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AGT's Julianne Hough Gives Golden Buzzer to 12-Year-Old Aspiring Broadway Singer: 'Goosebumps'

Julianne Hough has finally pushed her first-ever Golden Buzzer on America’s Got Talent!

The judge, 30, gave the coveted prize to aspiring Broadway star Luke Islam, who brought Hough to tears with his standing ovation-worthy rendition of “She Used to Be Mine” from Sara Bareilles’ Waitress.

Reflecting on her golden choice, Hough tells PEOPLE that choosing the 12-year-old singer from Garden City, New York, was a no-brainer.

“It was so instant,” she recalls. “Literally the minute he came out on stage, my whole body shifted and I was like, ‘Whoa!’ His essence and what he was giving off was star power.”

Hough adds, “I was just blown away. I hit that Golden Buzzer and was tingly all over, I got goosebumps.”

Islam being the recipient of Hough’s Golden Buzzer was all the more touching as he and his sister see the former Dancing with the Stars judge and champion as their role model. “Me and my sister have been following dancing for a very long time,” he said of Hough and her brother Derek’s careers, adding that she is his favorite judge.

RELATED: Gabrielle Union ‘Bawled’ After Giving AGT Golden Buzzer to 22-Year-Old Blind Singer with Autism

“I’m extremely flattered that you would even look up to my brother and I with a voice like that, with an energy like that,” Hough said as Islam began to cry. “You have such talent and grace. You have something so special. You have an essence inside of you that has given you a gift.”

“And I believe not only are you going to become a star and get your dream to come true but I don’t think you need to wait that much longer, because … ” she said, pushing the Golden Buzzer.

Islam, who grew up putting together shows in his house with his sister, has been going to Broadway musicals for half of his young life. “When Luke was 6 years old, I took him to his first Broadway show and something sparked,” his mom said.

“Every weekend, I entered the Broadway lotteries and that way I could get discounted tickets, and beg my parents to take me,” shared Islam, who revealed he’s seen Kinky Boots eight times. “I love the audience, I love the crowd, I love the stage, the props, the costumes. I want to be up there, I want to do what they do. Broadway is so good!”

RELATED: AGT Host Terry Crews Gives Golden Buzzer to ‘Groundbreaking’ Detroit Youth Choir

Judge Gabrielle Union praised the young star’s vocal talent, saying “You killed it!”

Howie Mandel added, “I think we’re watching the beginning of your dream coming true.”

“What’s so important if you move forward, don’t put yourself into a generic music pool. You got to sing songs that every one of your performances is an audition for the best producers on Broadway. You really got to make an impression. This is really key,” Simon Cowell advised.

Islam will advance to the live shows, where he will compete against fellow Golden Buzzer winners Detroit Youth Choir (Terry Crews’ choice), violinist Tyler Butler-Figueroa, singer Joseph Allen (Mandel’s choice), and singer Kodi Lee (Union’s choice).

“My dream is to be a star and make it to Broadway,” Islam told the judges. “All my life I’ve been thinking about Broadway and I love it so, so much. America’s Got Talent is the next way to achieve that goal.”

After receiving Hough’s Golden Buzzer, Islam told the crowd, “I can’t believe it, I’m in shock. I never expected something like this to happen in my whole life. I’m so grateful, thank you so much.”

America’s Got Talent airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on NBC.


AGT's Simon Cowell Raves About Greatest Showman-Inspired Dog Act with Guest Judge Brad Paisley

It’s officially Judge Cuts on America’s Got Talent!

PEOPLE has the exclusive footage of the first 10 minutes of the Judge Cuts episode ahead of Tuesday’s show and country star Brad Paisley joins the panel!

With only seven acts advancing to the live shows, the 18 contestants must bring their A-game to show judges Simon Cowell, Julianne Hough, Howie Mandel and Gabrielle Union that they have what it takes to be crowned the season 14 winner.

Dog act Lukas Pratschker and Falco kick off the first round of Judge Cuts as they bring back their creative teamwork and various tricks, this time with a Greatest Showman-inspired act as a nod to one of Cowell’s favorite films.

The Austria native and his beloved Border Collie perform to the 2017 film’s anthemic single “This Is Me” as Lukas even takes part in the tricks by juggling.

And the choreography pays off as Paisley appears to be impressed by the duo.

RELATED: America’s Got Talent‘s Simon Cowell Could Be a Professional Dog Trainer, According to Howie Mandel

“It was great, really enjoyable. And Falco, I don’t know what he is paying you but you deserve me,” the singer jokes.

“It feels like you did more tricks. It feels like Falco brought his pet Lukas,” Mandel says.

“I think you got a lot better from the first audition and we loved the first audition,” Union shares, referencing the dog act’s Western-themed audition. “So way to go home, get even better and come out and wow us. Great job!”

RELATED: America’s Got Talent‘s Simon Cowell Donates Over $32.6K to Shut Down South Korean Dog Meat Farm

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Hough couldn’t agree more. “You have something really special and your essence comes through. You deserve to be on stage,” the former Dancing with the Stars judge and champion says.

In the end, Cowell had nothing but praise for Lukas and Falco. “You couldn’t have done more to make me love this act,” he says. “I’ll be fighting for you.”

Will Lukas and Falco make it to the live rounds?

America’s Got Talent airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on NBC.

Brad Paisley Says He 'Had a Blast' Guest-Judging 'People Who Do Crazy Things Well' on AGT

Brad Paisley is kicking off America’s Got Talent‘s Judge Cuts episodes!

Ahead of his season 14 guest appearance on Tuesday, the country star, 46, opens up to PEOPLE about joining the judges’ panel with Simon Cowell, Julianne Hough, Howie Mandel and Gabrielle Union.

“I had a blast. It was really fun,” says Paisley, who has judging experience from the short-lived 2014 singing competition Rising Star.

“ is not only multi-generational, but we’re talking about multi whatever; I would say genre, but it’s not even genre. It’s beyond that. It’s multi-sort of category,” the singer says. “We’re talking about crazy magicians and singers, and then there are dancers and acrobats — people who do crazy things well.”

Paisley adds, “It’s unlike any other show that way. I really enjoyed it.”

The father of two — along with Jay Leno, Ellie Kemper and Dwyane Wade — had the opportunity to bestow one lucky act with the coveted Golden Buzzer, which will catapult the contestant straight to the live shows.

“What’s fun about the show is unlike shows that are sort of limited to just singing, that, on any given show, can run the gamut from really great to really bad,” Paisley says. “There are so many different things. How do you gauge a singer to somebody who juggles chainsaws? It’s crazy, it’s a very entertaining show in that way.”

