Will Carrie Ann Inaba’s Time as a DWTS Judge Soon Come to an End?
Carrie Ann Inaba, a long-time judge on Dancing with the Stars (DWTS), may be facing an imminent exit from the judging panel amid rising concerns and frustrations from fans and co-judges. Speculations about Inaba’s future on the show have surged after her judging in the recent Halloween-themed episode left both fans and contestants divided. This episode, where contestants embraced their “nightmares” as creative inspiration, saw Carrie Ann’s scores differ notably from those of her fellow judges Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli. The difference in scoring has led to discussions about whether Inaba’s style aligns with the show’s direction and if it’s “only a matter of time” before she is replaced by a former DWTS pro.
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Inaba has long been recognized for her empathetic but firm judging style, often paying close attention to technical details. However, this season, her approach has garnered significant backlash, especially when she awarded slightly lower scores to female contestants with complex choreography. For instance, Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong, who executed one of the evening’s more challenging routines, were praised by Hough and Tonioli with a perfect score of 10. Yet Inaba awarded them a 9, explaining that while the dance was strong, she felt it didn’t quite meet the higher criteria she holds for difficult choreography. This choice sparked a noticeable reaction, with some questioning why Carrie Ann awarded 10s to routines they felt were less intricate. Criticism from fans on social media hinted at a perceived scoring inconsistency, as some believe Inaba may be overly critical of female contestants compared to male performers.
Sources close to DWTS suggest that Inaba remains beloved among cast and crew, yet her place in the show’s “family” has reportedly shifted. She no longer fits in quite the way she used to, leading to “awkward moments on set,” some of which have been caught on camera. These sources have hinted that it may be time for a change, with her co-judges’ dynamic sometimes conflicting with her more unpredictable evaluations.
This speculation around Inaba’s potential departure has naturally led fans to consider who might take her place. One name frequently discussed is former DWTS professional Mark Ballas, a two-time Mirrorball Trophy winner who recently guest-judged an episode and received warm reactions from fans. His rapport with Hough, his experience on the show, and his perspective as a former pro dancer make him a strong contender. However, there is a sense that DWTS will also look to maintain gender diversity on the panel, potentially adding another female judge if Inaba were to leave.
As rumors swirl, DWTS fans remain engaged in the conversation, with many reflecting on Inaba’s legacy and unique contribution since joining as a judge in 2005. Her strict but heartfelt critiques have become a signature element of the show, contributing to its drama and depth. Whether she stays or goes, there’s no doubt her impact on DWTS has been substantial, and any transition will mark the end of an era. DWTS continues to air on Disney+, and fans will be watching closely to see if Inaba remains or if the show welcomes a fresh face to the judging panel soon.
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