Dancing with the Stars: A Closer Look at the Iconic Judges

Since its premiere in 2005, Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) has been a hallmark of reality television, blending the art of ballroom dancing with the glitz of Hollywood. Over the years, the show has captivated millions of viewers, not just for its celebrity contestants and dazzling routines but also for its panel of esteemed judges. The Dancing with the Stars judges have played an integral role in the show’s success, offering both technical critiques and entertainment to millions of fans.

This article delves into the evolution of the judging panel, examines their judging styles, and explores how each judge has contributed to the unique flavor of Dancing with the Stars.

The Original Judges: Len Goodman, Carrie Ann Inaba, and Bruno Tonioli

When Dancing with the Stars Judges debuted, it brought together a trio of expert judges, each bringing their unique personality, expertise, and flair to the table.

Len Goodman: The Traditionalist

The late Len Goodman, often referred to as the “head judge,” became the face of traditional ballroom dance on Dancing with the Stars. His decades-long career as a professional ballroom dancer and judge made him the show’s most knowledgeable voice when it came to the technicalities of the craft.

Born in 1944 in London, Goodman started dancing in his late teens, eventually becoming a professional dancer and winning numerous competitions, including the prestigious British Championships. His dance career established him as an authority on ballroom dancing, which he carried into his judging on DWTS.

Goodman became known for his insistence on precision, technique, and authenticity in the dance routines. While other judges might have favored creative choreography and emotional performances, Goodman often gave lower scores if he felt the routine strayed too far from traditional ballroom styles. His trademark catchphrase, “It’s a ten from Len!” was reserved for the very best, though it was less commonly heard than some might have wished.

Throughout his tenure, Len provided a balance to the other more lenient and exuberant judges, often critiquing what the audience may have overlooked. He believed in holding the contestants to a high standard, ensuring that Dancing with the Stars remained grounded in ballroom dance’s technical aspects. For many viewers and contestants, Len Goodman was the most feared but respected judge. His stern but fair critiques were a benchmark for dancers seeking validation for their hard work.

Despite his sometimes gruff demeanor, Len’s warmth and passion for dance were evident. As the seasons progressed, he allowed himself moments of sentimentality, offering praise when he saw genuine effort and improvement. His departure from the show in 2022 after 17 years was a poignant moment for the series, marking the end of an era.

Carrie Ann Inaba: The Emotional Connector

Carrie Ann Inaba has been with Dancing with the Stars since its first episode, serving as the panel’s resident expert on showmanship and performance quality. With her background as a dancer, choreographer, and television personality, she brought a wealth of experience to the table. Her diverse career spans roles as a dancer in Madonna’s tours, a judge on other dance shows, and a co-host on The Talk.

What sets Carrie Ann apart is her keen eye for emotion and connection. As a judge, she places a high emphasis on how well the dancers communicate the story and emotions of their routine. Her critiques often touch on the chemistry between partners and how the performance resonates with the audience. For Carrie Ann, dance is more than just technique—it’s about the ability to touch hearts through movement.

Carrie Ann is perhaps most famously known for her strict enforcement of the “lift rule,” which prohibits lifts in certain dance styles like the Rumba and Waltz. Contestants often nervously await her verdict on whether they’ve broken this rule, as Carrie Ann has made it clear that she values the integrity of the dance’s intended form. Over the years, her meticulous attention to detail has caused some controversy among fans and contestants, especially when she docks points for minor infractions like lifts or missteps that other judges might overlook.

Beyond her technical critiques, Carrie Ann often serves as the panel’s most compassionate judge. She’s been known to shed a tear during emotional routines and offer heartfelt praise to contestants who might not have the best technique but give it their all. Her genuine emotional investment in the dancers’ journeys has endeared her to many fans, making her a vital component of the DWTS family.

Bruno Tonioli: The Flamboyant Showman

Bruno Tonioli has been a judge on Dancing with the Stars since day one, and his infectious energy has been a key reason for the show’s popularity. Born in Italy, Bruno’s career as a dancer, choreographer, and actor spans over four decades, including work with iconic artists like Elton John and Freddie Mercury. His flair for the dramatic background makes him the most entertaining and unpredictable judge on the panel.

