“Dancing with the Stars” judge Carrie Ann Inaba has revealed her thoughts on Season 34 and what has made it a total game-changer. As we head into the semifinals, fan favorites Robert Irwin, Whitney Leavitt, Dylan Efron, Elaine Hendrix, Jordan Chiles, and Alix Earle will be competing for the Mirrorball Trophy.
It has been an incredible season filled with interesting guest judges, the return of former pros and beloved DWTS host Tom Bergeron, and an unbelievable level of talent. Inaba has been part of the ABC dance competition since the very beginning, and she cherishes her role. But a lot has changed since Season 1. In her November interview with Variety, Inaba revealed that Season 34 is her favorite.
Carrie Ann Inaba Discusses DWTS Season 34
When asked about how she is feeling about Season 34 and celebrating 20 years on the show, Inaba said, “The season has been absolutely my favorite — this renewed vigor, this new audience that has come to the table and has brought so much passion and so many opinions.”
She continued, “I love this new TikTok generation that has changed the game. It’s really exciting. From day one, it’s just been an honor, because dance is my life. I have dedicated my whole life to dance and live television.”
Inaba is right that the show’s social media element has been so much fun! Fans really feel they can better understand the competitors and their personalities thanks to their fun, energetic videos and posts. It’s going to be incredibly hard to choose a winner at the end of Season 34, and no matter which way the decision goes, hearts will be broken!
Carrie Ann Inaba Celebrates 20 Years on DWTS
In her interview, Inaba was also asked whether she had any advice for her younger self back in Season 1.
“I would tell her, the makeup game has changed, girlfriend, put on your lashes!” she joked. Shen then got serious about what the show means to her and the changes it goes through. “No, I would say, get ready for a ride of a lifetime. Be ready for your life to change in so many different ways,” she said. “Be ready for the whole world to fall in love with dance the same way you have, and get ready to learn how to say things very concisely in about 20 seconds. I still haven’t gotten it down.”
