas decorations and wore a Santa hat to help her get in the spirit.

When the holidays arrive, she'll be heading home to her family's home in Utah where she'll continue their tradition of lounging in pajamas and sipping hot chocolate.

"We usually go to Utah because of the snow," said Hough, the youngest of five siblings who grew up near Salt Lake City. "Snowboarding, skiing, sledding, snowmobiling – it's pretty dangerous, but we're all daredevils."

Julianne Hough Preps for 'Dancing' Premiere

Posted Sep 22nd 2008 3:00PM by Beville Darden
Filed under: Movies and TV

CLICK HERE to watch CMT Insider's exclusive behind the scenes footage with Julianne on the video set of "My Hallelujah Song". This CMT Insider episode premieres Saturday 9/20 at 12pCT and Sunday 9/21 at 10aCT on CMT.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN to a Star 94FM radio interview with Julianne.  In this interview, Julianne talks about her Atlanta Peach magazine cover feature and dishes about her life as a singer & dancer.  Also, CLICK HERE TO READ the article accompanying the interview on Star94.com.

She dances! And she sings! Hough is juggling 2 careers

By Scott D. Pierce
Deseret News

Published: September 5, 2008

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. — A lot of people go on "American Idol" hoping to launch a music career. Julianne Hough launched a music career by going on "Dancing With the Stars."

The Utahn, a two-time winner on the hit ABC show, had a hit song on the country charts, she toured with Brad Paisley and she's one of the hosts of "CMA Music Festival: Country's Night to Rock," which airs Monday at 8 p.m. on ABC/Ch. 4.

Hough will co-host the event, taped earlier this summer, with Taylor Swift and Kellie Pickler. Performers include Trace Adkins, Rodney Atkins, Billy Ray Cyrus, Faith Hill, Alan Jackson, Jewel, Miranda Lambert, Sugarland, Josh Turner, Carrie Underwood and Dwight Yokum. And she knows it's one of many opportunities "Dancing " made possible for her.

"Being a part of 'Dancing With the Stars' is HUGE," said Hough, who turned 20 in July. "I thought about trying out for 'American Idol,' but I felt like 'Dancing With the Stars" is more me.

"I would've continued trying to do my music if I wasn't on the show, but I love being a part of it. And the fans that I had from the show have followed me over to the music."

She does blend her two areas of expertise when she performs.

"You don't see a lot of country artists dance. That's one thing that kind of sets me apart is I feel comfortable moving around the stage," Hough said.

And she's not abandoning her "Dancing" fans. Hough returns for her fourth season this fall — she's partnering with the show's youngest-ever celebrity, 18-year-old Cody Linley of "Hannah Montana." And she insisted she didn't return just because she's contractually obligated to do so (as has been reported).

"I don't think it's whether I have to or not. I'd love to be on the show," said Hough, who didn't want to comment on her contract status.

But she wants to make it clear that music isn't an afterthought for her. And that she's always been more than a little bit country.

"I started singing, acting and dancing when I was 3 years old in Utah and was in a family band," Hough said. "And then I had the opportunity when I was 10 to move to London and go to performing arts school there and really focus on the dance."

For the five years she was in London, "I really focused on the dance but never stopped singing."

Even with the boost from her TV stardom, Hough had to prove herself in Nashville. Which she's doing, with the single "That Song in My Head" making it into the top 20 of the country-music charts and an album that's selling briskly.

"You know what? I would be skeptical of myself if I wasn't me," she said. "I'm serious. I mean, 'What's this dance-star chick doing trying to come over to my format?' What's been cool is the minute they talk to me and know that this has been a passion of mine."

"Nashville is a different kind of town," said CMA producer Richard Deaton. "Julianne didn't make her record out here or in New York. She came to Nashville. She worked with writers. She worked with producers. She became ingrained in the community. I think Nashville is real accepting of people who do that.

"And the other thing is, she made a great record."

She's definitely got the country-music twang down — although it's certainly not something she acquired growing up in Utah and London.

"When I lived in London, I had a full-on English accent. Nobody knew I was American," she said. "And then I came back and I was American with a Utah accent. And then I've been in Nashville for a couple of months. I just pick it up wherever I go."

She's also getting better at doing interviews, dodging questions about politics (her father, Bruce Hough, is a former GOP state chairman) and her former fiance, Zack Wilson, who was on the winning team on ABC's "Dance Wars." And, asked to name her favorite "Dancing With the Stars" partner, she exclaimed "You can't make me do that!"

She did, however, have a bit to say about each of them.

"Well, Apolo (Anton Ohno) was my first, so, obviously he's very special," she said. "That came out wrong. You know what I mean, right?

"Helio (Castroneves) was a little handful, but he was great. We were like the best of friends. And then Adam (Carolla) was just fun. And there was no pressure — we knew we weren't going to win."

She said she wasn't at all bothered about the many, um, unflattering things the shock jock said about her on his radio show.