And the 11-time CMA Awards co-host says he learned a lot about finding raw talent thanks to seasoned judges Cowell and Mandel.

“I’ve only met a few times, but I just have an enormous amount of respect for his wisdom in the music business and his eye for talent,” Paisley says. “His no-nonsense manner is also really fun to witness firsthand.”

RELATED VIDEO: Howie Mandel Says Terry Crews’ AGT Golden Buzzer Moment Was Both ‘Beautiful & ‘Heart-Wrenching’

During his time as guest judge, Paisley recalls seeing a side of Cowell that many fans may not get to see on-screen.

“It’s an interesting thing, because when we first got to know him on TV, he got this reputation sort of quickly of being a really hard line, tell-it-like-it-is guy. But, when you sit there at the judges’ table with him, you just start to realize how much he just cares about getting it right. That’s pretty inspiring,” he says.

“He’s somebody willing to what they think in this day and age, face-to-face, on national television with people, and he’s also somebody who does know what they’re talking about,” Paisley adds of Cowell.

The three-time Grammy winner also praises Mandel, Union and Hough, calling them “really interesting, different experts.”

“I’ve toured with Julianne. … We’re old friends,” Paisley says of Hough, who previously traveled on the road with him. “She actually just did a movie with my wife too,” he says of Hough and Kimberly Williams-Paisley in Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings: Jolene for Netflix. “They became really close in that. You can’t help but love her.”

Though he met Union for the first time on the day of his guest judge appearance, he was blown away by her talent. Similarly, Paisley is a fan of Mandel, applauding him as a “great guy” and “mainstay on television.”

America’s Got Talent airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on NBC.

The One Pair of Leggings Celebs Swear by Are on Sale During Prime Day — but Only for 6 Hours

Leggings lovers, rejoice — Amazon Prime Day has unbelievable deals on dozens of leggings! There are so many seriously discounted options to choose from, but the pair that we’re most excited to snag on sale are Alo Yoga’s Moto Leggings. If you haven’t already heard all the hype around these leggings, let us catch you up to speed. 

Alo Yoga Moto Leggings have been worn by practically every A-lister in Hollywood — they’re essentially like the celebrity of leggings brands. Its impressive star-studded list includes Taylor Swift, Gigi Hadid, Hailey Bieber, Kylie Jenner, Julianne Hough, Cindy Crawford, Victoria Justice, Ashley Benson, and so many more — the list goes on and on. And there’s a reason everyone is so obsessed with them. They have that on-trend, moto-inspired quilt stitching that makes them look as cool as they are comfortable. With Alo Yoga’s four-way stretch fabric, they’re designed to move with you while you work out, which means you can wear them to the gym just as easily as you can for a night out. 

Buy It! Alo Yoga Women’s Moto Legging in Black, $58.80–$89.06 (orig. $110); amazon.com

 

Celebs are most often spotted in the black Moto leggings, and have demonstrated how they can be styled in many different ways. Pair them with a cute cropped T-shirt and sneakers like Swift for a more relaxed look or with an oversized blazer, lace-up boots, and cat-eye sunnies like Hadid to exude that boss babe style. 

On a normal day, these celeb faves cost $110, but on Prime Day, members can snag these uber popular leggings for up to 50 percent off — but only for the next six hours. To see this deal of the day, you’ll need to select a color and a size. (Note: Prices vary based on the color and size.) 

There’s never been a better time to get yourself a pair of celeb-approved leggings. Hurry and shop them before this amazing deal ends (or before they sell out)! 

Buy It! Alo Yoga Women’s Moto Legging in Navy, $59.47–$76.97 (orig. $110); amazon.com

Buy It! Alo Yoga Women’s Moto Legging in White, $46.20–$59.47 (orig. $110); amazon.com

Buy It! Alo Yoga Women’s Moto Legging in Heather Grey, $64.01–$77 (orig. $110); amazon.com

Watch Jennifer Lopez, Kelly Clarkson and Thomas Rhett Take On the ‘Dance or Donate’ Challenge

A new social media challenge has the stars showing off their dance moves — all for a good cause!

The “Dance or Donate Challenge” has already received support from top-notch artists such as Jennifer Lopez, Kelly Clarkson and Thomas Rhett as it works to raise awareness and funds for the United Cancer Front.

The initiative kicked off with UCF founder Lilly Tartikoff who challenged 16 celebrities to join in the challenge including Hoda Kotb, Clarkson, Jimmy Fallon, Julianne Hough, Katy Perry, Will Smith and Eva Longoria.

Of those challenged, Kotb, Clarkson and Hough have already stepped up, showcasing their moves online.

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Ok… @lillytartikoff I accept your challenge #danceordonate and I challenge @savannahguthrie @jlo and @thomasrhettakins Let’s fight cancer Image may be NSFW.
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. For my girl Leah

A post shared by Hoda Kotb (@hodakotb) on Jul 11, 2019 at 9:03am PDT

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Dancing and singing along to Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road,” the 54-year-old Today Show host taps Rhett, Lopez and co-host Savannah Guthrie.

Rhett joined in on the fun, but instead of dancing behind the scenes, the country singer, 29, accepted the challenge in front of 20,000 fans!

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Shout out to @hodakotb & @todayshow for nominating me for the #danceordonate challenge. We donated and last night we danced with 20,000 in Pittsburgh to raise awareness for @unitedcancerfront Image may be NSFW.
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throwing this one to @brunomars, @charlieputh, & @lukecombs. Visit danceordonate.org to learn more and swipe to see the moves Image may be NSFW.
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A post shared by ThomasRhettAkins (@thomasrhettakins) on Jul 13, 2019 at 12:46pm PDT

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“So there’s this awesome cause going around right now called the Dance or Donate Challenge, has anyone heard of this?” he told the crowd. “I’m going to — in honor of that challenge — right now, in Pittsburgh with 20,000 of my friends watching, I’m gonna dance.”

“And I’m gonna challenge three people!” he added. “I’m going to challenge Bruno Mars, Charlie Puth and Luke Combs.”

J. Lo accepted too, dancing backstage at her It’s My Party tour stop in New York City, where she had to reschedule her show due to a citywide blackout.

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The lights are back on at MSG and we are having a show tonight!!!! Image may be NSFW.
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But first, I had to accept @hodakotb’s challenge! @neyo @derekhough & @arod its your turn now! #DanceOrDonate with us to help fight cancer! And special shoutout to @inthelab247 for giving out some #ItsMyPartyTour Medicine!!

A post shared by Jennifer Lopez (@jlo) on Jul 15, 2019 at 2:32pm PDT

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“I heard from a little birdie that Hoda challenged me for the Dance Or Donate Challenge,” the 49-year-old says in the clip.

