The highly anticipated premiere of Dancing with the Stars Season 34 will be missing a familiar face as longtime judge Carrie Ann Inaba has announced that she will not be present for the first show due to illness. Inaba shared this news on her social media platforms early Tuesday morning, leaving fans and contestants alike expressing their support.
In her heartfelt post, Inaba stated, “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 also extended her best wishes to the contestants, saying, “In the meantime, I wish all the contestants the very best of luck. I’ll be cheering you on from home.” This update has resonated with fans who are eager to see her return to the judging panel.
Sources close to the production have confirmed to Deadline that there will be no replacement judge for Inaba during the premiere. This means that the contestants will only receive feedback and critiques from judges Bruno Tonioli and Derek Hough for the opening night of the competition. This unique situation adds an extra layer of challenge for the participants as they navigate their performances without the full trio of judges.
The competition series is returning in style, celebrating its milestone 20th anniversary on September 16. Earlier this month, ABC unveiled the complete cast list for this season, which features an exciting lineup, including stars from various backgrounds. Notable contestants include Jen Affleck and Whitney Leavitt from The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, Lauren Jauregui from Fifth Harmony, and Scott Hoying from Pentatonix. Olympic gold medalist Jordan Chiles and reality TV star Dylan Efron, brother of Zac Efron, will also showcase their dancing skills this season.
In addition to the three judges, the show will continue to be hosted by Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough, who are returning for yet another exciting season. Viewers can catch Dancing with the Stars live as it simulcasts on ABC and Disney+. For those who miss the live airing, the episodes will also be available the following day on Hulu. The show is produced by BBC Studios, ensuring high-quality entertainment for its dedicated fanbase.
As Season 34 kicks off, fans are eager to see how the contestants perform and how Inaba's absence will affect the dynamics of the judging panel. Stay tuned for more updates and exciting performances as the season unfolds!
