Julianne Hough has never 'felt more like myself' until she revealed she's 'not straight'

2019 has been a freeing year for Julianne Hough.

In August, the dancing/acting/singing triple threat opened up about her self-discovery in Women's Health's "Naked Strength" issue, revealing that she's "not straight."

However, the former "America's Got Talent" judge, who tied the knot to hockey player Brooks Laich in 2017, didn't label her sexuality. She now says that was intentional.

"It was all about de-layering and that’s why I did that (Women's Health) cover because it was the naked strength issue," Hough, 31, told People Now on Tuesday. "I felt more myself in that moment than I ever have."

More: Julianne Hough praised by brother Derek after revealing 'I'm not straight'

In the Women's Health issue, Hough revealed that she underwent a "massive transformation" months after her wedding to Laich and connected to her truest self.

On Tuesday, Hough explained that the "not straight" comment "was basically to say I love everyone. I’ve never been a fan of labels, I don’t identify that way and so, for me, it’s just about love."

She described the headline-making revelation as "one of the highlights of my career."

"It was not shameful, which in the past, probably would have been riddled with that," the "Dancing With the Stars" alum said. "And it was just beautiful."

Hough continued: "That expression, for me, I just want every human to feel that way. That, like, they are perfect and beautiful and who they are is enough and, just, I love people. I love love, I love people, and I just want everybody to feel that."

'I feel really lucky': Julianne Hough thanks fans since revealing she's not straight

Her brother, Derek Hough, said he "knew exactly what she meant," adding that people "hold onto a word or to a symbol…and created a small box" around Hough's comments when they were intended to be freeing.

The Hough siblings are making rounds to promote their upcoming Christmas special "Holidays with the Houghs," which will premiere on Monday on NBC, the same network that Hough served one season on as an "America's Got Talent" judge before her exit in November.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Julianne Hough opens up about her freeing 'not straight' revelation