Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagicIt's official: Julianne Hough is returning to Dancing With the Stars as a new judge. The former dancing pro confirmed the news on Good Morning America Thursday. Hough will sit alongside Len Goodman, Bruno Tonioli and Carrie Ann Inaba when season 19 premieres on Sept. 15 at 8 p.m. on ABC.
Julianne will have to judge her brother Derek Hough, who will return for the new season alongside familiar faces Mark Ballas, Cheryl Burke, Val Chmerkovskiy, Karina Smirnoff and Tony Dovolani. Other pro dancers this season include Witney Carson, Artem Chigvinstev, Allison Holker, Keo Mostepe, Peta Murgatroyd and Emma Slater.
E! News previously reported Julianne was in talks to join the reality competition series.
"I'm so excited to be back with my Dancing with the Stars family again on a regular basis. I've always aspired to be an all-around entertainer, whether I'm acting, dancing or singing, and I'm thrilled for this opportunity that will allow me to continue all of those pursuits," she said in a statement. "Derek and I just finished our Move Live on Tour, which reminded me how much I miss the interaction with the dance fans that have been so supportive of me in my career. I am warming up the paddles and the sass, and I'm ready to have fun in this new role."
Julianne won the Dancing With the Stars competition twice during her time as a prod dancer.
"We are delighted to welcome Julianne back to the DWTS family," exeucitve producer Rob Wade said in a statement. "Her blend of ballroom dancing experience and unique judging ability make her the ideal choice for the show, and we are very excited to have her, Carrie Ann, Bruno and Len on board."