Derek Hough Writes New Blog About His DWTS Elimination With Nastia Liukin And What’s Next

Derek has written a last blog for Dancing With The Stars Season 20 at TV Guide. It’s so touching as he goes through all of his feelings and emotions currently including his disappointment. Through it all, he remains a ray of light…

To be completely honest, I feel like in a way, we sort of got eliminated last week with that package. Like I said last week, when I saw that, I was like, “Oh wow, that was a complete left field,” especially when you know it’s so not reality. That was a terrible representation journey of our week. And to see that, it was like, “I see what’s going on here.” I’m not blaming the show or anyone for our elimination — we’ve all had bad packages — but I’ve been around here a long time! I know how everything works. I wasn’t angry or upset, just disappointed, like I said last week. But, you know, I’m not in control here. All I could do was come up with good dances.

I think the thing I’m most disappointed in is that I don’t think people truly saw what Nastia and our relationship were like. We did have a great heart-to-heart last week, but we’ve always been close. Out of all my partners, Nastia has always been the most affectionate toward me. I’m not even exaggerating. She’s an amazing friend — and nurse! She was always asking me if I needed ice. She was constantly giving me water. She played nurse on top of juggling two partners. It’s those moments, that tenderness and heart — there was so more beauty to show, but they went for the cheap shot. I feel bad for that. But it is what it is. You can’t control it.

and…

I’m not gonna lie — there was also a sense of relief at going home. It’s not upset or disappointment. Both Nastia and I feel that way. I’m a competitor. I want to do good work. I had some things planned for the finale that would’ve really pushed me and I may or may not have injured myself even more. So now, it’s like a blessing in disguise that we’re not gonna take that risk. We’re both proud of what we’ve accomplished this season together and with Sasha’s and Henry’s help — especially Sasha. He was a godsend! I think that’s the thing that can get lost in eliminations because the prevailing sentiment is disappointment and sadness at not winning. But I think anyone who’s been on the show will say that, after some time and distance, when they look back, they’re proud of what they did on the show. I mean, just look at the 10th anniversary special. You can’t look back without anything but pride. It’s like, “Wow, we did this.”

Maybe I also jinxed us by mentioning our freestyle song last week! What ended up happening was I ran into the girl who sings the song, so I asked if she would perform it on the finale if we make it and she said yes. Then something came up and she couldn’t do it, and we got eliminated so it’s moot, but she said she’s down to do it next season. I don’t know for sure yet if I’m coming back next season. That’s still a few months away and I’m not looking that far ahead yet. I still have two more seasons in my contract, so we’ll see.

Nastia and I will be on the finale. I don’t know what, if anything, we’ll be doing yet. I think it’s gonna be a great finale. It’s kind of awesome because you’ve got three professionals who’ve never won before, and they’re relatively new or newer pros. It’s funny, I kind of feel like the old man a bit. I guess I am since I’ll be 30 this weekend! But last night, after the show, I sent Val, Sharna and Allison a message. It said: Congratulations, guys. Go get ’em! Don’t panic. Stay calm in this potentially stressful week. Pressure doesn’t exist. Only we can create pressure for ourselves. Enjoy this celebratory week and create some stellar memories for Season 20. We are blessed to have the opportunity to create on such a beautiful stage. Lead with gratitude and the creativity will flow.

Lots more including what’s next with the Lip Sync Battle and the new Move Live On Tour at TV Guide.