"I didn't care at all. That's just Adam talking," Hough said. "He talks and talks and talks and whatever comes out of his mouth, I know that's just his schtick."

Hough also got an early education into the tabloids' schtick — she got to read a lot of "romance rumors" about herself and both Ohno and Castroneves.

"It's funny. The fact that three months before that I was reading the magazines and saying, 'Oh, they're so together. Why are they lying?' And then I'm reading (about herself) and I'm, like, 'We are so not together. Why are THEY lying?"' she said with a laugh.

"You see other people on the show get together and actually end up staying together," she said. "I'm the only one that gets rumored to and I've never even touched them, except when we're dancing."

As for her real personal life, she said, "I'm single and loving it!"

TAYLOR, KELLIE & JULIANNE: YOUNG, HOT AND COUNTRY!

Check out THIS great video feature on PEOPLE.COM.  Julianne & two of Nashville's other buzzworthy women (Kellie Pickler & Taylor Swift) take to the water for a PEOPLE MAGAZINE photo shoot.  Watch as these three women dish about each other and what it's like to have good friends in the music business.

Dance star turns to singing career

By ED CONDRAN
phillyBurbs.com

Don't expect Julianne Hough to do the fox trot when she steps on the Susquehanna Bank Center stage Saturday. She has made a national name for herself courtesy of her moves on “Dancing with the Stars.”

However, the reason Hough, 19, will perform in Camden is due to her eponymous debut disc, which is comprised of country-pop.

The perky human Barbie doll talks “Dancing with the Stars,” fame and what it's like to be a triple-threat.

Q: What's your show going to be like?

A: I'm not going to give you the samba when I come in. I will move around the stage but I will be singing.

Q: You can sing, act and dance. What's your favorite way of entertaining?

A: I've always wanted to do it all. I love doing different things but this [singing] is my true love. This is a passion of mine. But it is great to be a triple-threat. I love that I can do all three things.

Q: Do you mind being known as someone from “Dancing with the Stars,” even though you're trying to carve out a career as a singer?

A: No. I'm proud of doing “Dancing with the Stars.” It's been a great opportunity. People know me because of that show. A year ago, nobody knew my name.

Q: What's it like being on the cover of magazines and getting noticed by fans?

A: It's crazy. When I go to an airport, I see my face on the covers of all these magazines and I just look away. It's crazy how much has happened in my life, but this is what I wanted.

Q: Part of your childhood went by the boards since you trained so intensely to become an entertainer. Any regrets?

A: This is what I wanted to do. When I was 10 to 15, I was away from my family and I trained like an Olympian.

Q: Are you ready to try your luck acting?

A: I would love to get my feet wet in that world. But I don't want to look too far ahead. I'm focusing on the music and enjoying the dancing side of things when I have the opportunity. But I couldn't ask for a better situation than going on tour with Brad Paisley. It's a great way to learn and that's the thing I've been doing so much over the last two years.

I've picked up a lot on “Dancing with the Stars” and on this tour. This is awesome. I get to express myself in so many ways. I've worked so hard for this, but I've been incredibly fortunate.

Julianne Hough Talks Dancing with the Stars, County Music
By Jim Roberts Aug 16, 2008

Julianne Hough quickly has proven that she isn't just a one trick beauty. Not only does she have dazzling dance moves on the ABC reality TV hit Dancing with the Stars, but the Utah gal has now proved that can also belt out a heartfelt country tune with the best of country music's finest.

Star spoke with Hough this week and Julianne's new self-titled country music album is burning up the charts as she continues her tour with Brad Paisley. Julianne, 20, who's also the new voice of Juicy Fruit gum, tells the weekly magazine why for her it's a dream come true.

Star asks Julianne, "What are you more passionate about, singing or dancing?"

Julianne, "The music. Don't get me wrong, I love dancing and will always dance 0 it keeps me in shape, for one thing. But I'm not just a dancer. Music is where my heart is, and I am just going to keep focusing on that. It is cool to be able to show that side of me. I've sung country music my whole life, and to work in that genre professionally now is awesome!"

Q: Do you have a different approach when working the different fields?

A: Sure, DWTS is all about the celebrities. You are always watching out for them and trying to help them. This is about my passion and my career.

Q: Any truth to reports that Lance Bass and Kim Kardashian will star in the new season?

A: I have no idea. They don't tell us until about a week before rehearsal, and even when we find out who our partners are, we still don't know who else is taking part until the official release date.

Q: Any star you'd like on the show?

A: I'd love to get more country music artists involved, because they aren't known to dance. It's be awesome to get another Billy Ray Cyrus or Sara Evans type on the show.

Posted: August 8th, 2008 at 2:20 pm | By: Alison Bonaguro

It wasn’t even 9 a.m. and already Julianne Hough had put on false eyelashes, done a radio show, taken pictures with about a hundred fans, climbed up a fire truck ladder and gone riding on an ATV. This is her new life, one of a rising country music star. And it looks like she’s adapting very well. At a little coffee shop in suburban Chicago, we sat down this morning to talk (after the meet & greet and the before ATV ride).

