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Carrie Ann Inaba Reflects on 20 Years of Dancing With the Stars
5 Nov
Summary
- Carrie Ann Inaba has been a DWTS judge since season 1 in 2005
- She is known for her attention to detail and as the "unofficial lift police"
- Inaba says fairness is the most important thing when judging the contestants
Carrie Ann Inaba, the veteran judge on Dancing With the Stars, is celebrating 20 years on the hit ABC dance competition. Inaba, 57, has been a fixture on the judging panel since the show's debut in 2005, providing her expert analysis and waving her paddles, even when met with boos from the audience.
As the show has evolved over the past two decades, with new generations of pro dancers and a growing viewership, Inaba has remained a constant presence. She has been joined by fellow judges Len Goodman and Bruno Tonioli, and more recently, former pro Derek Hough, who filled Goodman's shoes after his passing earlier this year.
Inaba's commitment to fairness is at the core of her judging philosophy. She explains that her primary focus is ensuring a level playing field for all contestants, regardless of their age or physicality. This has led to her reputation as the "unofficial lift police," as she was explicitly instructed to monitor for any illegal moves that could give certain competitors an unfair advantage.
