Julianne Hough is trading in her dancing shoes for a judging paddle.
The 26-year-old pro will become a regular fourth judge when Dancing with the Stars returns for its 19th season next month, joining Carrie Anne Inaba, Len Goodman and Bruno Tonioli on the dais.
"My role is to encourage and be supportive, and to also be candid and honest and try not to beat around the bush, to be too politically correct," Hough tells PEOPLE. "I want to give critiques so they can improve. I'm not there to be harsh or cause a controversy. I won't be mean or malicious. That's not who I am. That's not my role at all."
Hough, a two-time pro champ on the show, has served as a guest judge in previous seasons, but she felt the time was right to make it a more permanent gig this fall.
I would feel a bit annoyed that one of my peers is now critiquing and judging me after being in the exact same spot for years. Like I know they're all friends, its just a bit awkward. Her brother even has more wins than her.
