As Derek Hough begins 2026, his future looks like a perfect 10.

“There are so many new, wonderful things on the horizon for this year,” Hough, 40, exclusively shared with Us Weekly while celebrating his partnership with Barilla Protein+. “New additions and new projects, new tours, new shows.”

After wrapping up a record-breaking season of Dancing With the Stars in November 2025, Derek is enjoying a bit more time at home with his wife, Hayley Erbert Hough, and their baby girl, Everley.

“I just feel so thankful for health and for this blessing and for this new chapter,” Hough explained to Us. “This new year is going to be filled with lots of new experiences and amplified experiences because I think that’s what love does. Even marriage — being in a relationship with your loved one – I can go do something and have an amazing experience, but when I go do something with somebody that I love, it just amplifies that experience.”

To help kick off the new year right, Hough is teaming up with Barilla Protein+ to launch new Barilla Protein+ Training Timers, which are micro workouts that you can complete in the time it takes to cook Protein+ pasta.

“I have always loved their pasta and now, to create something where we get to create these micro workouts and these training timers, it’s awesome,” Hough shared. “It’s great taste, and it gives me the energy that I want and that’s what’s really important, especially for what I do. I’m dancing and performing, so it’s important to have these types of things to help support my lifestyle.”

Later this year, Hough will kick off his Symphony of Dance: ENCORE tour in California before traveling all across the country.

The performer is already at work and making sure the show is perfect for old and new fans alike.

“There’s a live band, live musicians, the most incredible cast of dancers,” Hough teased about the show. “It’s every different type of genre you can think about. But it’s a lot of heart as well. I think one of the things that I love to do is I love to sort of leave the audience feeling something, and it’s a beautiful experience altogether, that we have this shared experience together.”

Before fans know it, Dancing With the Stars will also be back for season 35. While ABC has yet to officially confirm a brand-new season, last fall’s success is leaning to an easy renewal.

When asked if he would be open to judging two seasons of Dancing With the Stars per year, Hough said he’s open to it.

“I’m down for it. I will say, though, I do think that we found a nice sweet spot,” he explained. “There’s a new formula, if you will, and even just in the casting and the energy of the show and the build-up to the show as well, because it really feels like an event. It’s like, ‘OK, this is the event. This is the fall event. This is must-see’ and it’s amazing. But, of course. Hey, I’m definitely down for two seasons a year.”

Related: ‘Dancing With the Stars’ Babies: Every Pro Who’s Welcomed a Child

Lindsay Arnold, Daniella Karagach, Jenna Johnson and more Dancing With the Stars pros have welcomed children over the years, filling the ballroom with even more aspiring dancers. Thank You! You have successfully subscribed. Subscribe to newsletters Please enter a valid email. Subscribe By signing up, I agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy and to […]

For now, Hough is cooking up plenty of fun closer to home as he enjoys a new year with his family.

When he’s not enjoying Protein+ Stars — a new star-shaped cut of pasta from Barilla — Hough hopes to encourage movement with fans as they reach their new year goals.

“My piece of advice that I remind myself of is we’re writing down a lot of shoulds. ‘I should work out more. I should do this. I should do that,’” Hough explained. “If we turn the should into a must, it’s kind of a game changer. ‘I must be better. I must work out more. I must call my mom back.’ It’s a good little trick to follow through.”