He’s got a poker face! Sasha FarberConfidence in the Dancing With the Stars ballroom — but one judge can sometimes be hard to impress.
“The most intimidating judge would have to be Derek [Hough],” the 38-year-old choreographer told Us WeeklyOnly on Tuesday, October 4. “You never know what he’s thinking. He’s always got this stone cold look and then [his score]It could be really, really bad. [Or] then he’s like, ‘That was great.’”
The Russian-born dancer joked, “It’s just his face.”
The 37-year-old Utah native made his official debut in the DWTSSeason 5, ballroom competition with Jennie Garth. The semifinals saw the elimination of the twosome, with Deeks landing in fourth. (Derek’s sister Julianne HoughPartner took home the mirrorball trophy Hélio Castroneves.)
Sasha Farber & Derek Hough ABC/Nathan Martin; Arlene Richie/Shutterstock
Derek was not content with his first season. DWTSHistory with six wins, a record. Some of his victorious partnership include Brooke BurkeSeason 7 Jennifer GreyIn season 11 Amber RileyIn season 17 Bindi IrwinSeason 21.
Before his final run in 2016, Derek was a regular on 17 seasons of ABC’s hit show. After a four-year break, during which he judged on NBC’s World of DanceThe Emmy winner has returned to DWTSto sit in Len GoodmanSince the coronavirus pandemic was at its height, the 78-year old couldn’t travel to Los Angeles to record the show.
Fans were shocked by the fierce love Derek showed competitors during season 29. But the pro only told the story. UseHe just wanted to see each dancer shine. “I had no intention to be tough or anything like that, but I guess what I realize, for me, is that I think I just have a lot of respect,” he explained in October 2020. “I have a lot of respect for these celebrities and what they’re doing and I genuinely want to give them some feedback. ‘Cause I know for me when I was a pro, I wanted actual feedback. I want to learn how you can be better. So that’s what I’ve always wanted to do.”
The Hairspray Live star insisted that he would “never be mean” to anyone on the show, adding, “I will be honest on certain things because my intention is I really, genuinely want them to be better.”
Derek was again selected to judge during season 30, and is currently giving out scores each week for season 31. Farber has been performing with Selma Blair — but he’s keeping a close eye on ex Emma Slater‘s partner, Trevor Donovan.
“There are definitely a lot of dark horses, and Trevor came in this competition being afraid to dance,” Farber told Use. “That’s, like, the main thing you wouldn’t do if you’re afraid to dance, is do a dance show. And he’s firing on all cylinders. He’s doing phenomenal. … The best dancer doesn’t always win. It’s a race, and it’s long. It’s a marathon. So, I think everyone has their own little advantages and disadvantages.”
Dancing With the StarsDisney+ Mondays, 8 p.m. ET.
Christina Garibaldi reporting
