DWTS judge Carrie Ann Inaba nearly suffers wardrobe malfunction on show return

Carrie Ann Inaba narrowly avoided a wardrobe mishap while returning to the Dancing With the Stars judges' panel on Tuesday. The longtime judge had been absent from last week's Season 34 premiere because she was sick, and she was visibly enthusiastic about a cha-cha performance by Whitney Leavitt and her pro partner, Mark Ballas, to "Play That Funky Music" by Wild Cherry. After the routine, Inaba praised the duo, saying the performance "set this competition on fire."

During her return, Inaba, wearing a low-cut silver dress, stood up, twirled her head, and told Leavitt that she was 'like an engine.' While mimicking the engine's roars, Inaba's dress slid over, prompting her to quip, "Oh, hi, boob pad!" The moment drew quick attention as the dress shifted and fans reacted on social media.

Last Tuesday, hours before the season premiere, Inaba announced on Instagram that she would not be on the show that night because she was feeling under the weather, adding that she planned to be back the following week in good health.

According to a Page Six source, there would be no replacement for Inaba that night, leaving Bruno Tonioli and Derek Hough to judge the performances solo. The show pressed on with the other judges on the panel for the Tuesday-night episode.

Support for Inaba poured in on social media. Co-host Julianne Hough commented, "Get better soon sis," while Season 34 contestant Hilaria Baldwin echoed the sentiment, "Feel better." Inaba later posted that she was resting and could not wait to be back on screen, reaffirming that she would return next week in good health.