DWTS’ Carrie Ann Inaba Avoids NSFW Wardrobe Mishap During Show Return

Carrie Ann Inaba almost had a misstep during her return to Dancing With the Stars.

Just a week after being absent from the season 34 premiere, the judge had a close call with a wardrobe mishap while complimenting contestant Whitney Leavitt and her partner Mark Ballas on their cha-cha performance to Wild Cherry’s “Play That Funky Music.”

Carrie Ann praised the *Secret Lives of Mormon Wives* star, telling her she was amazing during last week’s performance and that this week’s was just as impressive. She said the star ‘lit up the ballroom’ and ‘set the competition on fire’ both times.

While complimenting Whitney by comparing her to an engine, the 57-year-old performer, wearing a revealing silver dress, stood up and playfully mimicked engine sounds while spinning. This caused her dress to slip, prompting judge Carrie Ann Inaba to jokingly exclaim, “Oh, hi boob pad!” at the end of her feedback.

Despite a brief wardrobe issue during the live broadcast, the judge’s return to *Dancing With the Stars* started smoothly.

The choreographer, who has been a judge on the show since it began in 2005 alongside Bruno Tonioli, gave high praise to influencer Alix Earle and her partner Val Chmerkovski. They kicked off the night with a lively dance performance to Lou Bega’s hit song, “Mambo No. 5.”

Carrie Ann exclaimed, “Thank you for letting me have my first dance with you – it was amazing!” She continued, saying she was completely impressed and hadn’t realized how talented a performer he was. She loved his energy and how fresh and new everything felt, which made it even more enjoyable.