Professional dancer Derek Hough poses at the 10th Annual GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network) Respect Awards in Beverly Hills, California October 17, 2014. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni (UNITED STATES - Tags: ENTERTAINMENT) - RTR4AMWV
Derek Hough is leaving "Dancing With the Stars," because when Jennifer Lopez requests your presence, you don't say no.
The longtime "Dancing" instructor will be joining JLo's upcoming NBC dance competition "World of Dance" as a judge, along with R&B singer and dancer Ne-Yo.
Hough, in his blog for TVGuide.com earlier this month, hinted that he had some other projects in the pipeline and didn't know if he would be back for "Dancing's" 24th season. Now it's official -- he'll be with J.Lo and Ne-Yo at the judges' table when "World of Dance" premieres next year.
"Jennifer, Derek and Ne-Yo are three of the most accomplished dancers of their generation, and their incredible insight from the judges' table will be both inspiring and wholly constructive to the world-class level of dancers who are competing on the show," Universal Television Alternative Studio President Meredith Ahr said in a statement. "We feel so very honored that the three of them are giving back to the dance community in this way."
Hough will next be seen in NBC's musical "Hairspray Live!" on Dec. 7.
While Ne-Yo has been making hit songs for over a decade, he got to really show off his dance chops as the Tin Man in last year's "The Wiz Live!"
"World of Dance" is a dance competition show where three age divisions of dancers duke it out until only one act, solo or group, is left in each division. Then the top three will compete against each other for a million-dollar prize and the title of "Best In the World."
Lopez started her career as a backup dancer on the sketch comedy show "In Living Color." Before "World of Dance," she was a judge on "American Idol."
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