Dancing With the Stars has captivated audiences for years, largely due to its dynamic panel of judges and the celebrities brave enough to take on ballroom dancing. From the irreplaceable Len Goodman to the equally insightful Derek Hough, the judges’ chemistry and critiques have been integral to the show’s charm. Their dedication to guiding contestants, helping them connect with their professional partners and express themselves through dance, has always been commendable. However, a recurring topic of discussion amongst viewers is the judging style of Carrie Ann Inaba. While a Dancing With the Stars veteran, it’s becoming increasingly clear that her approach to judging, particularly regarding female contestants, warrants a serious re-evaluation of her role on the show. It might be time for Dancing With the Stars to consider a judging panel without Carrie Ann Inaba.
Unfair Scrutiny Towards Female Contestants?
One of the most persistent criticisms leveled against Carrie Ann Inaba, especially in recent seasons, is the perception of unfair treatment towards female contestants. A prime example from Season 33 is the case of Chandler Kinney. Kinney, known for her role in Pretty Little Liars: Summer School, consistently showcased exceptional dance talent, arguably being the most technically skilled celebrity dancer that season. Yet, on Halloween Night, despite a performance that many considered deserving of top marks, Carrie Ann Inaba noticeably withheld a perfect score. While other judges, including the notoriously strict Derek Hough, awarded coveted 10s to performances that night, Kinney was denied, leaving viewers and fans perplexed. Even more bewildering was Carrie Ann’s critique itself. When Chandler and her partner, Brandon Armstrong, sought clarification on how to improve after being told their dance “wasn’t perfect,” Carrie Ann reportedly offered no specific, actionable feedback. This lack of constructive criticism, coupled with the seemingly arbitrary scoring, raises questions about the fairness and helpfulness of her judging style.
This pattern isn’t isolated to just one episode or one contestant. Throughout Season 33 and prior seasons, a narrative has emerged suggesting a tendency from Carrie Ann Inaba to judge female celebrities more harshly than their male counterparts. Instances like her critiques of Ariana Madix from Vanderpump Rules in Season 32 and Hannah Brown in Season 28 have fueled accusations of bias. Fans have taken to social media platforms to voice their concerns, with many using terms like “misogyny” and “favoritism” to describe what they perceive as a pattern in Carrie Ann’s judging. The core issue seems to be not just about differing opinions on dance quality, but a perceived lack of consistent standards and constructive feedback, particularly for women on the show. Judges are expected to provide guidance and encouragement, not to become figures of controversy due to perceived biases.
The Need for a Fresh Perspective on the Judging Panel
Mark Ballas and Derek Hough engaging in judge discussions at the Dancing with the Stars judges' table.
Considering the ongoing debate surrounding Carrie Ann Inaba’s judging, it might be beneficial for Dancing With the Stars to introduce new voices to the panel. Two names frequently suggested by viewers are Mark Ballas and Cheryl Burke, both esteemed alumni of the show. Mark Ballas, known for his innovative choreography and passionate approach to dance, has already demonstrated his potential as a judge during guest appearances. His insightful commentary and evident enthusiasm resonated well with both contestants and viewers. Similarly, Cheryl Burke, a multi-time champion and a respected figure in the professional dance community, is seen as a highly qualified candidate. Her extensive knowledge of ballroom dancing and her professional demeanor could bring a renewed sense of credibility and fairness to the judging process.
Both Mark and Cheryl possess not only deep expertise in dance but also a demonstrated ability to provide constructive criticism without resorting to perceived favoritism or bias. Introducing either of them, or perhaps other fresh faces from the world of dance, could inject new energy into the judging panel and potentially alleviate concerns about unfair judging practices. While Carrie Ann Inaba’s long tenure on Dancing With the Stars is undeniable and her contributions to the show are acknowledged, the recurring nature of these criticisms suggests a need for change. The show’s focus should always remain on celebrating dance and the journey of the celebrity contestants. A judging panel that is perceived as consistently fair, constructive, and unbiased is crucial to maintaining the integrity and enjoyment of Dancing With the Stars for both participants and its dedicated audience.
