Carrie Ann Inaba Admits Pressure of Judging ‘DWTS’ Made Her Sick: ‘I Used To Throw Up’ Before Shows

Carrie Ann Inaba is getting real about the toll Dancing with the Stars has taken on her health — and her heart.

“It’s never not been stressful,” the longtime judge, 57, confessed on the Thursday, November 6 episode of the Dancing With the Stars Official Podcast hosted by Joey Graziadei, revealing she “used to throw up before I went out there. Every single time.”

Despite nearly two decades — or 34 seasons! — behind the panel since the show’s 2005 premiere episode, the pressure, at times, was simply too much for Inaba. She admitted, “I like to dance. I don’t wanna speak,” but she stayed because she knew her perspective mattered — even when she received jeers for her tough-love feedback for the dancers.

“I feel my role on the show is important, and it’s often minimized,” added Inaba, “and it’s because I’m a woman. I can say the same thing as men and I will be hammered for it.”

Still, Inaba says a higher purpose keeps her grounded.

“I’m trying to teach people and young girls out there how to have their voice even if it’s different,” she confides. “And I think what’s great about the panel, and always has been, is we can have different opinions and yet we still can be comrades and friends and we’re still doing it together. That’s something that I’m really proud about.”

Dancing With the Stars airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.