Carrie Ann Inaba’s Fiery ‘Lady in Red’ Look Ignites DWTS Elimination Night

Last night’s episode of Dancing With The Stars was nothing short of a spectacle, marked by the season’s inaugural elimination and, notably, a breathtaking fashion statement from long-standing judge Carrie Ann Inaba. Known for her impeccable style and insightful critiques, Inaba commanded attention in a vibrant, show-stopping red ensemble that perfectly encapsulated the high stakes and emotional intensity of the evening. As the competition for the coveted Mirrorball Trophy heated up with the first couple departing the ballroom, Carrie Ann’s “Lady in Red” aesthetic not only turned heads but also set a powerful tone for the night, reflecting her deep connection to the drama unfolding on the dance floor. This article delves into every exquisite detail of her iconic look, from her meticulously styled hair and makeup to the poignant reasons behind her choice of a “power color,” alongside her invaluable insights into the contestants’ performances and the unusually fierce competition of Season 30.

Stepping onto the stage for the first elimination of Dancing With The Stars Season 30, Carrie Ann Inaba radiated confidence and intensity in a fierce and chic bright red gown. This bold choice, perfectly befitting the high-pressure atmosphere, saw the beloved judge captivating audiences and fellow panelists alike. Her stylist, the talented Rhonda Spies, meticulously crafted the look, choosing a “fiery red gown by Stello.” Spies elaborated on the dress’s appeal, highlighting its “timeless silhouette with a keyhole detail for a little added flair,” which subtly elevated the classic design. To complement the gown without overpowering its striking color, the team opted for “solid gold jewelry and a statement ring to add a little bling with jewels by Neil Lane and Dena Kemp.” This thoughtful curation of accessories ensured that the entire ensemble exuded sophisticated glamour, perfectly balancing modernity with classic elegance and allowing Carrie Ann to shine brightly as a focal point on the judges’ panel.

For Carrie Ann, the choice of red extends far beyond mere aesthetics; it’s a deeply personal and symbolic statement. While speaking exclusively to HollywoodLife about her ensemble, she revealed, “Tonight was our first elimination so I wanted to wear a strong color.” She further elaborated on her affinity for the hue, noting, “Every season I try to work in a red dress look and this is ‘this season’s red dress.’ In some ways the color is my ‘power color;’ or as I like to put it, my spirit animal’s color of choice.” This sentiment underscores the deliberate nature of her fashion choices, transforming her attire into a reflection of her inner strength and her role in the high-stakes environment of the ballroom. The radiant red not only signifies power but also passion and intensity, qualities that are paramount during the emotionally charged elimination rounds. Her decision to wear such a dominant color serves as a visual metaphor for the unwavering support and candid feedback she offers to the celebrity contestants and their professional partners.

The impact of Carrie Ann’s vibrant red attire wasn’t lost on her fellow judges, particularly the ever-animated Bruno Tonioli. Carrie Ann playfully recounted Bruno’s recurring jest, sharing that on nights she dons red, he invariably teases her that “something will happen tonight!” This lighthearted interaction among the judges highlights the palpable energy and heightened anticipation that her “power color” brings to the ballroom. “I just feel like there is more intensity to the night when I wear the color red. And there was that intensity in the ballroom tonight, for season 30, that was as fierce as ever!” the stylish judge affirmed. Her perception proved accurate, as the second week of competition brought unexpected levels of skill and challenge. Carrie Ann noted a remarkable acceleration in the season’s progression, observing, “The comments the judges are making and giving to the contestants in Week 2 are things we typically say and advise on in Weeks 5 and 6, but this season’s level is just that high.” This early intensity underscores the exceptional caliber of talent this season, suggesting a thrilling and unpredictable journey towards the finals.

Beyond the striking gown, Carrie Ann’s “Lady in Red” transformation was completed by a meticulously crafted hair and makeup look that fused modern sophistication with subtle nods to her personal inspirations. Her Hawaiian heritage, intertwined with a passion for K-Pop aesthetics, subtly influenced her vibrant ensemble. Her hair stylist, the masterful Glenn Nutly, was instrumental in this vision, sourcing a sleek red-tinted wig that perfectly complemented the fiery gown. Nutly revealed the specific inspirations for Carrie Ann’s hair, stating, “Tonight’s look for Carrie Ann was inspired by Jane Birkin and Françoise Hardy,” evoking a chic, slightly retro yet utterly contemporary vibe. He meticulously detailed the styling process, explaining, “I prepped the hair with vegan shampoo, conditioner and blowdry cream by Truity by Pravana. Blew it out with the Mermade blow dryer and a small long round brush by Ceramic + Ion by Olivia Garden, giving slight twists in mostly straight hair.” To achieve the desired texture, Nutly added, “I then gave it a slightly rougher texture with products from the Navy Hair Care, which is also vegan, using their Pebble Beach Dry Texture Spray and finishing off with the Style Navigator Prep and Finishing Spray by the same line.” This dedication to detail, coupled with a commitment to vegan and cruelty-free products, showcases the thoughtful and ethical approach taken in creating Carrie Ann’s show-stopping look, ensuring every element contributed to her powerful presence.

