Carrie Ann Inaba misses dancing with the stars premiere due to illness
- Carrie Ann Inaba announced her absence from the season 34 premiere of Dancing with the Stars due to illness.
- Inaba expressed her hopes to return for the following week's episode and sent well wishes to contestants.
- Judges Bruno Tonioli and Derek Hough will provide feedback without a replacement for Inaba.
On September 16, 2025, Carrie Ann Inaba, a judge on the popular reality dance show Dancing with the Stars, informed her followers via social media that she would be absent for the show's season 34 premiere due to feeling unwell. In her announcement, Inaba expressed her disappointment at not being able to attend, stating that she was resting up in hopes of returning for the following week's episode. Her absence will not be filled by a replacement judge, so only judges Bruno Tonioli and Derek Hough will provide feedback to the contestants during the premiere, which airs live on ABC at 8 p.m. ET. Inaba's fellow judges and co-hosts quickly expressed their support and well wishes for her recovery. Phrases of encouragement were shared online, revealing the camaraderie of the show's cast and crew, as they responded positively to Inaba's health update. Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough are set to host the season, marking a notable 20th anniversary for the beloved series, which features numerous celebrity contestants. The lineup for season 34 includes various personalities from different fields, such as Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles and Fifth Harmony member Lauren Jauregui, among others. The public anticipates an exciting season filled with performances and engaging feedback, even as Inaba will be tuned in from home, cheering for the dancers she supports. She intends to return to her judging duties for the second episode of the season on September 23, 2025. Dancing with the Stars continues to gain popularity, hosting diverse talents and keeping audiences entertained for over two decades. With a dedicated fanbase, the show has become an American staple, even witnessing past celebrities such as Emmitt Smith and Charli D'Amelio taking home the coveted Mirrorball Trophy. Inaba's temporary absence serves as a reminder of the real-life challenges that participants and judges may face, and the overall hope that she will recover swiftly and return next week to contribute her insights to the competition.