Why Julianne Hough Left America’s Got Talent After Only One Season

Julianne Hough joined the judging panel of America’s Got Talent in 2019 but why did she leave the show after just one season? All-round multi-talent Julianne Hough first rose to fame as a pro-dancer on ABC’s Dancing With The Stars – a gig that saw her win twice, dance with stars including country artist Chuck Wicks or actor Cody Linley, and later return to the show as a judge. Hough is also an accomplished country singer and has branched out into acting with films like the Footloose remake and Rock Of Ages.

Given her many talents, it makes perfect sense NBC hired Hough as a judge on its long-running talent show America’s Got Talent. Hough joined the series in its fourteenth season alongside fellow new judge Gabrielle Union and new host Terry Crews (Brooklyn Nine-Nine), replacing former judges Heidi Klum and Mel B and old host Tyra Banks. NBC seemed excited about its new judges, with then-president of the company’s alternative and reality group division Meredith Ahr stating in a Variety exclusive Hough and Union were “two of the most aspirational women in the business, on top of being electric entertainers with talent across disciplines.”

America’s Got Talent season 14 was the season that saw talents like the Detroit Youth Choir and stand-up comedian Ryan Niemiller compete against each other, with singer and pianist Kodi Lee eventually declared the winner. By all accounts, Julianne Hough enjoyed her time as a judge but news broke a couple of months after the season 14 finale that she and Gabrielle Union wouldn’t be returning for season 15. So, why did America’s Got Talent and Hough part ways after just one season?

While it’s not unusual for America’s Got Talent to switch up its judging panel, a 2019 report from Variety suggested that Julianne Hough and Gabrielle Union’s departure may have had something to do with its toxic behind-the-scenes culture. The report alleges a number of racially insensitive incidents occurred during the filming of season 14, including guest judge Jay Leno making an offensive “joke” about comparing a painting of dogs to a Korean restaurant menu or a white contestant impersonating Beyonce. Union reported these incidents to NBC higher-ups and while the segments were cut from their respective episodes, it’s thought that Union was terminated as a result of raising the issue.

The Variety report also states Julianne Hough and Gabrielle Union were subjected to significant criticism regarding their appearance. America’s Got Talent insiders say that Hough was on the receiving end of continuous criticism regarding her hair, makeup and wardrobe which impacted her morale, while Union was told her hairstyles were “too black.” Union has since publicly called out NBC for the toxic culture fostered during season 14 and though Hough commended her co-judge for speaking out, it seems she’s tried to distance herself from the situation somewhat. In a statement to Variety, Hough said: “I had a wonderful time on ‘America’s Got Talent,’ I loved working with the cast, crew and producers. She also added, “I am happy to continue my working relationship with NBC.”

Whether or not workplace toxicity had anything to do with America’s Got Talent and Julianne Hough parting ways, it’s not the first time a cast member left the show on bad terms. Long-time former host Nick Cannon quit America’s Got Talent after NBC threatened to fire him over comments the comedian made during his Showtime comedy special Stand Up, Don’t Shoot. Former judge Sharon Osbourne also left the show after six seasons following a dispute with NBC regarding the network cutting ties with her son Jack Osbourne after he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.