Bruno is known for his over-the-top reactions, often leaping out of his chair, gesticulating wildly, and using colorful metaphors to describe the performances. Whether praising a routine as “an explosion of passion” or likening a misstep to “a tango with a hippo,” his flamboyant style adds a fun dynamic to the judging process.

Though Bruno can sometimes come across as the “entertainer” of the panel, he possesses a sharp eye for choreography and the artistic quality of the routines. His feedback typically focuses on the performance aspects, such as musicality, expressiveness, and the overall entertainment value of the dance. While he may not be as strict as Len Goodman when it comes to technique, Bruno’s critiques are always insightful, and his passion for dance shines through in every episode.

Despite his animated nature, Bruno is often encouraging contestants, applauding them for their efforts, and pushing them to take more risks in their routines. His unpredictable and lively personality, combined with his expertise, has made him a beloved figure on Dancing with the Stars, and he has earned a loyal fanbase over the years.

Other Notable Judges

As the show evolved, guest judges and new additions to the panel brought fresh perspectives to the dance floor. While Len, Carrie Ann, and Bruno formed the core judging trio for many seasons, other notable judges left their mark on the show.

Julianne Hough: The Professional Turned Judge

A two-time champion on Dancing with the Stars, Julianne Hough joined the judging panel in 2014. As a former pro dancer on the show, Julianne’s insight came from firsthand experience. She brought a unique perspective to the panel, offering detailed critiques of the choreography and dance technique, often focusing on the professional dancers as much as the celebrities.

Her judging style was a blend of Len Goodman’s technical focus and Carrie Ann Inaba’s emotional feedback. Julianne often encouraged contestants to push beyond their comfort zones and praised those who took risks. As someone who had gone through the grueling process of rehearsals and performances herself, she empathized with the contestants and understood the pressure they faced.

Julianne’s time as a judge was marked by her passion for dance and her ability to articulate technical feedback in a way that was constructive and motivating. She occasionally returned as a guest judge after her full-time stint, further cementing her place as one of the show’s most respected judges.

Derek Hough: The Fan-Favorite Pro Becomes a Judge

In 2020, Julianne’s brother, Derek Hough, took a seat at the judges’ table. Derek, a six-time champion and fan favorite, brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to the panel. His deep understanding of choreography, combined with his creativity, made him an insightful judge.

Derek’s judging style is a balanced blend of encouragement and constructive criticism. He often highlights the intricacies of the choreography and praises contestants for their effort and improvement. Like his sister, Derek is well-versed in both ballroom and contemporary dance styles, which allows him to offer feedback that spans across various genres.

One of Derek’s strengths as a judge is his ability to break down the technical aspects of a dance without being overly harsh. His critiques are often framed in a way that is inspiring and motivating, making him a favorite among contestants who appreciate his supportive and positive approach.

Guest Judges and Special Appearances

Throughout the seasons, Dancing with the Stars Judges has welcomed numerous guest judges, ranging from professional dancers like Misty Copeland and Paula Abdul to celebrities like Cher and Shania Twain. These guest judges have added variety to the panel, bringing in fresh perspectives and occasionally providing a break from the usual judging dynamic.

While many guest judges were invited for special theme nights or particular weeks, their input often reflected their expertise. Singers like Cher and Shania Twain, for example, focused more on performance quality and stage presence, while professional dancers like Misty Copeland critiqued technique and form.

The Role of the Judges in Shaping DWTS

The judges of Dancing with the Stars are much more than mere critics. They are pivotal in shaping the narrative of each season. Their scores, feedback, and personalities contribute to the contestants’ development and the overall trajectory of the show.

For many fans, the judges’ panel is as much a part of the entertainment as the dancing itself. Their banter, disagreements, and memorable one-liners have become a key component of the show’s appeal. Whether it’s Len’s stern critiques, Carrie Ann’s emotional connection, or Bruno’s theatrical flair, each judge brings something unique to the table.

Judging Controversies and Fan Reactions

Over the years, the Dancing with the Stars judges have not been without controversy. Fans have occasionally accused the judges of favoritism or inconsistency in their scoring. Len Goodman, for example, was often criticized for