The “Medicine” singer then challenges fellow judges Derek Hough and Ne-Yo from World of Dance and her fiancé Alex Rodriguez, before going into full choreo alongside her backup dancers.

“Ok ok I see you,” commented Derek Hough on the post, seemingly accepting the challenge.

Hough got challenged twice to do the challenge already — by both J. Lo and his sister Julianne!

On her Instagram, Julianne shared a video of herself dancing along to “Sway” by Tove Styrke.

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I am dancing today as a part of the @danceordonate challenge to support the @UnitedCancerFront! Thank you @lillytartikoff for the nomination and for the work you have set in motion to help find a cure for cancer using targeted therapy. Image may be NSFW.
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I now challenge @derekhough, @gabunion, @terrycrews, and @nina to Dance or Donate for the #UnitedCancerFront. Image may be NSFW.
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A post shared by Julianne Hough (@juleshough) on Jul 11, 2019 at 12:36pm PDT

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“I’m dancing for anyone who has been affected by cancer,” she says in the clip, before challenging her brother Derek, Gabrielle Union, Terry Crews and Nina Dobrev.

And it looks like the Today Show team is joining in on the fun. Guthrie shared an adorable video of herself dancing with her 4-year-old daughter Vale.

“Alexa, play ‘Jump Around,'” says the little one in a clip before asking Guthrie, “Mommy, spin!”

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I see your #danceordonate challenge, @hodakotb – and I challenge @lesterholtnbc @chucktodd and @stephruhle — let’s see your best moves! And donate to fight cancer today!

A post shared by Savannah Guthrie (@savannahguthrie) on Jul 16, 2019 at 6:03am PDT

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Last week, Clarkson also showed off her dancing abilities, narrating some of her Beyoncé-inspired moves. Clarkson challenged her fellow The Voice coaches John Legend, Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton.

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@LillyTartikoff challenged me to @danceordonate for @unitedcancerfront, and I chose to dance and donate. Now I’m spreading the #danceordonate challenge to my fellow @nbcthevoice coaches @johnlegend @gwenstefani and @blakeshelton. To donate, visit danceordonate.org/donatenow.

A post shared by Kelly Clarkson (@kellyclarkson) on Jul 10, 2019 at 12:11pm PDT

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“You like the sprinkler? You into it?” she says. “I’m just watering the world with my love.”

The United Cancer Front, which kicked off this initiative, works to support leading cancer doctors and scientists as they develop new approaches to dealing with cancer.

Brooks Laich Opens Up About Julianne Hough Not Taking His Last Name: 'It Was a Little Jarring'

Brooks Laich is getting candid about Julianne Hough‘s decision not to take his last name.

During the latest episode of his iHeartRadio podcast How Men Think, the athlete, 36, got talking about his professional dancer wife, 31, and her decision to go by her maiden name, despite tying the knot two years ago.

“I don’t find it disrespectful,” he said of his wife’s choice. “I’m obviously open to it, but at the start, yeah, it was a little jarring for me.”

Though Laich said he looked forward to the day that Hough would officially take his last name, the ice hockey player revealed that things didn’t go exactly to plan and noted that it’s been an “ongoing discussion” since the early stages of their relationship.

“When we first met and got engaged and stuff, we had this conversation and I was like, ‘I want you to take my last name,'” he recalled to his podcast co-host Gavin DeGraw. “I said that. It was important to me.”

Laich explained that the couple never “resolved the issue” before they got married, but said they’ve continued to talk about it over the years — and he only sees that discussion becoming more in-depth when they start a family.

“To me right now, it’s not that big of an issue,” he said. “We don’t have any kids right now, but she doesn’t have my last name.”

RELATED: Brooks Laich Says Julianne Hough Was a ‘Warrior’ During ‘Super Challenging’ IVF Process

“I will say I didn’t think that initially — I figured it would be an issue — but I’m surprised for myself now that it’s not an issue,” Laich continued. “But, it will be interesting to see when we have kids. When we have children, I would want them to have my last name, our last name.”

When the time comes, Laich admitted that he’s unsure whether his future children would take his last name or find a way to incorporate Hough’s. “Maybe hyphenated, I’m not sure,” he told his co-host of what his wife might want to do.

“I’m actually kind of surprised that it hasn’t become an issue in our relationship because I do, as a man, I take pride in the last name and being, having that last name as the family name and especially when we have kids, I think that will amplify,” he said.

“I don’t know for a fact, but I’m assuming it might amplify for me,” Laich predicted. “I think it’ll always be an ongoing discussion but I’m not going to make my wife change her last name if she doesn’t feel comfortable, but I don’t think that creates a division within our relationship.”

RELATED: Julianne Hough Explains Why Intimacy with Husband Brooks Laich Is ‘Really Sacred’ to Her

Still, he shared his hopes that one day the America’s Got Talent judge will decide to officially change her last name to Laich.

“To be fully honest, I would like my wife to have my last name, whether it’s now or sometime in the near future or far future,” he admitted, noting that he even “refers to their house as the Laich household.”

Though they may not see eye-to-eye on this particular issue, that hasn’t stopped the couple from communicating about other important aspects of their marriage, including their ideas of intimacy.

RELATED: Julianne Hough and Brooks Laich Celebrate 2-Year Wedding Anniversary After Revealing IVF Journey

Earlier this month, Hough appeared on Laich’s podcast where she revealed how the pair have managed to keep the fire between them alive — in part by seeking out a sex therapist to learn about their individual perceptions of intimacy and how sexually compatible they are.

“By almost learning each other’s language — sort of like love languages — it was almost like a menu of how we could please each other sexually, but also intimately,” Hough shared, noting that her idea of intimacy is about “just wanting to be seen.”

“We go to dinner a lot of the time and dinner for Brooks is great because he’s getting fed, he’s got me there, whatever it might be,” she continued. “Dinner to me means I want eye contact and I would really appreciate you, maybe touching my hand at some point.”

While Hough values a physical connection, Laich confessed that he’s more about visuals when it comes to feeling intimate. “When you put lingerie on, I am f— fired up,” he admitted to his wife. “I love it.”

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Things are heating up! Image may be NSFW.
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Today, I am on my love’s podcast @howmenthinkpodcast and it. gets. REAL. I can’t think of a better way to spend our 2 year wedding anniversary than to talk about the intimate details of our relationship for the world to hear. Image may be NSFW.
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Love you babe! Image may be NSFW.
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Click the link in bio to listen!!

A post shared by Julianne Hough (@juleshough) on Jul 8, 2019 at 9:09am PDT

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Hough also said on the podcast that the word “intimacy” has come to mean so much more to her since she met her husband.

