Derek Hough Blown Away By Mind-Blowing ‘Jolene’ Dance Routine

NBC World of Dance / YouTube

Following his announcement that he would be leaving Dancing With the Stars after 17 seasons, fans were left wondering what exactly was in store for Derek Hough.

While the 31-year-old professional dancer may be taking a break from ABC’s dancing competition series, he is currently acting as a judge on NBC’s new show World of Dance alongside former Idol judge Jennifer Lopez and R&B singer Ne-Yo. Premiering on May 30, the show has been shattering ratings with its unique approach to judging and superstar coaches. 

In pursuit of the $1 million prize, Norwegian dance crew “Quick Style” broke out into a mind-blowing freestyle dance routine to the tune of Dolly Parton‘s iconic “Jolene.” The group took a unique approach to the country song, displaying freestyle dance moves typically reserved for more R&B songs.

“The musicality, the creativity, I mean it was all there,” said Hough. “Song choice. If you guys were going to be dancing like that to Dolly Parton and doing that style of dancing…It was risky but it paid off.”

The Norway-based group has been dancing together as a team for 12 years, allowing them to move almost as one identical unit. The group was put through to the next round of the competition, garnering a staggering score of 86.7 out of 100 possible points. 

Watch their dance routine below.