Carrie Ann Inaba Defends Herself Amid Criticism on DWTS

Carrie Ann Inaba, a long-standing judge on Dancing With the Stars (DWTS), has found herself at the center of controversy following accusations of favoritism during the show’s recent “Wicked Night” episode. As criticisms continue to mount, Inaba, who has been with the show since its inception in 2005, remains resolute in defending her judging decisions.

The latest round of scrutiny follows comments made during the competition that some fans deemed overly harsh. This season, Inaba has faced criticism not only for her scoring but also for her qualifications to judge the show. Despite the backlash, she has a robust background in dance, which underpins her role on the panel alongside fellow judges Bruno Tonioli and Derek Hough. Following the passing of Len Goodman in 2023, Inaba has continued to uphold her position on the show.

Inaba’s net worth, estimated to be approximately $7 million, reflects her extensive career in the entertainment industry. While her salary on DWTS has not been officially disclosed, The Sun reports that she earned at least $250,000 per season during the early years of the show. Pay increases have since been implemented, with current estimates suggesting that judges may earn up to $1.2 million per season. The exact figure for Inaba’s current earnings remains uncertain.

Her financial success is not solely attributed to DWTS. Before joining the show, Inaba pursued a singing career in Japan and gained recognition as one of the original Fly Girls on In Living Color from 1990 to 1992. Additionally, she showcased her dancing talent as a solo performer during Madonna‘s Girlie Show World Tour in 1993. Inaba has also worked as a choreographer for various television programs, appeared in films such as Austin Powers in Goldmember, and guest-starred on shows like Hannah Montana.

Inaba’s television career further expanded when she joined CBS’s daytime talk show The Talk from 2019 to 2021, initially stepping in for original host Julie Chen. Although she took a leave of absence in 2021 and did not return, her contributions to the industry remain significant.

As the competition unfolds on Dancing With the Stars, which airs on Tuesdays on ABC and Disney+, Inaba’s role continues to be scrutinized. While she addresses the ongoing criticism, her impressive career and net worth reflect her dedication to the arts and entertainment. The coming weeks will reveal whether she can navigate the challenges posed by both her critics and the competitive nature of the show.