Julianne Hough is stepping back into the spotlight with a sparkling confession that’s got fans buzzing: the Dancing with the Stars co-host is officially ready for love again after years of healing from heartbreak – but she’s got one non-negotiable condition that could make or break her next romance!

The 37-year-old dancer, actress, and TV personality – known for her mirrorball triumphs, high-profile splits, and unflinching honesty – opened up in a candid E! News interview ahead of co-hosting Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve 2026 in Las Vegas. When asked about her dating life post-divorce, Julianne didn’t hold back: ‘It’s all energy-based,’ she declared. ‘I don’t really have a type. It’s more connection, and that’s it.‘

That single line has become the headline-grabbing condition fans are obsessing over – no superficial checklists, no rigid ‘types,’ just pure, undeniable energy and connection. Julianne emphasized she’s not chasing looks, status, or even traditional attraction anymore. ‘I’m always looking for love, whether it’s in a romantic sense or friends. Always,’ she added, her words painting a picture of someone who’s evolved far beyond her past relationships.

The revelation comes at a pivotal moment for the star. Fresh off a triumphant 2025 hosting stint on DWTS (where she returned as co-host alongside Alfonso Ribeiro after her pro days and judging gig), Julianne is thriving professionally while prioritizing personal growth. She’s been single since finalizing her divorce from ex-husband Brooks Laich in June 2022, following their 2017 wedding and a separation announced in May 2020. The pair’s split was amicable on paper – ‘We share an abundance of love and respect’ – but Julianne has since peeled back layers on the deeper issues.

In interviews, she’s reflected on how her self-discovery journey – including coming out as ‘not straight’ in 2021 – created tension. ‘My ex was contracting,’ she told the Jamie Kern Lima show, explaining Brooks’ post-hockey identity shift clashed with her expansion. ‘It was an expansion for me and a contraction for him, and we weren’t understanding each other.‘ She admitted a lack of maturity to bridge the gap, but holds no bitterness: ‘He’s got the greatest heart.‘

Before Laich, Julianne’s high-profile romance with Ryan Seacrest (2010-2013) made headlines – the age-gap dynamic (he was 35, she 22 when they started) drew scrutiny, but she called him ‘so lovely.’ Earlier flings included country singer Chuck Wicks (her DWTS partner) and others, but Julianne has said she’s realized: ‘I don’t know if I’ve ever truly been in love with someone, but I have loved the feeling of being loved.‘

Her path to this ‘energy-based’ readiness has been transformative. Julianne underwent three rounds of egg freezing by mid-2025, sharing vulnerably on Instagram amid her endometriosis battle: ‘Navigating fertility is never simple.‘ The process empowered her: ‘I’m reclaiming my power.‘ She’s focused on self-love, travel dreams (like shaving her head in Bhutan), and her fur baby Sunny, posting: ‘Me and my Sunny girl, we are happy, we are thriving.‘

Now, as 2026 dawns, Julianne’s condition is clear: any new love must spark real connection – that electric, soul-level vibe where energy aligns. ‘I think I can teach him a whole season’s worth of dancing,’ she joked about potential suitors, teasing fun TikToks with New Year’s co-host Rob Gronkowski. But seriously, she’s not settling. ‘If I’m ready for that next chapter, it’s because I’m in a really good place,’ she told People earlier.

Fans are rallying: social media exploded with support – ‘Queen knows her worth – energy over everything!‘ one Swiftie-adjacent fan tweeted, while others swooned: ‘Julianne deserves a love that matches her light.‘ Her honesty resonates, especially after years of public scrutiny. From Footloose remake stardom to Rock of Ages, Safe Haven films, and DWTS legacy (winning season 21 in 2015), she’s built an empire on talent and resilience.

As she rings in 2026 with Seacrest (her ex turned friend and co-host), Julianne’s message is empowering: love isn’t about ticking boxes – it’s about feeling the spark. Whether that connection arrives tomorrow or years from now, she’s open, thriving, and unapologetically herself.

The ballroom queen is ready to dance again – but only with someone whose energy lights up the floor.

Here are some images to capture Julianne’s radiant glow and journey:

Julianne Hough looking stunning and confident – ready for whatever (or whoever) comes next!

The DWTS host beaming on the red carpet – her energy is magnetic!

Julianne with her beloved pup Sunny – thriving in single life and self-love!

A throwback to her DWTS glory days – proof she’s always been a star!

From heartbreak to healing – Julianne’s story is pure inspiration!