Carrie Ann Inaba Reflects on 20 Years of Dancing With the Stars

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.

Despite the occasional boos from the audience, Inaba remains steadfast in her approach, understanding that her perspective may differ from those watching at home. "I saw things slightly different, and that's OK," she says. "Fairness is the most important thing."

As the show enters its 34th season, Inaba is excited to see what the future holds. She credits the "crazy, wacky, dysfunctional" family behind the scenes for keeping her coming back year after year, and she remains passionate about the "transformational power of dance" that the show celebrates.