Carrie Ann Inaba is currently not at the "Dancing With the Stars" (DWTS) Season 34 premiere due to an illness. She announced on Instagram that she was feeling quite under the weather and therefore could not attend the live premiere show on September 16, 2025. She is resting and hopes to return to the judges' panel for the next episode of the season. Meanwhile, she is cheering on the contestants from home and sending them her best wishes. Fellow judges Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli were at the judges' table during the premiere, and there was no replacement judge for Carrie Ann's absence. She has a history of health challenges and is currently taking the necessary time to recover.