She may not have written the songs on her first album, but says being on tour with Brad Paisley, Jewel and Chuck Wicks has inspired her to start writing songs for her next one. And since she loves watching Miranda Lambert perform, she has inspired her to learn to play the guitar. “When I was living in London with my dance coaches, they wouldn’t let me play. I had to focus on dancing,” she said.

Since her infectious-as-hell debut single “That Song in My Head” was stuck in my head all morning, I wanted to know what songs were stuck in Hough’s head. “Definitely Brad’s ‘Waitin’ on a Woman,’” she said. “That, and ‘Online,’ because that is such a show stopper when he’s on stage.”

Then off she went on the ATV ride, explaining to me that she loves stuff like this, and that she’s really just a tomboy that likes to wear make-up. She’s opening a Jason Aldean concert somewhere else in Illinois tonight. Up at 5:30 a.m., and probably won’t get to bed until 2 a.m. That’s the lifestyle she signed up for when she made the transition from dancing queen to country star, but she seems to appreciate the opportunity to sing so much that I doubt you’ll ever hear her complain.

Julianne Hough was recently featured by PollStar.com.  Click HERE to view the feature story.

Dancing with a rising star

By Ed Condran and David Menconi, Staff Writers

PL loves the cheesy goodness that is "Dancing With the Stars." So when we heard Julianne Hough was coming to town with Brad Paisley, we jumped. She's a two-time champ (who is only 19!) on the show, with speed skater Apolo Anton Ohno and race car driver Helio Castroneves. We're guessing being paired with lead-footed deejay Adam Corolla -- and that early departure -- gave the Utah native plenty of time to work on her country-pop debut disc.

PL talked to Hough about "Dancing With the Stars," fame and what it's like to be a triple threat.

PL: What's your show going to be like?

JH: I'm not going to give you the samba when I come in. I will move around the stage, but I will be singing.

PL: You can sing, act and dance. What's your favorite way of entertaining?

JH: I've always wanted to do it all. I love doing different things but this [singing] is my true love. This is a passion of mine. But it is great to be a triple threat. I love that I can do all three things.

PL: Do you mind being known as someone from "Dancing With the Stars," even though you're trying to carve out a career as a singer?

JH: No. I'm proud of doing "Dancing With the Stars." It's been a great opportunity. People know me because of that show. A year ago nobody knew my name.

PL: What's it like being on the cover of magazines and getting noticed by fans?

JH: It's crazy. When I go to an airport, I see my face on the covers of all these magazines and I just look away. It's crazy how much has happened in my life but this is what I wanted.

PL: Part of your childhood went by the boards since you trained so intensely to become an entertainer. Any regrets?

JH: This is what I wanted to do. When I was 10 to 15, I was away from my family and I trained like an Olympian.

PL: Are you ready to try your luck acting?

JH: I would love to get my feet wet in that world. But I don't want to look too far ahead. I'm focusing on the music and enjoying the dancing side of things when I have the opportunity. But I couldn't ask for a better situation than going on tour with Brad Paisley. It's a great way to learn and that's the thing I've been doing so much over the last two years. I've picked up a lot on "Dancing With the Stars" and on this tour. This is awesome. I get to express myself in so many ways. I've worked so hard for this but I've been incredibly fortunate.

Ed Condran

Julianne Hough opens for Brad Paisley on Saturday at the Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion at Walnut Creek.

Julianne Hough Feels 'Blessed' By Emmy Nomination

By Monica Rizzo

Originally posted Friday July 18, 2008 11:50 AM EDT

Two-time Dancing With the Stars beauty Julianne Hough was baffled when she woke up Thursday morning to find that several friends had left congratulatory messages on her cell phone.

"I was like, 'Congratulations for what?' " Hough told PEOPLE from Morristown, Ohio, where she was due to perform with Brad Paisley, Jewel and Chuck Wicks – and the last thing on her mind were Emmy nominations.

So, when Hough's publicist, Cindy Guagenti, informed the 19-year-old – who this summer hung up her dancing shoes in order to tour and promote her country album – that she was nominated for outstanding choreography for Dancing (one of the eight Emmy nods the ABC show received), Hough was dumbstruck.

"I'm nominated with some of the best choreographers out there," Hough gushed. "I mean, Kenny Ortega did Newsies and High School Musical, and then there's all the So You Think You Can Dance choreographers.

"I feel completely blessed to be in their company. It's incredible."

This is shaping up to be quite a week for Hough. With her 20th birthday this Sunday, she says she plans to celebrate by going skydiving with her father.

"We did it when I turned 18," she says, "and it was such an amazing feeling I can't wait to do it again."

‘Dancing' champ can't stop moving

Julianne Hough trying to stay real and keep growing as she makes her musical debut.

By Courtney Devores

Two-time “Dancing With the Stars” champion Julianne Hough endeared herself to ABC viewers by leading speed skater Apolo Anton Ohno, open-wheel driver Helio Castroneves and comedian Adam Carolla on the floor.

