TV Watch

Julianne Hough Not Returning to Dancing Next Season

04/30/2009 at 12:00 AM EDT

Chuck Wicks and Julianne Hough's elimination Tuesday from Dancing with the Stars came as something of a surprise. What's not so shocking is the fact that Hough won't be coming back to the ballroom, at least not for season 9.

"I'm not doing next season," Hough told Access Hollywood following the couple's ouster. "I'm gonna take one off."

Hough, 20, hadn't planned on returning to Dancing for season 8 -- until the show's producers enticed her back by pairing her up with her real-life boyfriend Wicks, 29.



Though the couple was disappointed to leave the show, Hough is already looking forward.

“We definitely went further than anticipated. I think he could have made it a little bit further,” she told Access. “But you know what? It’s the name of the game and it’s about fan base and hopefully our country fans will follow us into music.”

In fact, Hough is wasting no time in getting back to the music. She hits the road to perform in Hidalgo, Texas, May 9, and has tour dates throughout the rest of the summer.

Tell us: Will you miss Julianne in the ballroom?

MORE: Chuck & Julianne: From Romancing to Dirty Dancing

Axelle/Bauer-Griffin