Carrie Ann Inaba Misses Dancing With The Stars Season 34 Premiere, Fans Rally Online

A Milestone Season Begins Without Its Iconic Judge

On a night when the ballroom should have been abuzz with familiar faces and the thrill of new beginnings, one notable absence defined the premiere of Dancing With The Stars season 34. Carrie Ann Inaba, a fixture at the judges’ table since the very first episode in 2005, announced just hours before showtime that she would not be joining her colleagues or the live audience for the season’s launch. Her absence, though temporary, resonated across the show’s vibrant community.

Inaba’s Announcement Sends Ripples Through the DWTS Family

Fans learned of Inaba’s condition through a heartfelt Instagram post. “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 wrote. She didn’t just inform—she encouraged, wishing all contestants luck and promising to cheer from home, her signature positivity shining through even as she stepped back from the spotlight.

The news came as a surprise not just to viewers, but to the show’s cast and crew. There would be no last-minute substitute: the panel would consist solely of Bruno Tonioli and Derek Hough, the only judges providing feedback on premiere night. The decision underscored the production’s faith in its community—a belief that, while one voice might be missed, the show must and would go on.

Support Pours In From Cast, Contestants, and Fans

Within minutes, Inaba’s post drew a cascade of responses. “Feel better Carrie Ann!!!” wrote pro dancer Jenna Johnson. Fellow judge Derek Hough sent a string of heart emojis, while co-host Julianne Hough added, “Get better soon sis ❤️‍🩹.” The camaraderie was palpable, a testament to the unique bonds forged over two decades of shared triumphs and tribulations under the ballroom’s glittering lights.

Contestants, too, joined the chorus of well-wishers. Hilaria Baldwin, competing this season alongside Gleb Savchenko, commented, “Feel better ❤️.” Pro Britt Stewart echoed the sentiment: “Hope you feel better Carrie Ann! ❤️❤️.” This outpouring of support wasn’t limited to the inner circle; social media lit up with messages from fans, many recalling favorite judging moments and expressing anticipation for her swift return.

A Diverse Cast Steps Into the Spotlight

Even in Inaba’s absence, the premiere delivered the energy and spectacle fans have come to expect. The season 34 lineup is a cross-section of pop culture: from The Parent Trap actress Elaine Hendrix and NBA All-Star Baron Davis, to Fifth Harmony’s Lauren Jauregui and Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles. Social media influencer Alix Earle, comedian Andy Richter, and The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives stars Jen Affleck and Whitney Leavitt round out a cast that mirrors the evolving face of entertainment itself.

Each couple, guided by the show’s seasoned pros, took the stage with a blend of nerves and excitement. The stakes are high; the competition, fierce. Yet, the absence of a familiar judge added a new dynamic. For the first time in years, the rhythm of the critiques and the balance of perspectives shifted, forcing both dancers and viewers to adjust.

Reflecting on Two Decades of Influence

Inaba’s absence also offered a moment of reflection on her legacy. In June, she marked her 20th anniversary on the show with a poignant Instagram post. “20 years ago today, I sat down for the first time with two men I had never met before—Len Goodman and Bruno Tonioli. My life was forever changed,” she shared, referencing the late Len Goodman, whose passing in 2023 left a lasting void.

For Inaba, the show has always been more than a job. It’s a platform where the artistry of dance intersects with the vulnerability of competition and the unpredictability of live television. “There has been nothing like it in my life,” she wrote, acknowledging the privilege and responsibility that comes with her seat at the table. Her influence extends beyond scoring routines; she has helped shape the very culture and heart of Dancing With The Stars.

The Show Must Go On—But the Void Is Felt

As the opening night unfolded, hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough kept the energy high, steering the live broadcast through its dazzling numbers and emotional beats. The judges’ table, though one seat short, remained a focal point. Bruno Tonioli and Derek Hough offered critiques, but the subtle interplay and spirited debates fans have come to love were, for the moment, missing a piece of their magic.

Behind the scenes, producers confirmed that Inaba is expected to return for the second episode, airing live on September 23. There are no plans to permanently fill her spot, reinforcing the sense that, despite the show’s scale and spectacle, its heart beats strongest in the authenticity and connection of its people.

Looking Ahead: Anticipation and Resilience

For viewers, the premiere was a reminder of the show’s resilience and enduring appeal. The ballroom is more than a stage; it’s a living, breathing community that adapts, supports, and celebrates its own. As the season progresses, couples will face new challenges, culminating in a penultimate episode where five pairs will perform twice in a bid for the finale.

The excitement is palpable, but so is the longing for a complete family. Inaba’s imminent return promises to restore the familiar rhythm, but her brief absence has already left its mark—reminding everyone of the humanity that underpins even the most glamorous productions.

In a world defined by spectacle, Carrie Ann Inaba’s absence became an unexpected focal point—revealing not just her own significance, but the deep interdependence that makes Dancing With The Stars more than just a competition. The show’s willingness to pause, reflect, and support its own speaks volumes about its spirit. For now, the spotlight awaits her return, and the dance goes on—undaunted, but always changed by those who step away, even for a moment.

Sources: People, ABC News