Carrie Ann Inaba : The finale of Dancing With the Stars Season 34 on November 25, 2025, was marked by both dazzling performances and a notable moment of tension when judge Carrie Ann Inaba confronted an audience heckler. Known for her straightforward critiques and sharp eye, Carrie Ann did not hesitate to address a disruptive comment during her feedback for finalist Jordan Chiles, adding an unexpected layer of drama to the live broadcast.
The Heckler Incident: A Moment of Raw Emotion
During the finale, Carrie Ann was providing feedback on the paso doble performance by Jordan Chiles and her professional partner Ezra S. As she gave her critique, an audience member shouted out, calling Jordan a “queen.” While such a term is usually endearing in the context of fandom, Carrie Ann’s sharp reaction, loudly asking “What? What did you say?!” caught the room’s attention and momentarily shifted the atmosphere.
Co-host Alfonso Ribeiro quickly stepped in to calm the situation, diverting the focus to fellow judge Derek Hough’s evaluation and reassuring the audience. Despite the momentary tension, Carrie Ann’s critique continued with professionalism, praising Jordan’s intensity and dedication while also noting that the start of their dance felt slightly off, describing the intensity as “a tad overwhelming” which caused a minor disconnect
Carrie Ann’s Judging Style and Public Perception
Carrie Ann Inaba has long been known for her candid and sometimes stringent judging style. She has openly admitted that she often evaluates female contestants more stringently compared to male contestants, stemming from her personal experiences as a woman and desire to push performers to their full potential. She explained that she believes women can be stronger than men in certain aspects and communicates her feedback with an intent to foster growth—even if it means being more straightforward or critical.
This season saw Carrie Ann navigating the delicate balance between honest critique and audience expectations. Her willingness to speak her mind has both won admiration and sparked backlash. Fans sometimes accuse her of holding women to higher standards, leading to heated discussions on social media. Despite that, many contestants, including Jordan Chiles, have publicly praised Carrie Ann for pushing them to be their best and appreciated her insightful feedback.
Behind the Scenes: The Intensity of DWTS Judging
Beyond the spotlight, judging on Dancing With the Stars entails deep knowledge of dance and a responsibility to help contestants grow artistically. Carrie Ann’s approach reflects this ethos. She scrutinizes every movement and expression to ensure performers communicate the story and emotions of their routines effectively.
Alongside Jordan and Ezra, other finalists included seasoned and new dancers like Dani Karagach with Efrin, Elaine Hend with Alansten, Alix Earle with Val Chmerkovskiy, and Robert Irwin with Witney Carson. The finale’s intense competition brings together a mix of experience and raw talent, with judges balancing technical precision and emotional impact in their evaluations.
The judging panel’s critiques are often a highlight of the show, blending entertainment with genuine expertise. Carrie Ann’s style, though sometimes controversial, contributes significantly to raising performance standards and creating memorable television moments
What It Takes to Judge on DWTS
Being a DWTS judge requires more than a keen eye—it demands courage, honesty, and the ability to deliver feedback constructively. Carrie Ann has been a judge for many years and openly discusses the challenge of balancing critique with encouragement. She also revealed that professional dancers and celebrities receive guaranteed payments for their participation and bonuses for reaching finales, underscoring the high stakes and dedication involved in the competition.
The pairing process for contestants, managed by showrunners, aims to match partners based on height, personality, and compatibility, often kept secret until the reveal on the first day of rehearsal. This approach ensures authentic chemistry and dynamic performances, factors judges like Carrie Ann closely observe and assess to provide meaningful feedback.