But it turns out she's got a voice to go with those fancy feet: In May, she released her self-titled debut CD, which soared to the top of the country album charts.

Hough, who opens for Brad Paisley on Friday and turns 20 on Sunday, spoke to the Observer recently from Michigan about her multiple talents.

Q. Did your time on the road with the “Dancing With the Stars” tour prepare you for this?

I think so. I'm used to the tour bus and venues. … I love to dance, but the music is where my heart is. I can express that more through words and being on stage and being able to interact with the audience.

Q. Should we expect dancing during your set?

I move around. I can't stand still when music comes on.

Q. What was your vision for this album?

I told my producer and the label that I didn't want to sing anything I personally can't relate to. I want people to know this is who I am, but to see a different side of me. Also, I have a lot of younger fans. I want to be a good role model for them. Like (the song) “Jimmy Ray McGee” talks about peer pressure, and (that) it's OK to say no. … Everything (on the album) is about strengthening who you are.

Q. Did the country stars who appeared on “DWTS” offer you advice?

Billy Ray Cyrus. Dolly Parton was a guest performer. Both of them said, “Be as real as you can. Stay who you are. Keep progressing.” It's great advice, because it's tempting to change while you're out here with all these amazing things that happen, and all the perks. It's important to be just normal and real.

Q. Do you have roots in Nashville?

I have a sister that lives there. She's been there for nine years. She's also a songwriter. She wrote “Dreaming Under the Same Moon” on the album, which my brother (Derek) sings on with me.

Q. Is he pursuing music, too?

Him and Mark Ballas from the show have been in a band (Almost Amy) for seven years. They're meeting with record labels.

Q. What are your thoughts on hitting No. 1?

I had no idea what to expect being a new artist. It comes down to how amazing my fans are from “Dancing With the Stars” that followed my career. I didn't expect that.

Q. What is your status with “DWTS”?

I'll go back next season. I'm on contract for a couple more years. (After that) I kind of want to move on and really progress in music. That's really where my heart is. I want to be known as a singer that can dance, not a dancer that can sing.

Julianne Hough quick stepped her way into a million fans hearts through her performances on Dancing with the Stars. The two time champions’ real dream had always been to become a country music singer. During her childhood years, Julianne’s family was always singing and performing around the state of Utah, often times being called the “Blonde Osmond’s.” In May, Julianne’s self titled debut album was released and rose quickly to No. 1 on the Country Chart and No. 3 on the Pop Chart. To see more on Julianne’s rise to stardom CLICK HERE.

Reviewed by Mike Farley

Country music executives are always looking for good-looking people they can turn into singers – and, hopefully, into stars. It’s a bonus when the artist already has musical talent, or when the American public has done the legwork of finding that talent, a la Carrie Underwood. In the case of Mercury recording artist Julianne Hough, there is no doubt her looks were a contributing factor, as well as the fact that she is a two-time champ on “Dancing with the Stars.” Her youth (19 years old at press time) is also in her favor. As far as vocal talent, you might be pleasantly surprised. Of course, we don’t know for sure whether Hough’s voice is electronically enhanced, but the end result coming out of the speakers sure is good, and at least on par with anything else coming out of Nashville these days.

Naturally, this is not old-school country, but the cookie-cutter, made-for-radio fare that has helped Underwood sell millions of records. But the more you listen, the more you realize that just about every song is incredibly catchy. What’s more, Hough sounds like she really means business with this singing thing, delivering these 11 tracks with the conviction of a seasoned veteran.

The bouncy “That Song in My Head” kicks off the album, and as the first single, it’s going to pretty much do to you what the title implies. Some of the better tracks are co-written by Nashville heavyweights Hillary Lindsey (“Hide Your Matches”) and Craig Wiseman (“My Hallelujah Song”). In fact, Hough did not have a single writing credit on this debut, and that’s okay. And while Julianne seems to be able to handle the rocking songs, she is best suited for ballads, shining on tracks like “Help Me, Help You” and “I’d Just Be with You.”

People have said when referring to Hough that it’s not fair for one person to have so much talent in addition to stunning good looks. Well, yeah, but she probably had to work her butt off in order to showcase all of her talents in the first place. And once you’ve accepted the fact that Julianne Hough is as beautiful and talented as she is, you can sit back and enjoy her product.

Hough is more than a little country

By VANESSA McCRAY

TRAVERSE CITY -- Julianne Hough quick-stepped and jived to fame on national TV, but it's country music that put her song in your head.

The professional dancer snagged two championships on the ABC show "Dancing with the Stars" when paired with celebrity contestants Apolo Anton Ohno and Helio Castroneves. Now, she's dropped a country CD featuring the catchy single "That Song in my Head."

"It was my first album. I wanted people to see me for what I really was," Hough said in a telephone interview.

And the 19-year-old says she really is a country music performer first and foremost, and counts Reba McEntire and Shania Twain among her favorite singers. Hough is scheduled to perform Saturday at the National Cherry Festival Bay Side Entertainment Stage. Festival officials expect her appearance will make it one of the biggest nights of the festival.

