Derek Hough Reveals ‘DWTS’ 31’s Most Surprising Contestant

Derek Hough and Hayley Erbert from YouTube

Derek Hough is glad to be back for another season of Dancing With The Stars. He served as a pro dancer for several seasons before taking a break and then his eventual spot at the judges’ table. Throughout his time on DWTS, he’s seen quite a few talented professionals.

Season 31 has many talented individuals. In fact, there has been a three-way tie for first for the past two weeks! Fans have their eyes on these couples, but Derek Hough thinks there’s another couple people need to keep their eyes on. Keep reading to see which contestant has surprised him the most.

Derek Hough admits there are many talented performers this year

Derek Hough has had quite a fantastic year. He finished up his Las Vegas residency, got engaged, and came back to judge another exciting season of Dancing With The Stars.

The Utah native also fulfilled another lifelong dream of his — propelling down from the rafters at the beginning of James Bond Night. In post-interviews, Derek admitted it’s something he’s always wanted to try.

Derek Hough from Instagram
Derek Hough/Instagram

But now that Season 31 is well underway, who does Derek think will win it all? At this point, it’s still anyone’s trophy to win. PureWow caught up with the judge to discuss the frontrunners.

“I think Gabby Windey—she’s fantastic—and Charli D’Amelio. They’re great dancers. I think that they’re definitely at a high level of dance. And you know, Wayne Brady is fantastic, he’s an iconic performer,” Derek said about the dancers in the three-way tie for first. But they aren’t the only ones who have a shot at the trophy. “With Daniel [Durant], it’s wild to see what he’s able to accomplish. And you know, his musicality is amazing, it’s mind-boggling and incredible. Selma Blair is so inspiring.”

Those performers certainly are great, but there’s another couple that has really surprised the judge this year.

“The one that has really surprised me is Jordin Sparks. She’s got such charisma and she’s magnetic to watch. I think she’s gonna be a force to be reckoned with,” Derek admitted.

Brandon Armstrong and Jordin Sparks from Instagram
Jordin Sparks & Brandon Armstrong/Instagram

Jordin and Brandon Armstrong have been in the middle of the pack so far, but they could certainly pull ahead at any time. Derek Hough admits he has his eye on them in the upcoming weeks.

Dancing With The Stars presents Disney+ Night

Disney Night has been a staple of DWTS for years, but this year they’re calling it “Disney+ Night.” The remaining 13 contestants will perform routines to popular Disney songs.

This week, Jordin and Brandon will dance a Jazz routine to “Remember Me” from Coco. Could this be the week they finally pull ahead? Only time will tell.

DWTS Disney+ Night begins at 8 PM eastern time this Monday night. Tune in and keep up with all the action and excitement!

 

Nikole Behrens
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