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Tension flared on Dancing with the Stars during Tuesday’s Super Bowl Night when judge Carrie Ann Inaba and pro Jenna Johnson clashed over choreography. What began as praise for a high-energy samba quickly shifted into a debate about technique and whether a move crossed the line into a prohibited lift.
How a samba turned into a rules debate on live TV
Jenna Johnson and partner Harry Shum Jr. opened their set to Usher’s “Yeah!” with a samba packed with energy and theatrical moments. The pair earned immediate applause for their choreography and showmanship.
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But amid the praise, Inaba flagged an element of the routine that she said needed more substance. She then told the duo that a specific move in the dance qualified as a lift — prompting visible surprise from Johnson and a sudden hush in the studio.
What the judges meant by “lift”
Inaba clarified the term on-air, explaining the technical standard judges apply. In short: a lift occurs when one dancer has both feet off the floor at once while being supported by their partner. The definition was read aloud to remove any ambiguity about why the moment mattered for scoring.
Judges weighed in — reactions ranged from playful to pointed
Fellow judge Derek Hough reacted with a dry chuckle and said he felt a bit scolded by the exchange. Inaba softened the tone by telling the dancers she would work with them where they are in their development.
Despite the back-and-forth, the panel praised several aspects of the performance. Scores reflected that mixed verdict: Johnson and Shum Jr. left the judges’ desk with a combined total of 33 out of 40.
How the dancers responded after the critique
Up in the skybox, Johnson acknowledged Inaba’s point and said she understood the critique. She also noted she had interpreted the movement differently — believing it fit within the samba’s stylistic choices — but accepted the judge’s ruling.
Shum Jr. celebrated the night’s highlights, calling the performance a milestone after getting to channel the Super Bowl Halftime Show vibe. The pair exchanged warm words of pride before heading back to the cast area.
Earlier tension: Guillermo Rodriguez and Witney Carson’s salsa
The episode featured a separate exchange between Inaba and Guillermo Rodriguez. During pre-show interviews, Rodriguez had remarked that Inaba had been harsh in earlier feedback. After his salsa to Bad Bunny’s “Tití Me Preguntó,” Inaba asked him about calling her out and challenged him to back it up.
She ultimately praised Rodriguez for bringing joy to a demanding routine. Still, his run on the show ended that night when he and partner Witney Carson were eliminated.
Quick recap of the episode’s pivotal moments
- Samba spotlight: Jenna Johnson and Harry Shum Jr. delivered a high-energy routine to Usher.
- Lift controversy: Judges determined a moment in the routine met the technical definition of a lift.
- Judges’ verdict: The duo received 33/40 overall, with Inaba giving an 8.
- Earlier friction: Guillermo Rodriguez traded barbs with Inaba but earned praise for his salsa.
- Elimination: Rodriguez and Witney Carson departed by the episode’s end.
When and where to watch
Dancing with the Stars airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and is available to stream on Disney+ for viewers who miss the live broadcast.
