On next Tuesday’s (July 21) episode of The Talk, Carrie Ann Inaba opens up about her future on Dancing with the Stars.
Carrie Ann Inaba says she and fellow judges will return to DWTS in the fall
Like host Tom Bergeron, who was recently fired from the show, along with co-host Erin Andrews, Carrie has been a judge since the 2005 premiere, alongside fellow judges Bruno Tonioli and Len Goodman. But will the panel be back for the upcoming season 29 in the fall?
“That is the plan, that we’re coming back. But they’re going make the official announcement in a few weeks,” Carrie said. “They’re just going to keep letting us know all the details. I don’t want people to worry. It seems like everything is OK.”
“It seems like everything is OK,” makes it sound like Carrie doesn’t know for sure. For one thing, Len Goodman is currently marooned in the United Kingdom, and has already hinted that complications around the coronavirus pandemic will keep him out of the United States. Len lives in the UK.
But could there be a judges shake up anyway, considering Len will be marooned in the UK
Also, with Tyra Banks taking the reins as co-executive producer and host, I wouldn’t be surprised at a judges panel shakeup. DWTS is one of the few talent shows that feature OG judges. When American Idol, Dancing with the Stars and So You Think You Can Dance first hit the airwaves in the early aughts, they cast experts to sit in the panel. As competitive reality shows became more popular, celebrities took their places. I would not be surprised to see big celebs with dance backgrounds take a seat at the table.
But with Tyra suddenly taking over hosting duties from stalwarts Tom and Erin, maybe the producers will conclude that wiping out the entire cast at once would be a bridge too far. At least for now.
My Heart breaks for Tom and Erin says Carrie Ann
Carrie Ann also weighed in on Tom and Erin’s departure from Dancing with the Stars.
“I feel like it was just such sudden news. My heart breaks for Tom and Erin. I cried when I heard the news, as well as, I think, a lot of our fans did,” Carrie said.
Also, Carrie went on to set the record straight regarding reports that Tyra is the first black host of Dancing With the Stars. “Season 1 we had Lisa Canning [co-host with Tom],” she notes. “Also, I don’t think that’s how we should be labeling her. [Tyra is] our new host. Period. It has nothing to do with the color of her skin.”
Uh, No. Tyra Banks is not the first black female co-host of Dancing with the Stars
Yeah, on GMA the hosts gushed over Tyra’s “groundbreaking” role, and Tyra said nothing to set them straight. Maybe she didn’t know that the season one co-host was a black woman. But as the new boss, maybe Tara should brush up on the show’s history.
Tom tweeted a photo of himself and Lisa on the day of Tara’s announcement. Pretty sure he was subtweeting here.
From Season One. Despite my expression, I was completely sober ? (with co-host Lisa Canning) pic.twitter.com/PX7TTt5RzM
— Tom Bergeron (@Tom_Bergeron) July 15, 2020
Carrie Ann continued to suck up at gush over the new boss.
“I think it has to do with all that Tyra Banks is. All the energy she has. She’s like a visionary, she’s a strong, powerful woman,” Carie said. “I think we’re in good hands. It’s different, the fans are going to have to get used to it, I understand that, but I think we should welcome her.”
Watch Carrie Ann Inaba Assure Fans She, Len Goodman and Bruno Tonioli will (probably) return to DWTS
