Maintaining an Unbiased Perspective
For Carrie Ann Inaba, a veteran judge on the hit competition series Dancing With the Stars, the anticipation surrounding the cast announcement is just as exciting for her as it is for the viewers at home. Inaba, 58, notes that she intentionally avoids seeking out inside information regarding who will be competing for the coveted Mirrorball Trophy.
«I never know, I find out via social media,» Inaba shared during a discussion regarding her collaboration with Novartis to raise awareness for Sjögren’s disease. «Of course, I used to be like, ‘Can’t you tell me?’ And then I was like, you know what? It doesn’t matter.» While she jokes that her fellow judge Derek Hough seems to have a knack for knowing the cast ahead of time, Inaba believes that remaining in the dark is essential for her professional integrity.
«I think the less I know about the person, the better it is for me as a judge,» she added. «Because I really just want to judge what’s happening in front of us. It would be difficult if I was friends with everybody.» By distancing herself from the contestants, she ensures that every performer receives a consistent and fair assessment, regardless of their background or celebrity status.
Predictions for the New Season
As the competition approaches, several names have already been confirmed for the upcoming cast, including Maura Higgins of Love Island, Summer House personality Ciara Miller, Savannah Bananas athlete Jackson Olson, and television personality Guillermo Rodriguez.
Inaba has already begun forming impressions of the newcomers. She expects Rodriguez, 55, to become a fan favorite, noting, «I think he’s going to be the one who is going to steal the hearts of everybody.» Regarding Higgins, Inaba expressed intrigue about the reality star's potential, stating, «There’s something about her. I think she’s going to be really—she’s got this timing to her. She’s almost like a comedian with her timing.»
The full roster of participants is scheduled to be unveiled on Good Morning America on September 2. Looking toward the future, Inaba revealed a wish list for potential contestants, citing Bowen Yang as a dream cast member. «He’s got that musical theater background. He’s so musical and he dances, and he’d be fun,» she remarked.
Raising Awareness for Sjögren’s Disease
Beyond her work on the dance floor, Inaba is dedicating her time to advocating for those living with Sjögren’s disease. Through her partnership with the «Sjöut for Sjögren’s» campaign, she hopes to normalize discussions surrounding chronic health struggles in the workplace.
«I think a lot of people who deal with something like Sjögren’s disease and are battling chronic illness go through these moments where you wonder if you can keep going, if you can keep your job,» Inaba said. «That’s why it’s so important to have conversations like this about it.»