Carrie Ann Inaba Reflects on 20 Years of “Dancing With the Stars”: Handling Negativity, Judging, and Season 34 Highlights
Since the premiere of “Dancing With the Stars” in 2006, Carrie Ann Inaba has been a key figure on the show—as both a professional dancer and, more recently, a judge. Over nearly two decades, she has faced criticism and negativity but has now found a way to cope and stay true to herself.
### Facing Criticism and Negativity
“It used to really affect me,” Carrie Ann shares with Variety. “I have been targeted with this kind of negativity since the show began, back when we had chat rooms. I remember seeing some horrible words written about me, and I was shocked.” The verbal attacks sometimes made her fearful rather than hurt. “It feels like they’re attacking me verbally, so I shrink down a little during the season, especially after week five or six,” she admits.
The impact on her mental health has been significant, prompting her to speak about the issue in therapy. Her therapist encouraged her to lean into one guiding principle: truth.
“By doing that, it makes the online hate and vitriol feel less like it can hurt me, because I’m very true to myself. When you’re true to yourself, it doesn’t matter as much what everybody else is saying about you,” Carrie Ann explains.
### Celebrating Season 34 and the 20th Anniversary
Season 34 marks the special 20th anniversary of “Dancing With the Stars” and has been a standout favorite for Carrie Ann. “This renewed vigor, this new audience that has come to the table and brought so much passion and so many opinions… I love this new TikTok generation that has changed the game. It’s really exciting.”
Reflecting on her earliest days, she offers advice to her younger self: “Get ready for a ride of a lifetime. Be ready for your life to change in so many different ways. Be ready for the whole world to fall in love with dance the same way you have, and get ready to learn how to say things very concisely in about 20 seconds. I still haven’t gotten it down.”
### Returning Faces and Guest Judges
The 20th anniversary episode, airing November 11, brings back past pros, winners, and hosts, including Tom Bergeron. Carrie Ann admits she was surprised but pleased by his return. “Something about it feels right. One of the main parts of ‘Dancing With the Stars’ that I think is so special is the family environment.”
Guest judges this season have ranged from former pros like Kym Herjavec and Cheryl Burke to unexpected names like Flavor Flav. “Flavor Flav brought his own style and so much love in his heart. All he wanted to do was encourage people,” Carrie Ann notes. “He represents people who love dance, maybe without a lot of experience, but who want to uplift others.”
### The Role of Dance Experience Among Contestants
This season has sparked discussions over whether celebrities with prior dance experience have an advantage. Carrie Ann views the show as open to everyone, regardless of background. “I used to be against having people with lots of dance experience, because I love watching people who haven’t known the incredible gift that dance is,” she says. But with the newer generation—especially fans and contestants active on TikTok—that boundary has blurred. “Dancing is a way of coping with life right now.”
When asked about perceptions that contestant Andy Richter isn’t held to the same standards, Carrie Ann explains that he is judged fairly based on his journey and abilities. “The competition is more with yourself, to see how far you can push yourself, how open you can be, and how willing you are to try and fail.”
### Navigating Online Hate and Mental Health
Carrie Ann has received more flak than other judges, a challenge she attributes partly to being the only woman on the panel. However, she has reached a place of acceptance. “Now that I’ve come to terms with it, I can speak about it. It’s made me scared and hurt, but I try to find the positive in every situation.”
She acknowledges the passionate nature of fans: “Sometimes people love one couple so much, they attack others. But ‘Dancing With the Stars’ reflects real life—we provide a safe place for people.” She has stepped up to speak publicly about being a woman and the negativity online, encouraging respectful discourse.
### Addressing Claims of Bias in Judging
There is a recurring narrative that Carrie Ann is harsher when judging female celebrities. She confesses there is some truth to that, explaining, “Because I support women so much, I let them know what I see. I don’t want them to walk away with regret. I speak woman to woman, maybe a bit more frankly, because women can be tougher.”
She adds, “People are tougher on women in general. It’s ironic that I’m accused of being tougher on women while the audience itself can be harsher.”
### What Makes a Winning Partner Today?
Historically, pairing with a great athlete or someone with dance experience was seen as advantageous. This season, however, seems to favor authenticity and journey, exemplified by Andy Richter. Carrie Ann notes, “What’s winning now is vulnerability and growth. People connect more with the journey than just technique.”
### Understanding the Scoring System
Many viewers remain confused about how scoring works. Carrie Ann sympathizes: “Tell them they’re not alone—I’m sometimes confused too!” She explains the judges’ scores count for roughly half the equation, with audience votes making up the other half. Beyond that, the details remain somewhat of a mystery even to the judges.
### Highlights from the Season’s Cast
This year features one of the most talented casts yet, including strong women like Jordan Chiles, who Carrie Ann respects for her focus and Olympic-level mindset. “While judging, I try to explain the contestants’ stories and challenge them to grow. You want to push yourself beyond your boundaries and come away renewed.”
### Looking Ahead
Carrie Ann is hopeful for the show’s continued run: “I hope we get to do this forever. Dance is life.”
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**“Dancing With the Stars” airs Tuesdays on ABC and Disney+ at 8 p.m. ET, and is available to stream the next day on Hulu.**
*This interview has been edited and condensed.*
https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/carrie-ann-inaba-dancing-with-the-stars-hate-backlash-interview-1236574143/
