'Dancing with the Stars' doing first-ever "Judges Team-Up Challenge" twist

Dancing with the Stars judge Carrie Ann Inaba has announced a new "Judges Team-Up Challenge" that will be implemented next week.


Inaba revealed Dancing with the Stars will be trying something new on the Monday, May 9 broadcast when she appeared on Live! with Kelly and Michael.

"In 22 seasons, it's the first time we've ever done this. The 'Judges Team-Up Challenge.' We get to go in -- I'm creative directing with a team," Inaba explained on Wednesday to show hosts Kelly Ripa and Michael Strahan.

That means fellow judges Bruno Tonioli and Len Goodman will also each have a team selected from the pool of Season 22's celebrity and professional pairings. The judges will apparently direct and choreograph his or her team's routine.

"I chose Antonio Brown and [pro Sharna Burgess], Yeah! And [Paige VanZant] and [pro Mark Ballas]. So, that's my team and they are going to be great! They're going to be great together and we're going to do a really cool number," Inaba explained.


"I'm coming up with the whole idea. It's this really cool number. I don't want to give too much away, but it's athletic and [shows off] their bodies. I love doing this! This is what I love to do."

Inaba admitted scoring will be "the hard part" considering it wouldn't be fair for the judges to grade their own work.

"America is voting that week, which is great. So, they get to be the third judge, because I don't think we get to vote on our own -- although I would like to because I have a 30 paddle hidden just for special occasions," Inaba joked. "So I'm going to bust out the 30 paddle on my own."

On a side note, Inaba revealed the one Dancing with the Stars contestant who has surprised her this season.

"Nyle DiMarco, who is incredible and so inspiring," she said of the America's Next Top Model winner.


"He is deaf and dancing with [pro Peta Murgatroyd], and they are just blowing my mind every week. What he does, and the way he is able to feel and interpret the music when he cannot hear, is quite incredible. He's never been able to hear -- his whole family. It's really inspiring."

The judge continued, "I love our show because sometimes we have these wonderful contestants that are so inspiring. You walk away and just feel better about life."






About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski