Carrie Ann Inaba Returns to ‘Dancing With the Stars’ After Missing Season 34 Premiere

Carrie Ann Inaba is back on Dancing With the Stars after sitting out the Season 34 premiere due to illness. The longtime judge returned on Tuesday, September 23, during One-Hit Wonders Night, where she received a warm welcome from the cast and fans.

Inaba, 57, had missed the September 16 premiere after announcing she was feeling “under the weather.” Her absence left Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli to score performances on a 20-point scale. On her return, she watched Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy’s jive to Lou Bega’s “Mambo No. 5,” which earned 21 points.

Carrie Ann Inaba’s Return and Reaction

Inaba praised the performance that marked her return to the ballroom. “Thank you for making that my first dance, because that was incredible,” she said. “You blew me away … You are such a great performer, you’re fun and there’s a freshness to you.”

Her return comes after she addressed fans on Instagram, saying she was resting at home and cheering for the contestants during the premiere. Co-hosts Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro had dedicated messages of support to her on opening night, while fans and fellow stars flooded her social media with well wishes.

Her absence underscored her long-standing presence on the show. Inaba has been a judge since DWTS launched in 2005, alongside Tonioli. Hough joined as a judge in Season 29, and together, they continue to shape the competition each season.

Impact on the Show and Fans

Inaba’s return restores the full three-judge panel, allowing performances to once again be scored on the traditional 30-point scale. Her presence also reassures fans who were concerned about her health. Many had expressed relief and joy at seeing her back on screen this week.

The temporary change in scoring during her absence highlighted how essential each judge is to the format. As the competition continues, Inaba’s feedback is expected to play a major role in guiding the celebrity dancers through the season.

Carrie Ann Inaba’s return to DWTS marks a positive turn for both the show and its viewers. With the judges’ table complete, Season 34 is back on track, promising more energy and excitement in the weeks ahead.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Why did Carrie Ann Inaba miss the DWTS Season 34 premiere?

She missed the premiere due to illness and announced on Instagram that she was feeling “under the weather.”

Q2: When did Carrie Ann Inaba return to Dancing With the Stars?

She returned on Tuesday, September 23, during One-Hit Wonders Night in Season 34.

Q3: How long has Carrie Ann Inaba been a judge on DWTS?

She has been a judge since the show’s premiere in 2005, alongside Bruno Tonioli.

Q4: What performance marked Carrie Ann Inaba’s return?

Her return began with Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy’s jive to “Mambo No. 5,” which scored 21 points.

Q5: Who replaced Carrie Ann Inaba during her absence?

No replacement was made. Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli judged on a 20-point scale instead of the usual 30.