DWTS judge Carrie Ann Inaba nearly wardrobe malfunction on show return

Carrie Ann Inaba nearly flashed a breast as she returned to the Dancing with the Stars judges panel Tuesday night, after missing last week’s Season 34 premiere because she was sick. The longtime judge, wearing a low-cut silver dress, offered praise to Whitney Leavitt and her pro partner Mark Ballas after their cha-cha to "Play That Funky Music" by Wild Cherry, telling the crowd that the routine had "just set this competition on fire."

She rose, twirled her head and, in the moment of high drama, was described by Inaba as being "like an engine." As she mimicked the roars of an engine, her dress slid, prompting her to quip, "Oh, hi, boob pad!" The moment quickly circulated on social media as viewers watched the live moment unfold on the televised performance.

Earlier Tuesday, Inaba posted that she would not be at the show that night because she was feeling under the weather and would be back next week in good health. In a statement posted to Instagram, she wrote, "I am feeling quite under the weather," and, "I’m resting up and can’t wait to be back next week in good health." She added, "In the meantime, I wish all the contestants the very best of luck. I’ll be cheering you on from home. 🤍🙏. Have a great show everyone! 🪩💃🏻🕺🏻⭐️."

Several members of her DWTS family weighed in, with co-host Julianne Hough posting, "Get better soon sis ❤️‍🩹," and Season 34 contestant Hilaria Baldwin echoing, "Feel better."

Following Inaba’s announcement, a Page Six source said there would be no replacement for her that night, leaving Bruno Tonioli and Derek Hough to judge the performances.

Leavitt and Ballas’s performance highlighted the high energy of the night and the ongoing competition on Season 34, as Inaba returned to the panel and fans watched for the next chapter in the season’s evolving dynamics.