Derek Hough Reveals Why It Wasn’t ‘Surprising’ That Tyra Banks Left ‘DWTS,’ Says She Sent ‘The Most Beautiful Message’ to New Cohost Julianne Hough

usmagazine.com:

There are some major changes happening in the ballroom on Dancing With the Stars season 32 — and Derek Hough is ready for them.One of the biggest shakeups of the upcoming season is that the dancing competition will now be cohosted by Derek’s sister, Julianne Hough, who is replacing Tyra Banks to helm the show alongside Alfonso Ribeiro.

The iconic model, 49, announced her exit from the ballroom in March after three years of emceeing the series.“I wouldn’t say that it was surprising,” Derek exclusively tells Us Weekly about Banks’ departure while promoting his partnership with Excedrin. “She’s got a lot on her plate and a lot of things happening in her future.

She’s one person that will always work and will always be an entrepreneur and always create opportunities. And she’s a powerhouse.”The six-time mirrorball trophy winner can’t say enough good things about the former America’s Next Top Model host, who told TMZ in March that she is “crazy, crazy focused on business” in the wake of her exit.“Tyra was just unbelievably gracious — like really, truly, gracious, and I just have to give her absolute props,” Derek tells Us about how Banks handed the cohost reins to Julianne, 36, who has won two mirrorball trophies of her own and has served as a judge for multiple seasons. “She just sent Julianne the most beautiful message, and I’m just really grateful to her for her grace.”As for his own reaction to his sister’s new role, Derek says that there is “no … question about it”: Julianne is the “right choice.”“She’s a great host,” the Nashville alum — who has served as a judge on DWTS since season 29 — tells Us. “You know, we hosted Disney specials together and she’s fantastic.