Carrie Ann Inaba has been a judge on “Dancing with the Stars” since its first season, rarely missing an episode. Unfortunately, Inaba has revealed she will be missing the September 16 DWTS season 34 premiere.
Carrie Ann Inaba Is not Feeling Well
Inaba took to Instagram a few hours before the “Dancing with the Stars” season 34 premiere was set to air. “I wanted to share that I will not be at the show tonight as I am feeling quite under the weather,” she wrote.
She continued, “I’m resting up and can’t wait to be back next week in good health.”
The “Dancing with the Stars” judge added, “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!”
DWTS Fans & Colleagues Flooded Inaba With Support
Both fans and Inaba’s “Dancing with the Stars” colleagues took to the comment section to send her their love and support. Pasha Pashkov, Britt Stewart, and Jenna Johnson commented that they hope she feels better soon, and fellow judge Derek Hough left a comment with two red heart emojis.
Co-host Julianne Hough added, “Get better soon sis,” and Peta Murgatroyd, who is not returning for season 34, added, “Feel better babe.”
Former contestants Shangela and Ginger Zee also commented on Inaba’s post, as did season 34 contestant Hilaria Baldwin.
“You will be missed but feel better soon,” a fan commented.
One “Dancing with the Stars” fan tagged pro Brandon Armstrong and his wife and teased, “Time to add a last minute lift to your number with Lauren tonight!”
Armstrong’s season 34 partner is Fifth Harmony singer Lauren Jauregui. Inaba has a reputation for being hard on couples who add in any hint of a lift in dance styles where it’s not common.
Someone else echoed that sentiment, writing, “EVERYBODY ADD LIFTS TO YOUR ROUTINES!!!!!!”
A couple of fans suggested they tap former pro Sasha Farber to join judges Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli for the premiere. Another suggested reaching out to Murgatroyd and her husband, former pro Maks Chmerkovskiy.
Many fans had expected to see Farber and Murgatroyd return to compete on season 34. However, neither of them was tapped to join the cast this time around.
According to Deadline, “there will be no replacement judge in Inaba’s place.”
That means that only Hough and Tonioli will be giving the couples feedback and scores on their first “Dancing with the Stars” performances. That would seemingly be the first time in the show’s 20-year history that has happened.
1 thought on “Carrie Ann Inaba Is Missing the Season 34 DWTS Premiere: Here’s Why”