Carrie Ann Inaba’s presence was missed in the ballroom as “Dancing With the Stars” launched Season 34 on September 16. The beloved judge, 57, shared that she was feeling “under the weather” and needed to sit out opening night, but she quickly reassured fans she would be back next week.
Even while she missed the live action, she watched from home and cheered on the cast and crew, later posting on Instagram, “Bravo to the whole cast and crew of @dancingwiththestars. That was an incredible premiere episode!”
Judge Thanks Fans for Support
Carrie Ann expressed her gratitude for the outpouring of messages she received. “And thank YOU all for the well wishes. I’m touched at all the messages of support I received,” she added in her Instagram story posted on September 17.
She also shared a snapshot of a bouquet she received from ABC, thanking the network for the “respectful way” they handled what she called “a very human situation.”
Hosts & Judges Send Love on Air
During the live premiere, hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough acknowledged Carrie Ann’s absence while joined by 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,” Alfonso told viewers. Julianne added warmly, “Get well soon, Carrie Ann. We love you.”
Carrie Ann later reposted clips from the episode, showing her cheering for the stars from home.
DWTS Season 34 Kicks Off With a Twist
Even without Carrie Ann, the ballroom was buzzing. The Season 34 cast includes Hilaria Baldwin, Alix Earle, Corey Feldman, Robert Irwin, Dylan Efron, Danielle Fishel, Elaine Hendrix, and more. Robert Irwin and Whitney Carson tied for the top spot on the leaderboard with Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas, both earning 15/20.
No one was eliminated on premiere night, but producers revealed a double elimination is set for September 23. Viewer votes will be combined with judges’ scores from both weeks to decide who leaves.
“Dancing With the Stars” airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC and Disney+, with episodes streaming the next day on Hulu.
How To Vote For Your Favorite Contestants on DWTS?
DisneyEach week’s voting opens as soon as “Dancing With the Stars” begins airing live at 8 p.m. ET on ABC. Voting remains open only during the live broadcast in the Eastern and Central time zones. During that window, fans across the U.S., its territories, and Canada can vote online at dwtsvote.abc.com, while those with participating U.S. wireless carriers can also cast votes by text.
Because of the timing, viewers on the West Coast, Canada, and Puerto Rico must vote without seeing the performances.
The live audience votes are then combined with the judges’ scores to determine which couples are in jeopardy of elimination each week.