“I think it’s one of the most sacred things you can have between a partnership. I think it’s what separates friendship and lovers, and I think that most people do think about sex when they think of intimacy, but when I think about intimacy, I think of presence,” she explained. “I think of absolute, complete and utter connection, when we are two people connecting and then we actually become one person.”

“I can have chemistry and connection, but my intimacy with Brooks is because he challenges me, and he sees me for exactly who I am and accepts me for the fact that I can have chemistry and connection with a lot of people, but I choose him every day,” she added. “I think that is also really sacred, and that’s why we have an intimate relationship. I don’t have that kind of intimacy with a lot of connections that I make throughout my life.”

Julianne Hough Reveals She's 'Not Straight'

It’s been two years since Julianne Hough tied the knot with husband Brooks Laich, and in the time since, the America’s Got Talent judge has been on a journey of self-discovery and personal exploration.

Four months after the couple got married in July 2017, Hough, 31, began her “massive transformation,” she tells Women’s Health for its September cover.

Baring all for the outlet’s annual “Naked Strength” issue, Hough admits that as she was undergoing her personal evolution, she was fearful that Laich, an NHL player and entrepreneur, wouldn’t understand.

“I was connecting to the woman inside that doesn’t need anything, versus the little girl that looked to him to protect me,” she says. “I was like, ‘Is he going to love this version of me?’ But the more I dropped into my most authentic self, the more attracted he was to me.”

As a result, Hough says they now “have a more intimate relationship.”

RELATED: Julianne Hough Reveals She and Brooks Laich Worked with a Sexologist to Find ‘Erotic Blueprint’

Becoming more emotionally and physically intimate allowed Hough to be open with her husband about her sexuality — and reveal that she isn’t straight.

“I , ‘You know I’m not straight, right?’ And he was like, ‘I’m sorry what?'” explains the pro dancer, who created a new dance concept called Kinrgy. “I was like, ‘I’m not. But I choose to be with you.’ ”

“I think there’s a safety with my husband now that I’m unpacking all of this,” continues Hough, “and there’s no fear of voicing things that I’ve been afraid to admit or that I’ve had shame or guilt about because of what I’ve been told or how I was raised.”

RELATED: Julianne Hough and Brooks Laich Celebrate 2-Year Wedding Anniversary After Revealing IVF Journey

Recently, Laich, 36, got vulnerable on an episode of his iHeartRadio podcast, How Men Think, revealing that he and Hough began the IVF process shortly before she turned 30 last July.

While the couple isn’t pregnant yet, Laich told PEOPLE he’s more appreciative than ever for Hough, who has been a “warrior” through the process.

“Knowing she has endometriosis, it could potentially make things challenging in the future to conceive naturally,” he said of their decision to start IVF. “That was just a looking at the big picture and what we want as a family.”

In addition to starting IVF, Hough also froze some of her eggs last year, and “the commitment that she made to us having a family is something I’ll never forget,” he added.

Calling Hough a “champion,” Laich said she had three shots a day for two weeks, and dealt with mood swings from the hormones.

“As a husband, I just go into full support mode. Whatever my wife needs, whatever I can do, I’m fighting the smallest portion of the fight with her,” he said. “There are certain things in my wife’s life that I know she appreciates that help her feel calm and help her feel relaxed, so I double those efforts during that time just to show that I’m there with her and I support her.”

RELATED: Brooks Laich Opens Up About Julianne Hough Not Taking His Last Name — ‘It Was a Little Jarring’

And as she continues to experience different seasons of life with her husband alongside her, Hough is prepared for further growth.

“I’m going to shift for the rest of my life. I’m not like, ‘Oh, I got it.’ But I’m trusting myself now, and when I’m totally connected to me, I feel full,” the former Dancing with the Stars pro tells Women’s Health. “I want others to see that in themselves too.”

You Can Get the Shoes Ashley Graham, Gigi Hadid, and More Stars Love for 60 Percent Off Right Now

From red carpet looks to off-duty street style, Stuart Weitzman is a celebrity favorite when it comes to chic shoes. Not only are the brand’s designs incredibly lust-worthy, but the luxurious fabrics and expertly-crafted silhouettes make the label’s shoes as comfortable as they are timeless. Of course, as a celebrity favorite, the shoes also come with a high price tag, running anywhere from $298 to $2,500 and up. But luckily, you can score the hottest styles loved by celebrities such as The Bachelorette’s Hannah Brown, Kerry Washington, Gigi Hadid, Ashley Graham, and more, on major sale right now.

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Julianne Hough in The Nudistsong Sandal

Buy It! The Nudistsong Sandal, $159 (orig. $398); stuartweitzman.com


People Now: Diane Guerrero's Personal Connection to Her OITNB Immigration Storyline - Watch the Full Episode


PEOPLE Now airs live, Monday through Friday, from the Meredith offices in New York City.

Catch PEOPLE Now every weekday at 12:00 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT on People.com or on the PeopleTV app on your favorite streaming device. Want even more? Check out clips from previous episodes of PEOPLE Now.

Brooks Laich 'So Proud' of Wife Julianne Hough After She Reveals She's Not Straight: 'Love You'

Brooks Laich is Julianne Hough‘s no. 1 supporter.

After Hough got candid about her sexuality in a new interview, revealing she’s not straight, her husband praised her on Instagram.

“So proud of my wife @juleshough for the woman she is, and her courage to share her journey of trials and triumphs!” he captioned a photo of her Women’s Health September cover. “You can learn more about it below, and join the movement she is creating surround personal transformation and growth! Love you so much babe!”

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So proud of my wife @juleshough for the woman she is, and her courage to share her journey of trials and triumphs! You can learn more about it below, and join the movement she is creating surround personal transformation and growth! Love you so much babe! #Repost @juleshough ・・・ & it’s just the beginning… Image may be NSFW.
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To learn more about the conscious decision I made to be on @womenshealthmag #nakedstrength cover, head over to @kinrgy where I will share more on the transformational journey I have been on this past year and how I got to where I am now spiritually, mentally and physically. Head over to @kinrgy and join the movement! Image may be NSFW.
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: @brianbowensmith

A post shared by Brooks Laich (@brookslaich) on Aug 1, 2019 at 9:25am PDT

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In the interview, Hough, 31, opened up about the “massive transformation” she began four months after her and Laich got married in July 2017. Baring all for the magazine’s annual “Naked Strength” issue, the America’s Got Talent judge admitted that as she was evolving personally, she feared that Laich, an NHL player and entrepreneur, wouldn’t understand.

“I was connecting to the woman inside that doesn’t need anything, versus the little girl that looked to him to protect me,” she said. “I was like, ‘Is he going to love this version of me?’ But the more I dropped into my most authentic self, the more attracted he was to me.”

