From Utah County To The World
There must be something in the water here in Utah. Individuals from Utah are hitting the big stage day after day. Here’s a rundown of Utah natives that have hit it big in the entertainment world.
Julianne and Derek Hough
The Houghs are siblings with a lot of talent. Both were born in Utah, but traveled to London to study dance. Julianne later returned and graduated from Alta High School in Sandy. Julianne is a two-time winner of ABC’s “Dancing With the Stars” and is now a judge on the show. Derek is also involved with the hit series, as a choreographer and five-season record holder. Dancing is not all that the Hough family does: Julianne has recorded songs and played leading roles in multiple films, including “Safe Haven,” “Footloose,” and “Rock of Ages”.
Royal Bliss
Formed in Salt Lake City in 1997, the rock band started their career by performing to sold-out shows in Ogden, Provo, Salt Lake City, and Park City. That was over 15 years ago, and now they’re touring all over the country. Even though they’ve made it to the big time, the band has a local tie to Utah after they opened a bar called The Royal that is on 4760 South 900 East in Salt Lake City.
Royal Bliss will be performing in Salt Lake City on February 13th and 14th at the Royal.
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Allison Holker
The Orem, Utah native made her debut to the dance world by auditioning for season two of “So You Think You Can Dance” and then appearing on the show as an all-star dancer in seasons seven and 11. Holker was a professional dancer to coach a celebrity on the 19th season of “Dancing With The Stars.” Since then she has traveled the world performing with top dance companies, made appearances in movies and TV hits.
Neon Trees
The alternative band formed in 2005 by doing things a little backwards: two members actually came from Southern California to the city of Provo to meet the other half of what is now called Neon Trees. The band really got their start when they were given the opportunity to open for The Killers’ North American tour. It is clear that Neon Trees is a Utah favorite, after being named “Salt Lake City’s Weekly’s” 2009 Band of The Year.
The Used
In 2001 the metal rock band formed in the city of Orem. The Used would hold auditions and record songs in band member’s homes. Lead singer, Bert McCracken and guitarist Quinn Allman attended Timpanogos High School.
Utah County really knows how to create talented individuals. Remember this is just a shortlist of Utahns that have made it big; there are others like Imagine Dragons, the Osmonds, and the Fictionist. Who will be next to see their name in lights? Guess we’ll just have to wait and find out.
