Who Is Guest Judge on ‘Dancing With the Stars’ Tonight? Latest Semifinals Update

The semifinals of “Dancing with the Stars” Season 34 arrive tonight, and many fans are asking one thing: Who is the guest judge on “Dancing with the Stars” tonight? The Prince Night theme brings six celebrity dancers back to the ballroom on November 18. But unlike earlier weeks, the judging panel will look a little different.

ABC confirmed that no guest judge will appear in the semifinals. Only Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli will score the contestants. With high stakes and two dances per couple, the competition now relies solely on the main panel.

Semifinals Format and Guest Judge Decision Explained

This season has featured several notable guest judges, including Kym Johnson-Herjavec, Cheryl Burke, Flavor Flav, and the widely celebrated return of longtime host Tom Bergeron. Their appearances added variety, but they also sparked debate among viewers. Some fans felt guest judges offered inconsistent scores. ABC’s decision to proceed without one tonight removes that variable.

The semifinals will feature six couples dancing twice. Each routine will be set to iconic Prince tracks, from “Purple Rain” to “When Doves Cry.” According to ABC, this structure gives contestants a full showcase of their technique without needing extra commentary from guest voices. Major entertainment outlets such as ABC News have highlighted how Season 34 embraces more traditional judging in key rounds.

Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy will take on an Argentine Tango to “Little Red Corvette” and a Viennese Waltz to “Purple Rain.” Robert Irwin and Witney Carson will perform a Viennese Waltz to “WOW” and a Jive to “Baby I’m a Star.” Each pair faces a significant test with contrasting styles in a single night.

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How Tonight’s Format Shapes the Competition

The absence of a guest judge means greater weight falls on the veteran panel. Carrie Ann, Derek, and Bruno each bring years of professional dance insight. Their scoring often becomes stricter in the late stages of the show. Without an extra judge softening or shifting the score balance, contestants face a more focused level of critique.

This could benefit dancers who consistently impress the main panel. It may also challenge couples who previously relied on guest judge praise to offset lower scores from long-standing judges. As the Mirrorball Trophy nears, precision, musicality, and performance quality matter more than ever.

The semifinals set the tone for the finale on November 25. With no guest judge tonight, the six couples must deliver flawless routines to secure their spot. Fans tuning in want to know one key answer: Who is guest judge on “Dancing with the Stars” tonight? The answer is simple — no one. The regular panel leads the night from start to finish.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Is there a guest judge on Dancing with the Stars tonight?

No. ABC confirmed there is no guest judge tonight. Only Carrie Ann, Derek, and Bruno will score the semifinals.

Q2: Why is there no guest judge this week?

Recent fan criticism about inconsistent scoring led the show to keep the semifinals focused on the main judges only.

Q3: What time does DWTS air tonight?

The semifinals broadcast airs at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+. A replay becomes available on Hulu the next day.

Q4: What dances are being performed?

The couples will perform styles including the Jive, Cha Cha, Argentine Tango, Foxtrot, and Viennese Waltz.

Q5: What is the theme for the semifinals?

Tonight is Prince Night. All dances will be performed to songs by the legendary artist.