Julianne Hough became a star on "Dancing with the Stars." For this list, we’ll be looking at the greatest routine this dancer treated us to on the show.
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00:00 And now we've got something truly incredible.
00:02 We're gonna feature champions Derek and Julianne Hough dancing to the music of our special
00:07 guest.
00:08 Welcome to Ms. Mojo, and today we're counting down our picks for the top 20 Julianne Hough
00:13 performances on Dancing with the Stars.
00:16 I don't want there to be a single doubt in anybody's mind that we are gonna be in that
00:19 final.
00:20 We're shooting for a mind-blowing performance.
00:22 For this list, we'll be looking at the greatest routines this dancer treated us to on the
00:27 show.
00:28 Which of these routines is your favorite?
00:30 Let us know in the comments.
00:33 Number 20.
00:35 Dancing to "Wouldn't Change Anything" with ensemble.
00:39 One of the best things about dance is its ability to give us a glimpse into people's
00:43 journeys.
00:44 This routine to "Wouldn't Change Anything" exemplifies that in beautiful fashion.
00:49 "Four, five, six, this is killing me.
00:57 What I miss most is everything."
01:03 In it, Hough is portraying choreographer Miranda Davis, who was diagnosed with several autoimmune
01:08 diseases, and telling her story.
01:12 You can tell just how seriously Hough takes the job of doing the dance, and the person
01:17 behind it, justice.
01:26 She nails each moment, bringing an unparalleled emotion to the fore, and infusing each perfectly
01:33 executed move with grace, vulnerability, and a slew of feelings.
01:38 And that's saying nothing of how poetic each gesture is.
01:41 Poignant and deeply meaningful, this number is powerful.
02:03 Number 19.
02:04 Viennese waltz to "Iris" with Elio Castroneves.
02:16 Elio Castroneves and Julianne Hough were the champions of Dancing with the Stars'
02:20 fifth season, so we don't need to tell you they gave us a plethora of unforgettable
02:25 routines.
02:26 We'll be discussing plenty of them.
02:37 Right now, we want to spotlight their Viennese waltz during the fourth week.
02:41 Dancing to "Iris," the duo takes our breath away.
02:44 This is not an easy routine to pull off.
02:47 Yet they move through the room with elegance, while demonstrating great attention to detail.
02:52 And they do this without ever seeming disconnected from one another or robotic.
02:57 We'd definitely call that a competition-worthy showing.
03:01 Considering the judges gave them nines for the feat, we'd say they agree.
03:16 Number 18.
03:17 Jive to "Let's Twist Again" with Elio Castroneves.
03:21 We told you we'd be talking about this duo a lot, and we weren't lying.
03:26 Their week three Jive wasn't bad, but the judges felt it was disappointing.
03:30 So for week 10, that was the dance style the pair took on again.
03:41 To say they redeemed themselves would be a massive understatement.
03:45 From the minute "Let's Twist Again" starts, we can tell we're in for a thrilling
03:49 ride.
03:50 Their retro outfits make us feel like we're in a different time, and the choreography
03:55 is jam-packed with excitement.
04:00 Naturally, Elio's skill level has also improved.
04:11 And his rapport with Julianne shines through, adding a layer of dynamism to the whole affair.
04:17 They look like they're having a blast.
04:19 We know we are.
04:27 Number 17.
04:29 Foxtrot to "Ain't That a Kick in the Head" with Elio Castroneves.
04:33 Did someone say more Elio and Julianne?
04:36 Ask and you shall receive, because we've got a Foxtrot for the ages.
04:48 When this dance style is mastered, performers practically glide, which is much harder to
04:53 achieve than it may sound.
04:55 But yes, Hough and Castroneves do make it look effortless in this routine.
05:11 From the batons they use at the beginning, to the style and pizzazz they bring to the
05:16 steps, to their facial expressions, they go beyond mere technique here to give us personality.
05:21 It's style and substance, and we're more than here for it.
