Is Carrie Ann Inaba Still on “Dancing With the Stars”?
Yes, Carrie Ann Inaba is still part of “Dancing With the Stars”—but not in the way viewers expected during the premiere this week. Her absence on premiere night had fans refreshing feeds, wondering if something seismic had changed. Inaba’s crisp critiques and occasional gentle eye rolls are kind of the show’s heartbeat, so missing her felt weird, like showing up to a dance party and realizing someone forgot the music.
So let’s set the record straight: Inaba hasn’t left DWTS, hasn’t quit in dramatic fashion, and wasn’t replaced overnight by a hologram judge. She’s officially still on the panel—her name’s right there in the cast list, the promos, and the judges’ giant chairs.
But as Monday’s live taping rolled on, it was unmistakable that her spot was occupied by a little extra space (and maybe Bruno did a bit more gesturing than usual, trying to fill the gap).
Seriously, not having Carrie Ann around for the season opener threw off the show’s vibe. Her signature judge’s lift (where she half-rises and then sits dramatically to award those pivotal “lifts” points) was missed. For long-time fans, dancing without Inaba’s insights is like ballroom with no sparkle. Will she be back next episode? Absolutely—according to most statements, this was merely a one-off medical hiccup, not a dramatic series exit.
Where Is Carrie Ann Inaba Tonight?
Carrie Ann Inaba missed the DWTS season 34 premiere because she was “home, sick”—her words, not some tabloid melodrama. It’s honestly relatable; who hasn’t had big plans derailed by some surprise illness? Inaba herself posted to social media saying: “I wish I could be there, but I’m home, sick. I’ll be watching and cheering.” I love how candid she is—no cryptic “undisclosed personal matter,” just straightforward, like the friend who sends you a selfie with their thermometer and a hot mug of tea.
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DWTS opted for a two-person judging panel for the night—Bruno Tonioli and Derek Hough handled the scores, but even they seemed to sense something was missing. Bruno’s gestures got even more flamboyant (no one’s surprised), and Derek leaned into extra trivia.
You could feel the void: Carrie Ann brings this endearing theater-kid energy, the kind that makes dancers either beam or nervously adjust their posture. Honestly, it’s hard not to feel for her; all those rehearsal snack stories and mid-performance pep talks—for one night, gone in a flash.
Personally, I’ve dealt with my share of well-timed colds, and it totally sucks when something you love—let alone a national TV gig—gets interrupted by a fever or sore throat. If anything, her absence just made people appreciate how vital she is to the fabric of the show. (Also, if Carrie Ann ever did decide to leave, fans would practically stage a glitter-soaked protest at ABC HQ. Her blend of tough love and gentle encouragement is priceless.)
Talking About “Dancing With the Stars” Without Carrie Ann
Can you imagine judge banter without Carrie Ann’s side-eye at Bruno or her emotional reactions when a contestant overcomes a big hurdle? Nah, I can’t either. The social media chatter the night she missed had the usual mix—some worried, some inventing wild rumors, others joking that she was secretly at a dance-off in her living room.
Will Carrie Ann Stay?
All signs say yes; Carrie Ann isn’t planning to leave “Dancing With the Stars” anytime soon. Her absence was short-term, health-related, and addressed publicly, with her own voice and the network’s reassurance. If anything, this mini drama highlighted just how core she is to DWTS’s soul—when a judge’s temporary illness sparks national speculation, you know she matters.
Carrie Ann’s role on the show isn’t just about holding up numbers or reminding contestants about their posture. She’s the one who sometimes cries during a sentimental waltz, who gets genuinely flustered if someone messes up a lift, and who loves joking about her “lift police” reputation. That’s not something production can replace by throwing in a guest celebrity panelist or bumping up the host’s commentary quota.
So, if you’re drafting your next DWTS viewing party group text, you can add, “Yes, Carrie Ann Inaba is still a judge. She just had the world’s most inconvenient cold.” And the show will be all the better when she returns.
