Derek Hough Talks about 'DWTS' Finale, Future Plans

This week, Derek Hough and Ricki Lake will be dancing alongside JR Martinez/Karina Smirnoff and Rob Kardashian/Cheryl Burke in the DWTS finale. Derek has won every time he has made it to the finale, but he says he doesn't feel any pressure to win it this time. Monday afternoon AOLTV.com posted an interview with Derek sharing his finale plans, his new laid-back attitude, and plenty of other great stuff about the show.

In the interview, Derek Hough says, "Previous seasons, I've definitely felt the pressure to win, like it was mine to lose." He adds, however, that he doesn't feel the pressure this season. He says, "I really like everyone that's in the final, and I think whoever wins totally deserves it." The freestyle dances are one of the highlights of the season, and Derek says that the dance he created for partner Ricki Lake will show how far she has come this season. He shares, "She's willing to push herself, and this dance will show how far she's willing to go."

Derek says that he doesn't feel pressure about winning this season because he feels good about the work they've done this season. He once again shrugs off any tension with Maksim Chmerkovskiy, saying, "He may have drama, but it's not with us." There are many viewers who believe that Derek is a judge's favorite, but he brushes that off as well. He says, "I have a very can-do attitude. I've always believed in doing good work and preparing my partner for what the judges might say."

Hough says that there are plenty of times he has disagreed with the judges, but he doesn't think the judges have really changed over the course of the 13 seasons. He shares, "They're no different than they were in Season 1. It's not like they've started judging differently or they're making different comments." Derek Hough thinks that the judges are doing what they've always done, and it's up to the pros and celebrities to determine how they perceive it and prepare themselves for it.

Once the season is over, Derek Hough will be co-hosting Live! with Kelly Ripa, and taking a well-deserved vacation. He also hopes to do more film work, but it sounds as if he is still planning to return to Dancing With the Stars as well. Hop on over to AOLTV.com to read more of Derek's interview. Who do you think will win DWTS Tuesday night?