Dancing With the Stars has captivated audiences for years, largely due to its dynamic panel of judges who bring expertise and personality to the ballroom. From the revered Len Goodman to the acclaimed Derek Hough, the judges’ chemistry and insightful commentary have become integral to the show’s appeal. The panel’s dedication to nurturing the celebrity contestants’ connection with their professional partners and enhancing their performances is truly commendable. However, a recurring concern among viewers and critics alike centers on one judge in particular: Carrie Ann Inaba, whose judging style often sparks debate and accusations of favoritism.
While Carrie Ann Inaba’s legacy as a Dancing With the Stars judge is undeniable, the question arises: is it time for a change? Season after season, Carrie Ann faces similar criticisms, ranging from perceived biases towards conventionally attractive contestants to accusations of harsher treatment of female celebrities compared to their male counterparts, and a seeming tendency to favor certain individuals. Despite acknowledging Carrie Ann’s significant contributions to the show over her long tenure, many viewers believe that it might be time for a fresh perspective on the judging panel.
Accusations of Unfair Judging Towards Female Contestants
One recurring point of contention is Carrie Ann’s judging of female contestants, particularly highlighted in Season 33 with her critiques of Chandler Kinney. Kinney, known for her role in Pretty Little Liars: Summer School, was arguably a standout dancer that season. However, many viewers felt Carrie Ann unfairly denied Kinney a perfect score on Halloween Night, a night when perfect 10s seemed readily distributed to other contestants. Even Derek Hough, often considered the most stringent judge, awarded Kinney a 10, underscoring the perceived discrepancy in Carrie Ann’s scoring. While contestants like Dwight Howard and Danny Amendola are fan favorites, some questioned whether their Halloween performances warranted perfect scores compared to Kinney’s technically proficient and artistically expressive routine. This pattern of seemingly undervaluing female contestants’ performances is a recurring critique leveled against Carrie Ann.
The frustration reached a peak when, after Chandler Kinney’s performance with partner Brandon Armstrong, Carrie Ann declared it “wasn’t perfect” but reportedly failed to provide specific, actionable feedback when Kinney sought clarification on areas for improvement. Constructive criticism is expected from judges on competitive shows to guide contestants, not to simply deliver vague negative assessments. Many viewers interpret Carrie Ann’s judging on Dancing With the Stars as leaning towards subjective critiques that disproportionately affect female competitors. Instances such as her interactions with Vanderpump Rules star Ariana Madix in Season 32 and Hannah Brown in Season 28 further fuel these accusations. Conversely, male contestants, even those with less polished dance skills, sometimes appear to receive more lenient scores and praise, leading to widespread online discussions and accusations of misogyny and favoritism directed at Carrie Ann’s judging style.
Gerry Turner offers a smile to the camera while dressed in a tuxedo on The Golden Bachelor
Calls for a Change in Judging Panel Dynamics
Mark Ballas and Derek Hough engage in discussion at the judges' table on Dancing with the Stars
To inject fresh energy and potentially address these long-standing concerns, many fans have suggested considering alternative judges like Mark Ballas or Cheryl Burke for future seasons. Both Ballas and Burke are Dancing With the Stars icons, having significantly contributed to the show’s legacy as professional dancers. Their deep understanding of ballroom dance and their established rapport with both professional dancers and celebrities could bring a valuable new dynamic to the judging panel. Mark Ballas’s guest judging appearances have been positively received, with viewers noting his passionate and insightful feedback to contestants. Similarly, Cheryl Burke, despite her impressive career and contributions to dance, is often considered underappreciated, and her presence as a judge could be a welcome addition. Both Ballas and Burke possess the expertise and professionalism expected of judges, potentially offering a less biased and more consistently constructive judging approach.
Carrie Ann Inaba’s dedication to Dancing With the Stars throughout her career is acknowledged and respected. However, the recurring criticisms regarding perceived unfairness and favoritism in her judging persist. While her passion for dance is evident, the perception that she sometimes applies inconsistent standards, particularly in her evaluation of female contestants, has become a significant point of viewer dissatisfaction.