She said fans of the dancing show helped give wings to her music career.

"I've always sang as long as I could remember," she said. "This has always been my first passion, but the dance has obviously gotten me there."

Hough was born into a Utah family full of talented siblings, who still "support each other" in their creative endeavors. Her brother Derek also showcased his dancing abilities on "Dancing with the Stars."

"We were all fighting for attention, and (at) family reunions we would always be trying to get in front of the camera," she said. "Obviously, all of us really wanted to pursue our talents and each one of us is doing that in our own way."

Hough moved to London at age 10 to study performing arts for five years and then returned to the U.S. to pursue music and ended up on the hit TV dance show. Her album was a chance to sing the kind of country music that's always been a part of her life. She chose songs she related to, passing over tunes that just didn't click.

"I grew up really, really fast. I grew up away from my family, and I've been through things that most 30-year-olds haven't gone through," Hough said.

In addition to dance and music, Hough wants to write songs for her next album and also plans to pursue acting.

"Right now, it's all about the music and even when I do start acting, it will all come back to the music," she said.

As a professional ballroom and Latin dancer, Julianne Hough had it made -- had she stayed in London -- at the age of 15. After all, she was the youngest dancer and only American to ever win the prestigious Junior Blackpool World Latin Championship and the International Latin Youth Championship.

But what kept Hough from pursuing a lucrative career as a competitive dancer overseas was her desire to become a country singer.

And did she ever achieve that!

In less than two months since her self-titled debut album came out, Hough scored the No. 1 CD on Billboard's Country Album chart and the No. 3 spot on the Billboard 200 pop chart. Her lead single, "That Song In My Head," reached the Top 25. And she's on one of the hottest tours of the summer with Brad Paisley, Jewel and Chuck Wicks. They'll perform July 24 at the New England Dodge Music Center in Hartford.

"I had no idea what to expect being a new artist in the field," Hough said in a June 30 interview from Muskegon, Mich. "I obviously didn't expect to debut at No. 1, but I can't thank the fans enough that have supported me from 'Dancing With The Stars' over to my music, which is my real passion. So it's been incredible. I couldn't ask for a better situation and better fans. I'm just happy to be doing what I'm doing."

Born July 20, 1988, Julianne Hough is originally from Salt Lake City, Utah. Her father is president of Nutraceutical Company, which focuses on vitamins and dietary supplements. Her mother is a massage therapist, artist and seamstress.

Growing up, Julianne Hough -- who has four siblings -- listened to music by George Strait, Garth Brooks and Brooks & Dunn. But her greatest influences were female artists Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, Martina McBride and Faith Hill.

"The first CD I ever saved up my money to buy was 'Come On Over,' Shania Twain's CD," Hough said.

A competitive dancer since the age of 9, Hough and her brother, Derek, went to London to train in dancing and other art forms when she was 10. Two years later, Julianne, Derek and future "Dancing With The Stars" pro Mark Ballas formed the pop act 2B1G (2 Boys, 1 Girl).

When she was 15, Hough wanted to return to the states. She attended a performing arts high school in Las Vegas before returning to Utah, where she graduated from Alta High School. From there, she moved to Los Angeles with $2,000 to her name and a dream of pursuing a singing career.

"My whole life was dancing over there (in London), so I really had to make a tough decision to move back and really pursue the music," Hough said. "My life was completely set over there as a dancer. You don't really make too much money as a dancer and I would've. But it wasn't where my heart was. So everybody thought I was crazy and I was gonna end up working at Water Burger! It's amazing what a couple of years can do."

While she was a background company dancer for a live tour in L.A., Hough caught the eye of music manager Irving Azoff, who has managed the Eagles for 30 years and discovered Christina Aguilera and Stevie Nicks.

Three weeks after Hough and Azoff began working together, producers from the top-rated ABC series "Dancing With The Stars" saw Hough on tour as a company dancer and asked her to be on the show.

"I was so happy, obviously, but I was like, 'Man, I don't know if I want to do the show because I don't want to get pigeonholed as being a dancer. I want to be a singer. But at the same time, I really can't turn down that much exposure the way the music industry is nowadays,' " Hough said. "So it was just incredible, the opportunity I had."

In her first season, Hough coached Olympic speedskater Apolo Anton Ohno to the "Dancing With The Stars" championship. In her second season, she won the title again, this time coaching Indy 500 champ Helio Castroneves.

"Apolo was really easy to teach because he's used to being coached and even if he's tired, he would never tell you," Hough said. "He's done when I say he's done, you know? And with Helio, he was really talented but he was a little bit harder to teach because in his sport, everybody's really working for him. So he was a little harder to coach, but he ended up getting there!"

Hough, who coached actor-comedian Adam Carolla in her third "Dancing With The Stars" season, said she'd love to return for a fourth go-round.

If she doesn't get the call, though, she's perfectly content focusing on her budding country music career.

