DWTS judge Carrie Ann Inaba says when Anna Delvey danced, 'energy in the room was really low'

Each week during Dancing With the Stars, judge Carrie Ann Inaba will answer our burning questions about the season 33 contestants and their race to win the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy. Here, Carrie Ann shares her thoughts via email about the season premiere that saw controversial ex-con Anna Delvey hit the dance floor and Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin star Chandler Kinney plant herself as the early frontrunner.

ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: Who surprised you the most on night one?

CARRIE ANN INABA: Joey and Jenna had the moves. Stephen and Riley had so much joy! Dwight and Dani made the impossible possible (height difference-wise). Chandler and Brandon stunned all three of the judges with her polished tango.

Reginald VelJohnson didn't have many steps in his dance, but you gave him a 6, which seemed to surprise his partner, Emma. What did you see in his performance to give him that score?

Well, quite honestly, I was surprised at Emma's reaction. Why should she be so surprised that her partner scored well? Reginald gave us quite an entertaining performance. The audience reacted and connected with him. But more importantly, I could see that he was leading Emma in his salsa, and that he can actually dance. His musicality and rhythm were on point, which is a huge factor in dance. Someone can be great at the movements, and the choreography, but if you aren't moving to or with the music, and aren't performing to the audience in a way that is captivating or entertaining, it can be uncomfortable to watch. This performance was fun, comfortable, and he was in the pocket of the music, which is the "sweet spot." It was an entertaining performance all around. People often write off older people in our society. But I believe that everyone who enters the ballroom is capable of a performance worthy of a perfect score. And because everyone comes in with their own unique abilities, I take that into consideration. As the season progresses, I'll share more and more about my scoring process.

There were no eliminations in the premiere. As we head into eliminations next week, what advice would you give to the contestants?

I love this season's contestants. Every single one of them seems to have a clear reason for wanting to be on the show, and go on this exciting and inspirational, yet often grueling journey that is Dancing With the Stars. Both in the ballroom and at home, you could feel the passion and commitment  that our season 33 stars brought to the hardwood. I want to thank them all for bringing their A-game to their first performances. My advice would be to keep bringing their A-game, keep experimenting in rehearsal and pushing their limits, because this is a unique opportunity to step outside one's comfort zone. If they listen to our comments and feedback, it will help them in the competition. The ones who listen and apply what we say usually go far. Maybe next week I can list each contestant and give a specific thing they can work on to improve. Because on the show we only have 20 seconds or so to speak and sometimes we can’t get all our feedback out.

You said Chandler Kinney set the standard for the season. What exactly about her performance made it stand out and what should the other dancers learn from her performance?

Chandler is a fabulous dancer and that performance was such a joy to watch for all of us. The lines, the execution, the charisma...and the combination of her strength, flexibility and performance really reminded me of the days when we used to have the pros do a dance to show us how it’s done. Of course, she's not a professional and still has more to learn, but I thought it was a good example of what a polished performance looks like. I didn’t expect that on week one. But it was a wonderful surprise!

A lot of 7s and 8s were given out tonight! What about this group is inspiring high scores right out of the gate? Have they set the bar high for themselves?

The energy in the ballroom last night was really exciting. And every single one of those performances was outstanding — each in their own way. I am truly enamored by all of our contestants this season. Every single one of them has a clear reason for wanting to be on the show and to embark on this exciting and inspirational... yet often grueling journey that is Dancing With the Stars. I think that both in the ballroom and at home, we could feel the passion and commitment. And that was exciting!

The scores were higher than they’ve ever been in a premiere in the history of DWTS for what I think were obvious reasons… They were great. Let’s give credit where credit is due. This cast is something special. They brought so much positivity and joy. And the world needs that right now. Also, the pros choreographed and created first rate numbers and all the stars brought their A-plus game to the table. 

I want to also note that our production teams really outdid themselves. I wish the Emmys would take note that our show is live-live ( not taped "live") and that our talented production team and crew put these stunning and incredible sets together during host chats and between commercial breaks. All of this adds up to what makes DWTS so magical. This was my favorite premiere episode to date. I was impressed, inspired and interested to see what they will do next.

