Julianne Hough reveals scary medical emergency she suffered during ‘DWTS’ taping

Live from Hollywood, it’s 20 years of “Dancing with the Stars.”

In honor of the competition show, which premiered in 2005, Julianne Hough took a moment to reflect on the 20th anniversary with a lengthy social media post.

In the Instagram caption, the dancer, 36, revealed that along with all the highs of being part of “DWTS,” there were some tough moments as well.

9

“I was 18 when I joined the show,” Hough wrote about her journey. “Fresh out of Utah with $2000 in my pocket after training in london my whole childhood totally unsure of what was ahead. Who would’ve thought… I ended up winning my first two seasons, had a cyst burst on live TV (yep, that happened).”

According to John Hopkins Medicine, “a cyst that ruptures may cause no symptoms, or only mild symptoms. Ruptured cysts that cause mild symptoms can often be managed with pain medicine.”

9

9

“This show has given me a home, a family, and a deep sense of purpose. I’m forever grateful to everyone who’s been a part of it,” Hough continued in part, “from the pros to the celebs to the crew to the fans who’ve shown up season after season. You’ve helped create something that’s so much more than a TV show. It’s a movement. A legacy. A love story with dance.”

Fans, friends and fellow dancers praised her in the comments section. Brother Derek Hough wrote, “Winning your first 2 seasons back 🏆to back 🏆at 18 yrs old is a serious flex 💪🏼.”

One fan added, “I remember your dance with piano you were just after the surgery/ you are incredible both you and your brother/ big inspiration,” while a second chimed in, “Your solo dance last year was the most ICONIC thing to ever happen to DWTS.”

9

9

The author joined the show in 2007 during Season 4, winning alongside Olympic speed skater Apolo Ohno. In Season 5, she took home the mirrorball trophy with Brazilian race car driver Hélio Castroneves.

In 2008, the pro was paired with comedian Adam Carolla but came in ninth place. That same year for Season 7, she and Cody Linley landed in fourth place. The actress ended up having her appendix taken out at the time.

She went on to place sixth with country singer Chuck Wicks in Season 8.

9

9

Hough stepped away from the ballroom until when she came back as a judge in 2014. After serving alongside Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli and the late Len Goodman, she took a second break in 2017.

“I do miss the show,” Hough told Entertainment Tonight in 2017. “But what’s really fun is, I’m a fan, just like everybody who watches. I watch the show now that I’m home and, you know, I have favorites and everything. Which is great because I could never really have favorites. I had to really kind of separate that [as a judge].”

“Obviously, right now, I wanted to take some time and focus on my acting and kind of get back on that path,” Hough explained. “I’m really excited, you know? This is a different chapter. I’m 29 and I feel like I’m sort of coming into my own.”

9

9

In 2023, Hough officially joined Alfonso Ribeiro as co-host for Season 32, replacing Tyra Banks.

“It is such an honor to be rejoining ‘Dancing with the Stars’ as co-host. The show holds such a special place in my heart from the many years and different roles I have had the privilege of being a part of,” she told Variety at the time. “The incredible team that brings the ballroom to life every night has been my family for the past 17 years. I am so excited to reunite with Alfonso, Carrie Ann, Bruno, Derek, the unbelievably talented pros, and the amazing cast on the dance floor.”

Hough added, “The energy is magnetic every time you step foot in to the ballroom and I can’t wait to feel it again — and of course to share it all with the absolute best and most loyal fans — for another exciting season.”