Carrie Ann Inaba Expresses Sadness Over 1-Word Rule on DWTS
Dancing With the Stars judge Carrie Ann Inaba shared her thoughts on what she would have communicated to Giada De Laurentiis and Alan Bersten if she hadn’t been restricted to a one-word critique.
“I felt disappointed that I couldn’t express more on air,” Inaba, 58, wrote on Threads on Thursday, September 24. “So I’d like to add this: Observing Giada dance as a complete beginner was genuinely inspiring, and I applaud her bravery.”
Inaba highlighted the chef’s dedication, stating, “What truly makes her remarkable is the genuine honesty she displayed throughout this journey, coupled with the pure joy and excitement she radiated while learning something new. It’s liberating to step outside your comfort zone, albeit a bit daunting. Bravo ❤️.”
De Laurentiis, 56, and Bersten, 32, were eliminated from DWTS season 35 on Tuesday, September 22, after their salsa garnered only 12 points out of a possible 30. (This episode drew some viewer backlash over the decision to limit feedback to only two judges per pairing while the third judge could only offer one word.)
“I gave it my all, but it just wasn’t enough,” De Laurentiis shared with the audience at the end of the night. “But I truly tried my best.”
The Food Network star elaborated on her brief time in the competition in an Instagram video released on Wednesday, September 23, expressing, “I want to take a moment to thank everyone for their support during my journey on Dancing With the Stars. And to all the moms who shared their stories, it was incredibly uplifting.”
Although her time in the competition was short-lived, De Laurentiis encouraged her followers to take lessons from her experience.
“I’m proud to represent women in their 50s who are trying new things,” she noted. “[You all should] engage in something that scares you because, honestly, it’s exhilarating.”
De Laurentiis also expressed gratitude for her professional partner, despite encountering a few tense moments during rehearsals leading up to Tuesday’s performance.
“A special shout-out to Alan; he was such a supportive partner. Truly,” she added. “So patient and helped me stay motivated. It was a fantastic experience.”
For De Laurentiis, a key element of her DWTS experience was having her 18-year-old daughter, Jade, whom she shares with ex-husband Todd Thompson, witness her step outside her comfort zone. “Seeing Jade watch me dance, along with her checking in on me daily, texting to see how I was doing and sending love and support from the East Coast— that was my mirror ball,” she shared. “That meant everything to me. It was a cherished moment I won’t forget.”
In her social media video, De Laurentiis reassured DWTS fans that she was not upset about her elimination from the competition.
“I pushed myself beyond my comfort zone,” she explained. “I believe that’s what life is truly about. So, I have nothing but love. I can’t wait to cheer everyone on. Thank you, everyone.”
Dancing With the Stars airs on ABC and Disney+ on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET.