Anna Delvey's casting has been controversial, and you encouraged viewers to give her a chance and keep it about the dancing. What would you say to people who are having a difficult time doing that?

Let's be clear, I don't have anything to do with the casting. And yes, her casting is controversial, maybe even upsetting for people. I can understand that. But my job is to score her performances, not her criminal past. I look at what she is doing for those 90 seconds, from when the music starts to that final pose. And by doing that, I'm not commenting on what she did that earned her that ankle monitor. I'm also not making light of the fact that she is a convicted felon. But in the context of my interaction with her, it's about what she does in the ballroom. And my comments about giving her a chance were more for the studio audience who are a part of the show. The energy in the room was really low when she danced. And I think when someone enters your house as a guest, we should treat them as such. I think that's just being a good human. The beauty is that, as always, the fans can vote or not vote for whomever they choose, and they have the power to make their statement about it by the way they vote. It's also Ezra's first season and I'm like the DWTS mom. I want to create a safe and welcoming space for Ezra to perform with his partner as well.

Fans were a little confused by Tori Spelling's score being only 1 point above Reginald's when it seemed like she had a lot more movement to hers. What do you think accounts for the disconnect between judges and the home audience?

I love how passionate our fans are! And their passion is what keeps DWTS alive. So, I'm grateful for that. I score from what I know from being in the world of dance and entertainment for almost 40 years, as a dancer, choreographer, recording artist, producer, and student of ethnographic studies — as well as from being behind the scenes and in front of the camera for most of my life, and most notably — from my experience of being one of the original judges on this show.

In general, "moving a lot" and doing a lot of "steps" is not dancing. Dancing is a form of self-expression, athleticism, artistry, specific techniques, musicality, grace, showmanship and so many other elements. I don't count the number of steps a contestant does in their routine, but rather look at is as a whole. What I loved about Tori is that you could see how nervous she was, but she was able to conquer her fears and get through the routine with grace and a true sense of accomplishment. Remember, there are only so many scores to give out. I don't think I've ever given anyone lower than a 4… so there are only six numbers left to work with. It would be nice if we could add a decimal and give 7.3 or 6.5 like they do in gymnastics, but that's not how we do it. I thought Tori should be very proud of her performance. I was proud of her. 

And as for the "disconnect" between the judges and the audience — I don't think I would call it that. The audience is an active participant in our show. Sometimes the three or four judges don't agree, we don't have to. We don't have to agree. We can have different opinions and be agreeable while disagreeing. This is what makes our show so special. Our audience is an active participant, they always have been. And we (the judges on DWTS) actually give scores. We don't just get to say something and not take accountability. We put up a number along with our comments. Sometimes people agree, and sometimes they don't, and that is exactly the way it should be. We all have a voice that matters at DWTS, and I encourage everyone to use their power to vote for what they believe in.

As was noted on the show, there is an incredible height difference between Dwight Howard and his partner, Daniella. How does this work when choreographing? Does it give them any disadvantage?

There are advantages and disadvantages for every contestant who comes on our show.

Stephen Nedoroscik said during the Olympics he could not see without his glasses but was so used to the pommel horse he could do it without them. How is he dancing without them?

I also wear glasses at home but wear contacts when I work and can see perfectly with them in, but without them, the world is a beautiful blur. I suspect he can see the shapes and outlines, and since these dances are partner dances, he's got Riley to guide him. But thinking about this question makes me think...I'm guessing because his vision is a bit blurred, that he turns on his other senses when he performs and tunes in to his partner, the music and the moment with other senses. This could actually be a secret weapon in this competition. Dance is a soulful expression of the now, where you tune in to the moment with all aspects of your self.

If you had to predict a winner right now, who would it be?

Hmmm.... Let's talk again next week.

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Dancing With the Stars airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC and Disney+. Read EW's full recap of the season 33 premiere.