Carrie Ann Inaba will miss the Season 34 premiere of Dancing With the Stars, the show announced ahead of tonight’s episode.
The longtime judge won’t be at the judges’ table for the opening night due to a scheduling conflict. ABC confirmed her absence just hours before the live broadcast.
Inaba has served as a judge on the competition series since its debut in 2005. She’s appeared on nearly every season of the show alongside fellow judges Len Goodman, Bruno Tonioli, and more recently, Derek Hough.
The network hasn’t announced who will fill her spot for the premiere episode.
Her absence comes as Season 34 kicks off with a new cast of celebrities paired with professional dancers. The premiere typically draws the season’s highest ratings as viewers get their first look at the competing pairs.
Inaba is expected to return for subsequent episodes once her scheduling conflict resolves. The show films live on Monday nights during the fall season.
The veteran judge has missed occasional episodes in past seasons due to health concerns and other commitments. She’s been open about her struggles with autoimmune conditions that sometimes affect her ability to travel and work.
Dancing With the Stars airs live on ABC and Disney+ starting tonight at 8 PM Eastern.
The show’s format remains unchanged despite Inaba’s temporary absence. Celebrity contestants will still perform choreographed routines with their professional partners, competing for the coveted mirrorball trophy.
Production sources indicate her return timeline will be announced in the coming days.