Carrie Ann Inaba is keeping critique alive on Dancing With the Stars — audience protests be damned.
When season 34 frontrunner Robert Irwin stepped into the ballroom for the first time on Tuesday’s finale with pro partner Witney Carson to perform a quickstep to Jet’s “Are You Gonna Be My Girl,” the live audience went wild with applause for their nimble footing and infectious enthusiasm. The judges largely agreed with the sentiment — but not entirely.
Inaba called the dance “amazing” and “wonderful” with great trepidation in her voice, then pivoted. “There was a bit of a-” but before Inaba could actually voice what seemed to be a forthcoming critique, she was utterly drowned out by a volley of boos.
ABC/Disney
Witney Carson, Robert Irwin
“I’m sorry! Im sorry!” she pleaded. “But look, this trophy is what we are competing for tonight. I don’t want ot give it to anybody who doesn’t absolutely deserve it.”
Inaba clarified that her justification for the still-unvoiced criticism shouldn’t be taken to mean that Irwin and Carson “don’t deserve it. I just have to point it out now. There are two more rounds of competition. Im pointing it out. You know I love you!”
Alfonso Ribeiro was then forced cut from the judges’ panel to the skybox so Irwin and Carson could debrief with cohost Julianne Hough. Whatever Inaba’s note on their quickstep was, it wouldn’t reach Irwin or Carson’s ears in time to make any constructive improvements.
Before receiving a near-perfect 29 (the only holdout was a 9 from Inaba), Irwin told Hough that “coming into this, dance was just the furthest thing from what I’m used to. But honestly, I know it’s the last show, so I just have to say, Witney has been the person who’s believed in me every step of the way, trusted me.”
Calling on the wisdom of the women in his life, Irwin noted, “The most important people are strong and powerful mothers – my mum, my sister, and now Witney.”
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Tuesday’s finale marks the conclusion of a riveting season of competition. Shocking eliminations, infighting on the judges’ panel, and rivers of tears led to this moment.
The final contenders left standing are Irwin, influencer Alix Earle, actress Elaine Hendrix, Olympian Jordan Chiles, and content creator Dylan Efron. Earle and Hendrix have already won perfect scores for their “Judges Choice” dances.
Season 34 is anyone’s game.
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