RELATED: Julianne Hough Reveals She and Brooks Laich Worked with a Sexologist to Find Their ‘Erotic Blueprint’

Now, she said, they “have a more intimate relationship” — which allowed Hough to be open with her husband about her sexuality.

“I , ‘You know I’m not straight, right?’ And he was like, ‘I’m sorry what?'” she recalled. “I was like, ‘I’m not. But I choose to be with you.’ ”

“I think there’s a safety with my husband now that I’m unpacking all of this,” she continued, “and there’s no fear of voicing things that I’ve been afraid to admit or that I’ve had shame or guilt about because of what I’ve been told or how I was raised.”

RELATED: Julianne Hough Explains Why Intimacy with Husband Brooks Laich Is ‘Really Sacred’ to Her

Hough and Laich, 36, have become increasingly open about their relationship. On an recent episode of Laich’s iHeartRadio podcast, How Men Think, he said the couple began the IVF process shortly before Hough turned 30 last July.

While she’s not pregnant yet, Laich told PEOPLE he’s more appreciative than ever for Hough, who has been a “warrior” through the process.

“Knowing she has endometriosis, it could potentially make things challenging in the future to conceive naturally,” he said. “That was just a looking at the big picture and what we want as a family.”

In addition to starting IVF, Hough also froze some of her eggs last year, and “the commitment that she made to us having a family is something I’ll never forget,” he added.

Calling Hough a “champion,” Laich said she had three shots a day for two weeks, and dealt with mood swings from the hormones.

“As a husband, I just go into full support mode. Whatever my wife needs, whatever I can do, I’m fighting the smallest portion of the fight with her,” he said. “There are certain things in my wife’s life that I know she appreciates that help her feel calm and help her feel relaxed, so I double those efforts during that time just to show that I’m there with her and I support her.”

Brooks Laich Says Julianne Hough 'Really Enjoys It' When He Sucks on Her Toes: 'We Play Around'

When it comes to their sex life, Brooks Laich and Julianne Hough are an open book.

On the latest episode of his iHeartRadio podcast, How Men Think, Laich, 36, opened up about his physical relationship with his wife during a discussion with Miss Jaiya, a sexologist whom the couple has worked with. And when the conversation turned to toe-sucking, Laich revealed that Hough, 31, is a big fan of the move.

“I do that,” he said. “My wife really enjoys it when I suck on her toes. True story.”

“Hey, we play around,” he added. “Why not?”

But that doesn’t mean she does it back.

“No, I would never ,” said the pro ice hockey player. “My toes are in skates and workout shoes. I can shower and soap them up, but I would never.”

RELATED: Julianne Hough Explains Why Intimacy with Husband Brooks Laich Is ‘Really Sacred’ to Her

As for some of his turn-ons?

“I really like an environment. So I like some dim lighting, candles on, music,” he explained. “I like that, but then also something specifically that really gets me in the mood would be when my wife wears lingerie. There’s an element of risqué, there’s an element of desire and lust and also a little space there. So if she wears lingerie but she’s just five or six feet away, or maybe she just walks around the bed a little back or walks back, just creates a little bit of space there, is something that’s very erotic for myself.”

The two, who began the IVF process last summer, have become increasingly open about their relationship. While joining her husband on his podcast earlier this month, Hough confessed that they sought out professional help to keep their relationship thriving, working with Jaiya to determine their “erotic blueprint.”

“A lot of people don’t know even what they want,” she pointed out. “My curiosity has saved my life and honestly saved our relationship many times because we’ve been curious about like, ‘Hey, something doesn’t feel right. Instead of just accepting it for how it is, let’s look into something.'”

“When I took the test, I realized that there were certain things that gave me connection and intimacy that were different than what gave Brooks connection and intimacy,” she explained. “By almost learning each other’s language — sort of like love languages — it was almost like a menu of how we could please each other sexually, but also intimately.”

RELATED: Julianne Hough Says Her Endometriosis Pain Can Make Sex ‘Really Frustrating’

And in her cover interview for Women’s Health’s September issue, Hough said her deeply intimate relationship with Laich allowed her to be open with him about her sexuality.

“I , ‘You know I’m not straight, right?’ And he was like, ‘I’m sorry what?'” she recalled. “I was like, ‘I’m not. But I choose to be with you.’ ”

“I think there’s a safety with my husband now that I’m unpacking all of this,” she continued, “and there’s no fear of voicing things that I’ve been afraid to admit or that I’ve had shame or guilt about because of what I’ve been told or how I was raised.” (She grew up Mormon.)

After the interview was published, Laich gushed that he was “so proud” of Hough and “her courage to share her journey of trials and triumphs.”

Julianne Hough Doesn't Actually Like When Brooks Laich Sucks on Her Toes: 'Let Me Clear That Up'

For the record, Julianne Hough is not a fan of getting her toes sucked.

Speaking to PEOPLE in Los Angeles on Tuesday at the live taping of America’s Got Talent, the judge took a moment to clarify something her husband Brooks Laich claimed on an episode of his iHeartRadio podcast, How Men Think, earlier this month.

“We’re both so open. We never ask each other for permission because that means somebody has power over one another,” said Hough, 31, of whether Laich, 36, runs things by her before discussing them on the podcast. “We just make sure we know we respect each other. Whatever topic he brings up, it’s great.”

“There was definitely something he misquoted on one of his podcast episodes, though,” she added. “I was like, ‘Let me clear that up.’ He likes to suck on my toes, I don’t like it!”

On his podcast, Laich claimed that Hough “really enjoys” the move. “True story,” he said. “Hey, we play around. Why not?”

But he did clarify that she doesn’t do it back.

“No, I would never ,” said the pro ice hockey player. “My toes are in skates and workout shoes. I can shower and soap them up, but I would never.”

The two, who began the IVF process last summer, have become increasingly open about their sex life. In her cover interview for Women’s Health’s September issue, Hough said her deeply intimate relationship with Laich allowed her to be open with him about her sexuality.

“I , ‘You know I’m not straight, right?’ And he was like, ‘I’m sorry what?'” she recalled. “I was like, ‘I’m not. But I choose to be with you.’ ”

“I think there’s a safety with my husband now that I’m unpacking all of this,” she continued, “and there’s no fear of voicing things that I’ve been afraid to admit or that I’ve had shame or guilt about because of what I’ve been told or how I was raised.” (She grew up Mormon.)

RELATED: Julianne Hough Reveals She and Brooks Laich Worked with a Sexologist to Find ‘Erotic Blueprint’

After the interview was published, Laich gushed that he was “so proud” of Hough and “her courage to share her journey of trials and triumphs.”

