The $25 Million Panel: A Deep Dive Into The Current Dancing With The Stars Judges (2025)

The judging panel for *Dancing with the Stars* (DWTS) remains one of the most consistent and scrutinized elements of the iconic celebrity ballroom competition. As of the current date, December 15, 2025, the trio of experts who hold the power to score and critique the celebrity-pro pairings are the familiar faces of Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli. This panel, blending decades of professional dance experience with unique on-screen personalities, is the backbone of the show, carrying forward the legacy established over 33 seasons of spectacular Latin and ballroom routines.

The latest seasons have cemented this three-person panel following the emotional retirement and subsequent passing of the beloved head judge, Len Goodman. Fans continue to tune in not just for the celebrity transformations, but for the sharp critiques, passionate outbursts, and occasional scoring controversies delivered by these three titans of the dance world. Understanding their backgrounds, net worth, and distinct judging philosophies is key to appreciating the high-stakes drama of the DWTS ballroom.

The Current DWTS Judges: Complete Biography and Profile

The 2025 judging panel is a powerhouse of professional dancers and choreographers. Each judge brings a unique perspective, from the technical focus of Carrie Ann to the performance flair of Bruno, and the champion's insight from Derek. Here is a comprehensive look at the three individuals currently seated at the DWTS judges' table.

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Carrie Ann Inaba: The Technical Watchdog

• Full Name: Carrie Ann Inaba
• Date of Birth: January 5, 1968
• Current Age (2025): 57
• Birthplace: Honolulu, Hawaii, U.S.
• Primary Profession: Dancer, Choreographer, Television Host, Actress
• DWTS Role: Judge (Since Season 1)
• Estimated Net Worth: $7–9 Million
• Iconic Style: Known for her focus on "lifts, tricks, and grabs," often penalizing couples who break the rules of a specific dance style.

Carrie Ann Inaba is the longest-serving judge on the panel, having been a staple since the show's premiere in 2005. Her background is incredibly diverse, including work as a choreographer for films and TV, and even a stint as one of the original "Fly Girls" on *In Living Color*. Her judging style is characterized by a deep technical knowledge, which often leads to fan criticism for being "inconsistent" or overly harsh on specific infractions, particularly illegal lifts.

Derek Hough: The Champion’s Perspective

• Full Name: Derek Hough
• Date of Birth: May 17, 1985
• Current Age (2025): 39
• Birthplace: Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.
• Primary Profession: Professional Dancer, Choreographer, Actor, Singer
• DWTS Role: Judge (Since Season 29), Former Professional Dancer (6-time DWTS Champion)
• Estimated Net Worth: $8 Million
• Iconic Style: Offers constructive and empathetic critiques, drawing heavily on his experience as the most successful professional dancer in the show's history.

Derek Hough's transition from a six-time Mirrorball Trophy winner to a judge has brought a fresh, contemporary energy to the panel. He is celebrated for his insightful and nuanced feedback, often focusing on the emotional connection and overall performance quality. Fans and competitors respect his comments because they come from a place of having successfully navigated the competition himself. His critiques are generally seen as less controversial than his colleagues', focusing on growth and artistry.

Bruno Tonioli: The Flamboyant Showman

• Full Name: Bruno Tonioli
• Date of Birth: November 25, 1955
• Current Age (2025): 70
• Birthplace: Ferrara, Italy
• Primary Profession: Choreographer, Dancer, Television Personality
• DWTS Role: Judge (Since Season 1)
• Estimated Net Worth: $9–10 Million
• Iconic Style: Known for his dramatic, flamboyant delivery, colorful descriptions, and physically expressive reactions. His catchphrase, "A little too much razzle-dazzle!" has become legendary.

Bruno Tonioli is the show's resident enthusiast, providing energy and theatricality to the judging process. Before DWTS, he was a renowned choreographer for music videos, stage shows, and films, and he is also a long-standing judge on the UK's version, *Strictly Come Dancing*. His critiques often focus on the performance's energy, entertainment value, and Latin flair, sometimes overlooking minor technical flaws in favor of a captivating show. His passionate and often loud reactions are a major source of the show's lighthearted entertainment.

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The Evolving Dynamics of the DWTS Judges’ Table

The dynamic between the three current judges is a fascinating study in contrasting personalities and professional backgrounds. While they are a cohesive unit, their individual approaches often lead to memorable disagreements and passionate defenses of their scores. The current panel is largely a reflection of the show’s shift towards a more performance-centric critique, though the foundation of technical excellence remains.

The addition of Derek Hough in Season 29 marked a significant change. As a former pro, he naturally brings a high level of empathy and contemporary knowledge that was sometimes missing from the panel's earlier critiques. His presence helps bridge the gap between the traditional ballroom standards championed by Carrie Ann and the pure performance value that Bruno loves. This three-way balance has largely been successful, though it hasn't been without its moments of tension.

A recurring theme in recent seasons is the subtle bickering between Carrie Ann and Derek, particularly when they disagree on a technical point or a lift infraction. These moments, though minor, add a layer of topical authority to the show, as they demonstrate genuine disagreement among experts rather than a manufactured consensus. They challenge each other’s perspectives, which ultimately provides a more rounded critique for the competitors and the audience.

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Behind the Scores: Fan Criticisms and the Legacy of Len Goodman

No judging panel on a reality competition show is immune to fan scrutiny, and the DWTS judges are constantly under fire for what viewers perceive as "inconsistent scoring" or favoritism. These criticisms are not new, but they have taken on a new dimension in the post-Len Goodman era.

The "Inconsistent Scoring" Controversy

The most frequent criticism leveled at the current panel is the inconsistency of their scores and feedback. Carrie Ann Inaba, in particular, often faces backlash for her tendency to deduct points for minor technical flaws, such as a slight slip or an imperfect landing, while giving high scores to other couples who may have had more obvious mistakes. This is often contrasted with Bruno Tonioli’s exuberant scoring, which sometimes feels detached from the technical reality of the performance, focusing purely on the "wow factor."

Derek Hough has also been criticized, albeit less frequently, for being too kind or for giving feedback that is too general, focusing on the "spirit" of the dance rather than the nitty-gritty of the footwork. This ongoing debate about the fairness of the scores is a key LSI (Latent Semantic Indexing) entity for the show, as it drives social media engagement and viewer curiosity.

The Enduring Absence of Len Goodman

The foundation of the DWTS judging panel was built on the presence of Len Goodman, who served as the head judge for 31 seasons until his retirement and subsequent passing in 2023. His absence is a permanent factor in the panel's current dynamic.

Goodman was the anchor of technical precision and traditional ballroom standards. His catchphrases, such as "It's a ten from Len!" or his demand for "proper ballroom hold," represented an unwavering commitment to the fundamentals. His no-nonsense approach often balanced the flamboyant energy of Bruno and the emotional critiques of Carrie Ann.

Today's panel operates without a designated "head judge," which, while promoting equality among the judges, also means the show lacks Goodman's singular, authoritative voice to settle disputes and enforce traditional rules. The current judges are now responsible for upholding the show's technical integrity while also adapting to the evolving nature of celebrity dance, a delicate balance that ensures the judging panel remains one of the most talked-about elements of *Dancing with the Stars*.