Dancing with the Stars official season 34 premiere on ABC and Disney+ aired on ABC and Disney+, but longtime judge Carrie Ann Inaba was missing from the ballroom due to illness. Carrie Ann Inaba illness updates came directly from her social media, where she told fans she was “under the weather” but expects to return next week.
Inaba wrote to followers:
“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.”
Without her, only Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli sat on the judging panel. According to Good Morning America, ABC confirmed no replacement judge would fill her seat for the premiere.
Dancing with the Stars Season 34 Premiere
Despite Carrie Ann Inaba’s illness keeping her at home, the show went on with excitement. Judges and co-stars sent her messages of support. Derek Hough shared heart emojis, while Julianne Hough posted: “Get better soon sis ❤️🩹.”
The 20th anniversary season features:
- The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives stars Jen Affleck and Whitney Leavitt
- Fifth Harmony’s Lauren Jauregui
- Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles
- Influencer Alix Earle
- The Traitors winner Dylan Efron
- Boy Meets World star Danielle Fishel
This season is hosted by Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough, keeping the energy high for its milestone year.
Carrie Ann Inaba’s DWTS Legacy
Since joining in 2005, Inaba has become an essential part of DWTS. Her judging style balances fairness, technical detail, and emotional insight, making her absence during the premiere notable.
For more coverage, explore:
- Past DWTS finale coverage on GMA
- Your internal article on Dancing with the Stars season 33 finale highlights
- Your coverage of memorable DWTS judge moments
Carrie Ann Inaba illness may have kept her from week one, but she is expected to return for the September 23 live episode, ensuring fans see the full judging panel back in action.
