The Real Reason Why Carrie Ann Inaba Isn’t on ‘Dancing with the Stars’ Tonight

When Dancing with the Stars returns for Season 34 tonight, it will be missing one of its biggest faces. Judge Carrie Ann Inaba will not be in attendance for the opener of this year’s edition of the ABC’s dance series.

Here’s everything to know about why Carrie Ann isn’t on DWTS, and when we’ll see her at the judges table next.

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Why isn’t Carrie Ann Inaba on Dancing with the Stars tonight?

“I wanted to share that I will not be at the show tonight as I am feeling quite under the weather,” Carrie Ann posted on Instagram earlier in the day on Sept. 16. “I’m resting up and can’t wait to be back next week in good health.”

She also added, “In the meantime, I wish all the contestants the very best of luck. I’ll be cheering you on from home.”

When will Carrie Ann Inaba be on Dancing with the Stars next?

While Carrie Ann has not indicated what her illness is, she does plan to return to DWTS for next week’s performance. So, unless she’s not feeling well enough in a week’s time, we should see her back where she belongs on Tuesday, Sept. 23.

Related:All the Dancing with the Stars Premiere Week Songs and Dances — From Tango to Jive

Was there a guest judge on Dancing with the Stars tonight?

There were no guest judges joining Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli at the judges table. So each of the 14 celebrity contestants and their pro partners was only given two scores for a possible 20 points total.

Related: Dancing With the Stars 2025 Trailer: Season 34 Official Sneak Peek (Exclusive)

When has Carrie Ann Inaba not been on Dancing with the Stars?

Believe it or not, in the 34 seasons that Carrie Ann has been a judge on Dancing with the Stars, this is the first time that she has missed being in the ballroom to judge a performance!

Inaba has been a judge since Dancing with the Stars premiered in 2005, when she was joined by Bruno and the late LenGoodman.

What have been Carrie Ann Inaba’s previous health struggles?

In October 2023, Carrie Ann shared what it was like living with her lupus diagnosis.

“After years of wondering why I felt the way I did, I now know that I live with lupus — an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks the body and causes inflammation that over time can damage different parts of the body including the organs. I am proactive about trying to prevent my own lupus flares by taking rest and managing my stress levels, amongst other things.”

Then in 2007, Carrie Ann was diagnosed with spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal canal that can cause pain and numbness.

“I think it started because I went from being a very active person to a non-active person,” Inaba told People in 2019. “I remember going to the doctor, and I couldn’t move my head. I was in excruciating pain for years.”

She added, “When you’re in chronic pain, you become exhausted because your body is fighting this pain all the time. Pain is a life stealer. And it’s hidden, so people can’t see it or understand it.”

And finally, in 2013, Carrie Ann was diagnosed with Sjӧgren’s syndrome, symptoms vary depending on the seriousness with mild cases having manageable symptoms, such as such as dry mouth, dry eyes, chronic pain, and fatigue, while others face more serious systemic involvement and can shorten one’s life span.

“It was debilitating,” Inaba shared with People. “I was in so much pain, I just had to survive. I had to stay in bed three days a week, and I’m so fortunate because I had the kind of job where I could do that. There were days I could barely make my coffee because I was so exhausted.”

Dancing with the Stars Season 34 premieres Tuesday, Sept. 16 LIVE at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC and Disney+, and streams next day on Hulu.

Next, Everything You Need To Know About Dancing with the Stars Season 34

This story was originally reported by Parade on Sep 16, 2025, where it first appeared in the TV section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.