She rose to fame as a professional dancer on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars, where her talent quickly made her a household name. Around that time, fans began seeing her beyond the dance floor—she starred in the 2011 remake of Footloose, showcasing her acting chops alongside her impressive footwork. Not one to be boxed into a single role, she later released an award-winning album that soared all the way to #1 on the Billboard Country charts, proving her versatility. In 2016, she stepped into the spotlight once again, portraying the beloved Sandy in Fox’s live broadcast of Grease Live!, a performance that earned widespread praise. By 2019, she had transitioned into a new role as a judge on America’s Got Talent, bringing her expertise and warm presence to the panel.
Before all the glitz and glamour, though, her journey started early. At just 15 years old, she claimed victory at the Junior World Latin Championship, a clear sign of the bright future ahead. Family has always played a big part in her story—her older brother is none other than fellow dancer Derek Hough, making dance runs in the family. In 2017, she took a major step in her personal life by marrying NHL center Brooks Laich, a union that captured media attention. Prior to that, she was in a well-known relationship with Ryan Seacrest from 2010 to 2014. Unfortunately, her marriage to Laich didn’t last, and she filed for divorce on November 2, 2020. Through every chapter, she’s remained a standout—talented, resilient, and constantly evolving. Her name continues to shine across industries, a true testament to her enduring appeal.
She made a big splash during season 4 of Dancing With the Stars, where she partnered up with Apolo Ohno and ended up taking home the mirrorball trophy. Her incredible work on the show didn’t go unnoticed—she was later recognized with a nomination for the Creative Arts Primetime Emmy in 2007, earning praise for her outstanding choreography. It was definitely one of the highlights of her career, showing just how much talent she brought to the dance floor.