"It's always been my dream -- just because I feel like the artists, the fans, just the people in the industry are so real and so welcoming," Hough said. "You feel like you can go hang out with Reba McEntire at a barbecue or something, you know? That's who I am. I'm a people person. I love meeting people, I love meeting the fans after shows and signing and talking to them. I guess I love that aspect of the country genre."

What inspired Hough to record "That Song In My Head?"

"Everybody's had that situation in their life where they've heard a song while an experience has happened," she said. "And you have that memory and every time you hear that song, you can't get that memory out of your head and you don't want to because it's such a great memory. It's just amazing what music -- one song -- can do, bringing back so many things. I know I've been through that. It's just a feel-good, lighthearted summer song. And being able to express who I am as my first single, I thought it was perfect because it really shows off my personality and says, 'All right, this is who I am.' "

In addition to ballads -- including one with her brother Derek that was co-written by their sister, Marabeth Poole -- Hough's album includes plenty of uptempo songs.

One is titled "You, You, You."

"I love that song," Hough said. "It's a little different. It's not traditional country. It's got country and it's a little bit more feel-good. I remember there was this one guy that I dated and I can remember the first outfit that he ever wore when I met him and all this stuff. It just goes through all this stuff about this couple, this person that you like, and how you're so in love that you're willing to do anything for that person. It's just fun. I can see a music video right now jumping off a cliff and standing in front of a train. So it's just cute. You get all vulnerable when you're in love."

Hough off the hoof

"Dancing" star focuses on her singing

Don't expect Julianne Hough to do the foxtrot when she steps onto to the PNC Bank Arts Center stage in Holmdel, even though she made a national name for herself courtesy of her moves on TV's "Dancing With the Stars" competition.

Hough will be opening the show Saturday for country star Brad Paisley to promote her self-titled debut disc.

"I'm not going to give you the samba when I come in," Hough said while calling from Phoenix. "I will move around the stage, but I'll be singing."

You can't blame fans for expecting a lot from Hough, who is just 19. She's a triple threat who can sing, dance and act.

"I've always wanted to do it all," Hough said. "I love doing different things, but (singing) is my true love."

A choreographer since age 13, Hough said she plans to appear on future seasons of "Dancing With the Stars," where she led Olympic speed skater Apolo Anton Ohno and Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves to victories.

Since her most recent TV stint, she's been navigating stages with microphone in hand.

"This is what I'm happiest doing," Hough said. "This is a passion of mine."

Hough is at her best delivering sentimental, romantic country-pop songs. "I sing them like I mean them," Hough said. "I want to do as well as a singer as possible."

If she can approximate her success as a dancer, Hough will do just fine. The Utah native, who spent much of her childhood focusing on her potential career, has maximized her "Dancing with the Stars" experience. While many of performers on the show have been trying to revitalize fading careers, Hough has accomplished the opposite.

"It's been a great opportunity," Hough said. "People know me because of that show. A year ago nobody knew my name. Now when I go to an airport, I see my face on the covers of all these magazines and I just look away. It's crazy how much has happened in my life but this is what I wanted. When I was 10 to 15, I was away from my family and I trained like an Olympian preparing to be an entertainer. This is something I always wanted and now the opportunity is here and I'm going for it."

Hough hopes to score serious acting opportunities.

"I would love to get my feet wet in that world," Hough said. "But I don't want to look too far ahead. I'm focusing on the music, and I enjoy the dancing side of things when I have the opportunity. But I couldn't ask for a better situation now than going out on tour with Brad Paisley. It's a great way to learn, and that's the thing I've been doing so much over the last two years. I've picked up a lot on "Dancing With The Stars" and on this tour. This is awesome. I get to express myself in so many ways. I've worked so hard for all of this, but I've been incredibly fortunate."

Julianne Hough is queen of 'Dancing With the Stars,' but it's her debut country CD that has legs

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Julianne Hough was a household name before ever releasing her first country single.

Ms. Hough (pronounced Huff) is the two-time dance champion of ABC’s top-rated “Dancing With the Stars,” partnering with Apolo Ohno then Helio Castroneves for back-to-back wins. Not since Shirley Temple has a petite, dancing, curly-haired blonde won over the hearts of America as she has.

This summer she’s traded in her dancing heels for a pair of boots as she launches her country music singing career. Currently, she is opening The Paisley Party — Brad Paisley’s summer tour with Jewel and Chuck Wicks.

“As much as I love to dance, singing has always been my No. 1 passion,” Ms. Hough said in a phone interview.

Ms. Hough, 19, is in town today to sing at WUSY US101’s High Noon Saloon in The Comedy Catch. The radio station hosts these monthly concerts to introduce new talent to listeners as well as bring in old favorites. The shows aren’t open to the public; tickets may only be won by listening to the station.

According to Jay Cruze, operations manager, today’s show is sold out.

“This is a way we give back to our listeners,” Mr. Cruze said. “Everybody is working hard, and this is our way to give them a little work relief and say thanks for listening.”

