Julianne Hough Joins 'Dancing With the Stars 19' as Fourth Judge (VIDEO)

It's official: Julianne Hough is returning to Dancing With the Stars -- but not as a pro on the dance floor. Instead, Hough will be returning as the fourth judge for the latest cycle.

Hough confirmed the news earlier today on Good Morning America, stating she will round out the judging panel for the show's 19th season, which is set to begin in less than a month. Naturally, Hough is more than qualified for the position, having spent five seasons as a pro, and winning the Mirrorball Trophy in two of them -- with Apolo Anton Ohno in Season 4 and Hélio Castroneves in Season 5. Hough, of course, was thrilled to make the announcement to the enthusiastic morning show panel and its equally amped-up audience:

This marks a major homecoming for Hough, who left Dancing With the Stars after Season 8 in order to pursue a career on the big screen (to say nothing of her short-lived stint as a country music singer). However, Hough apparently never lost her passion for the series -- and why not? Dancing With the Stars runs in the family, as Hough's brother -- pro Derek Hough -- won a choreography Emmy last year for the series to go alongside his record five Mirrorball Trophies.

However, Hough insists she can be fair and objective where her brother is concerned. “It’s not necessarily about Derek,” the dancer noted, saying instead that it’s about "the celebrity and what they can do to improve each week." Sounds like a great attitude to have, as a judge.

But what do you think of Hough Carrie Ann Inaba, Len Goodman and Bruno Tonioli on the judges' panel? Hit up the comments and let us know!

Via: TVLine