Completing the glamorous picture was Carrie Ann’s makeup, expertly applied by artist Marylin Lee Spiegel. Spiegel initially envisioned a more “graphic look” to pair with the bold red gown, aiming for a dramatic effect. However, the emotional weight of elimination night prompted a shift in artistic direction. “After some thought, Carrie Ann felt that she wanted a softer look because of the intensity of elimination night, so I had to switch gears,” Spiegel confided to HollywoodLife. This collaborative decision resulted in a stunning “bronzy glowy palette” that radiated warmth and sophistication without overpowering the overall ensemble. The subtle shimmer and natural tones provided a beautiful contrast to the fiery dress, allowing Carrie Ann’s natural beauty to shine through. A particular detail that caught Carrie Ann’s eye and earned her high praise were the “bottom lashes,” which she enthusiastically declared “definitely made this look!” This thoughtful adaptation of the makeup to suit the evening’s mood perfectly underscored the team’s ability to create a cohesive and impactful aesthetic, making Carrie Ann truly unforgettable.

As the episode progressed, the spotlight inevitably shifted to the heart-wrenching moment of elimination. In Season 30’s first farewell, fans bid an emotional goodbye to actor Martin Kove and his professional partner Britt Stewart. Reflecting on their departure, Carrie Ann extended her profound respect, stating, “I want to send my respect to Martin Kove and Britt who really did their best. It’s always hard to see people go, but they should feel proud of the work they did.” Her words conveyed the genuine empathy and admiration she holds for every contestant who bravely steps onto the DWTS stage, acknowledging the immense effort and vulnerability involved. Kove and Stewart’s journey, though cut short, was a testament to their dedication, and Carrie Ann’s comments resonated with the sentiment shared by many viewers. Furthermore, the judge took a moment to express her heartfelt wishes for her dear friend and fellow pro dancer, Cheryl Burke, who was battling a breakthrough COVID-19 infection at the time. This moment of solidarity underscored the tight-knit community of the DWTS family, emphasizing support and well-being even amidst the competitive fervor.

Amidst the farewells, Carrie Ann Inaba was also eager to highlight the week’s outstanding performances, showering special recognition upon contestants Amanda Kloots and JoJo Siwa. Amanda Kloots, paired with partner Alan Bersten, delivered a mesmerizing foxtrot that earned her the highest score of the night, a remarkable 32 out of 40. Her performance was a poignant blend of technical precision and heartfelt emotion, captivating both the judges and the audience. Hot on their heels were JoJo Siwa and Jenna Johnson, who secured a close second with a phenomenal 31 out of 40 for their energetic cha cha. Their routine showcased not only incredible skill but also an undeniable chemistry, reinforcing their status as formidable contenders. Carrie Ann confessed to HollywoodLife that “Both contestants, and their dances, really took my breath away tonight,” a testament to the power and artistry displayed on the dance floor. Beyond the top scores, other stars also made a significant impression. Jimmy Allen stood out for his undeniable passion and commitment, injecting every step with raw emotion that resonated deeply. Meanwhile, Olympic gymnast Suni Lee began to blossom, with Carrie Ann observing her growth: “I love that Suni Lee is understanding and learning to let go and showing us a little more of her personality.” This evolution, watching contestants shed their inhibitions and truly “come into their own and shine,” is, as Carrie Ann puts it, “one of the highlights of my job.” Her discerning eye for both technical mastery and emotional authenticity ensures that every performance receives thoughtful and encouraging feedback, guiding the stars on their transformative journeys.

As the glitter settled on another exhilarating episode of Dancing With The Stars, anticipation is already building for what promises to be an unforgettable “Britney Spears Week” next Monday. Viewers can expect a spectacular tribute to the pop icon, filled with iconic hits, dazzling choreography, and, inevitably, another emotional elimination. The stakes remain incredibly high, and as Carrie Ann Inaba’s insights reveal, the talent pool this season is exceptionally strong, promising a fierce battle for survival each week. Make sure to tune in to ABC next Monday at 8 PM ET to witness all the glitz, glamour, and drama unfold, and to see which celebrity couple will continue their journey towards the Mirrorball Trophy. This season is proving to be a thrilling ride, showcasing not only incredible dance but also personal growth and captivating fashion, with Carrie Ann Inaba leading the charge in style.