Carrie Ann Inaba Reacts to Britt Stewart DWTS Elimination
Dancing With the Stars judge Carrie Ann Inaba responded publicly to mounting viewer outrage following the unexpected elimination of professional dancer Britt Stewart and her celebrity partner, musician Taylor Hanson, during Tuesday night’s broadcast. The pair were sent home during the third week of Season 35 after performing a foxtrot to “What a Fool Believes” by The Doobie Brothers, which earned a score of 18 out of 30 from the judging panel.
The result sparked immediate backlash online, with dedicated fans and fellow pros expressing frustration over Stewart’s early exit and arguing that higher-scoring couples were unjustifiably placed in jeopardy. Addressing the controversy on social media, Inaba acknowledged the heartbreak surrounding the decision, writing on Tuesday evening that the elimination “hurt” and praising Stewart as an extraordinarily talented dancer.
The backlash intensified after fans posted edits highlighting Stewart’s recurring early departures across recent seasons despite her acclaimed choreography and strong partnerships. Replying directly to a fan-made video on TikTok, Inaba echoed viewer disappointment while recalling that she had privately touted Stewart and the Hanson singer as “the ones to watch” during the premiere week.
According to an official news report published by Us Weekly, Inaba emphasized her deep respect for Stewart’s artistic contributions to the show, even as public voting combined with judge scores determined the final outcome. Fellow professional dancers also publicly rallied around Stewart, with pro Ezra Sosa stating on social media that the result was upsetting and unfair.
Despite the abrupt exit, both Stewart and Hanson expressed profound gratitude for their brief partnership on the ballroom floor. Hanson praised Stewart’s guidance throughout rehearsals, noting that competing on the series allowed him to push personal boundaries, while Stewart thanked the musician for his dedication and authenticity.
Stewart, who made history in Season 29 as the first Black female professional dancer hired full-time on Dancing With the Stars, reiterated that she remains deeply proud of the routine they delivered. As Season 35 continues, the elimination has reignited broader fan debates regarding the show’s voting mechanics and the balance between audience popularity and technical judging criteria.
