Fans Slam Julianne Hough’s Outfit Amid Carrie Ann Inaba’s Absence at DWTS Season 34 Premiere

Lead: Viewers of the “Dancing With the Stars” Season 34 premiere on September 16 criticized co-host Julianne Hough’s attire and noted judge Carrie Ann Inaba’s absence due to illness during Tuesday’s live broadcast.

Nut Graf: The two-hour ABC event, marking DWTS’s 20th anniversary, opened without long-time judge Inaba, prompting on-air acknowledgment and well-wishes. Meanwhile, social media buzz centered on Hough’s short black dress, sparking divided reactions that trended across Reddit and X.

Premiere Night Highlights

• Judge Absence Addressed: Hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Hough informed viewers that Carrie Ann Inaba was sidelined by illness but expected to return next week.
• Season Return: The show’s new cast features Olympian Jordan Chiles, Alix Earle, Hilaria Baldwin and other celebrities vying for the Mirrorball Trophy.

Social Media Backlash

• Outfit Criticism: Within minutes of the premiere, fans on Reddit and X mocked Hough’s short, flowy black dress, calling it “confusing” and likening it to a “fancy napkin”.
• Supporters Rally: Amid the flak, some viewers praised Hough’s look, defending her style choices against harsh online commentary.

Looking Ahead

With the season underway and judges Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli filling in this week, anticipation builds for next Tuesday’s episode when Inaba is set to return.