'Dancing With the Stars' Host Tom Bergeron on How Julianne Hough Did First Time as Judge
The acclaimed host reveals how Hough did her first season handing out scores.
— -- There was a lot of concern and talk surrounding former "Dancing With the Stars" pro Julianne Hough when it was announced prior to season 19 that the 26-year-old would be joining the judges table on the show.
But Hough, whose brother Derek still performs on "DWTS," has done splendidly, says host Tom Bergeron.
"I think she's been doing wonderfully. I think there was more on her shoulders and for Carrie Ann [Inaba] and Bruno [Tonioli --the other judges], as well when Len [Goodman] took a month off," Bergeron explained to ABC News. "I think they all stepped up wonderfully."
In fact, Bergeron, 59, thinks Hough only got better as the season wore on.
"I think Julianne's really hit her stride," he said. "She knows what it's like to be on that floor competing, her comments are concise, are empathetic, are knowledgeable. I don't think you ask any more of a judge."
Along with Hough, Erin Andrews enjoyed her second season as co-host, aiding Bergeron by interviewing the "Stars," even asking the personal questions fans want to know.
"Erin's been doing great. She breaks me up, keeps me on my toes," he said, laughing. "I never know what she's going to say, I'm always paying close attention! That can be her role there and she has embraced it, of almost being the voice of the viewer, the person who has access and can ask or say what the people in the audience are wondering."
Season 19 ended on Tuesday night with a dramatic finale, where Alfonso Ribeiro took home the coveted Mirrorball trophy.
“I cannot believe this,” he said last night after the win. “I’ve wanted it forever … I don’t even know what to say. These are happy tears.”
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