Dancing with the Stars shocked the masses by firing its hosts Tom Bergeron and Erin Andrews ahead of Season 29. Bergeron had been on the reality competition series on ABC since the beginning, while Andrews had joined back in Season 18. Soon after, ABC announced that America’s Next Top Model star Tyra Banks would be taking over hosting duties as a single host. Well, now we're into Season 2 and Carrie Ann Inaba is finally addressing the major change, as well as the fans' feelings on the matter.
Carrie Ann Inaba is one of Dancing with the Stars’ original judges, which means she has been on since the beginning. It is a distinction that fired host Tom Bergeron also shared with Inaba prior to his exit from the series. A few months after the dust has settled and Erin Andrews, among others, have had their say, Inaba is now speaking out about what happened, as well as how she feels about Tyra Banks taking over as host.
I miss seeing Tom and Erin, of course, because we're like family. [But] I do think Tyra’s brought really amazing energy. It’s been controversial, yes, but she has an excitement to her that is hard to put into words and that’s what makes people want to tune in. She’s so passionate about what she does. And I’m loving the fact that she’s bringing this fashion game to the show.
There you have it. Carrie Ann Inaba acknowledges the controversy that has surrounded the decision. However, in her conversation with TV Insider she cites Tyra Banks’ passion for fashion and the show in general as massive draws to viewers. Inaba’s comments come after Dancing with the Stars pro Cheryl Burke had acknowledged feeling “hurt” over Tom Bergeron getting replaced. Inaba does not mention feeling hurt, although she does say she misses both Bergeron and Erin Andrews.
Carrie Ann Inaba’s reference to Tyra Banks’ fashion infusion comes after a dazzling display of Disney Night costumes for Season 29. Banks’ background as a fashion model and the host of America’s Next Top Model certainly lends itself to helping Dancing with the Stars find a new footing in the world of fashion. For her part, Inaba approves! On that note, Inaba continued praising Banks for stepping in and replacing Tom Bergeron and Erin Andrews, saying:
Dancing With the Stars is a huge show and it is not easy for any of us. She’s done an amazing job and has taken it in her own direction.
Viewers did tune in to see how Tyra Banks’ first season got started. Despite the controversy surrounding Tom Bergeron and Erin Andrews’ firings, Dancing with the Stars’ Season 29 premiere drew 8.28 million viewers during its first hour. It didn't lose too many viewers in its second, holding onto a steady 7.91 million in the last half. In addition, Banks has managed to handle some impromptu ballroom drama during her run so far.
Dancing with the Stars will probably always have the hosting switch as one of its buzzed-about historical topics. Before Season 29 began airing, new host (and former pro) Derek Hough called the move to replace Tom Bergeron and Erin Andrews “understandable.” Hough did not mention Tyra Banks’ passion for fashion as one of the upsides at the time.
However, Carrie Ann Inaba has, and it will be interesting to see what looks continue to take the screen. Tune in to see Inaba judge (and Tyra Banks continue to host) as new episodes of Dancing with the Stars continuing airing Mondays starting at 8 p.m. ET on ABC. While you wait to see more dancing (and fashion), check out what other shows are set to cha-cha-cha their way onto this fall’s schedule.