Speaking to PEOPLE on Tuesday, Hough said working through their relationship in the spotlight has strengthened their bond.

“Every relationship has their ebbs and flows, their ups and downs, amazing high vibration moments and sometimes you have your dips,” she said. “We just know that we’re in it and we’ll go through it.”

Julianne Hough Feels 'Really Lucky' for the Support She's Had Since Revealing She's Not Straight

Julianne Hough is feeling the love.

Speaking to Extra in Los Angeles on Wednesday at the live taping of America’s Got Talent, the judge said she’s grateful for the support she’s felt since revealing earlier this month that she’s not straight.

“I feel really lucky, and a lot of people who don’t have the platform or the support that I have aren’t that lucky,” she said. “So I just want to say I’m super grateful for my family, my friends and the support from all my fans that I’ve had. But also to spread that … to the people who don’t have that kind of support. That would be my wish.”

Hough, 31, opened up about her sexuality in her cover interview for Women’s Health‘s September issue while discussing her deeply intimate relationship with husband Brooks Laich.

“I , ‘You know I’m not straight, right?’ And he was like, ‘I’m sorry what?'” she recalled. “I was like, ‘I’m not. But I choose to be with you.’ ”

“I think there’s a safety with my husband now that I’m unpacking all of this,” she continued, “and there’s no fear of voicing things that I’ve been afraid to admit or that I’ve had shame or guilt about because of what I’ve been told or how I was raised.” (She grew up Mormon.)

RELATED: Julianne Hough Reveals She and Brooks Laich Worked with a Sexologist to Find ‘Erotic Blueprint’

After the interview was published, Laich gushed that he was “so proud” of Hough and “her courage to share her journey of trials and triumphs.”

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So proud of my wife @juleshough for the woman she is, and her courage to share her journey of trials and triumphs! You can learn more about it below, and join the movement she is creating surround personal transformation and growth! Love you so much babe! #Repost @juleshough ・・・ & it’s just the beginning… Image may be NSFW.
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To learn more about the conscious decision I made to be on @womenshealthmag #nakedstrength cover, head over to @kinrgy where I will share more on the transformational journey I have been on this past year and how I got to where I am now spiritually, mentally and physically. Head over to @kinrgy and join the movement! Image may be NSFW.
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The two, who began the IVF process last summer, have become increasingly open about their sex life, especially on Laich’s iHeartRadio podcast, How Men Think.

In June, the Open Gym app co-founder told PEOPLE he was “blown away” by Hough when he brought her onto the podcast to discuss intimacy.

“We have never been so specific, detailed and open about exactly what goes on in our relationship and our respective thoughts and approaches to intimacy and sex,” he said. “We give people our exact specifics, how we create intimacy, why it’s important to us and open up about our sex life.”

RELATED: Julianne Hough Doesn’t Actually Like When Brooks Laich Sucks on Her Toes — ‘Let Me Clear That Up’

Laich said he has also gained a deeper understanding of his wife, who has been vocal about her struggle with endometriosis.

“We have amazing discussions at home, but this was another discussion of learning, growth and understanding of each other,” he said. “This is an area in my life that I want to learn more, and my wife is vastly more evolved in this area. For her to come on and share … it was just so powerful.”

Julianne Hough Is 'Truly Happy' for 'Beautiful' Newlywed Friends Miles Teller and Keleigh Sperry

Julianne Hough is sending love to her friends Miles Teller and Keleigh Sperry after their Hawaiian wedding over the weekend.

Hough, who married hockey player Brooks Laich in 2017, got reflective on Tuesday with PEOPLE at the latest America’s Got Talent taping in Los Angeles as she talked about her friends getting married.

“I’m honestly just truly happy for them. They are a beautiful couple,” Hough, 31, said. “They compliment each other in the most beautiful way. I’m excited to see how their future unfolds. Before I got married to my husband, lots of people were getting married and it didn’t feel like we’re ready yet, but then you get married and see other people getting married around you. We’re growing up and we’re adults now.”

Hough and Teller starred together in the 2011 remake of Footloose.

RELATED: Miles Teller Marries Model Keleigh Sperry in Romantic Hawaiian Ceremony

The Divergent actor, 32, married his longtime girlfriend, 26, over the weekend in Hawaii after a rehearsal dinner in Maui on Friday, PEOPLE confirmed. The couple also spent the weekend with family and friends, including a beach party on Saturday.

The pair began dating in 2013 after meeting at a Grammys afterparty and became engaged in August 2017 while on a safari trip in South Africa. Teller opened up to PEOPLE about the romantic details of the proposal, complete with elephants roaming in the background.

Teller said he led Sperry to a tree with a rose and note tied to it reading “May 11th, 2013-August 20th, 2017.” On one knee he told her, “This was the first day that I asked you to be my girlfriend, and today was the last day you woke up as my girlfriend.”

Hough is often candid about her relationship with Laich, 36, on the athlete’s new iHeartRadio podcast How Men Think. Earlier this summer, the star joined her husband on the podcast to shed light on sex and intimacy within their marriage.

RELATED: Julianne Hough Reveals She and Brooks Laich Worked with a Sexologist to Find ‘Erotic Blueprint’

While chatting about how they manage to prioritize each other’s sexual needs, Hough revealed that it hasn’t always been smooth sailing for the couple, who celebrated their two-year wedding anniversary in July, confessing that they’ve sought out professional help to keep their relationship thriving.

“A lot of people don’t know even what they want,” Hough pointed out. “My curiosity has saved my life and honestly saved our relationship many times because we’ve been curious about like, ‘Hey, something doesn’t feel right. Instead of just accepting it for how it is, let’s look into something.””

Beloved, Dog-Centric America's Got Talent Act Returning as Wild Card with 'Most Emotional' Show

Lukas & Falco are back!

The beloved act, which features Lukas Pratschker and his dog Falco performing impressive tricks, made it to the quarter finals of this season of America’s Got Talent, but were eliminated.

Luckily, Lukas, 23, and his 9-year-old border collie have been tapped as the final wild card act for this season of AGT, and will be returning to the competition show on Tuesday night.

“We are really excited to get the opportunity to perform again on this huge stage and in front of a wonderful audience,” Lukas, a professional dog trainer, told PEOPLE.

The duo have something special planned for their next performance, which is all about making Falco feel his “most comfortable.”

RELATED: AGT Singer Kodi Lee Wants to Show His ‘Raw, Pure Talent’ to the World as He Heads Into Finals

“In the semifinals, I will put only those tricks into our routine, which Falco really loves the most,” Lukas added. “Maybe it won’t be our most spectacular performance, but it will be our most emotional one! I want him to enjoy his time in the spotlight.”

