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The ballroom at Dancing With the Stars will open its 34th season without one of its original judges, Carrie Ann Inaba. Just hours before the live premiere on Tuesday, September 16, Inaba revealed she would not be present due to illness.
"I wanted to share that I will not be at the show tonight as I am feeling quite under the weather," the 57-year-old wrote on Instagram. "I'm resting up and can't wait to be back next week in good health. In the meantime, I wish all the contestants the very best of luck. I'll be cheering you on from home. Have a great show everyone!"
Her announcement confirmed that she plans to return for the show's second week, but no replacement judge has been set in her absence. The panel for the premiere featured Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli, while Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough returned as co-hosts.
Inaba's absence follows her earlier no-show at the September 3 Good Morning America cast reveal, though she celebrated the unveiling of the celebrity lineup online, writing at the time, "Here we goooooo!!!!"
The longtime judge, who has been part of DWTS since its 2005 debut, received an outpouring of support from fellow stars. Julianne Hough commented, "Get better soon sis," while her brother Derek shared heart emojis. Season 34 contestant Hilaria Baldwin added, "Feel better," and pro dancer Britt Stewart wrote, "Hope you feel better Carrie Ann!" Others, including pro Peta Murgatroyd, echoed similar well wishes.
This season marks the 20th anniversary of the franchise and features a diverse cast competing for the coveted Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy.
Earlier this year, Inaba looked back on her two decades with the show, recalling her first time joining Len Goodman and Bruno Tonioli, an experience she described as life changing.
Despite her absence, the show pressed on with its season opener, airing live on ABC and Disney+, with episodes available to stream the following day on Hulu.
