The finale of *Dancing With the Stars* Season 34 erupted in both excitement and controversy as judge Carrie Ann Inaba faced backlash for her critique of frontrunner Robert Irwin‘s performance. The event, held on November 20, 2023, showcased Irwin and his professional partner, Witney Carson, who opened the show with a lively quickstep to Jet’s hit song, “Are You Gonna Be My Girl.” The audience erupted in cheers, seemingly ready to crown them champions on the spot.
As the performance concluded, Inaba praised the couple, calling their routine “amazing” and “wonderful.” However, her tone shifted when she began to offer constructive feedback. The moment she mentioned, “There was a bit of a,” the audience responded with loud boos, signaling their discontent with her impending critique. Inaba, visibly taken aback, attempted to diffuse the situation with a nervous laugh, stating, “I don’t want to give it to anybody who doesn’t absolutely deserve it.”
Despite the crowd’s reaction, Inaba reassured the audience that her comments did not diminish Irwin and Carson’s capabilities as strong contenders for the mirrorball trophy. She emphasized the importance of honesty in her judging, explaining, “You know I love you!” Yet, the boos continued, prompting host Alfonso Ribeiro to cut to the skybox for a brief chat between Irwin and fellow judge Julianne Hough, leaving Inaba’s comments unheard by the couple.
Following the tense moment, Irwin and Carson received a near-perfect score of 29, with Inaba’s score of 9 being the only outlier. Reflecting on his journey during the post-performance interview, Irwin expressed gratitude for Carson’s support and shared his emotional connection to his family, particularly his mother and sister, whom he described as “the most important” and strongest people in his life.
The finale highlighted not only the talent and hard work of the contestants but also the high stakes and emotional investment involved in the competition. As the season comes to a close, the dynamics between judges and performers continue to captivate audiences, driving discussions across social media and entertainment platforms.
Inaba’s critique, while intended to maintain standards, sparked a conversation about the balance between honesty and audience expectations in competitive environments. As the show moves forward, it remains to be seen how such interactions will shape the future of judging in *Dancing With the Stars*.
