Judging the Judges: An Overview of “Dancing with the Stars” Season 35 Hosts and Judges

The judges and hosts on “Dancing with the Stars” are all flamboyant, supportive, and individually constructive in their criticism. The hosts and judges are part of what makes the show’s heart beat. These five are the perfect fit for their respective spots on the show, and it is time to evaluate the judges and hosts based on this season.

Alfonso Ribeiro

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Looking back at the show’s 35 seasons, Alfonso Ribeiro is its most energetic host. Though he has only been hosting for three years, Ribeiro is a fantastic host of DWTS. He is loud, and his energy is through the roof. It’s easy to see how much television experience he has from his years on “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.” His energy is intriguing because you never know what he is going to say next or how enthusiastic he will be.

Julianne Hough

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Julianne Hough shows how much she cares about the contestants. However, she is incredibly irritating and fake. Her voice can get so high pitched and almost squeaky. The constant smile on her face is over the top. She is also obnoxious because she tries way too hard to make a connection with the contestants. From a viewer’s point of view, it’s a connection that isn’t there naturally. Like does she even care about what she’s talking about? It’s hard to tell. Hough comes off as the obnoxious co-host to Ribeiro.

Carrie Ann Inaba

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Carrie Ann Inaba’s judging gives off many mixed messages, often weaving compliments into her criticism that doesn’t always land well with the contestant or the audience. The best example of this was during week two, after comedian Connor Wood had just completed a tango. It wasn’t the best dance and the judges were dunking on him, but it all took a turn when Inaba spoke.

“That’s a shame. Like you were in it — you were so musical, you were interpreting the music, you had good form, you had good shape and beautiful, everything about that was so good, and then it was like, ‘Oh no no’ ‘Oh, no, no’ ‘Oh no no.’ So I want to point that out so you guys know it’s a mistake, is why our scores may be what they are. But this partnership, I love this partnership. The connection you have to the choreography was really fantastic. Great job on the choreography as well, great content,” Inaba said.

This judging style really does not work for many viewers. She is insincere with how she starts nice and then drops a truth bomb like it’s nothing, often leaving the contestants feeling bad — no wonder she gets booed by the crowd the most. This behavior over the past 35 seasons have led to viewers labeling her as the villainous one. She 100% is the show’s villain.

Derek Hough

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Derek Hough perfectly combines witty banter with dance assessment. He’s the nicest judge on the panel, and his most impressive quality is the ability to judge in a non-discouraging way. He wants the dancers to feel justified and motivated. This is great because these dancers work so hard every week.

Bruno Tonioli

Of all the judges, Bruno Tonioli can be viewed as the most boisterous judge. The passion he has pulls the viewer in and makes you want to keep watching him. He has been judging since the very first season of the show when he was known for his analogies. The dramatics, the fashion, and the way he talks are what make him so bold. He is a wild man who wants you to notice him. As a result, there has always been a lot of buzz around him. Tonioli is lightning in a bottle.