Julianne Hough Gushes About ‘Romantic’ Ryan Seacrest

Julianne Hough is starring in two upcoming films and is also getting ready to release her sophomore album, 'Wildfire.' But there's something even more red-hot going on with the 22-year-old right now: her budding romance with 'E! News' and 'American Idol' host Ryan Seacrest.

"The things that matter most to me, you just make time for," she tells People. "I could not be happier."

The couple, who have been spotted together both in Los Angeles and Nashville, as well as on a yacht trip overseas, are aware that many of their dates are done under the public's watchful eye. But Julianne says it's a price she's happy to pay. "People I have dated in the past, even though they have had a status of some sort, it was never like this," she acknowledges. "But when it's worth it, it's worth it."

Ryan obviously returns the sentiments. "He's really romantic," Julianne gushed Tuesday on 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show' (quote via People). "He's not even in town, and I got in my car and there are flowers everywhere. For my birthday, same thing -- flowers everywhere. I was almost embarrassed. You walk in [the hotel room] and you're like, 'Is this my room? I don't even know.' I'm kind of embarrassed."

Julianne also admits to Ellen that they've reached a pivotal point in the relationship: meeting the parents! But the former 'Dancing With the Stars' performer laughs it off as no big deal. "Everyone's like, 'Oh, you met the folks,' " she says. "It's like, I don't know. Both of our folks are like our best friends, so when we hang out, it's more like hanging out with friends."

Julianne previously dated fellow Nashville country artist Chuck Wicks. The pair split a year ago, with Julianne citing the need to focus on her career. Now she's ready to make room for a relationship again. "We are very compatible," she acknowledges of her relationship with Ryan. "Everything's wonderful."

Julianne's big-screen debut happens next Wednesday (November 24), when 'Burlesque,' co-starring Cher and Christina Aguilera, hits theaters. The flick, she says, is a perfect segue for her to ease into becoming a film star in addition to all her other pursuits.

"It was really fun, my first movie role, and it was a great transition," she tells The Boot. "I got to sing and dance and do all that. I'm definitely different. I hope you can recognize me. I've got red hair and I'm pregnant. But it's fun. It's definitely like a 'who's that?' kind of thing."

Julianne's album, 'Wildfire,' will hit shelves later this year. Her new single, 'Is That So Wrong,' which she co-wrote with Sarah Buxton, is steadily climbing the charts.