Longtime fan-favorite Cheryl Burke is stepping back onto the Dancing With the Stars ballroom floor as a guest judge for the highly anticipated Halloween episode. Her return is marked by a powerful statement in defense of fellow judge Carrie Ann Inaba, who Burke believes receives disproportionately harsh criticism from fans compared to her male colleagues, Bruno Tonioli and Derek Hough, a gender disparity Burke herself has experienced.
The Dancing With the Stars community is abuzz with the news of Cheryl Burke’s return to the show as a guest judge. Known for her two Mirrorball trophies and an impressive 20 seasons as a professional dancer, Burke’s comeback for the October 28 Halloween episode is particularly noteworthy. Beyond the excitement of her return, Burke has used her platform to shed light on a persistent issue faced by DWTS judge Carrie Ann Inaba: relentless fan criticism, often rooted in gender bias.
The Unfair Spotlight: Inaba’s Judging Under Fire
Fans of Dancing With the Stars are passionate, and their opinions on judges’ scores often ignite fierce debates online. This season, Carrie Ann Inaba, 57, has once again found herself at the center of fan backlash, with many viewers perceiving her scores as overly harsh or showing favoritism towards certain couples.
In a candid interview with Variety, Burke, 41, articulated her belief that Inaba “has always faced more criticism than her male counterparts on the judging panel.” Burke observed, “I agree that they go hard on her vs. the two men sitting there. And I think that’s always been the case, and she has openly talked about it, how it’s harder for her.”
Burke empathizes with Inaba’s position, stating, “At the end of the day, this is her job, and she’s doing her job, and she’s doing it well.” This perspective from a former pro dancer carries significant weight, suggesting a deeper, gender-based scrutiny that female judges like Inaba might endure.
Carrie Ann Inaba’s Response to Fan Accusations
The intensity of fan criticism against Carrie Ann Inaba has been particularly noticeable during Season 34. Comments on social media have accused her of everything from biased scoring to showing favoritism.
For instance, one Instagram user remarked on Inaba’s October 15 post, “So much love for Whitney [Leavitt], and always so harsh with Jen [Affleck]?? If Jen was as far off beat as Whitney was you would have given her a 6. But Whitney gets a 9 🙄.” Another fan commented, “us fans are over you and your biased judging and favoritism.”
Inaba has not shied away from addressing the comments directly. When a fan expressed disagreement with her scoring of Robert Irwin, Inaba replied, “it’s okay to disagree about what we see. that’s what makes our show great. you have a say in the matter. we want you to vote for what you love and believe in. I appreciate your comment and the way you expressed your feelings. ❤️ Thank you for your passion and your opinion.” She even playfully poked fun at her haters by lip-syncing to Taylor Swift’s “Actually Romantic” on Instagram, framing the constant attention as a form of “love.”
Cheryl Burke’s Own Journey and the Echo of Gender Bias
Cheryl Burke’s defense of Carrie Ann Inaba is not just an act of solidarity but also reflects her own experiences within the entertainment industry. She notes, “I’ve experienced it, but in a different way; I’m outspoken about something vs. somebody who is a man, I do see the difference.” This personal insight underscores the broader issue of how women in visible roles often face different standards and levels of criticism than their male counterparts.
Burke’s return to the DWTS ballroom holds a deeper meaning for many fans, given her emotional departure in 2022 after Season 31. She openly expressed her mixed feelings about the show since her exit:
- She was “devastated” to leave, admitting it was “hands down” harder than her divorce from Matthew Lawrence, viewing the show as her “identity.”
- She didn’t “feel closure” about her time on the show.
- She felt “so personal” to be excluded from the tribute dance following judge Len Goodman’s death, attributing it to her podcast, Sex, Lies and Spray Tans.
- When asked if she still felt part of the DWTS family, her answer was a definitive “definitely not.”
Despite these past hurts, Burke expressed in an April 2024 podcast episode, “I have no ill will towards anyone, really… But I could still be really hurt and disappointed that I’ve lost friendships along the way, and that is called grieving.” Her guest judging role could represent a step towards healing and reconciliation with the show that defined so much of her career.
A Judge’s Perspective: Burke’s Return to the Panel
For years, Cheryl Burke openly aspired to transition into a permanent judging role after her time as a pro dancer. While her upcoming appearance is temporary, it fulfills a long-held dream and brings a unique perspective to the judging panel.
Burke plans to be “empowering and encouraging,” but also “constructive.” She emphasized her desire to “get into the technical aspect of things” and look for “authenticity between the two people dancing with one another, authenticity to the style of dance that was assigned.” Her 15-second time limit for feedback, she notes, will be the “hardest part.”
Her return comes at a time when DWTS has seen a resurgence in viewership, with voting tallies hitting 100 million in recent weeks, according to Variety. This increased engagement, however, also means a louder and more critical social media audience. Burke, having experienced online negativity herself since 2006, offers advice to current pros: “You have to take it with a grain of salt. You also have to take yourself out of it for a second. In general, just focus on you, because that’s all you can do.”
The Future of DWTS and the 20th Anniversary
As Dancing With the Stars continues its 34th season, airing Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+, and streaming next day on Hulu, the discussions around judging, fan engagement, and the treatment of its personalities will undoubtedly continue.
The show is also preparing for its extended 20th-anniversary celebration. Cheryl Burke confirmed she will “most likely be back” for the anniversary show, though she doesn’t anticipate performing. Fans eager for more insights into the show’s rich history can look forward to the TV Guide Magazine’s Dancing With the Stars 20th Anniversary Special Issue, available for purchase online and on newsstands, as reported by TV Insider. This special issue promises exclusive interviews and retrospectives, offering a comprehensive look at two decades of ballroom magic.
Cheryl Burke’s guest judging stint is more than just a temporary return; it’s a powerful moment of solidarity and a reminder of the unique challenges faced by women in the spotlight of competitive reality television. Her willingness to speak out underscores her enduring passion for the show and its community.