05:25 We probably won't be surprising anyone by saying this, but the dance earned the pair
05:30 a perfect score of 30 out of 30 from the judges.
05:46 Number 16.
05:48 Tango to "Jesse's Girl" with Apollo Anton Ono.
05:51 Julianne Hough and Apollo Anton Ono were a match made in Dancing with the Stars heaven,
05:57 as evidenced by the fact that they snagged the Mirror Ball trophy in season 4.
06:02 Their tango to "Jesse's Girl" is a great example of why they were such a threat to
06:06 the other competitors.
06:18 This is a dance style that requires a tremendous amount of precision, balance, and of course,
06:24 passion.
06:25 Unsurprisingly, Hough and Anton Ono deliver all that and then some.
06:32 They're so completely in tune with one another, and manage to give us flawless steps and a
06:41 sultry vibe.
06:42 The whole thing feels creative, and it's a joy to watch.
06:46 "That is electric, dynamic, contemporary.
06:50 The choreography was so inventive.
06:53 I am so excited.
06:55 Finally, I am excited."
06:57 Number 15.
06:58 Argentine Tango to "Für Elise" with Riker Lynch and Alison Holker.
07:03 For the semifinals on Dancing with the Stars' 20th season, each judge picked a routine for
07:09 and trained a duo.
07:11 Julianne Hough did this for Riker Lynch and Alison Holker, guiding them through an Argentine
07:16 tango that we can only describe as steamy.
07:28 Hough said she chose to work with this particular duo because of their artistry, and that really
07:33 comes through in this routine.
07:35 It's dramatic, sexy, and keeps those of us watching wanting more.
07:42 Granted, Hough doesn't stay for the entirety of the number, but her dancing during the
07:49 first part of the performance takes it to another level.
07:53 It's gripping stuff, to put it mildly.
08:00 Number 14.
08:02 Quick Step to "Mr. Pinstripe Suit" with Apollo Anton Ono.
08:06 If you're not awestruck wondering how two people could possibly move their feet so quickly
08:11 and in sync, are you even watching a quick step?
08:19 Julianne and Apollo's "Mr. Pinstripe Suit" performance always leaves us utterly amazed.
08:25 Each step, skip, and spin is gorgeous, both technically and aesthetically.
08:30 They also take us on an electrifying narrative journey with their movements, which gives
08:34 the number that little extra oomph.
08:45 These two are competitive, and they really channel that spirit into their dancing here,
08:50 which makes for a riveting viewing experience.
08:53 The perfect score they received for it was just the cherry on top of the fast-paced cake.
09:01 Number 13.
09:08 Dance to "Elastic Heart" with Derek Hough.
09:11 Siblings Julianne and Derek Hough have an incredibly special bond, and they've showcased
09:16 it on a few occasions on Dancing with the Stars.
09:19 For instance, the show's 20th season saw them perform a special routine while Sia sang
09:24 her hit "Elastic Heart."
09:37 The duo are joined by younger dancers portraying kid versions of them, and as the pairs dance,
09:42 we can't help but reach for the tissue box.
09:45 We're being taken into a world of complex family dynamics, and the intentional movements
09:50 convey raw, personal truths.
09:59 We practically feel like we're in the room with them, being trusted with this dance.
10:04 That they accomplished this without ever sacrificing the quality of the routine itself is a testament
10:09 to their talent.
10:14 Number 12.
10:15 Jive to "Great Balls of Fire" with Derek Hough.
10:24 Do you ever wish you could get in on the action, and have a major say in what you see performed
10:28 on Dancing with the Stars?
10:30 Well, for Season 7's Macy's Stars of Dance Design a Dance Initiative, folks got the chance
10:36 to do just that.
10:48 They chose pros Julianne and Derek Hough to perform a jive to "Great Balls of Fire,"
10:53 and needless to say, we think that was the right call.
10:57 The siblings take over the room with their infectious personas, and immediately draw
11:01 us in.
11:02 This is a high-powered, invigorating routine, and they completely sell every second and
11:07 stunt while moving in total harmony.
