DWTS’ Jenna Johnson, Harry Shum Jr. React to Carrie Ann Inaba Critique

DWTS' Harry Shum Jr. Defends Dance Experience After He, Jenna Johnson Land Highest ScoreCarrie Ann Inaba and Jenna Johnson one, two stepped into a tense exchange. After the Dancing With the Stars judge schooled the dance pro about an element of her and partner Harry Shum Jr.’s performance during the Oct. 13 episode, Johnson shared she’s willing to “take all the feedback.” “I absolutely hear what they’re saying,” Johnson exclusively told E! News in a joint interview with Shum. “Again, this is a competition. There are judges for a reason. They do need to give feedback. So, yeah, we will take it.” During the "Super Bowl Night" episode, the duo performed a samba to Usher’s “Yeah!,” which received a 33 out of 40 from the judges. “I want to go far in this competition with Harry,” she added. “He deserves to be here, so let’s do it.” As for what Shum, 44, thinks of the critique? “We wanted to also, between us, honor the task we were given, which is put a halftime show in one minute and whatever 12 seconds,” he said. “So, the risk that we took I guess was just doing a halftime show and making it as explosive as possible while also doing a lot of samba.”But even with Inaba’s critique, the wind certainly hasn’t been knocked from beneath the Glee alum's wings. “I’m so proud of our performance,” he continued. “I’m so proud that we got to still keep ourselves in the dance and not get that taken away from us.”Photo by Eric McCandless/Disney via Getty ImagesICYMI, Inaba ruffled a few feathers following the pair’s energetic duet after she called them out on implementing “a lift” into their routine, which is prohibited in competitive samba. Johnson, 32, appeared taken aback following the comment before questioning, “a lift?” Inaba then grabbed a sheet of paper and read the definition of a lift as “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.”Disney/Eric McCandlessThe camera then panned to an open-mouthed Shum while Johnson closed her eyes and nodded. And while the moment appeared to create some tension in the ballroom, leave it to Derek Hough to break through the ice. “Dang,” he said. “I felt like I got told off.” “That was undeniably a fantastic performance,” he added. “I hope everyone at home loves it. I know everybody in here loves it.” Keep reading to get to know the rest of the DWTS season 35 cast...Disney/Andrew EcclesJulia Stiles & Ezra SosaYou won't hate this news—the 10 Things I Hate About You star will be saving the last dance for her pro partner.Disney/Andrew EcclesGiada De Laurentiis & Alan BerstenCha-cha-chopping away... The celebrity chef will be turning up the heat this season.Disney/Andrew EcclesHarry Shum Jr. & Jenna JohnsonWhat did you miss on Glee? The actor taking his musical talents to the dance floor.Disney/Andrew EcclesTaylor Hanson & Britt StewartThe former '90s teen heartthrob will hope to MMMBop his way to the top of the leaderboard on season 35.Disney/Andrew EcclesTatyana Ali & Jan RavnikThe Fresh Prince of Bel-Air actress will be bringing her fresh moves to the dance floor.Disney/Andrew EcclesJenna Dewan & Val ChmerkovskiyTwenty years after starring in Step Up, the dancer is stepping up to the challenge.Disney/Andrew EcclesAmber Glenn & Pasha PashkovThe 2026 Olympic figure skater will take her skills from the ice to the ballroom.Disney/Andrew EcclesEzra Frech & Daniella KaragachThe Team USA Paralympic track and field athlete will show off his athleticism on DWTS.Disney/Andrew EcclesSarah Jane Nader & Hailey BillsAfter sister Brooks Nader competed on season 33, the Love Thy Nader star is trying her hand. Disney/Andrew EcclesConnor Wood & Rylee ArnoldThe comedian, also known as Fibula on social media, is ready to earn more applause on DWTS.Disney/Andrew EcclesConner Leavitt & Adele ZaikmanThe Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star is following in the footsteps of wife Whitney Leavitt—who competed on season 34.Disney/Andrew EcclesTyler Cameron & Sharna BurgessThe Bachelor Nation star is trading in roses for rumbas.Disney/Andrew EcclesJackson Olson & Emma SlaterThe Savannah Bananas baseball player is stepping up to the plate, bringing his dance moves from the diamond to the ballroom.Disney/Andrew EcclesGuillermo Rodriguez & Witney CarsonThe Jimmy Kimmel Live! star is ready to learn some new moves.Disney/Andrew EcclesCiara Miller & Brandon ArmstrongThe Summer House star is prepping for her turn in the ballrom. "Looks are not indicative of being in shape," Ciara exclusively told E! News in June. "I do huff and puff going up the stairs, so I gotta get back into the gym and work on my stamina."Disney/Andrew EcclesMaura Higgins & Mark BallasThe Love Island UK alum is hoping her love for DWTS doesn't betray her as she manifested this experience. "I have a vision board and I redo it every year," she told E! News in May. "This year is the first year that I stayed at home by myself on New Year's Eve. I did not go out at all. I made myself a bowl of pasta and a glass of red wine and I redid my vision board for the year. Dancing With the Stars was already on it from the year before. However, I added five more Dancing With the Stars on the board."For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App