After missing the Season 34 premiere, fans were left wondering if Carrie Ann Inaba would return to “Dancing With the Stars.” Now it’s official: Inaba will be back at the judges’ table for Week 2. ABC confirmed to Parade that the veteran judge will rejoin Bruno Tonioli and Derek Hough as 14 celebrity couples perform salsa, tango, jive, samba, and more for the “One-Hit Wonders” theme night.
Why Carrie Ann Missed the Premiere
On the night of the season opener, Inaba shared on Instagram that she was feeling “under the weather.” She wrote, “I wanted to share that I will not be at the show tonight as I am feeling quite under the weather. 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.”
Her absence was a first in the show’s history, marking the only time in 20 years and 34 seasons that she has missed an episode. Inaba has been a staple of the judges’ table since DWTS premiered in 2005.
During the live premiere, hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough acknowledged Carrie Ann Inaba’s absence while standing with fellow judges Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli.
“It’s great to have all of you at home joining us in the ballroom and wonderful to see our judges — well, two of them,” Ribeiro told the audience. Hough added, “Get well soon, Carrie Ann. We love you.”
Judge Thanks Fans for Their Support
Disney/Eric McCandlessEven from home, Inaba showed her support for the cast and crew. On Instagram Stories, she posted a photo of herself watching the show and wrote, “Bravo to the whole cast and crew of @dancingwiththestars That was an incredible premiere episode!”
She added, “And thank YOU for all the well wishes 🤍🙏 I’m touched at all the messages of support I received and for the respectful way the show handled a very human situation.” In another post, she shared flowers sent by ABC, thanking the network for their gesture.
DWTS Season 34 Heats Up
The Season 34 premiere featured stars like Robert Irwin, Jordan Chiles, and Whitney Leavitt competing for the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy. Irwin and Leavitt tied for the top score of the night with standout jive and tango routines.
Now, with Inaba back in the ballroom, fans can look forward to a full judging panel as the competition kicks into high gear.
“Dancing With the Stars” airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+, with episodes streaming the next day on Hulu.
