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“DWTS” fans are losing patience with the judges as the audience boos Carrie Ann Inaba for his criticism on Super Bowl Night.
Connor Wood thinks fans need to cool down on the Judges. The comedian believes that viewers have gone too far with their comments. However, he admitted that he did not completely agree with his own score.
Connor Wood’s samba with professional partner Rylee Arnold scored 25 out of 40 points for their performance of “Hips Don’t Lie” by Shakira. When the TV show “DWTS” first started back in 2005, the original three judges were Len Goodman, Carrie Ann Inaba, and Bruno Tonioli.
Boos Ring Out at ‘DWTS’ Judges’ Super Bowl Judging
Wood addressed the audience’s reaction to the judges on Super Bowl Night. “As much as I feel sometimes the criticism might be a bit too much, I think the boos are a bit too much too,” he said. “They are doing their job.”
Wood and Arnold did a samba to Shakira’s “Hips Don’t Lie”. The judges gave them 25 out of 40 points, and then gave feedback on Wood’s technique. One judge, Inaba, was booed by the studio audience after she gave her opinion.
Wood defended the judges, saying, “They have a good attitude. It’s good feedback.” Arnold also spoke highly of her dance partner. She praised his samba and said, “Honestly, Connor killed it, that’s all I have to say.”
The American comedian admitted that he was puzzled by the judges’ score when he looked back at the show. “I’m my toughest critic, and I look back at our video, and I’m a little confused about where the score came from,” he said, according to USA Magazine.
An earlier elimination left fans of the dance competition frustrated
Professional dancer Britt Stewart and her celebrity partner, Taylor Hanson, were eliminated at Yacht Rock Night. The two foxtrot to the Doobie Brothers’ “What a Fool Believes” on September 29. They earned 18 points out of 30 points from the judges, earning six points each.
One viewer responded to Stewart’s exit by writing, “No, like I’m done.” Another expressed sympathy for the professional dancer, saying, “Heartbreaking to watch her comments. Britt is so neglected as a professional by the producers.
The Blast revealed that some fans were also questioning the show’s casting decisions. One viewer said that Stewart should have been partnered with Harry Shum Jr. “The show doesn’t want to see black women win,” the fan said. Others wondered if she would return for another season.
Judge Carrie Ann Inaba’s criticism sparks tense exchange on ‘DWTS’
Another critical moment of judgment occurred on Super Bowl Night. This time Inaba and professional dancer Jenna Johnson were involved. Johnson and Shum Jr. played a samba for “Yeah!” by Usher Inaba praised the practice but said the dance needed more substance. She also said that the show included a lift.
Incredulously, Johnson asked, “Lift?” Inaba then read the technical explanation aloud. The moment reportedly left the live audience speechless, prompting Derek Hough to say, “Dang. I feel like I’ve been told.
Inaba replied, “I’ll meet you where you are,” before Julianne Hough praised the performance. Afterwards co-host Hough asked Johnson about the criticism at the sky box. The professional dancer said, “But I totally hear Carrie Ann. I’ll take it. Yeah,” Johnson explained.
Page Six reported that Johnson and Shum Jr. 33 out of 40 points. Shum Jr. called the experience “a dream come true” after dancing to Usher’s music. “We did it!” he shouted.
Inaba had another great moment with Guillermo Rodriguez
Earlier in the episode, Inaba had another tense moment with Rodriguez. He and Whitney Carson had done a salsa on Bad Bunny’s “Titi Me Preguntó.” During their pre-performance package, the 55-year-old told pregnant partner Carson that Inaba was “not too nice.”
He said he gave her a harsh review of his samba routine at “Mariah Carey’s Night,” the week before. “I was going to say, ‘Carrie Ann, Samba is difficult.’ He said the dance has “a lot of steps and everything”. He then decided that maybe Inaba was having a bad day.
Inaba objected to his opinion. “Guillermo, did you call me? If you’re going to call me, you’d better bring the goods with you.” Rodriguez responded, saying he did. Inaba then praised him for the joy he brought into his “hardest practice.” At the end of the episode, Rodriguez and Carson were eliminated.
Inside History of the ‘DWTS’ Judges
The “Dancing With The Stars” judges have brought different perspectives to the competition over the years. Inaba, Len Goodman and Tonioli have been part of the show since its debut in 2005. Inaba is known for her emphasis on performance quality and emotional connection.
Tonioli, who was one of the three original judges, was known for his energetic delivery and attention to choreography and emotional presence. He was also a critic of the British version of the show. Hough also joined the panel in 2020. He has become known for helpful reviews aimed at motivating competitors and professional dancers.
Goodman was on “DWTS” for 29 seasons. “If you do a live show, you have to be at the top of your game and react quickly. And as you get older, things start to get more challenging,” he told PEOPLE.
The show reportedly changed after Goodman retired in 2022. He died in April 2023, and the tournament honored his legacy by naming his final award the Len Goodman Mirrorball Cup. Hough was previously a judge and moved to the role of co-host in 2023.
