Season 33 of Dancing with the Stars has been on fire. After celebrating Soul Train Night, the contestants embraced Hair Metal Night. There was a lot of lycra, mullets, hairspray, and pyrotechnics. Of course, all of this made the guest judge, Gene Simmons of KISS, feel right at home. I think the best way to describe his judging style is off the rails. And Phaedra Parks was having none of it.
Phaedra Parks was furious at Gene Simmons’ shocking low score
Phaedra and her partner, Val Chmerkovskiy, danced a Paso Doble to Bon Jovi’s hit, You Give Love a Bad Name. Judges Bruno Tonioli, Carrie Ann Inaba, and Derek Hough all held up a 7-paddle for the couple. But Gene hoisted up a 5-paddle. His low score stunned both Val and Phaedra.
“I loved the routine, and I think we did good,” Phaedra told Page Six, “despite Gene Simmons being a total ding-a-ling.” Then Phaedra noted that her partner was a “wonderful coach.” As Phaedra pondered why the rock legend would give such a bizarre score, she said, “I figured he [Gene] didn’t like short black women.” WOW.
“It’s always fun to have a guest judge in the ballroom,” Val quipped. Until it isn’t. And this was one of those times. Gene also gave out some other confusing scores, locked in a score then opted to hold up a different paddle, and made allegedly creepy comments to Chandler Kinney. He commented on her “gyrations” and stated that she “fogged up my glasses.” Dude. Just … eww.
Meanwhile, Phaedra embraced her rocker transformation. “Of course, I’m giving Tina Turner, the ultimate rocker, the ultimate iconic woman, you know? So I was extremely excited,” Phaedra said. “I love a theme. I love a costume.” As for Val? His blonde frizzy wig was “giving Stevie Nicks icon,” he stated. Make no mistake. Phaedra wants that trophy, and to be the first Real Housewives star to win.
Next up is Dedication Night next week on DWTS, so bring your box of tissues.
Dancing with the Stars airs on Tuesdays at 8/7c on ABC and Disney+.
TELL US – WHAT DID YOU THINK OF THE SCORE GENE GAVE PHAEDRA AND VAL? WAS GENE A GOOD CHOICE FOR A GUEST JUDGE ON DWTS?