AGT judge Julianne Hough is looking forward to seeing Falco dance his way across the stage once again.

“Lukas and his adorable dog Falco are so heartwarming to watch. They have great chemistry together,” Hough, 31, said. “I have a soft spot for dogs and I’m thrilled they are returning to the show. I can’t wait to see what they have planned and it’s going to be a tough night of competition.”

In the quarter finals, the pair delivered a performance filled with jumps, twirls and plenty of tricks set to Blink 182’s “All the Small Things”.

Fans of Lukas & Falco can tune in to the pair’s return to America’s Got Talent on Tuesday at (8 p.m. ET) on NBC.


AGT's Julianne Hough Says Queen Latifah Will Bring 'Mama Energy' to Semifinals as Guest Judge

Queen Latifah is joining the America’s Got Talent judges’ panel!

The actress, 49, will make a guest appearance on Tuesday’s show alongside Simon Cowell, Julianne Hough, Howie Mandel, Gabrielle Union and host Terry Crews for the final round of the semifinals.

And no one is more excited about Latifah’s cameo than Hough.

“She’s gonna bring mama energy,” the freshman judge, 31, tells PEOPLE.

“She’s gonna bring grace, love and support,” Hough says, adding, “People are going to feel confident and supported.”

RELATED: AGT‘s Gabrielle Union ‘Strongly’ Suggests Semifinalists ‘Idiot-Proof’ Their Acts to Succeed

As the competition gets tougher, Hough also shares what she’s looking for in an act and how they can stand out.

“Standing out is about being you. I think that nobody is like you,” the former Dancing with the Stars champion and judge says. “Nobody has the same fingerprint as you, you have to be you through and through. If you try to do something different, it might not work. You have to just expand from who you are.”

Hough’s Golden Buzzer choice, 12-year-old singer Luke Islam, competes in this semifinals round along with opera singer Emanne Beasha (guest judge Jay Leno’s Golden Buzzer choice), magician Dom Chambers, the Detroit Youth Choir (Crews’ Golden Buzzer choice), light artist Alex Dowis, singer Chris Kläfford, comedian Ryan Niemiller, guitarist Marcin Patrzalek, dance troupe V. Unbeatable (guest judge Dwyane Wade‘s Golden Buzzer choice) and quartet Voices of Service.

Already in the finals are singer Kodi Lee (Union’s Golden Buzzer), violinist Tyler Butler-Figueroa (Cowell’s Golden Buzzer choice), dance troupe Light Balance Kids (guest judge Ellie Kemper’s Golden Buzzer choice), singer Benicio Bryant and Ndlovu Youth Choir.

America’s Got Talent airs Tuesdays and Wednesdays (8 p.m. ET) on NBC.

AGT's Julianne Hough & Simon Cowell Look Forward to 'Really Difficult' Season Finale

America’s Got Talent has named its finalists for season 14!

Ahead of the two-part season finale, Julianne Hough tells PEOPLE that the acts will need to continue to bring their A-game.

“They have been giving us a full catalog of their goodness and what they have to offer for their Vegas show or whatever they do in the future,” she says. “They’re doing amazing.”

In her first-ever season finale as an AGT judge, Hough, 31, reveals the competition has higher stakes than ever.

“It’s going to be really difficult because everybody was so amazing,” she says. “I don’t know even know who’s gonna go and who’s not. Thank goodness America is another judge.”

RELATED: AGT Singer Kodi Lee Wants to Show His ‘Raw, Pure Talent’ to the World as He Heads Into Finals

As for the recipe of success in the finale, Hough advises being authentic.

“When you try to be somebody else, the public knows when you’re not being you. If you just stay true to yourself, that is enough,” she says. “Your talent is great and you got that already. If you try to be anything else but you, you’re never going to please everybody, so just be yourself.”

Dance troupe V. Unbeatable (guest judge Dwyane Wade‘s Golden Buzzer choice) is advancing to the finals.

In addition, opera singer Emanne Beasha (guest judge Jay Leno’s Golden Buzzer choice), the Detroit Youth Choir (Crews’ Golden Buzzer choice), comedian Ryan Niemiller and quartet Voices of Service will hit the Dolby stage next week.

“Everyone stepped up and what you pray for at the end, of all this work, is a great finale,” Simon Cowell said. “You want great people in there and an open competition. It’s going to be very open.”

Also in the finals are singer Kodi Lee (Union’s Golden Buzzer), violinist Tyler Butler-Figueroa (Cowell’s Golden Buzzer choice), dance troupe Light Balance Kids (guest judge Ellie Kemper’s Golden Buzzer choice), singer Benicio Bryant and Ndlovu Youth Choir.

America’s Got Talent airs Tuesdays and Wednesdays (8 p.m. ET) on NBC.

AGT's Gabrielle Union & Julianne Hough Reflect on Which Acts Have Inspired Them This Season

The season finale of America’s Got Talent is here!

As judges Gabrielle Union and Julianne Hough wrap up their inaugural seasons on the NBC competition series, the ladies reflect on season 14 before one contestant is crowned champion.

“What I’ve learned about being a part of this show is the fact that talent is ageless, genderless and it’s for everyone,” says Hough, 31, adding that the show is “so inclusive and allows people to be fully expressed.”

Hough, who rose to fame on Dancing with the Stars as a winner and judge, continues, “I’m very grateful.”

Union, 46, and Hough replaced longtime AGT judges Mel B and Heidi Klum this season. Host Terry Crews took over for Tyra Banks.

RELATED: AGT Singer Kodi Lee Wants to Show His ‘Raw, Pure Talent’ to the World as He Heads Into Finals

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Calling this past season “so incredible,” Hough gives a special shout-out to the child contestants.

“There’s a lot of amazing young kids that are not just talented, but they have this mission and message behind what they are trying to say with their talent,” she says.

Meanwhile, Union describes her first-time as an AGT judge as “emotional.”

“It’s emotional for me to watch people come so close to their dreams coming true and being so close. Seeing their faces contort and anguish in pain, I don’t like it. I don’t find that entertaining,” she says.

RELATED: AGT‘s Julianne Hough & Simon Cowell Look Forward to ‘Really Difficult’ Season Finale

Union, who welcomed daughter Kaavia in November 2018, is especially inspired by her Golden Buzzer choice, singer Kodi Lee, who is blind and was diagnosed with autism.

“Hopefully, it’s going to be a little easier for parents with special needs children to get the resources that they need,” the L.A.’s Finest actress says of Kodi being an example to others. “All of them can get the chance for their dreams to come true and for them to reach their fullest potential.”

As for the two-part finale, Hough explains what is “going to separate people” in the last round of the competition.

