Carrie Ann Inaba, one of the original judges on “Dancing with the Stars,” will noticeably be absent from the Season 34 premiere of the hit competition series. Inaba, who has been with the show since its debut in 2005, is known for her sharp critiques, emotional reactions, and signature eye for detail that have made her a fan favorite alongside past judges like Len Goodman and current panelists Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli. The long-running ABC-turned-Disney+ series is kicking off a brand-new season tonight, featuring a star-studded cast competing for the coveted Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy. Contestants include Hilaria Baldwin, Corey Feldman, Alix Earle, Dylan Efron, Jordan Chiles, Andy Richter, Robert Irwin, and more. With the Season 34 premiere airing live Tuesday, Sept. 16, on DirecTV and Disney+ at 8 pm ET/7 pm CT, fans expected to see Inaba back in her familiar judge’s chair, until she dropped a last-minute bombshell.
Carrie Ann Inaba Announces Absence
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Just hours before the premiere, Inaba took to Instagram to reveal that she wouldn’t be appearing on tonight’s episode due to illness. “I wanted to share that I will not be at the show tonight as I am feeling quite under the weather,” she wrote in her statement. “I’m resting up and can’t wait to be back next week in good health. In the meantime, I wish all the contestants the very best of luck. I’ll be cheering you on from home. Have a great show, everyone!”
A source later confirmed there will be no replacement judge for the premiere, leaving Hough and Tonioli to handle the scoring and critiques on their own.
Fans Slam Her Over ‘Biased’ Scoring
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Inaba has been a fixture on “Dancing with the Stars” since the show’s 2005 debut, but her time at the judge’s table hasn’t been without drama. Known for her sharp eye and strict adherence to the rules, the 57-year-old has often faced criticism from contestants and fans who feel her scoring is inconsistent, especially when it comes to female dancers.
Last season, Inaba came under fire during the Halloween “Nightmares Night” episode, sparking outrage from fans who accused her of bias. Contestants were tasked with confronting their fears through elaborate routines, and actress Chandler Kinney delivered a haunting Viennese waltz inspired by her nightmares, set to the eerie “Pretty Little Liars” theme, “Secret” by Denmark + Winter. The performance brought the audience to its feet and earned Kinney her first perfect 10s of the season from judges Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli.
But Inaba caused an uproar when she broke the streak, giving Kinney a 9 and bluntly saying, “That wasn’t perfection.” She acknowledged the challenging choreography but held firm on her critique, a move that infuriated fans online.
Carrie Ann Inaba Faces Fan Revolt
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In the same episode, Olympian Ilona Maher also impressed with a technically demanding tango. While praised by her fellow judges, Inaba once again scored lower than expected, handing out an 8 that many felt was undeserved.
The backlash snowballed into a wave of criticism online, with fans demanding Inaba be replaced for what they called “biased opinions against female dancers.” Social media lit up with calls for her exit, and hashtags questioning her judging trended in the days following the broadcast.
This wasn’t the first time Inaba has been accused of bias. In previous seasons, contestants like Hannah Brown and Kaitlyn Bristowe clashed with her over what they described as nitpicky deductions, with some viewers even launching the hashtag #CarrieAnnBias.
Jordan Chiles Promises Flips, And Alix Earle Admits Ballroom Struggles
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Despite the shake-up at the judges’ table, “DWTS” is pushing ahead with one of its most diverse casts in years. From Olympic medalists to Hollywood veterans, the Season 34 lineup promises fierce competition, emotional stories, and unforgettable performances.
Influencer Alix Earle will be one of the stars competing for the Mirror Ball Trophy. Ahead of the premiere, she admitted the ballroom is a whole new world for her, despite having some dance experience in her past. “I did dance growing up, but not ballroom dance. If you see what’s been going on in rehearsals, it’s a little humbling so far,” she confessed, per ABC.
‘Dancing With The Stars’ Cast Speaks Out
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Actress Danielle Fishel also spoke out, revealing she was shocked to find herself more starstruck than expected. “When I found out Jordan Chiles was gonna be on the season, I was like, oh my gosh,” she said. “I just, I didn’t think there was gonna be somebody on the cast before even more than myself.”
Meanwhile, Olympic gymnast Chiles teased that fans should expect her routines to be high-energy and athletic. “There’s gonna be some flips. There’s gonna be maybe some choreography that I’ve done once before,” she revealed.
Even though Carrie Ann Inaba is cheering from home, fans can expect the drama, the glitter, and the high-energy routines that have kept “Dancing with the Stars” a primetime staple for nearly two decades.
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