Julianne Hough

JULIANNE HOUGH became known to millions as the two-time professional dance champion on ABC-TV's top-rated "Dancing with the Stars," also receiving Emmy Award nominations in both 2008 and 2009 for her choreography work on the show.

Hough made headlines when she won the coveted role of Ariel in the 2011 remake of "Footloose" and captured the hearts of critics and filmgoers alike, establishing her as a leading lady on the big screen, after making her film debut in a supporting role in the Golden Globe- nominated musical, "Burlesque."

As a singer, Hough's self-titled debut album, released by Universal Music Group Nashville in 2008, hit the Billboard Country charts at number one and entered the Billboard 200 at number three, marking the highest debut for a country artist since 2006. Her first two singles from the album, "That Song in My Head" and "My Hallelujah Song," earned her the 2009 Academy of Country Music Awards for Top New Female Vocalist and Top New Artist. Hough opened for superstar Brad Paisley and later toured with George Strait, playing over 100 shows in 2009. The Julianne Hough Holiday Collection was released in 2008.

At age 10, Hough studied performing arts in London, returning to her native Utah five years later. After graduating high school, she moved to Los Angeles, landing a job within a month as a dancer on ABC's "Show Me the Money." Shortly thereafter, Hough toured as a company dancer in the "Dancing with the Stars" tour, joining the cast of the hit series for seasons four through eight.

© 2012 New Line Cinema (Warner Bros. Pictures)