Carrie Ann Inaba and Jenna Johnson Clash Over 'DWTS' Choreography

A disagreement between "Dancing with the Stars" judge Carrie Ann Inaba and professional dancer Jenna Johnson marked Tuesday's "Super Bowl Night" episode, as the two exchanged words over choreography decisions. The tension arose following Johnson and her partner Harry Shum Jr.'s samba performance.

Inaba, while praising the performance, noted that Shum Jr. needed to "put more content in [his] dances" and pointed out what she considered a lift in their routine. Johnson expressed surprise at the critique, questioning, "A lift?" Inaba responded by reading the official definition of a lift: "any movement during which one of the dancers has both feet off the floor at the same time with the assistance or support of their partner." Johnson visibly reacted to the remark, shaking her head.

Fellow judge Derek Hough commented on the exchange, stating, "Dang. I feel like I got told off." Inaba reiterated her point, adding, "I will meet you where you are," before acknowledging Hough's praise for the performance. Hough and the other judges awarded Johnson and Shum Jr. an 8, contributing to a total score of 33 out of 40.

Later in the skybox, when co-host Julianne Hough inquired about Inaba's feedback, Johnson stated, "I totally understand. I thought it was if you lifted your partner. But I totally hear Carrie Ann. I will take it. Sure." Shum Jr. expressed his excitement about the performance, calling it "a dream come true."

Earlier in the evening, Inaba also had a brief, pointed exchange with contestant Guillermo Rodriguez. Following his salsa performance with partner Witney Carson, Inaba referenced a comment Rodriguez made prior to the dance in which he suggested Inaba had been "not too nice" with her feedback the previous week. "Guillermo, did you just call me out? If you’re gonna call me out, you better bring the goods," Inaba said. Rodriguez responded, "I did," before Inaba complimented his performance for bringing "the joy back."

Despite the positive comments from Inaba on his most challenging routine, Rodriguez and Carson were eliminated from the competition at the end of the episode.

"Dancing with the Stars" airs Tuesdays on ABC and streams on Disney+.