After signing with Universal Music Group Nashville in December, Ms. Hough’s self-titled debut CD was released May 20. Its sales of 67,000 made it the highest country debut of an artist since 2006.

Her first single, “That Song in My Head,” is No. 23 on Billboard’s hot country charts, and the CD has received critical acclaim.

In her interview with the Times Free Press, Ms. Hough talked about dancing, dating and brother Derek — and yes, she is every bit as effervescent and bubbly as her television persona.

Q: Usually an opening act is a new star needing stage experience, but you have just as much, or more, than Brad Paisley already. What are you learning from this tour experience?

To be honest, there is a lot to learn. I’ve had a lot of stage experience, but it’s all been for dancing. I don’t have as much experience being the only person onstage, not having a partner. I’m learning to interact with the audience, and interacting with the fans is the best part. Hearing them sing along with your songs is the coolest thing.

Q: Did you find people were skeptical of your talent when you came to Nashville? Did they think you were just trying to capitalize on your dancing fame?

It was a little of both. There were people who were skeptical, especially who had never met me or heard me sing. As soon as I got to Nashville and people starting hearing my music and talking to me, all skepticism went aside. Everybody has been so welcoming, other artists, people in the industry and especially the fans.

Q: There are a lot of young, beautiful, singing blondes in Nashville right now. How do you plan to set yourself apart?

It is kind of a blonde-dominated music genre. Everybody has their qualities that set them apart. I feel like mine is the fact I’ve had a lot of experience dancing, being an all-round entertainer, not just getting up there and singing. Being able to have that natural movement onstage sets me apart. There is a lot of energy in my show.

Q: Your brother, Derek, (also a professional dancer on “Dancing With the Stars”) sings with you on “Dreaming Under the Same Moon.” Does he have musical aspirations?

Yes. Derek and his friend Mark Ballas (another professional dancer on “DWTS”) have been in a band together for 10 years. They are touring this summer. Both my brother and I, and now Mark, all have dreams and aspirations. We wanted to get a foot in the door, and what better way that being on “DWTS?”

Q: Are all your siblings musical?

Yes. There are five and they all sing, dance and act. It’s terrible at family reunions because we’re always fighting for camera time.

Q: When will you learn who your partner is for the next season of “DWTS?”

None of us know until the week before we start training. If they ask me back, I’d love to go. If not, I’ll continue on with my music.

Q: Of the partners you’ve had, who was the best dancer?

The most talented dancer I partnered with was probably Helio, and the one who worked the hardest was Apolo, who ended up being just as good, if not better.

Q: Who’s on your iPod?

Lady Antebellum, James Otto, Chuck Wicks, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift and Kellie Pickler. I kind of listen to the newer artists, but there’s nothing like listening to Reba, Dolly or Martina.

Q: In Shape magazine’s article, you said you work out four hours a day. How do you train while you’re on the road?

I train four hours a day when doing the show. I do regular workouts when I’m not dancing; I work out one hour a day. I have exercises I do on my own, and Brad has weights on the tour. Chuck’s band has bikes, so I went out with my band and we bought mountain bikes and we all go ride.

Q: What’s your guilty pleasure?

Full-on food! I love food! I love bread. When I’m on the show, I eat double what I really should because I’m working out. People think I’m completely the opposite, they’re always surprised by what I eat.

Q: The fan magazines have romantically linked you to every partner you’ve had on “DWTS.” Is there a guy in your life?

No, I’m single and I like it that way. I’m focused on my career.

Q: Was there a Jimmy Ray McGee in your past? (“Jimmy Ray McGee” is a track from her CD about the high school stud who pressures his dates for sex and her choice to wait.)

There definitely was a Jimmy Ray McGee in my past. It wasn’t the same guy that knocked up my best friend, but there was a guy that was like that. She got pregnant and he left.

Making the decision to say no is hard at the time, but you know it’s worth it when you are a little older. My favorite line in the song is “When I was 17 I thought too much about the choices I made, from the clothes I wore to the friends I picked, to the boys I’d date. I guess in the end it was worth all the worry, though it hurts to wait, it can hurt worse to hurry.”

Q: What’s next for you?

After the tour, I’m working on writing, getting songs together for my next album. In September, Kellie (Pickler) and I are hosting a special taped during the CMA Music Festival. It airs Sept. 8.

