What started as a typical finale moment quickly escalated into an unexpected spark between the co-host and the contestant, sending fans into a frenzy.
Julianne Hough left “Dancing With The Stars” fans speechless when she turned up the heat and flirted with contestant Danny Amendola live on TV.
A fan comments on the flirtatious moment between Julianne Hough and Danny Amendola on “Dancing With The Stars,” from a post dated November 27, 2024 | Source: X/GinaaRoxx
Hough interviewed Amendola during the season 33 finale on November 26, 2024. She asked him about his freestyle performance while they relaxed on a prop bed. Amendola had just performed with Witney Carson, dancing his part of a Barbie-themed medley featuring Lizzo’s “Pink” and Ryan Gosling’s “I’m Just Ken.”
Julianne Hough, Witney Carson, and Danny Amendola on season 33 finale of “Dancing With The Stars,” on November 26, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Instead of answering Hough’s question, Amendola playfully responded, “The real question is, Julianne, why are you in my bed?” To which Hough cheekily fired back, “Is that an invitation?” The crowd erupted in excitement at the playful exchange, with Hough bursting into laughter and Carson looking visibly shocked.
However, it was Hough’s brother, Derek Hough, who delivered the most fitting response when the camera cut to the judges’ table. “What is happening?!” he exclaimed, clearly taken aback by the sultry moment. Fans online also reacted to the unexpected chemistry between Hough and Amendola.
Julianne Hough, Danny Amendola, and Witney Carson on season 33 finale of “Dancing With The Stars,” on November 26, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
One fan was all in for the moment, saying, “Danny Amendola shooting his shot at Julianne Hough on national TV is what we’re here for.” Another couldn’t contain their excitement, adding, “Look at BOTH Danny Amendola and Julianne Hough taking their shot on live television! 😅 Bravo! 👏👏👏 I’m all for it!”
Julianne Hough, Danny Amendola, and Stephen Nedoroscik on season 33 finale of “Dancing With The Stars,” on November 26, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
One user was ready for the romance to heat up, commenting, “Julianne & Danny need to get a room already! The sparks have done sparked.[sic]” Some were quick to call out Danny’s feelings, “Danny has a crush on Julianne.” Another fan teased, “Jules has such a crush on him. I need it.”
Others saw a potential relationship brewing, as one said, “Wouldn’t be surprised if Julianne and Danny started dating! They’ve been flirting for a while!!” Another fan pointed out, “Not Julianne and Danny flirting on top of a bed on live tv lmao this finale has been a fever dream.[sic]”
Julianne Hough, Danny Amendola, and Witney Carson on “Dancing With The Stars” Hair Metal Night on October 8, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
One fan added, “Danny + Julianne was not on my bingo card but I’m here for it.” However, someone else who saw the signs said, “I knew there was some flirting between them. He’s commented on Julianne’s IG pics.”
New couple speculation was strong, with one person chiming in, “New couple alert — Danny and Julianne? 😳🤔 #dwts ##dwtsfinale💃🕺.” And one more fan shared their surprise, “HE SHOT HIS SHOT! I was shookkkkk [sic].”
Julianne Hough, Danny Amendola, and Witney Carson on “Dancing With The Stars” Semi-finals on November 19, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Meanwhile, one fan couldn’t help but admire Hough’s confidence, saying, “If Julianne, the literal host of the show and the most beautiful professional iconic woman on the show, has the guts to shoot her shot with Danny on live tv, it just shows how hot Danny is.[sic]”
But not everyone was a fan of the on-screen chemistry. One viewer pleaded, “Dear Julianne and Danny, Please we’re all tired. I don’t need anymore flirting on this show. Sincerely, Everyone who didn’t care about the 2 showmances.”
The awkwardness of the moment also didn’t go unnoticed, as one fan said, “Whitney got so uncomfortable lol.” One viewer joked about Carson’s reaction, “Whitney’s like well…that’s my cue to go.” One fan summed it all up with, “The most chaotic minute of that episode.”
Finally, a fan couldn’t decide what was more awkward, commenting, “I don’t know what was worse… the awkward moment between Danny and Bruno, Carrie Ann’s comments, or Julianne wanting an invite to Danny’s bed.”
Hough had previously expressed that while she’s open to love, she’s not actively pursuing it at the moment. She noted, “Honestly, I am just keeping my heart open and kind of just letting the seasons flow and I’m focusing on Dancing With The Stars.” In the meantime, Hough is focused on her personal growth and development even as her desire for romance remains.
She explained, “For me, I just feel like it’s just part of my life. It’s not like it’s ever a destination. It’s just always going to be a part of my life. I really enjoy going on retreats and connecting and it’s just a part of my life.”
Julianne Hough is open to having a partner and building a life together, but she is also content with where her life is right now. She has found a balance between being ambitious and appreciating her current situation, which allows her to remain open to the idea of love when the right person comes along.
However, there are certain qualities and values that Hough considers non-negotiable in a partner. She values spiritual connection, awareness, and personal growth. While she is open to dating either a man or a woman, she feels she is likely to end up with a man.
As for her sexuality, Hough once shared that her evolving sense of intimacy had led her to open up to her ex-husband, Brooks Laich, in ways she hadn’t before. She recalled telling him, “‘You know I’m not straight, right?’ And he was like, ‘I’m sorry, what?’ I was like, ‘I’m not. But I choose to be with you.'”
Brooks Laich and Julianne Hough attend an evening at AMANU to benefit LOVE UNITED in West Hollywood, California, on May 10, 2018 | Source: Getty Images
When it comes to motherhood, Hough has also come to the realization that she wants children, something she was unsure of before but has now decided after taking the time to reflect on it. The co-host believes that her future partner would understand and respect her non-negotiable qualities and values.