11:10 It's pure fun from start to finish, and we can't stop smiling whenever we watch it.
11:24 Number 11.
11:25 Paso Doble to "Carnival de Paris" with Apollo Anton Ono.
11:33 Julianne and Apollo waste no time in bringing the drama to the dance floor as they close
11:37 the show with a bang.
11:39 As always, Julianne's choreography is ambitious, but Apollo breezes through it all with the
11:44 stamina, power, and passion needed to deliver a perfect Paso Doble.
11:56 In fact, it's so impressive that you might be fooled into thinking that you're watching
12:00 two professional dancers.
12:02 This dance is so iconic that Frankie Muniz and Whitney Carson chose to recreate it during
12:06 the Season 25 semifinals.
12:13 Of course they did a great job, but naturally, nothing can compare to the original.
12:24 Number 10.
12:25 Dancing to "Love Runs Out" with the male pro dancers.
12:34 In 2014, Julianne returned to the show as part of the judging panel, but to mark her
12:39 transition from pro dancer to judge, she joined the other male professionals on the ballroom
12:44 floor for this show-stopping number.
12:46 The fast-paced, athletic, and at times acrobatic choreography reminds us of all the killer
12:52 routines Julianne produced for the show in the past.
13:03 Even though she's dancing with lots of talented men, it's almost impossible to tear your eyes
13:07 away from her the entire time.
13:09 We can only imagine how the contestants were feeling after seeing this jaw-dropping routine
13:14 ahead of their own dance debuts.
13:21 Number 9.
13:22 Samba to "Baila Baila" with Chuck Wicks.
13:30 Although they were generally considered as the underdogs of the competition, this duo
13:34 really got the party started with their samba.
13:37 They stripped back on everything else and just focused on the choreography and performance
13:42 to prove why they deserved their place in the competition.
13:51 The samba's rhythm and patterns, not to mention that bounce action, is often hard to master,
13:56 but when your chemistry is this good, it looks effortless.
13:59 The music complements the dance so perfectly, and their energy makes us want to join their
14:04 party too.
14:05 So we were hardly surprised when the judges scored them 9s across the board.
14:14 Number 8.
14:15 Jitterbug to "Big Time Operator" with Cody Lindley.
14:24 The jitterbug never quite made it as a staple on the show, but fortunately, it stuck around
14:28 long enough to give us this memorable moment.
14:31 Following an "I Love Lucy" inspired routine, the pair had us in awe with this extremely
14:35 energetic and exciting performance.
14:38 The stamina you need to pull off a dance like this is simply next level.
14:41 And it's even more impressive when you realize that Julianne danced through excruciating
14:45 abdominal pain and was rushed to the hospital soon after their encore performance.
14:58 Still it's an unforgettable performance, and at least they could finally celebrate
15:02 their first 10 of the season.
15:10 Number 7.
15:11 Cha Cha Cha to "Love Roller Coaster" with Elio Castroneves.
15:20 Julianne fills the music with intricate choreography, and Elio doesn't put a foot out of place,
15:26 giving us this flawless routine.
15:28 On the technical side, they completely wowed the judges, who all scored them top marks.
15:33 But that isn't necessarily what makes this dance so memorable for us.
15:36 We can't help but notice how much fun the pair are having dancing together, and their
15:40 positive vibes are simply infectious.
15:49 It's a real testament to their friendship that they moved together in such perfect synchronization
15:53 the entire time.
15:55 After that dance, how could it not be a smooth ride straight to the finals?
16:05 Number 6.
16:06 Cha Cha Cha to "Let's Hear It for the Boy" with Apollo Anton Ono.
16:18 This week marked not only Apollo's dance debut, but Julianne's as well.
16:22 Although they had limited rehearsal time due to Apollo's busy schedule, the performance
16:27 they deliver is impressive, and totally joyous.
16:30 It's one thing to pull off the steps, but it's their strong work ethic and natural chemistry
16:35 that takes this dance from good to great.
