The Unexpected Twist: How a Dance Misstep Strengthened Derek Hough and Jennifer Lopez's Unbreakable Friendship

Derek Hough, Jennifer Lopez Getty Images(2)

Derek Hough amusingly recounted a moment when he believed his friendship with Jennifer Lopez was at an end. On an episode of The Jennifer Hudson Show, Hough, aged 38, revealed, "I once went salsa dancing with Jennifer Lopez. We were having a fantastic time, sweating and grooving along to the live band. The atmosphere was intense and everything seemed perfect."

During a past incident, the judge of Dancing With the Stars mentioned that there was a mishap when he dipped Jennifer Lopez, who was 54 at the time, and unintentionally stepped on her hair. He recounted how he promptly lifted her back up, but her hair remained on the ground. Despite this unexpected occurrence, Lopez smoothly carried on with the dance, skillfully picking up her fallen hair without missing a single step.

Hough, on his end, claimed he was completely unaware of what had transpired until Lopez informed him later that night.

Lopez confronted him, saying, "Derek, do you have any idea of what you did?" I casually replied, "Oh, you had a great time tonight, right?" However, she quickly responded, "No, you actually yanked out a clump of my hair!" I felt immediate remorse and apologized profusely for my actions.

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"I was surprised when she approached me the next day, asking if we could collaborate on a project together," he shared. "I had assumed our friendship had ended, so it was a pleasant surprise."

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Prior to joining the judges panel on DWTS, Hough had the experience of being a judge on World of Dance alongside Lopez and Ne-Yo. (The show eventually came to an end after four seasons in 2021.)

However, their connection extended beyond their roles on the reality dance competition. Hough disclosed in September 2018 that he and his current spouse, Hayley Ebert, often went on double dates with Lopez and her then-partner Alex Rodriguez.

"Yeah, we hang out frequently," Hough told We Magazine. "You know, we're always on yachts," he playfully added.

In 2020, Hough recorded a video message wishing Lopez good luck before her Super Bowl halftime show. He attributed the gesture to Rodriguez, 48, for arranging it.

"Of course, I created a video expressing my well wishes and best wishes to her," he told Us. "I am acquainted with all the creative directors and everyone involved in the project. I am genuinely thrilled for all of them."

After the performance, Hough enthusiastically commended his friend. "Jennifer displayed exceptional sophistication and acted with grace. I was delighted to witness her daughter's singing! It was a remarkably heartwarming and adorable moment," he exclaimed. "I thoroughly enjoyed it."