“Dancing With The Stars” Season 35 has been full of drama so far. We’re only half way through the season, but surprising eliminations, snarky comments, and strict judges’ scores have all been hot topics of conversation throughout the first few weeks of competition.
This week was no different when judge Carrie Ann Inaba called out professional dancer Jenna Johnson for not having enough content in the dance with her partner, Harry Shum Jr. The longtime DWTS judge also mentioned to Jenna that there was a lift in the dance, prompting Jenna to question Carrie Ann.
Carrie Ann Inaba and Jenna Johnson’s Tense Moment On Dancing With The Stars
“I think you need to put more content in your dances especially because you have so much, you’re so good, like I want to see you challenge yourself a little bit more,” Carrie Ann Inaba said. “And there was a lift.” Jenna replied, “A lift?”
Things went as far as Carrie Ann pulling out an official piece of paper to read the definition of a lift to Jenna on live TV. “A lift is, I just need to say it, any movement during which one of the dancers has both feet off the floor at the same time with the assistance or support of their partner. Yeah, lift,” Inaba said, reading from the rules.
After the encounter, fellow judge Derek Hough made a comment, revealing that he felt like he just got scolded. “Dang, I feel like I got told off,” he quipped before agreeing with the lack of content in the dance.
Scores And Fan Reactions Revealed
Although the judges had some criticisms of Harry and Jenna’s dance, they still showed love with their scores. The couple got 8’s across the board from Carrie Ann, Derek, and Bruno Tonioli. Meanwhile, guest judge Joe Buck gave the duo a 9 for their performance to Usher’s hit song, “Yeah!”
Fans had a lot to say about the interaction, and it seems that they were divided with their options. “I appreciate her being harder on the people who were literally professional dancers. In my opinion they shouldn’t be on show at all if they were a pro dancer in the past,” one person wrote via X.
“Fine with this. just wish it was consistent for all contestants,” said another. “There’s a difference between honest feedback and publicly humiliating someone,” a third person added. “Every week she’s either fighting with the crowd or with the pros,” a fourth fan said of Inaba.
Jenna Johnson Speaks Out About Carrie Ann Inaba’s DWTS Comments
After the show, “Dancing With The Stars” pro Jenna Johnson opened up about the tense moment. “You know what, it’s hard, because usually when someone’s called out for a lift, it’s when your partner lifts you,” Johnson, 32, told Extra. “So I was definitely unaware of, like, two guys that weren’t myself rolling back Harry and lifting him. But I absolutely hear Carrie Ann.”
Jenna went on to reveal that she likes to “take risks” in her dances, but that she would have never intentionally break the rules. I said that to her afterwards; I went up to her … so I hear and respect the judges, absolutely,” Johnson added.
Secret Tears And Anger Backstage For Jenna and Husband Val Chmerkovskiy
However, The Sun reports that Jenna’s initial reaction to the interaction with Carrie Ann was emotional, even causing tears backstage and leaving her husband, fellow pro dancer Val Chmerkovskiy, fuming.
“Jenna did break down backstage. Like as soon as she finally took a moment to herself, it was like the floodgates of emotion burst open and she was crying,” an insider told the outlet.
“She was comforted by her husband Val. Jenna was sad and upset by Carrie Ann’s feedback, but Val was furious that she talked to his wife like that. He’s not happy with the whole situation, and Jenna is really bummed about it too,” the source added.
What’s Next For Jenna and Her Partner Harry Shum Jr.?
Jenna Johnson and Harry Shum Jr.’s scores along with the fan vote got them through elimination and on to next week. “She feels terrible she feels like she let Harry down, but she’s more determined than ever to make up for it next week with a dance she think will blow the judges’ minds and have fans emotional,” the Sun source claims.
The couple will perform during “Dancing With The Stars” Dedication Night, which is always full of emotion as contestants get to honor someone special to them. The episode will air Oct. 20 at 8 pm on ABC and Disney Plus.
