Derek Hough Exits ‘Dancing With The Stars’ For Season 20

Say it ain’t so! First Cheryl Burke, now Derek Hough?!

Derek will not be returning to the “Dancing with the Stars” for the upcoming Season 20.

The five-time “DWTS” champion has a good excuse for his ballroom absence, however. Derek will be playing the lead male role in Radio City Music Hall’s “New York Spring Spectacular!”

PHOTOS: Hot Shots Of Derek Hough

“I am ecstatic that I’ll able to extend my passion for performing to the Great Stage of Radio City Music Hall in New York Spring Spectacular,” the 29–year-old said in a statement to Access Hollywood on Tuesday. “Performing at Radio City Music Hall in a show that celebrates everything that is beloved about New York City is a dream.”

Adding, “I can’t wait to show fans this production … it’s going to be like nothing they’ve seen me in before.”
Derek, who recently guest starred on ABC’s “Nashville” as a potential love interest of Hayden Panettiere’s Juliet Barnes, will be joined in the NYC live show by fellow “Nashville” alum Laura Benanti, who currently plays Rayna James’ new protege, Sadie Stone.

Derek’s NYC show will kick off on March 12, and end on May 3.

As previously reported on , Season 20 will be the last for judge Len Goodman.

— Erin O’Sullivan