# DWTS Stars React to Inaba's Lift Critique

> Jenna Johnson and Harry Shum Jr. defend their samba routine after Carrie Ann Inaba called it a lift.
- Title: DWTS Stars React to Inaba's Lift Critique · E! Online
- Summary: Jenna Johnson and Harry Shum Jr. defend their samba routine after Carrie Ann Inaba called it a lift. Jenna Johnson and Harry Shum Jr. accept Carrie Ann…
- Keywords: dwts, jenna johnson, harry shum jr, carrie ann inaba, samba, dance competition, lifting rule, entertainment, celebrity, Stars, React, Inaba's
- Source: E! Online — https://eonline.com/news/1437068/dwts-jenna-johnson-harry-shum-jr-react-to-carrie-ann-inaba-lift-critique
- Published: 2026-10-14T13:43:03+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: dwts, jenna johnson, harry shum jr, carrie ann inaba, samba, dance competition, lifting rule, entertainment, celebrity
## Jenna Johnson and Harry Shum Jr. react
Jenna Johnson and Harry Shum Jr. accept Carrie Ann Inaba's critique of their samba routine as a lift but remain confident in their performance.

> i absolutely hear what they're saying
## Inaba's lift critique
Carrie Ann Inaba called their samba routine a lift, which is prohibited in competitive samba.

> 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
## Performance details
The duo performed a samba to Usher's 'Yeah!' during the Oct. 13 episode, receiving a 33 out of 40 score.
## Johnson's commitment
Jenna Johnson said she wants to go far in the competition with Harry and that he deserves to be there.

> i want to go far in this competition with harry
## Shum's defense
Harry Shum Jr. explained they took risks by creating a halftime show-style samba routine in one minute.

> 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
## Shum's confidence
Harry Shum Jr. said he's proud they kept their dance skills and didn't lose the competition.

> i'm so proud of our performance
## Derek Hough's reaction
Derek Hough called the performance fantastic and hopes everyone loves it.

> that was undeniably a fantastic performance
## Key takeaway

Jenna Johnson and Harry Shum Jr. accept Carrie Ann Inaba's critique of their samba routine as a lift but remain confident in their performance.