NEW YORK - Julianne Hough says she's not returning to "Dancing With the Stars" next season.

In an interview on Ryan Seacrest's radio show, the 20-year-old professional dancer said she needed time to concentrate on her country music career.

Hough, who's nabbed two titles in four seasons on ABC's popular dance competition, said Thursday: "I really, really want to focus on the music and, you know, kind of be taken seriously a little bit."

The Utah native and her celebrity partner, Cody Linley, were eliminated from the show Tuesday night.

This year, she released a self-titled country album and a holiday album.

Asked if she plans to try out for Fox's "American Idol," Hough joked that she didn't think ABC "would be too excited about that."