16:43 And even though it was one of their lowest scoring dances, it was clear from this moment
16:47 that they would be the ones to watch.
16:55 Ono was used to going for gold, and he wasn't making any exceptions.
16:58 Luckily, Julianne was just the teacher to get him there.
17:05 Number 5.
17:07 Jive to "Shake a Tail Feather" with Derek Hough.
17:15 Julianne stopped by the ballroom during her Footloose promo tour, which could only mean
17:19 one thing.
17:21 She and her brother Derek reunited on the dance floor for an extraordinary and exhilarating
17:25 jive.
17:26 These siblings are known for leaving it all on the dance floor with their high energy
17:29 and ambitious choreography, and this time was no exception.
17:40 Their gravity-defying tricks just remind us that they're in a complete league of their
17:43 own.
17:44 We love any time the Hough's come together for a creative collaboration.
17:48 There's never a dull moment watching them dance, and they always find new ways to surprise
17:52 and amaze us.
18:00 Number 4.
18:01 Samba to "I Like to Move It" with Apollo Anton Ono.
18:05 Who likes to move it?
18:06 Julianne Hough and Apollo Anton Ono.
18:09 If this electrifying routine is anything to go by.
18:12 It's sassy, seductive, fierce, and oh-so-magnetic.
18:15 There's such agility on display.
18:27 And the intricate footwork is so stellar, we find ourselves gasping in admiration.
18:32 We've already touched upon how difficult the samba is to get right, but this is yet
18:37 another instance where Hough and her partner are connected enough that they pass the proverbial
18:42 dance test with flying colors.
18:44 And it's wondrous.
18:55 They also ace the more literal test, scoring 10s across the board from the judging panel.
19:00 Our only complaint is that the routine doesn't last nearly long enough.
19:04 But thankfully, that's what re-watching is for.
19:16 Number 3.
19:18 Quick Step to "Hey Pachuco" with Elio Castroneves.
19:28 Putting the quick in the quick step, Julianne and Elio proved that they were a cut above
19:32 the competition with this upbeat, fast-paced, and thrilling routine.
19:36 As any longtime fan of the show will know, it's not easy staying so synchronized with
19:40 your partner whilst moving at that speed.
19:43 And in hold, no less.
19:52 But these two worked together so seamlessly that you might believe they'd been dancing
19:55 together for years rather than just 8 weeks.
19:58 The judges all scored them a well-deserved 10.
20:01 But for us, the lasting impact is how elated we feel any time we watch this dance.
20:12 Number 2.
20:13 Freestyle to "Bust a Move" with Apollo Anton Ono.
20:23 Although Julianne and Apollo brought their A-game every week, this dance just proved
20:28 that they were truly in a class of their own.
20:30 Julianne's choreography is original and ingenious, and nothing at all like what we'd come to
20:34 expect on the show.
20:38 They bring a fun and fresh energy, and we certainly didn't expect them to break out
20:47 the breakdancing.
20:49 Needless to say, there's hardly a moment of their performance that doesn't have us lifting
20:52 our jaws up off the ground.
20:54 It's one of the most innovative and spectacular freestyles we've ever seen, and one that viewers
20:59 are unlikely to ever forget.
21:23 Number 1.
21:24 Contemporary to "Unsteady" with Derek Hough.
21:36 With their hearts on their sleeves, Julianne and Derek performed a routine that likely
21:40 didn't leave a dry eye in the room.
21:42 This dance tells the story of how they were separated as kids following their parents'
21:46 divorce.
21:47 We've already talked about how immensely talented the Houghs are, but this routine
21:50 is simply next level.
22:04 The beautiful and striking choreography shows us a more vulnerable side to the siblings,
22:09 and you can't help but feel choked up as they bare their souls through every step.
22:13 Ultimately, the dance puts a spotlight on their unbreakable bond, and how together,
22:17 they can get through anything.
22:27 Do you agree with our picks?
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22:35 Thanks for watching.
22:41 [music]