Long Island Press
Review by Josh Stewart

Yours truly has heard it from more than one person: "It just isn't fair for one person to be that talented." Such a sentiment could make the envious try to dismiss two-time Dancing With the Stars champion Julianne Hough's foray into country singing as mere marketing malarkey, and they have every right. ("After all, just about everybody worth a damn from that other big reality show [Underwood, Pickler, etc.] heads to Nashville, so why not?" would be a reasonable argument.) Only problem is-brace yourselves-Hough is that talented, so you might as well enjoy. A strictly pop/country album would have sealed Hough's fate, as Taylor Swift is currently cornering the market on blonde pre-drinking-age bubblegum fare. (No slight against Swift, BTW, as every genre needs content with a lighter touch.) But Hough, physical comparisons aside, has an earthier, more traditional country voice that can pull off stuff that you might actually hear in a bar. (Not everything, mind you, but the boot-stomping "Hello" easily passes the honky-tonk litmus test.) Producer David Malloy (Reba McEntire, Eddie Rabbitt) gets credit for noticing the maturity in her sound and funneling Hough material beyond her 19 years. Check out this line in ballad "Hide Your Matches": "'Cause I could spark like thin white paper wrapped tight round some cigarette/ And leave nothing but the smell of smoke and the bitter taste of regret." Had this album been an insincere side project, that lyric would have exposed her more than some of her dance outfits. But she more than holds her own. Hough may be able to believably portray a 19th-century South American prostitute while doing the tango with Adam Corolla, but you can't fake country. And she's the real McCoy.

'Dancing' paid the bills while Hough chased stardom

Beverly Keel • June 6, 2008

Julianne Hough knows the right way to dance into CMA Music Festival — with a No. 1 album debut, a co-hosting gig on an ABC special and a growing list of magazine cover features.

The 19-year-old blonde is the "it" girl of this year's annual gathering of country music fans. Last year, the two-time Dancing with the Stars champion took the stage only to introduce country duo Big & Rich. This year, she takes center stage tonight for a special performance at LP Field and she will join Taylor Swift and Kellie Pickler as hosts of ABC's CMA Music Festival special airing Sept. 8.

Hough took time during her hectic schedule Thursday to stop by a spa, but only because Natural Oasis is owned by her older sister, Marabeth Poole, and Hough was being followed by an ABC camera crew for a segment called "This Is My Nashville" that's part of the CMA TV special.

"Honestly I don't think I would be here without my family and their support and just being able to believe in myself and not listen to what people say. I've had a lot of people say, 'What are you doing? You are ruining your life because your career is set … as a dancer and you're going to make tons of money.' I was like, 'I don't want to do that. That is not true to who I am. I want to do what I love,' " Hough said.

After its May 20 release, Hough's self-titled debut went to No. 1 on Billboard's Top Country Albums chart. In its second week, it is No. 3, behind Taylor Swift's multi-platinum Taylor Swift and Toby Keith's 35 Biggest Hits.

"This is my real passion," she said. "I'm not just a sellout that's coming here who's just going to have a short-term singing career. I want this to be a long-term singing career. … I'm going to write and play guitar. I'm really serious about this."

Hough said one of the most wonderful things has been the support of fans and artists.

"I don't think it's hit me," she said of her success. "It has hit me, but it's just so hard to believe that, 'Oh my gosh, I'm just Julianne. I can't believe that just Julianne can have a number one country album.' Wow, I just said that and it sounded crazy!"

Luke Lewis, chairman of Universal Music Group Nashville, said that Hough was born to entertain. "She's blessed with a whole lot of gifts," he said. "She's one of those young people you run into and you wish she was your daughter. She's amazingly grounded for somebody who has been in the limelight like she has.

"I believe what you see is what you get. She's very forthright and doesn't put on airs. She carries herself like a Southern lady."

Singing Came First

Hough began performing country songs at age 3 at fairs and festivals with her four siblings in Utah, and has been singing longer than she's been dancing.

"It's like an actor coming to Nashville, and there have been some that want to be country music stars," Lewis said. "You are sort of immediately suspect. You spend a few minutes with Julianne Hough and you realize that she wanted to be a singer more than she wanted to be a dancer. She just didn't have the opportunity until the last couple of years. She is grabbing the bull by the horns, I'll tell you that."

At 10, Hough moved to London to attend a performing arts school, and her dancing really took off when she won two world titles as a teen. But she never gave up on her love of country or her desire to sing professionally. Her mother mailed her albums by LeAnn Rimes and other contemporary country artists.

At 15, Hough returned to Utah to finish high school and focus on her singing career. After graduation, with $2,000 in her pocket, she moved to Los Angeles instead of Nashville because she knew she could support herself by dancing. She accepted a gig on the Dancing with the Stars tour because she needed to money to make her rent. There, manager Irving Azoff discovered her and helped launch her country career.

"I've been really fortunate in feeling like the stars are aligned because everything kind of worked out great. The people I've met have been thepeople to work with," said Hough of her managers, Azoff and Scott Siman.

Despite her country ambitions, Hough is obligated to continue competing on ABC's Dancing with the Stars, which has turned her into a nationally recognized celebrity.

"I want to focus on the music because that is where my heart is and that is where I want my life to go. I want to be a country artist and be known for that. I want to keep pursuing singing and writing and really make a mark as an artist.

"The dancing I love it, and it's a huge passion of mine anyway and I'll always dance just because I love it, but that for me was an avenue to get my foot in the door. Everybody has their little things that they do. American Idol people who haven't even been in the top 10 have careers with their music because of the exposure. It's definitely helped and I love the show."