“There’s one thing if you come out and you have a great voice or you do a great trick. But if you have a purpose and reason behind what you are doing, that is ultimate success with fulfillment,” she says. “If you don’t, it’s not sustainable.”

Competing in the finals are dance troupe V. Unbeatable (guest judge Dwyane Wade‘s Golden Buzzer choice), opera singer Emanne Beasha (guest judge Jay Leno’s Golden Buzzer choice), the Detroit Youth Choir (Crews’ Golden Buzzer choice), comedian Ryan Niemiller and quartet Voices of Service.

Also in the finals are singer Kodi Lee (Union’s Golden Buzzer), violinist Tyler Butler-Figueroa (Cowell’s Golden Buzzer choice), dance troupe Light Balance Kids (guest judge Ellie Kemper’s Golden Buzzer choice), singer Benicio Bryant and Ndlovu Youth Choir.

America’s Got Talent airs Tuesdays and Wednesdays (8 p.m. ET) on NBC.

Julianne Hough Debuts First New Song in Nearly a Decade During America's Got Talent Finale

The season finale of America’s Got Talent is here — and so is new music from judge Julianne Hough!

During the show’s season 14 finale on Wednesday night, the star debuted her first new song in nearly a decade with a high-energy performance. The debut of the single, titled “Transform,” was accompanied by a dance performance from season 14 finalist V. Unbeatable.

“I couldn’t imagine a better stage,” Hough, 31, told reporters ahead of the finale. “This is where people’s lives begin, and I feel like I’m just getting started with my music again.”

Before Wednesday, Hough hadn’t released a new single since 2010, when she came out with her track, “Is That So Wrong.” Two years prior, in 2008, Hough released her self-titled debut album.

“When Mandy said she was releasing new music after 10 years I literally DM’d her and said ‘Wait, what?! I am too! This is so cool!’ ” Hough said of Moore, who released her new single, “When I Wasn’t Watching,” on Tuesday.

“To be able to release new music after 10 years of feeling like I suppressed it and pushed it away to find it again in my most creative and authentic voice is super empowering,” Hough shared. “As much as I want people to hear it and I want to share it, it really was a love note to myself. Being connected back to the artist rather the performer of who I am. I’m really excited.”

Ahead of debuting her new song on AGT, Hough teased her performance on Instagram, writing alongside a photo of herself laying on the ground and decked out in gold, “Getting grounded, literally. Can’t wait to perform tonight on the #AGTFinale! @agt.”

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Can’t wait to perform tonight on the #AGTFinale! @agt

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Those looking for more music from Hough will soon get to hear her sing with Dolly Parton on Netflix’s new scripted anthology series, Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings, which is based on the stories told through Parton’s songs. Hough will appear on the episode centered on Parton’s 1973 classic “Jolene” to play the song’s man-stealing title character.

“I get to be Jolene, one of the most iconic characters she’s written about,” Hough said of Parton. “I’m extremely pumped and honored to be doing music with Dolly. I sing in it, and I sing with her.”

RELATED: America’s Got Talent Standout Kodi Lee Leaves Judges in Tears with Latest Moving Performance

Competing in the AGT finals are dance troupe V. Unbeatable (guest judge Dwyane Wade‘s Golden Buzzer choice), opera singer Emanne Beasha (guest judge Jay Leno’s Golden Buzzer choice), the Detroit Youth Choir (Crews’ Golden Buzzer choice), comedian Ryan Niemiller and quartet Voices of Service.

Also in the finals are singer Kodi Lee (Union’s Golden Buzzer), violinist Tyler Butler-Figueroa (Cowell’s Golden Buzzer choice), dance troupe Light Balance Kids (guest judge Ellie Kemper’s Golden Buzzer choice), singer Benicio Bryant and Ndlovu Youth Choir.

The America’s Got Talent finale airs Wednesday (8 p.m. ET) on NBC.

Kodi Lee, Singing Phenom Who Is Blind and Has Autism, 22, Wins America's Got Talent Season 14

Kodi Lee is the winner of America’s Got Talent!

After weeks of competition, Lee has been crowned the champion of season 14. On Wednesday’s episode, the star bested fellow finalists opera singer Emanne Beasha, violinist Tyler Butler-Figueroa, dance troupe Light Balance Kids, singer Benicio Bryant and Ndlovu Youth Choir.

Quartet Voices of Service (fifth place), dance troupe V. Unbeatable (fourth place), comedian Ryan Niemiller (third place), and the Detroit Youth Choir (second place) made it into the top 5.

In addition to the honor of being the winner, Lee takes home $1 million and headlining shows from Nov. 7-10 at Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.

RELATED: AGT‘s Kodi Lee, Who Is Blind and Has Autism, Plans to ‘Fly with His Talents’ — Win or Lose

Lee immediately captivated the audience and judges with his viral audition during which he blew everyone away with his rendition of Donny Hathaway’s “A Song for You.” Gabrielle Union was so impressed that she gifted the 22-year-old singer with her Golden Buzzer.

Along with his unforgettable vocal talents, Lee’s life story has made him a fan favorite. The Lake Elsinore, California, native was born with optic nerve hypoplasia and diagnosed with autism at age 4. His mother Tina accompanied him on stage for the entire competition.

“He’s making people believe in something they didn’t even know is attainable. He’s magic,” Union previously told PEOPLE of Lee.

RELATED: AGT‘s Kodi Lee, Singer Who Brought Gabrielle Union to Tears, ‘Never Expected Fame to Happen’

The L.A.’s Finest actress’ Golden Buzzer advanced Lee to the quarterfinals, where he performed Simon & Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” which Paul Simon had approved the music rights of after seeing Lee’s audition.

Then in the semifinals, Lee brought many to tears with his rendition of Calum Scott’s “You Are the Reason.” For his final bow on the show, he sang Freya Ridings’ “Lost Without You” in the finals. On finale night, Lee performed “You Are the Reason” again, this time alongside Leona Lewis.

RELATED: AGT‘s Gabrielle Union Says Singer Kodi Lee, Who Is Blind and Has Autism, Will ‘Change the World’

“I feel relieved I’m not the only one who’s seen this extraordinary ability. He’s got a real talent, and I’ve always known he’s this real talent,” mom Tina recently told PEOPLE.

During the audition rounds, the loving parent explained how her son communicates through music. “We found out that he loved music really early on. He listened and his eyes just went huge, and he started singing, that’s when I was in tears,” Tina said. “I realized he’s an entertainer. Through music and performing, he was able to withstand living in this world because when you’re autistic, it’s really hard to do what everybody else does. It actually has saved his life playing music.”

America’s Got Talent finale airs Wednesdays (8 p.m. ET) on NBC.

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