As fans eagerly tuned in for the season 34 premiere of Dancing with the Stars on September 16, a notable absence left many wondering about the fate of one of the show’s beloved judges. Carrie Ann Inaba, a core member of the judging panel since the show’s debut in 2005, was forced to sit out the live episode after falling ill just hours before the highly anticipated broadcast.
A Sudden Absence
The absence of Inaba, who is known for her thoughtful critiques and warm connection with the contestants, was felt immediately. Hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough addressed the situation early in the show, reassuring viewers that the judge would be back as soon as she was feeling better.
“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 said, smiling through the unexpected change. “Carrie Ann is under the weather and hopes to be back with us next week.”
Hough echoed Ribeiro’s sentiments, offering her well wishes: “Get well soon, Carrie Ann. We love you.”
In the meantime, fellow judges Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli stepped up to provide their signature feedback as the celebrity contestants—Hilaria Baldwin, Jordan Chiles, Dylan Efron, and Danielle Fishel—took to the stage for their debut performances of the season. Despite Inaba's absence, the show continued to move forward seamlessly, with the remaining judges offering their expert opinions on the contestants’ performances.
Carrie Ann’s Update
Earlier in the day, Inaba had shared the news with both fans and the Dancing with the Stars production team that she would not be attending the season premiere. Though disappointed, she remained optimistic about her swift return.
“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,” she said in a statement, further assuring fans that her absence would be temporary.
Judge Carrie Ann Inaba will miss tonight’s premiere due to being under the weather. No word on who will take her place on the panel for tonight’s episode. #DWTS pic.twitter.com/UKDvz2SraT
— The DWTS Report (@dwtsreport) September 16, 2025
The Show Goes On
While Inaba’s absence was certainly noticeable, Dancing with the Stars carried on without skipping a beat. With the season officially underway, the show’s energy remained high, and viewers can expect a season filled with spectacular performances, emotional moments, and maybe a few unexpected twists as the competition progresses.
As one of the original faces of the show, Inaba’s absence was a reminder of how unpredictable live television can be. Her role as a judge has been integral to the show's success, and fans are already looking forward to her return next week, where she’ll be back in her chair offering her signature critiques to the celebrity contestants. With a strong team in place, including Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli, Dancing with the Stars looks set to continue captivating audiences throughout the season.
As we await her return, all eyes will be on Inaba’s recovery, with many fans wishing for her swift return to the ballroom.
